Through rigorous firsthand testing, we found the best outdoor pizza oven for every style, budget and backyard. You just might think you've moved to Italy!
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Highlights
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Make every day a homemade pizza day! Adding an outdoor pizza oven to your backyard oasis instantly upgrades parties and weeknight meals. If you’re ordering pizza more than a few times a month from different pizza places, it might be time to invest in a pizza oven instead of delivery fees.
We’ve tested over a dozen of the most popular pizza oven models on the market, from brands like Ooni, Gozney and Solo Stove. Our top picks fit an array of fuel types, sizes and price points. Now, who’s hungry for some ‘za?
Ooni Koda 2 Pro
Pros:
- Expansive 18-inch cooking area for larger pizzas
- Gas-powered and easy to use
- Reaches 950 degrees
- Tapered flame for better heat distribution
- Quick cooking and tasty charring when desired
- High-end design
- Durable carbon steel construction
Cons:
- Exterior gets hot
- Upscale price point
The Ooni Koda 2 Pro is the second generation of the Koda 16, which is easily one of the most popular outdoor pizza ovens of all time. Our testing of the Ooni Koda 2 Pro yielded delicious, perfectly charred pies. Plus, the new generation’s dual burners create a more even heat distribution than the first generation.
With the new dual-burner design, the entire surface of the pizza stone maintains the same temperature. It also provides better, even cooking for the top of the pizza and the browning on the crust as the heat almost rolls over the top of the pizza. We found that it wasn’t necessary to turn the pizza as frequently throughout cooking with this model.
In true Ooni fashion, the Koda 2 Pro transforms even the most basic grocery ingredients into a restaurant-quality pie. The best part? They’re fully cooked in 60 to 90 seconds, and even gourmet frozen ‘za or vegan pizza gets crispy. It’s a luxury kitchen appliance that’s worth every penny.
The Koda 2 Pro makes 18-inch pizzas, so it’s about 2 inches bigger than the Koda 16 in that regard. The brand also offers the Koda 2 Max, a propane pizza oven for outdoors with 24 inches of cooking area. If you’re looking for a more compact pizza oven from Ooni, we also tried the Koda 12, perfect for smaller backyards.
With the second generation of Ooni Koda pizza ovens, you’ll get bigger pies (with a more even cook), which means family-friendly feeding. Just make sure you pick up a pizza peel, as this pizza oven doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s by far the most important Ooni accessory.
Temperature range: Up to 950 degrees | Heat source: Propane or natural gas | Weight: 66 pounds | Dimensions: 27 x 26 x 15 inches
Gozney Roccbox
Pros:
- Propane and wood-fired
- Cooks at temperatures up to 950 degrees
- Portable with a detachable propane gas burner
- Sleek, modern design available in multiple colors
- Restaurant-grade
- Included silicone jacket for safety
Cons:
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
- Medium-capacity (not ideal for huge pizza parties)
This restaurant-grade Gozney Roccbox pizza oven features a dual-fire design that honors propane and wood inputs for the pizza-cooking experience of your dreams.
When testing the Roccbox, we were smitten with the appliance’s versatility in fuel source and use. The transportability lent by the foldable legs and carrying strap means you can take it tailgating, camping, picnicking and more.
It might be portable, but it still packs a punch. This model reaches high temperatures of over 950 degrees to give you the ideal, deliciously crispy-thin crust with puffy, charred edges. It takes only about 60 seconds to cook a small pizza in this bad boy, and it even comes with a five-year extended warranty when you register it after purchase.
Roccbox’s safe-touch silicone jacket is safer to touch than other pizza ovens, making it an ideal model for entertaining and parties. Plus, it comes with various kitchen gadgets that make churning out restaurant-quality pizzas easier than ever.
The Roccbox is frequently out of stock, so if you’d like a backup plan for your pizza, we also recommend the Gozney Arc.
