Ready to take your pizza game to the next level? A pizza oven is the magic ingredient that can transform homemade pies into restaurant-quality perfection! Whether you’re a fan of Neapolitan-style pizzas with crispy crusts or deep-dish lovers, the right pizza oven can give you those ideal results in your very own kitchen or backyard. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one for your needs? Let’s dig into the best pizza ovens in 2024, and I promise, by the end of this, you’ll be dreaming of your next pizza night!
What’s a Pizza Oven and Why Do You Need One?
A pizza oven is a specialized cooking device that gets extremely hot (much hotter than your regular kitchen oven) to cook pizzas perfectly. With temperatures soaring as high as 900°F, pizza ovens cook your pizza evenly, crisping up the crust while keeping the toppings fresh and melty. So, if you’re serious about pizza, a pizza oven is the way to go.
Why Invest in a Pizza Oven?
Flavor. Speed. Fun.
Those are the three magic words when it comes to pizza ovens. Your regular kitchen oven just can’t achieve that crispy crust without drying out your toppings. With a pizza oven, you get restaurant-quality pizzas in a matter of minutes. Plus, it’s a fun way to impress friends and family, whether indoors or outdoors.
But like all things, not all pizza ovens are created equal. Some are fantastic, while others will leave you with half-burnt crusts and soggy middles. Let’s help you avoid that.
Best Pizza Ovens to Buy in 2024
- Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven
- Pros: Reaches 950°F in 20 minutes, large size for 16-inch pizzas, gas-powered convenience.
- Cons: Pricey, requires a propane tank.
The Ooni Koda 16 is an absolute favorite for pizza enthusiasts who want restaurant-quality pies without the hassle of wood or charcoal. This gas-powered beauty heats up super quickly and gives you that stone-baked crust every pizza lover craves. It’s perfect for outdoor use but be ready to invest in propane refills.
- Roccbox by Gozney Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Pros: Reaches 950°F, can use both wood and gas, compact and portable.
- Cons: Small cooking surface, expensive.
The Roccbox by Gozney is a sleek, portable oven that brings versatility to your pizza-making experience. The ability to switch between wood and gas gives you complete control over flavor, and its compact size makes it easy to take on the go. The only downside? The cooking surface is on the smaller side, so you might be limited to smaller pizzas.
- Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Pros: Affordable, multi-fuel (wood, charcoal, and gas), compact.
- Cons: Small capacity, slower cooking time compared to competitors.
For budget-conscious pizza lovers, the Bertello is a solid choice. You can experiment with wood, charcoal, or even gas to find your favorite cooking method. However, don’t expect it to churn out pizzas as fast as the more high-end ovens like the Ooni or Roccbox.
How to Pick the Best Pizza Oven for Your Needs
Here’s the deal: pizza ovens come in all shapes and sizes, and picking the right one depends on how and where you want to use it. Here are some quick tips:
- Fuel Source
- Gas: Convenient and fast to heat, but doesn’t offer that traditional wood-fired flavor.
- Wood: Gives the pizza a distinct smoky taste but takes longer to heat.
- Multi-Fuel: The best of both worlds, but usually more expensive.
- Size
- Are you cooking for a crowd or just for you and your partner? Larger ovens can handle 16-inch pizzas, while smaller ones may only accommodate 10 to 12-inch pies.
- Portability
- If you’re planning to take your pizza oven to the beach or a friend’s house, look for a compact, lightweight model like the Roccbox.
Where to Buy the Best Pizza Ovens
You can find top-rated pizza ovens at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and specialized stores like Sur La Table. Always be on the lookout for deals during holidays or events like Black Friday for the best prices.
When’s the Best Time to Use Your Pizza Oven?
Summer barbecues, winter get-togethers, or just a random Tuesday night. There’s no wrong time for pizza, honestly. And with your own pizza oven, you can have fresh, hot pizza anytime. Whether you prefer Neapolitan or New York style, you’re in control of the dough and toppings, which is half the fun!
The Downside of Pizza Ovens: What No One Talks About
Sure, pizza ovens are awesome, but let’s keep it real for a second—there are a few downsides:
- Learning Curve: Most pizza ovens require some trial and error. You may burn a few pizzas before mastering the right heat levels and cook times.
- Fuel Costs: If you’re using a wood or gas-powered oven, there’s an ongoing cost for the fuel. Wood ovens can also be messy to clean.
- Storage & Space: Some pizza ovens are bulky, especially outdoor models. Make sure you have enough space to store it when it’s not in use.
While these issues are totally manageable, they’re worth considering before you buy.
Conclusion
Which Pizza Oven Should You Choose?
If you want the top-tier pizza experience and have the budget, the Ooni Koda 16 is hard to beat. Its large size and gas-powered convenience make it a no-brainer for pizza lovers who don’t want to mess with wood. For those who want portability with a bit of versatility, the Roccbox by Gozney is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy playing with different fuel types. If you’re on a budget, the Bertello offers great value without compromising too much on performance.