The best outdoor pizza ovens let you make delicious pies in minutes, right from the comfort of your backyard. Just like you'll find in a pizzeria, these ovens can reach temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, so you get crispy, leoparded crusts with chewy insides, and nice, bubbling cheese and tomato sauce in less time than it takes to order takeout.
After testing more than a dozen ovens over several years — and eating way too much pizza — we think the best model overall is the Ooni Karu 16. This gas-only oven is easy to set up and, thanks to a unique L-shaped burner, can cook pizzas more evenly and with less fuss, which is handy for those less experienced. If you're looking for something less expensive, the Solo Stove Pi Prime is the outdoor pizza oven to get, as it works just as well, yet costs less than $350.
We've thoroughly tested each oven, to see how easy they are to set up, how quickly they get up to temperature and stay there, and how well they can cook up different styles of pizzas, bread, calzones, and even steaks and other food. Yeah, it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it.
Interested in tossing some dough at an outdoor pizza oven? Let’s slice and dice through the best models that we've tested.
The quick list
The Koda 16 has a clever L-shaped burner, so we found we didn't have to turn our pies as often in the oven. It's a small, but neat feature not found elsewhere.
This propane-powered model is very easy to set up and use, and it's fairly inexpensive, yet it can make great pizzas in less than two minutes.
The Gozney Dome can run on wood or gas, has a huge cooking surface, and looks awesome. But, it's one of the more expensive ovens we tested.
At less than $300, this is the best, least expensive pizza oven we tested. It's also very portable and can get really hot, but only runs on wood pellets.
A large 16-inch cooking surface, the ability to use wood, gas, or charcoal, a huge glass door, and a built-in thermometer make the our top pick.
The neat thing about this oven is that the top half can be placed on your grill, giving you more options on how you want to make pizzas.
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If you have a Solo Stove, you might want to give this pizza oven a try; it fits right on top of the fire pit. However, it takes a lot longer to cook pizzas than other ovens.
Recent updates
Ooni's newest, and biggest pizza oven is now on sale: The Koda 2 Max, a gas-fired pizza oven, is capable of making pizzas up to 20 inches in size, but it has two cooking zones, so you can make two smaller pizzas at the same time, or cook a pizza alongside something else. Like the Karu 16, the Max has a digital temperature readout in the front of the oven, and it's also Wi-Fi connected, so you can check on it using an app. You can order the Koda 2 Max for $999, which is now shipping. We're currently putting it to the test to see how this super-sized pizza oven holds up.
The best outdoor pizza oven
Of all the outdoor pizza ovens we tested, we think the Ooni Koda 16 is the best overall. For its ease of setup, relatively lightweight construction, no-fuss functionality, large cooking space, and powerful L-shaped flame, we felt it’s the most versatile, family-friendly model for cooks who might want to experiment with different pie sizes, as well as cooking other non-pizza items in the oven.
Because of the L-shaped heat source, pizzas cooked near the back left corner of the oven took only a couple of minutes to come out perfectly charred and bubbly. And unlike other ovens with a singular flame or radiant heat, you really only need a turn or two of a pie to get an evenly cooked crust. A control knob on the side of the oven made it easy for us to adjust the Koda 16's temperature, so we could go from Neapolitan to New York in no time. About the only thing missing was a built-in thermometer, like you can find on some newer ovens like the Gozney Arc.
The Koda 16 is the larger of Ooni's two propane-powered Koda models — with a 16-inch cooking area vs. the Koda 12’s 12-inch cooking area — so you may want to opt for the smaller one if you have more of a limited budget, or a smaller appetite.
Read our full Ooni Koda 16 review.
Best budget pizza oven
If you're new to making your own pizzas, you want an oven that's easy to use and doesn't cost too much; that's why we think the Solo Stove Pi Prime is the best pizza oven for beginners. At $349, it's one of the cheaper ovens around, and it's incredibly simple to set up and operate. Simply place the stone inside the oven and connect a propane tank, and you're ready to go.
We liked that its gas control knob was on the front, so you could adjust the flame without fuss. It gets really hot — we found it could bake a pizza in as little as 90 seconds — yet you can dial the temperature down enough to sear steaks so that they're perfectly charred on the outside, with a nice medium rare finish on the inside. There's not a lot of insulation around the exterior of this stainless steel oven, so you need to be a little cautious if you have little ones around.
