Creating restaurant-quality pizza in your own backyard is an experience that combines culinary artistry with outdoor living. The right outdoor pizza oven can turn your patio into a vibrant pizzeria, offering the intense heat needed for that perfect, blistered crust and melted toppings in mere minutes. With options ranging from gas-fueled convenience to the authentic charm of wood-fired cooking, there’s a model to suit every home chef’s style and space.
This roundup explores ten of the best outdoor pizza ovens available, highlighting their unique features and benefits. Whether you prioritize portability for camping trips, multi-fuel flexibility, or the set-and-forget ease of an electric model, our detailed breakdown will help you find the ideal oven to make your next gathering a hit.
The Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens for Your Backyard
- PIZZELLO Propane Pizza Oven Wood Fired Outdoor Foldable
- Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Pizza Oven, 8-in-1 Portable Electric Roaster
- BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, Portable
- Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven – 28mbar Propane Outdoor
- Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven + Pizza Peel + Weatherproof Cover
- Solo Stove Pi Prime Pizza Oven Outdoor – Gas Pizza Oven
- Ooni Volt 2 Electric Indoor Pizza Oven – Versatile Countertop
- Camp Chef PZ30D 1-Burner Italia Artisan Accessory with Door
- Ooni Koda 12 Propane Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven – 28mbar
- Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
PIZZELLO Propane Pizza Oven Wood Fired Outdoor Foldable
The PIZZELLO outdoor pizza oven offers the best of both worlds with its dual-fuel design. You can choose the convenience of a propane gas burner for quick meals or switch to the wood burner for a more traditional, smoky flavor. This flexibility makes it a great choice for any occasion, from a speedy weeknight dinner to a leisurely weekend gathering.
Designed with portability in mind, it features fold-up legs and a detachable chimney. Combined with the included carry bag, this oven is easy to transport for camping trips, tailgating, or moving around your backyard. It heats up to 752°F and can cook a 16-inch pizza in about 60 seconds, and its large capacity also accommodates other baked dishes.
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Pizza Oven, 8-in-1 Portable Electric Roaster
This Ninja Woodfire oven is an incredibly versatile appliance that goes far beyond just pizza. Its 8-in-1 functionality includes settings for roasting, baking, broiling, and even dehydrating, effectively turning any outdoor space into a full kitchen. The integrated smoker box allows you to add woodfire flavor to a wide variety of foods.
For pizza lovers, it offers five artisan settings—Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, and Frozen—taking the guesswork out of achieving the perfect bake. It heats up to 700°F and can cook a no-turn, no-fuss pizza in just three minutes after preheating, delivering brick oven-inspired results with professional charring and caramelization.
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12″ Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, Portable
The BIG HORN OUTDOORS pizza oven provides excellent flexibility as a hybrid model that uses both wood pellets and propane gas. You can easily switch between fuel sources without any tools, allowing you to choose based on availability or the flavor profile you want. The included powerful gas burner helps the oven reach 350°C (662°F) in approximately 20 minutes.
This oven is designed for more than just pizza. Its versatile heating makes it suitable for roasting meats, baking bread, and preparing other dishes. The tool-free fuel switching and portable design make it a practical option for enjoying authentic-tasting food at home or on your travels.
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 16 is a powerhouse designed for those who need a large capacity without sacrificing performance. It can reach temperatures up to 950°F, allowing it to cook a 16-inch, stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds. Its wide opening makes it easy to launch and turn larger pizzas with confidence.
Simplicity is key with the Koda 16. It comes ready to use with a pre-attached gas hose and regulator. Just unfold the legs, connect it to a propane tank, and use the instant gas ignition to start heating. The powder-coated carbon steel shell provides excellent heat retention for an efficient and consistent cooking experience.
Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven + Pizza Peel + Weatherproof Cover
The Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven is a compact yet powerful option that specializes in wood-fired cooking. This combo includes essential accessories like a pizza peel and a weatherproof cover, providing great value and everything you need to start baking right away. Its design focuses on delivering authentic wood-fired flavor.
Despite its compact footprint, it is built to generate the high heat necessary for a perfect pizza crust. The inclusion of a cover helps protect your investment from the elements, ensuring its longevity. It’s an excellent choice for purists who want the classic wood-fired taste in a manageable size.
Solo Stove Pi Prime Pizza Oven Outdoor
The Solo Stove Pi Prime stands out with its efficient demi-dome design, which contributes to a remarkably fast preheat time of just 15 minutes. Once hot, it can bake a pizza in as little as 90 seconds. Its compact and lightweight construction, fueled by propane, makes it an ideal companion for outdoor kitchens and adventures.
A key feature is the front-facing temperature control, which offers professional-grade precision for adjusting the flame and heat. This allows for even heat distribution, creating the ideal conditions for restaurant-quality results. The cordierite stone cooking surface ensures a perfectly crisp crust every time.
Ooni Volt 2 Electric Indoor Pizza Oven
The Ooni Volt 2 breaks new ground as a countertop electric pizza oven that can be used safely indoors. It uses Ooni’s advanced “Pizza Intelligence” system, a patent-pending control that automatically adjusts the temperature in real-time for consistent, perfect bakes. This means you can achieve professional results at the simple touch of a button.
Beyond its pizza-making prowess, the Volt 2 boasts a large temperature range that makes it a versatile kitchen appliance. You can use it to bake cookies, roast vegetables, or prepare mid-week meals, making it a valuable addition to your kitchen year-round, regardless of the weather outside.
Camp Chef PZ30D Italia Artisan Accessory with Door
The Camp Chef Italia Artisan is designed as an accessory that fits onto compatible Camp Chef pellet grills, transforming them into a dedicated pizza oven. This design leverages your existing grill investment to recreate the experience of a wood-fired oven, with excellent heat distribution for a delectable crust.