Temperature range: Up to 950 degrees | Heat source: Gas or wood | Weight: 52 pounds | Dimensions: 28 x 22 inches
Solo Stove Pi Prime
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price point
- Simple to set up
- Reversible baking stone
- Front temperature dial for easy adjustments
- Cooks pizza in 90 seconds to two minutes
- Sleek stainless steel design
Cons:
- Accessories sold separately
In our testing of the Pi Prime pizza oven, the propane-fueled Solo Stove appliance wowed us with its sleek design and even cooking. Solo Stove is best known for its smokeless fire pits, and its pizza ovens boast that same signature stainless-steel exterior.
The Pi Prime runs on gas and offers some significant improvements from Solo Stove’s older, discontinued Pi Prime model. While the original Solo Stove pizza oven had a detachable gas burner, the Pi Prime has a built-in single gas burner at the bottom, making setup much simpler. The front dial on the Pi Prime is also easier to turn on and control.
Additionally, the Pi Prime is slightly more compact, making it among the more portable pizza ovens on our list. This pizza oven’s circular dome design allows the heat produced by the gas flame to radiate within the oven, creating an ambient temperature of 800 to 900 degrees for fast cooking and crispy crusts.
The oven cooked pizzas in just a few minutes, and its convection-style design delivered impressively even results. Plus, after we were done, we could simply flip the baking stone over for a clean cooking surface.
Temperature range: Between 800 and 900 degrees | Heat source: Propane | Weight: 30 pounds | Dimensions: 21 x 16 inches
Ooni Volt 2 Electric Pizza Oven
Pros:
- Heats up to 850 degrees
- Versatile and user-friendly
- Top and bottom heat coils—no need to turn pizza during baking
- More compact design
- Large viewing window with brighter light
Cons:
- Accessories sold separately
- Tricky to clean
- Gets very hot—takes a long time to cool down
As much as we loved the original Ooni Volt, we’re always ready to upgrade our pizza game. The Ooni Volt 2 is the new version of the now-discontinued Ooni Volt. It features a more compact footprint with a larger viewing window. This new model preheats up to 850 degrees in 18 to 20 minutes and produces evenly baked pizzas in under 2 minutes.
We were impressed with the nice browning on the Neapolitan crust, thanks to the top and bottom heating coils that prevent the need for turning crusts mid-bake. A pizza baked on a lower setting came out chewy with a crisp structure, which I thought was perfection.
There are easy-to-use temperature presets, but you can also customize your own settings depending on the types of pizza you most like to bake. Aside from pizza, you can also use it to roast vegetables, bake cookies and more. We tested it on roasted sweet potatoes, and they came out delicious.
The Ooni Volt 2 comes with a pizza stone, but if you want other accessories like a pizza peel, you’ll have to buy them separately. The grease and smoke filter are both dishwasher safe, but you’ll probably want a pizza oven brush to clean the oven more easily between uses.
This outdoor electric oven is simple to use out of the box, although it does require an initial seasoning before you can start cooking cheesy crusts. It does get rather hot during use, so always operate it on a heat-safe surface and allow plenty of time to cool down.
The Ooni Volt 2 is safe for indoor use. You can also use it as an outdoor electric oven, but it’s not designed to withstand weather conditions, so we recommend bringing it indoors after each use.
Temperature range: Up to 850 degrees | Heat source: Electric | Weight: 38.8 pounds | Dimensions: 21.5 x 17.4 x 10.4 inches
Gozney Arc Propane Pizza Oven
Pros:
- Reaches over 900 degrees
- Compact design
- Unique arc flame cooks evenly and retains heat
Cons:
- Long handle on pizza peel can make it difficult to maneuver for some
The gas-powered Gozney Arc pizza oven is one of the latest additions to Gozney’s line-up. It has a similar dome-style shape and design as the brand’s other popular pizza ovens, but a smaller footprint. This pizza oven is modeled after Gozney’s Dome pizza oven, which was designed as a professional-grade oven, but it takes up far less space, allowing you to easily set it on a heat-safe table or on Gozney’s Arc stand. However, it’s not quite as portable as the Gozney Roccbox, which has folding legs and a strong carry strap.