While more advanced pizzaiolos may prefer the versatility of ovens that can use wood and charcoal, such as the Ooni Koda, those just starting on their journey will appreciate the Pi Prime's simplicity, as we did.
Read our full Solo Stove Pi Prime review.
Best premium pizza oven
The Gozney Dome is the much larger, much more versatile, and much more expensive brother to the company's Roccbox. Weighing in at 128 pounds and retailing for $1,499 ($1,799 for the dual-fuel option), this pizza oven can't be moved easily, but it can cook with both wood and propane, and its large opening means you can cook more than just pizzas in this oven.
Despite its size, we liked the look of the Gozney Dome — it's one of the best-designed pizza ovens there are— as well as the fact that it could get up to scorching hot temperatures and stay there for as long as we were slinging pies. And, the pizzas it made were impressive: great charring all around, and just two minutes from start to finish.
If you like the look of the Gozney Dome, but can't swing the dough, the Gozney Arc is about a third of the price (and half the weight), yet turns out pizzas just as nice. The main compromise is that the Arc is a propane-only oven, whereas the Dome can also use wood as a fuel source.
Read our full Gozney Dome review.
Most portable pizza oven
Want that pizza to go? Then the Ooni Fyra is worth a look. This oven is small — it can only make pizzas up to 12 inches in diameter — but it weights just 22 pounds, so it's really easy to carry around, making it a great option for tailgates and camping trips.
Despite its small size, we found that it could make pizzas as well as — and as fast as ones costing four times as much. Incredibly, it can reach temperatures of more than 900 degrees F inside, so it can bake your pies in 90 seconds. We burned more than one pizza while testing it out.
The Ooni Fyra runs on wood pellets that are gravity-fed through a chute in the rear. We found it was a little harder to control the temperature than with propane-powered ovens, as you have to nudge the flue damper to get the temperature you want, and you also have to pay attention and keep it fed with pellets, lest the fire burns out.
The Fyra is also the least expensive of Ooni's ovens — and one of the cheapest pizza ovens overall — so it won't burn a hole through your wallet while it's cooking your pies.
As of August 2024, the Fyra 12 has dropped in price to just $249, making it the best pizza oven value.
Read our Ooni Fyra review.
Best multifuel oven
With its large cooking area and ability to use gas, wood, or charcoal as a fuel source, the Ooni Karu 16 is one of the best outdoor pizza oven we've tested. At $800 — not counting the cost of the gas attachment — it's not cheap, but it's the most versatile oven we've used. The larger chamber of the Karu 16 also means you can cook stuff other than pizza, such as bread or other taller items.
(If you want a deeper dive into Ooni's models, check out which Ooni pizza oven is best for you.)
Thanks to its large rear handle and door, we found it was easy to load wood into the Karu 16's fire box and keep the oven humming along at 900 degrees Fahrenheit, and the built-in thermometer made it easy to keep tabs on how hot it was inside. The Karu 16's glass door also let us check at a glance how our pizzas were cooking, another nice touch.
There's really not much we didn't like about the Karu 16 — it's on the heavy side, so you won't want to move it around a lot — but you should be as pleased with the results as we were.
Read our full Ooni Karu 16 review.
Best grill attachment
The BakerStone Pizza Oven Box pulls double duty: Since it was originally designed as a box to place on a grill, you can actually detach the top portion from the bottom “firebox” and do your pizza-cooking on a grill. The interior of the oven, composed of five sides of pizza stones, performed surprisingly well when up against the open-flame Ooni Koda and Gozney Roccbox. Because the five stones maintain and radiate a lot of heat, the pizzas we made came out with a good amount of char and were cooked evenly.
We also liked that there are two gas burners within the firebox, which each have their own knob, so you can really experiment with the heat of each side of the oven. Gaze into a hole on either side of the firebox, and you can see the flames flickering away, giving a good idea of the heat they’re generating. Plus, an easy-to-read thermometer on top of the pizza box lets you keep an eye on your temperature levels while you’re cooking.
Read our full BakerStone Pizza Oven review.
Best fire pit attachment
While Solo Stove already makes a standalone pizza oven, it has also come out with the Pi Fire, an accessory that fits atop one of the best fire pits. The Pi Fire is small and light, and has two handles at the top to let you place it atop and remove it from your Solo Stove.
