It’s easy to see why people spend so much money on the best outdoor pizza ovens: They are small and portable, easy to set up and use, and can quickly bake pies to temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
They’re also reasonably priced. Compared to when elaborate brick ovens were built in backyards, most outdoor pizza ovens cost a few hundred dollars. Finally, many of them are simple to set up and operate, requiring only a table, a propane tank, or some wood.
What to look for when buying an outdoor pizza oven
Look for pizza ovens that are well-insulated and made of heavy-gauge stainless steel, stone, or brick.
The flavor of a traditional pizza shop is imparted by using a fuel source such as wood or charcoal, but this can be unpredictable and requires a little more skill.
Remember the best pizza-making tools to make pizza night extra special (like these best pizza cutters).
The primary elements
Supply of fuel
Gas and wood are the two most common fuel sources for at-home pizza ovens (via a natural gas line or a petroleum hook-up). Both fuel types have benefits and drawbacks, and many models allow you to upgrade or purchase separate attachments to allow your oven to burn gas and wood.
Dimensions of the oven Temperature range
To make pizza of the quality you’d expect from a restaurant, you’ll need an oven that can reach 800-900oF or higher. These temperatures leave a fluffy bread base while quickly singeing the outer edges of the crust and melting the cheese. Of course, pizza can still be made in ovens that cannot reach those high temperatures, but the quality will be lower.
Durability
You’ll spend a lot of money on this pizza oven, so it has to last. Most of the pizza ovens on this list are made of durable stainless steel and will last for many years, but many also come with 1-year lifetime warranties for added peace of mind.
Portability
Do you want to take your pizza oven on holiday, camp, or easily store it when unused? Do you want to leave it on your deck or patio? If you intend to transport your pizza oven, look for one lightweight, multi-fuel-capable, and compact. In addition, a pizza oven’s folding legs and chimneys make transportation easier.
Where should an outdoor pizza oven be placed?
Pizza ovens require ventilation and space because they contain fire and smoke! To avoid inhaling smoke and ash from your pizza oven, place it several feet away from your house, any flammable objects, and seat cushions.
What is the best type of outdoor pizza oven?
This is determined by what you intend to do with your outdoor pizza oven. Adding a grill attachment may be the most practical solution if this is an occasional pizza adventure. However, investing in a large-format wood-burning pizza oven is best if you frequently feed a small army and host family gatherings.
The Best Pizza Pie Recipe for Your Oven
It may take some trial and error to perfect the perfect pizza, but there are some tried-and-true methods for making the best pie possible:
Give your oven more time to heat the first time you use it. It is best practice to extend the oven’s burn time by 20 to 30 minutes to ensure that all manufacturing residue on the interior has been signed off.
The paddle is used to assemble the pizza. Again, it is easiest to do this without putting your hands too close to the open, scorching flame.
Cornmeal is your best friend. Because the dough is naturally sticky, lightly dust your pizza paddle with cornmeal before adding it to ensure it slides easily into the oven.
Rotate your pie frequently while it is cooking. At 800-900oF, these pizza ovens cook exceptionally quickly, so have a long-handled turner on hand. After giving the bottom of the crust 10 to 15 seconds to cook and come away from the stone, begin rotating your pizza.