When we say this thing gets hot, it gets hot. As noted in our Gozney Arc review, it reached 950 degrees. The flame rolls up and over the oven interior in an arc—hence the name—to cook the top of the pizza while the stone cooks the bottom of the pizza. You’ll have to turn it when necessary, but we found that you don’t have to do it constantly for an even cook—that’s how good the flame design and heat retention are. The results were beautiful, delicious pizzas in under two minutes each time.
The only real bummer about this outdoor gas pizza oven is that our tester found the long handles on the pizza peel and turning peel to be a bit unwieldy. Still, this oven’s performance makes it worth the extra money you may want to invest in other pizza tools and accessories.
Temperature range: Up to 950 degrees | Heat source: Propane | Weight: 65 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 22 inches
Cuisinart 3-in-1 Pizza Oven Plus
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use
- Works as a propane grill and griddle
- Built-in storage for accessories
- Reaches temperatures up to 700 degrees
- Special front door for pizza cooking
- Affordable price
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Cooks significantly slower than other pizza ovens
If you’re new to the world of pizza cooking, you might be intimidated by high-temperature pizza ovens that cook your pie in a matter of seconds—after all, there’s often a steep learning curve. For beginners, we recommend the Cuisinart 3-in-1 Pizza Oven Plus, another model that we were able to test firsthand (see our full review).
This multifunctional appliance serves as a pizza oven, propane grill and griddle, and it’s much easier to operate and cook with than other pizza ovens we’ve tried. This propane-powered pizza oven includes a 13-inch cordierite pizza stone, and it has a special front door that you can open to access your pie. Because it only reaches temperatures of around 700 degrees (note: we were able to max out the thermometer that reads up to that point), the oven does take five or more minutes to cook your pizza.
However, in our experience, this reduces the chance of accidentally burning the crust or toppings. We could peek at the bubbling, cheesy masterpiece through the little drop-down door without lifting the lid and letting all the heat escape. It’s a roomy oven, too!
Plus, on those nights when you want to grill burgers or vegetables, the design has a secondary lift-up lid that lets you access the 230-square-inch cast-iron cooking grates. All the accessories are stored nicely underneath the cooking chamber, plus you can’t beat this Cuisinart’s low price point, either!
Temperature range: Up to 700 degrees | Heat source: Propane | Weight: 56 pounds | Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 18.5 inches
Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Pizza Oven
Pros:
- One of the lightest and most compact on this list
- Powered by electricity—no wood or gas needed
- Performed well and within the promised time
- Maintained temperature
- Handy presets, such as thin crust, Neapolitan and deep dish
Cons:
- Messy launching process
- Requires cleaning after each use
- Requires outdoor power
The Ninja Pizza Oven—it’s all in the name! This outdoor wonder, the Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Pizza Oven, has many functions beyond baking pizzas. These include roasting, smoking, baking, broiling, dehydrating, “pizza” and more.
Within the aforementioned pizza function, various presets explicitly cook deep-dish, Neapolitan, New York style, thin-crust and frozen pizzas to perfection. When you select one of these pizza presets, the oven will automatically adjust to the proper temperature and cook time. User-friendly? Absolutely. Bang for your buck? Even more so!
When we tested the Ninja Woodfire pizza oven, we were surprised to learn it’s powered by electricity. Although that means you’ll need outdoor power to fire it up, you at least won’t need to mess with wood chips and propane tanks. Unless, of course, you want to; the appliance’s name comes from the wood-fired flavor you can impart by adding a 1/2 cup of pellets to the machine.
However, our tester found this step wasn’t necessary to achieve that brick-oven taste. The pies cooked beautifully in three minutes (after 20 minutes of preheating) and delivered bubbly, perfectly blackened slices.