It’s a highly versatile tool for your patio or camping trips. In addition to pizzas, you can use it to bake breads, cookies, and pies, expanding your outdoor cooking repertoire. The included door helps contain heat for more efficient cooking and better temperature management.
Ooni Koda 12 Propane Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 12 is the compact and highly popular sibling to the Koda 16. It delivers the same incredible performance, reaching temperatures up to 950°F to cook a 12-inch pizza in 60 seconds. Its smaller size makes it an excellent choice for smaller balconies, patios, or for those with limited storage space.
Like the larger model, it is incredibly easy to use. The legs unfold in seconds, and with the pre-attached gas hose, you simply connect it to a propane tank to start cooking. Its efficient design offers superb heat retention, making it a reliable and portable option for quick, high-temperature baking.
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
The Ooni Fyra 12 is a fantastic option for those seeking an authentic wood-fired experience with the convenience of wood pellets. It uses natural wood pellets as fuel, which are easy to store and handle, imparting a classic smoky flavor to your pizzas. Its compact and portable design makes it easy to take on the go.
This oven is engineered for efficiency, capable of reaching high temperatures quickly to bake a pizza in around 60 seconds. The hopper-fed pellet system allows for consistent heat, and its lightweight build does not compromise on the power needed to achieve a perfectly charred, Neapolitan-style pizza crust.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Outdoor Pizza Oven for Your Backyard
So, you’ve decided you want one of the best outdoor pizza ovens for your backyard. That’s a fantastic choice, but with so many options out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming. I’ve been through the process myself, and I can tell you that focusing on a few key factors will make your decision much easier.
First, think about the fuel type. This is probably the biggest decision you’ll make. Wood-fired ovens are the classic choice. They give you that authentic, smoky flavor and can reach the blistering high temperatures needed for a perfect Neapolitan-style pizza with a charred, chewy crust. The ritual of building and managing a fire is part of the experience for many people. On the other hand, gas ovens offer incredible convenience. You get precise temperature control at the turn of a knob, and they heat up quickly. They’re perfect for a spontaneous weeknight pizza. There are also dual-fuel models that give you the option to use either wood or gas, offering the best of both worlds, though they often come at a higher price.
Next, consider the oven’s material, as this directly impacts heat retention and recovery. The most common materials are refractory ceramic cordierite and stainless steel. Ceramic ovens, like those from Ooni or Gozney, are excellent at absorbing and radiating heat. They get very hot and recover their temperature quickly after you slide a cold pizza in, which is crucial for cooking multiple pizzas in a row. Stainless steel ovens are often more portable and heat up fast, but they may not hold heat as well as a thick ceramic dome. Look for good insulation; an oven that stays hot means consistent results and uses less fuel.
Finally, think about size, portability, and your budget. How much space do you have? A large, permanent brick oven is amazing if you have the room and budget, but a compact, portable model is a great start for a patio or balcony. Portability is key if you plan to take it camping or tailgating. Also, consider the cooking surface. A 13-inch oven is great for personal-sized pizzas, but if you’re feeding a family or a group of friends, a 16-inch or larger surface will save you a lot of time. Set a realistic budget that includes any necessary accessories like a peel, cover, or gas attachment. By weighing these factors—fuel, material, and size—against how you plan to use it, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect outdoor pizza oven for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot does an outdoor pizza oven need to get?
For a true, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with a puffy, leopard-spotted crust, you need serious heat. Ideally, your oven floor should be around 800-900°F (430-480°C). At this temperature, a pizza will cook in just 60-90 seconds. Most of the best outdoor pizza ovens for backyards are designed to easily hit these temperatures. If you prefer a New York or American-style pizza with a slightly thicker crust, you can cook perfectly well at a lower temperature, around 500-600°F (260-315°C), for a few minutes. The key is having an oven that can get that hot, giving you the flexibility to cook different styles.
Can I cook anything besides pizza in an outdoor oven?
Absolutely! While they are called pizza ovens, they are incredibly versatile. Once you’re done with pizza, you can use the residual heat to cook a huge variety of foods. I regularly use mine to roast vegetables, bake fresh bread, sear steaks, or cook a whole chicken. You can even use it to make desserts like baked apples or a cast-iron skillet cookie. Think of it as a super-powered, compact outdoor kitchen that can handle almost any cooking task you throw at it.
What is the difference between a portable and a permanent pizza oven?
The main differences are weight, installation, and often, cooking capacity. Portable ovens are typically made from lighter materials like stainless steel or thinner ceramic and are designed to be moved. They often have foldable legs and are countertop-sized, making them great for apartments, small decks, or taking on trips. Permanent ovens are heavier, often made from thick refractory brick or concrete, and are designed to be a fixed installation in your outdoor kitchen. They generally have better heat retention and a larger cooking surface but require a dedicated, stable space and a higher initial investment.
How long does it take for an outdoor pizza oven to preheat?
Preheat time varies a lot depending on the fuel type and the oven’s material. A gas-powered oven will typically reach cooking temperature faster, often in 15-25 minutes. A wood-fired oven can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes to get fully up to temperature, as you need to build a good bed of embers and heat the entire cooking surface evenly. Smaller, well-insulated ovens will heat up much faster than larger ones. It’s not a process you can rush, as a properly heated oven is the secret to a great pizza.
Are outdoor pizza ovens safe to use on a wooden deck?
You need to be very careful. These ovens get extremely hot on the outside, especially the bottom. Placing one directly on a wooden deck is a fire hazard. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for clearance distances. To be safe, I always use a heat-resistant pad or a stand specifically designed for my oven on my composite deck. Creating a non-flammable base with stone, tile, or cement board is the best practice for permanent installations. Never leave a hot oven unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.