Is there anything better than a fresh, bubbling pizza straight out of a blazing-hot oven—crispy crust, gooey cheese, and that perfect hint of char? If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that pizzeria magic, a home pizza oven might be your next favorite kitchen or backyard upgrade.
Pick Your Fire: Wood, Gas, or Electric
When it comes to pizza ovens, there are three main fuel types. Wood-fired ovens are the classic choice, giving you that smoky flavor and blistered crust you’d find in a traditional Italian pizzeria. They take a bit of skill (and patience) to master, but the payoff is big. Think about how involved you want to be—some people love the hands-on process, while others just want great pizza with minimal fuss.
For quick ignition, stable temperatures, and minimal prep look to gas and electric models. Gas ovens are a user-friendly middle ground: easier to light and control with consistent heat. An electric oven does all those things and is perfect for indoor setups or small spaces. While you won’t get quite the same woodsy flavor, they’re super convenient and often compact enough to live on your countertop.
Suit Your Space
Pizza ovens come in all shapes and sizes, most are either built-in or portable/countertop. Built-in ovens, like the Chicago Brick Oven 750 are a more permanent backyard fixture. Unlike other pizza ovens that have a separate firebox, the CBO 750 features a low, igloo-shaped dome which is modeled from ancient Italian wood-fired oven designs. On the flip side, something like the Gozney Roccbox is lighter, portable, and maintains a smaller footprint.
Where Will You Use It?
Before you fall in love with a specific oven, think about where you’ll actually use it. Outdoor pizza ovens tend to be wood-fired or gas models and are ideal if you’ve got a backyard with a space large enough to fit. They get hotter, handle smoke better, and often double as a conversation piece during cookouts. Indoor ovens are usually electric—take the Ooni Volt 12, for example, cooking a 12-inch pizza in just 90 seconds from the comfort of your kitchen, all year round. They’re compact, easy to plug in, and don’t require ventilation.
Heat it Up
A great pizza oven needs high heat (ideally 700°F or more) for that crisp, blistered crust. Wood-fired ovens reach the highest temps and add smoky flavor, but gas models heat up faster and offer better control. Electric ovens are typically lower (around 600°F) but still work well for pan-style pizzas. A handy feature to look for would be built-in thermometers or viewing windows to help you keep an eye on the progress.
Built to Last
Good materials mean better pizza and longer oven life. Stainless steel is common in portable units, as it’s durable, rust-resistant, and heats quickly. Brick or stone interiors are great for retaining heat and giving your pizza that classic, rustic finish. Look for solid insulation, a well-fitting door, and a stable design, especially for outdoor ovens. A removable stone floor is a bonus for easy cleaning.