Temperature range: 105-700 degrees | Heat source: Electricity | Weight: 49 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 18 inches
Others We Tried
- Ooni Koda 16: Meet our original Best Overall pick! The Ooni Koda 16 was our favorite before we got our hands on the new Ooni Koda 2 Pro. However, the Koda 16 is still a solid pick when it comes to gas-powered pizza ovens, and you can save some dollars by opting for a first-generation Ooni oven over a second-generation one. Our testing of the Ooni Koda 16 yielded deliciously chewy, lightly charred crusts and gooey, melty cheese. It’s about 2 inches smaller than the Koda 2 Pro and has an L-shaped burner, while the second-generation Ooni Koda ovens have a dual burner design.
- Ooni Koda 12: We’ve also tested the Ooni Koda 12. Like the Koda 16, it’s a first-generation Ooni pizza oven. It’s also virtually the same pizza oven as the Koda 16, except it’s smaller. If you’re looking for a more convenient, compact gas-powered Ooni Pizza oven, this is the one. It’s also only $400, considerably cheaper than many backyard pizza ovens.
- Ooni Volt: We tried the now discontinued Ooni Volt and were impressed by its speed and sturdiness. Two heating elements and a plethora of temperature controls help the Volt reach temps of up to 850 degrees in a mere 20 minutes. And once the oven’s hot, the pizza cooks in as little as 90 seconds. Plus, there’s no need to worry about running out of propane or wood as you would with other pizza ovens. All you need is an outlet! This versatility landed the Ooni Volt on our best indoor pizza ovens list.
- Ninja Artisan: Both the Ninja Artisan and the Ninja Woodfire are great, affordable pizza oven options. They offer multi-use functionality, along with easy setup and even baking. The Artisan can make pizza, bake, broil, warm and proof, while the Woodfire can make pizza, roast two ways, broil, bake, smoke, dehydrate and warm. We loved both the Artisan and Woodfire during testing, but ultimately preferred the Woodfire for its versatility.
- Blackstone Pizza Oven: Originally our pick for Best Gas Pizza Oven, it has since been discontinued. It’s a shame, because the Blackstone Pizza Oven was unlike any others on the market, thanks to its patented two-stone technology, the bottom of which rotates for even heating. Ask any pizza pro, and they’ll tell you that one of the hardest parts of cooking pizza at home is spinning it by hand with your peel. Blackstone’s ingenuity eliminates this hassle altogether. The pizza-baking behemoth came with or without a mobile cart and hooked up like a propane-powered grill. (It resembled one, too.) We found that the oven got hot, hot, hot, so you had to stay close by even with the rotating stone unless you like a completely charred crust.
- Solo Stove Pi: In our original testing of the Pi pizza oven, the wood- or dual-fueled oven impressed us with its sleek design and consistent cooking performance, just like the newer Solo Stove Pi Prime. However, Solo Stove has since discontinued the original Pi model. If you can find the Solo Stove Pi for sale, new or secondhand, you’ll be able to choose between a wood-fired bake or a gas-powered cook. In our experience, both options perform well, reaching temperatures over 700 degrees for speedy cooking and flavorful, crisp crusts.
- Big Horn: In our extensive testing of backyard pizza ovens, we also tried the Big Horn. It’s a budget-friendly wood pellet pizza oven that may be worth looking into if you’re just starting your backyard pizza journey. However, our experts didn’t love it, as they found it a bit flimsy. It also only reaches temperatures up to 570 to 660 degrees.
Additional Testing
It’s a tough job cooking and eating delicious pizza for the purpose of oven testing, but someone’s got to do it!
We tested several new models in 2025. Undoubtedly, we knew we had to test an oven from Ooni’s new line of Koda pizza ovens, and the Ooni Koda 2 Pro did not disappoint. It came as no surprise; we have multiple product testers who have been using Ooni’s products for years and have been impressed with the longevity of the ovens.
Our resident pizza oven expert, Molly Allen, immediately noticed a key improvement in this second-generation model. While the original Ooni Koda 16 features a single L-shaped rear burner that led to uneven heat distribution, the Koda 2 Pro addresses that issue with dual side burners. This upgrade delivers heat from both sides, resulting in more even stone heating and better overall cooking performance.