Unlike the other pizza ovens on this list, the Pi Fire cooks pizzas at a much lower temperature, so it takes longer until it's ready to eat — 5 to 10 minutes, versus as little as 90 seconds. We also found that if you let the fire get too big, your pizza will get sooty — yuck! But, if you don't mind its more leisurely pace, the Pi Fire is a fun addition to your Solo Stove.
Read our full Solo Pi Fire review.
Best electric oven
While the Ninja Woodfire oven doesn't get as hot as some of the other models on this list — it won't be as easy to make those Neapolitan-style pies — the Woodfire's larger interior area and electronic temperature controls does give you a lot more versatility; in addition to pizza, we were able to make corn, chicken, even dessert in the oven. It can even let you smoke foods, thanks to its smoke box for wood pellets.
Our biggest issue with the Woodfire was its size; if you want to cook for a crowd, you're going to want something bigger. But, if you're only making dinner for yourself and a few others, it should do the trick. And, it's a cinch to clean too.
If you don't mind splurging — and only want to cook pizzas — then you should also check out the Ooni Volt, an electric oven from the company that popularized pizza ovens. The Volt can reach temperatures of up to 800 degrees, but it costs $1,000 — more than twice as much as the Woodfire.
Read our full Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven review.
Also tested
Outdoor pizza ovens compared
Here's a quick rundown of all of the pizza ovens in this guide; keep in mind that the prices of each may vary.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | MSRP | Fuel source | Max pizza size |
| Ooni Karu 16 | $799 | Wood, pellets, propane (w/adapter | 16 inches |
| Ooni Fyra | $349 | wood pellets | 12 inches |
| Solo Stove Pi Prime | $349 | Propane | 12 inches |
| Ooni Koda 16 | $599 | Propane | 16 inches |
| Gozney Roccbox | $499 | Propane | 12 inches |
| Bakerstone Portable Gas oven | $319 | Propane | 14 inches |
| Gozney Dome | $1,999 | Propane, natural gas, wood | 16 inches |
| Alfa Nano | $1,399 | Propane, natural gas | 14 inches |
How we test the best pizza ovens
To test each oven, we followed its manual for instructions on assembly, setup, ignition, cooking, and cool-down. In order to get the most authentic experience, we also only used the peels, tools, etc. that came with that particular oven. We also wanted to see how each oven would perform with a variety of types of dough.
For each oven, we made several pies, using at least one of each of the following pizza doughs: homemade, store-bought refrigerated (Trader Joe’s), store-bought frozen (Wegman’s), and dough purchased from a local pizzeria that specializes in thin-crust pies.
But to also keep things simple (and fair), we tested each oven with Margherita pizzas topped only with tomato sauce and hand-torn mozzarella, with a little basil and olive oil drizzled on after cooking. Of course, we made lots more pies in each oven, because hey, pizza, right?
On some ovens that could accommodate cast-iron pans and skillets, we also tried searing steaks and roasting vegetables and fish, to see how other types of food fared under the flames.
In addition to its cooking performance, we also evaluated each oven on its ease of setup, how hot the oven got (both on the inside and outside), and how easy it was to control the temperature. For wood or wood pellet models, we also looked at the ease with which we could add fuel.
What to look for in a pizza oven
Fuel source
Outside of price, the biggest factor to consider when buying a pizza oven is the fuel source. Ovens can be heated by either propane, charcoal, or wood pellets (there are also electric options for indoor models). Before choosing an outdoor pizza oven, decide which heat source is right for you. In our tests, the propane ovens were easier to control, but pizza ovens that used either wood, wood pellets, or charcoal gave the pies a smoky flavor reminiscent of good grills. Plus, it's easier to carry a bag of charcoal or wood pellets than it is a tank of propane, especially if you're planning to bring your pizza oven to a camping trip or tailgate.
The ovens’ ceramic pizza stones, when heated, can hold very high temperatures, giving your pie a nice char on the bottom. The main differentiator in our tests was the heat source and how it affected the cooking on top of the pie; without a high temperature, you won’t get the dotted char known in the industry as “leoparding” (because it looks like a leopard, get it?). We found that the gas ovens with an exposed flame — the Ooni Koda 16 and the Gozney Roccbox — were best for getting a nice char.
