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Why Choose an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Having a pizza oven in your outdoor kitchen or patio is more than a trend — it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Outdoor pizza ovens give you blistering hot, perfectly crisp pizzas in minutes, but they’re also versatile enough for roasting vegetables, searing meats, and baking breads. With quick cooking times, authentic wood-fired flavor, and easy-to-use gas options, you can bring the pizzeria experience right into your backyard - especially if you've got a few homemade pizza recipes up your sleeve! Want to dive deeper? Check out our full Pizza Oven Buying Guide for expert tips before you choose.
Wood vs Gas Pizza Ovens
When choosing a pizza oven, fuel type matters.
- Wood-Burning Ovens deliver that classic smoky flavor and old-world cooking experience. They can reach extremely high temps for perfectly charred crusts, but require more time and effort to manage.
- Gas Pizza Ovens heat up quickly, are easier to control, and still give you delicious results with far less hassle.
Not sure which type fits your needs? Our Pizza Oven Comparison Chart breaks it all down so you can find the perfect match.
Pizza Oven Materials That Last
The secret to a great pizza oven isn’t just heat — it’s how well that heat is retained and distributed. High-quality ovens use 304 stainless steel, insulated walls, and refractory materials that lock in heat, resist rust, and ensure long-lasting durability. Dome-shaped designs circulate hot air evenly so your pizza cooks perfectly from crust to topping. Investing in premium construction means more consistent results and years of backyard pizza nights.
Choosing the Right Size Pizza Oven
Size plays a huge role in finding the best pizza oven for your needs:
- Portable Countertop Pizza Ovens are lightweight, easy to set up, and ideal for small patios or tailgating.
- Mid-Size Ovens can handle multiple pizzas at once, making them perfect for family dinners.
- Large, Built-In Ovens are the choice for serious entertainers, letting you serve up pies for a crowd without slowing down.
What else can you cook in an outdoor pizza oven?
Pizza ovens aren't just for pizza! There are plenty of things you can cook in wood-fired and gas ovens, from roasted vegetables and baked fish to freshly-baked flatbreads, slow-cooked meats, and even steak! Rest assured, you'll get a lot of use out of your pizza oven.
How long does it take to cook pizza in a pizza oven?
In a regular oven, pizzas take between 8 and 15 minutes to bake. But in a wood-fired pizza oven, it should only take one to two minutes to cook. Wood-fired pizza ovens can reach the ideal cooking temperature of 700°F (370°C).
How do you cook pizza in an outdoor pizza oven?
In a wood-fired pizza oven: Once your pizza oven has reached 700°F+ degrees, carefully place the pizza in the oven using a pizza peel. Be sure to rotate the pizza every 20 seconds to turn the part of the pizza closest to the fire away from it for an even bake and perfect crust.
In a gas pizza oven: Place a pizza stone in your oven and preheat to 500°F or the highest maximum temperature. It will take at least 30 minutes for the pizza stone to heat. Remove pizza when the top is bubbling and the crust has browned (between 8-12 minutes).
Are backyard pizza ovens worth it?
Yes, especially since they can be used for more than just pizza. You can use them like your home oven, adding a versatile cooking tool to your outdoor kitchen.
What is the best outdoor pizza oven kit?
The Chicago Brick Oven DIY pizza oven kits are our favorite pizza ovens for the home; You or your contractor can build them in and make them match any style of outdoor kitchen.
How much does a good outdoor pizza oven cost?
Depending on the size you're looking for the price will vary, but a high-quality, medium size oven will be around $2,000.
Which type of pizza oven is best?
Wood burning is going to be the most authentic experience but comes with a small learning curve. Gas ovens are going to give you results that are close but also are a lot easier to use.
What wood is best for a pizza oven?
Well-dried hardwoods without strong tastes are usually best; Oak is our preference for wood-fired pizza.
Do outdoor pizza ovens work?
Outdoor pizza ovens work very efficiently, and should not be used indoors.
What else can I cook in a pizza oven?
Anything that you could cook in an indoor oven can be cooked in a pizza cooker as well, as long as they fit! They function in a similar way to a broiler, by putting heat directly on the top of a dish.
How close can a pizza oven be to the house?
The manufacturers of the outdoor pizza ovens will have clearance directions in the owner's manual that must be followed for safe use.
Can you have a pizza oven in your house?
The pizza ovens sold on our site are for use outside only.
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