Molly also appreciated the upgraded pizza-making experience that comes with the Ooni Volt 2. The top and bottom heat coils ensure evenly baked crusts without the need to turn them. Although the oven is smaller than the original, the viewing window is larger and better lit, allowing you to easily keep an eye on your pizza while it bakes.
Ninja, another trusted brand we know and love, also launched a new pizza oven this year. Naturally, we called upon backyard pizza expert Molly to test the new Ninja Artisan as well. It came close to earning a spot on our top picks list, but we ultimately chose the Ninja Woodfire for its greater versatility.
That said, the Ninja Artisan is a well-performing, easy-to-use pizza oven. It’s also much simpler to use than many other backyard pizza ovens on the market, as there’s no need to consider a live flame or turning pizzas while cooking. It’s great for beginners. However, it does come with a few limitations. The Ninja Artisan’s maximum temperature is 700 degrees, which is lower than the capabilities of ovens like the Ooni Koda or Gozney Roccbox can achieve. Additionally, it only accommodates 12-inch pizzas, making it less ideal for those needing to prepare large pizzas for gatherings.
What To Look for When Buying an Outdoor Pizza Oven
“Look for pizza ovens that are ready to use, or almost ready to use, and don’t require much assembly,” says Chef Laura Pauli, of Cucina Testa Rossa. “Seek out pizza ovens that are heavily insulated and built with heavy-gauge stainless steel, stone or brick.”
Choosing a fuel source like wood or charcoal imparts authentic pizza-shop flavor, but can be unpredictable and requires a bit more finesse. “Gas-fueled pizza ovens will get to 900 degrees with a standard pound propane tank and last about 20 hours without having to put much effort in,” she says.
Pizza ovens reach higher temperatures in far less time than typical ovens. It’s that high heat that lands you the crispiest crusts on easy pizza recipes that end up looking like they came straight from a pizzeria. A patio pizza oven can also make scores of other dishes from roasted veggies and bread to fish and meat and everything in between. Don’t forget the best pizza-making tools (like these best pizza cutters) to elevate pizza night!
Main Considerations
- Fuel source
- Oven size
- Temperature range
- Durability
- Portability
2026 Industry Trends
To learn more about trends in home pizza ovens, we consulted Chef Chris Curtiss, Senior Director of Culinary Operations and Research & Development at North Italia. One thing he’s noticed of late is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a good pizza oven. Chef Chris says, “In the past five years, there has been an explosion of home pizza ovens hitting the market, and they continue to get better and more affordable.”
Pizza ovens are also getting smaller, which proves they don’t have to be huge to work well. “Find an oven that works for your space,” says Chef Chris. “There are small compact ovens that can be portable from your patio to your campsite,” His oven of choice is a gas-powered Gozney. “I love that it heats up quickly and is very easy to manage.”
While delicious pizza is a priority, so is oven aesthetic. A representative from Ooni told Taste of Home that aesthetically pleasing oven designs are a big part of the purchase decision, inspired by the outdoor kitchens people see in their social feeds.
Pizza ovens also make a great gift for the foodie in your life. If you’re thinking of purchasing one as a holiday or birthday present, you’re in good company; Ooni says that 20 percent of their customers received their pizza oven as a gift!
Pro Pizza Tips
Want restaurant-level pizza at home? Chef Chris dished out some helpful tips for at-home pizza makers seeking to perfect their craft:
- When working with a pizza dough, look for a recipe with 77–80% hydration.
- For a 12-inch pizza, use a 10.5-ounce portion of dough.
- Use more flour than you think you will need when stretching your dough.
- Keep the sauce and cheese at about 3 oz. each. If you add toppings, use them sparingly. “Don’t overload your pizza with toppings; otherwise, it will be out of balance and hard to eat,” he says.