Oven size
You’ll also want to think about the size of the oven itself. The majority of outdoor pizza ovens can make pies that are about 12 inches in diameter, but some can make larger, 16-inch pizzas, which may be the better option if you’re looking to feed a crowd. Some have a taller interior, which makes them better suited for baking other types of food, such as bread.
Lastly, one thing to consider before you buy an outdoor pizza oven is whether you have the proper space for it. These ovens should be set up at a standalone table at least a couple of feet away from any other structure, and most recommend not setting them up underneath another enclosure (an upstairs deck, for instance). Make sure you follow our steps on how to use a pizza oven safely.
Pro tips for pizza making
Every oven is slightly different; we highly recommend thoroughly reading through the setup manual to ensure proper safety precautions and usage. Every propane-fueled oven we tested recommended doing a soapy water test to make sure there were no leaks, and a few stressed the importance of running the oven for up to 30 minutes on its first use to burn off any impurities. Give yourself time to get acquainted with the oven — and keep in mind that chances are you won’t be a master pizzaiolo immediately. With pizza, as with many things in life, practice makes perfect.
Each time you use the pizza oven, you’ll want to start it at least 15 minutes before throwing a pie into the oven; you need to give the pizza stone at the bottom of the oven time to heat up, so you get that nice char on the bottom. And, you’ll want to let it “recharge” between each pizza, too.
Another note on becoming a pizzaiolo. Even if you’re not an expert at making pizza dough — we certainly weren’t! — you’re better off trying your hand at making homemade dough or buying dough from a local pizzeria that specializes in thin-crust pies than buying store-bought refrigerated or frozen dough. In our tests, both store-bought doughs we tested (Trader Joe’s for refrigerated, Wegman’s for frozen) were difficult to roll out to a desired thinness, and had a tendency to burn on the outside while not getting fully cooked inside. If you do use store-bought dough in one of these ovens, a good rule of thumb is to use a floured rolling pin to try to get it as thin as possible before cooking. (But really, avoid it if you can.)
One pizza-making book we like is Mastering Pizza by Marc Vetri ($17.59, Amazon). It has recipes for a number of different style pies, from Neapolitan to focaccia and more, and they're all very easy to follow.
If you're a fan of take out instead, check out how to reheat pizza properly.
Other tools you'll need to make pizza
Pizza Peel
A pizza peel are those long, flat wooden shovels you see that are designed to glide the pizza in and out of the oven (others are sold separately). Don’t try to make pizza without one. We’d recommend sticking with the peel that comes with your oven, as they’re sized correctly for the cooking area.
If you want to get more gear, then you can also pick up a "turning" peel. These are smaller than a traditional peel, and are usually made of a flat, circular piece of metal. Typically, they're a smaller diameter than the pizza itself, so that you can easily rotate the pizza while it's still in the oven. It takes some practice to use it properly.
Whether you’re working with a stainless steel or wooden peel, we found that flouring the surface (semolina flour works best, especially for hotter ovens) and building the pizza right on the peel, then sliding it into the oven, led to the best results. You’ll also have to use a peel to pull out your pizza and turn it while it’s cooking, because you want a nice, even char. So get comfortable with your peel — it’s your pizza’s BFF!
Infrared Thermometer
Another thing that might be worth investing in is an infrared or laser thermometer to measure the temperature of your stone (Ooni makes a good one); you’ll want one that can measure temperatures up to 1,000 degrees F if you plan on making Neapolitan-style pies.
Pizza Cutter
You’ll also want a few wooden peels or boards for cutting/serving, and a good pizza cutter. Many of these companies sell quality accessories that will make living your best #pizzalife that much easier. I've used a number of pizza cutters, and none has felt more solid than this model from Gozney.
Kitchen scale
If you're planning to make your own dough, you'll need a kitchen scale to properly weigh out the ingredients. Measuring cups aren't as accurate, which could throw off the proportions.
Mixer
Yes, you can knead dough by hand, but one of the best stand mixers makes the job go a lot easier. If you plan on making large batches of dough, just be sure to get a mixer whose motor is powerful enough to stand up to all that mixing.
Other gear for outdoor entertaining
There's nothing like an outdoor pizza party, but you need to have more than just 'za. Check out our other outdoor buying guides for other gear to liven up your backyard.