How We Found the Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens
To find the best pizza ovens, we looked at various outdoor pizza oven styles and considered design, affordability, temperature maintenance, real customer reviews and overall capacity. On top of that, we considered each outdoor pizza cooker’s fuel source because there are so many options. Some use gas, others use charcoal, and others require wood and wood-related fuel products. Heck, there are even electric models now!
We tested over a dozen models to verify that the appliances (and the pies they produced) met our standards. We assembled the ovens, hooked them up to their power sources, toyed with their settings, cooked multiple pizzas in each and indulged in the results. And yes, some didn’t make the cut because they burned the outside so quickly the interior couldn’t cook.
Ultimately, we performed these comprehensive tests so that you can click “Add to Cart” with confidence. The pizza ovens that made this list are easy to use and have a good overall value because even upscale cooking items should offer a tasty return on investment. Get your pizza cutter ready!
FAQ
Can I leave my pizza oven outside?
Leaving a pizza oven outside indefinitely depends on the type of oven you invest in. If you choose a sturdy brick oven or stone-encased model, leaving it outside through all four seasons should be fine if you’re prepared to clean it before use.
For other styles, like portable outdoor pizza ovens and rolling-cart models, you’ll want to use a cover and protect it from the elements. These more fragile designs should be treated similarly to your favorite grill or BBQ setup. Some options, like the electric Ooni Volt, should be brought inside after each use.
Where should an outdoor pizza oven be placed?
Pizza ovens require ventilation and space because after all, they contain fire—and smoke! That means you’ll want to place your pizza oven several feet away from your home or any flammable items like patio furniture and seat cushions, and far enough away from guests that they’re not inhaling smoke and ash.
What’s the best type of outdoor pizza oven?
That depends on how you plan to use your outdoor pizza oven! Adding a grill attachment may be the most practical choice if it’s just an occasional pizza adventure. However, investing in a large-format wood-fired pizza oven for outdoors probably makes the most sense if you’re the host of every family gathering and typically feed a small army.
Is it worth getting a pizza oven?
There’s no straight answer to this question, but essentially, if you want a pizza oven, then a pizza oven is worth getting—provided you actually plan to use it, that is. For instance, if you want a pizza oven but only plan to use it occasionally, a $1000-plus model probably wouldn’t be worth it. However, you could check out our budget pick for less than $300, which would be. Or, if you have no backyard, a brick pizza oven certainly wouldn’t be worth it, but the Ooni Volt that runs on electricity alone would.
You can’t go wrong with any of our top picks, though, because at the end of the day, each and every one of them produces pies you’d find at a pizzeria.
Why You Should Trust Us
We tapped our pool of cooking pros big time for this roundup of pizza ovens. All pizza and/or outdoor cooking experts in their own right, they researched, kneaded, launched, baked, sliced and tested their way through pizza perfection (and imperfection, in some cases).
Resident pizza oven expert Molly Allen is a former bakery owner and food writer specializing in outdoor cooking. She brings years of experience and industry knowledge to Taste of Home readers. She’s conducted extensive first-hand testing and reviews of more than 10 pizza oven models for Taste of Home, including the Solo Stove Pi Prime, Ooni Koda 16 and Gozney Roccbox. Molly also reached out to Chef Laura Pauli of Cucina Testa Rossa for her insight on what to know when buying pizza ovens.
On the Test Kitchen side, Executive Culinary Producer Sarah Farmer lent her expertise to the Cuisinart 3-in-1 pizza oven review, while Culinary Producer Josh Rink tested the Ninja Woodfire pizza oven. All in, we bring several years of culinary experience and pizza prowess to reviews for our readers. Our team is very equipped to test big outdoor appliances such as pizza ovens because we’ve done so in the past with grills, smokers, griddles and the like.
For industry insight, we consulted Chef Chris Curtiss, Senior Director of Culinary Operations and Research & Development at North Italia, as well as a representative from Ooni.
Taste of Home writers Annamarie Higley, Bryce Gruber, Camryn Rabideau and Barbara Bellesi Zito contributed to this article.
