The 2025 Pizza Oven Buying Guide

The essentials to help you choose the best pizza oven

There's a great deal of excitement happening as the thought of owning a pizza oven starts to cross your mind. And we all know that pizza is a dish adored and enjoyed by many people throughout the world, where the rising popularity for home pizza ovens can be attributed to the convenience of preparing pizza from the comfort of one's own space. You get the freedom to personalize these dishes according to taste and discovery.

 

While there are options out there to make pizzas at home, such as using a regular oven or even a microwave, investing in a specialized pizza oven can be a game-changer all around, from the food you serve, to the new moments you create.

 

Is a Pizza Oven Worth Buying?

Top Reasons Why a Home Pizza Oven Makes it All Worth It:

 

✓ Utmost Convenience: Make delightful, homemade pizzas whenever you want, without having to leave home!

✓ Customization: You have the freedom to personalize your pizzas with your own favorite ingredients, your own toppings, to create unique flavor combinations that suites your taste.

✓ Unmatched Cooking Experience: Pizza is just the beginning! With fast and high temperature cooking you'll love how other dishes turn out, be it breads, meats, and vegetables. Also you'll get to discover the baking power with cookies, brownies, and cakes. Revolutionary cooking in a pizza oven.

✓ Healthier Options: Remember, you have control over the ingredients used in your pizza. You might go for healthier toppings such as fresh vegetables and lean meats.

✓ Entertainment Value: You get a new way to spend time with family and friends. From romantic nights to hosting a pizza party.

✓ Adds Value to Your Home: An oven that is built into your home, such as in an outdoor kitchen can be an asset, given it is a great feature to potential buyers if you decide to sell.

 

A pizza oven is quite powerful. Now let's walk you through the different options with the essentials you need to know right away so you can buy with confidence!

 

Main Factors to Consider When Buying a Pizza Oven:

 

 

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What you'll get out of your pizza oven will be greatly dictated by the two largest fuel options: Wood and Gas. Both selections will make great pizzas, but there are some key differences and tradeoffs that you will have to consider.

What it boils down to is do you want the benefit of quick pizzas and the least amount of cleaning? or do you want the "full experience" of traditional pizza making that a pizza enthusiast would snatch up in a heartbeat?

 

NOTE: You should consider your current lifestyle and your living situation, to ensure you are getting the perfect oven because factors such as the size of the oven, where it will be placed, and the fuel type will have an impact on the options you actually have.

 

(WOOD PIZZA OVENS):

Wood-fired ovens are the most popular because these are how authentic pizzas are baked in Italy, where they burn the hottest and are known for their capability to infuse the unmistakable smoke flavor onto pizza pies and other dishes. In other words, you are able to cook restaurant-quality greatness from home in its traditional form.

 

Note that there are 2 design sub-types of wood-fired ovens that feature their own cooking methodology, and is something to keep in mind when considering a wood-fired oven.

 

(Single Chamber):

This is the most traditional layout in a wood fired oven, and the one that you've probably seen the most. Here the fire/heat source and food are within the same platform/chamber. Why is this important? When you build your fire you are heating up the chamber, and the heat is very intense which is a requirement for traditional pizza.

But since the pizza is in close proximity to the heat source, it will cook faster on one side than the other, so you will need to be rotating it. It's an older way of cooking that just naturally requires a little more manual involvement.

 

What else do you need to know about a single chamber design?

- These preheat quicker than a dual chamber oven and is the best version for making authentic Neapolitan-style pizza

- There is a larger learning curve and requires the most effort, but it can also be the most rewarding and fun of all the choices

 

(Dual Chamber):

Some wood-fired ovens are designed with two chambers, one for the food (top chamber), and one for the fire (bottom chamber), which is lit underneath the top chamber. It cooks more like a convection home oven where the heat is radiating from all directions, except it is being fueled by wood and is able to safely reach much higher temperatures than your regular home oven.

How this works is that the top cooking chamber has a heat and air path through the sidewalls of the oven that allows the heat and smoke from the combustion chamber/fire box below it to travel up and roll over your food before exiting up the chimney.

 

What else do you need to know about a dual chamber design?

- Separate chambers allows you to have more cooking space since you aren't sharing it with the wood

- Generally you'll have a larger front door as well

- Temperature control is less tricky and the heat tends to be more stable than single chamber designs (allowing you to have no intense hot spots)

- Since heat distribution is uniform like a home convection oven it will perform all baking tasks with ease

- This design will struggle and may even sometimes fall short in rapidly producing Neapolitan style pizzas

 

Why a wood-fired option may be for you:

✓ You crave the intense smoky flavors that can't be replicated with gas or other types of ovens or grills

✓ You require the highest quality pizza and with that, authentic dishes such as the Neapolitan Pizza thanks to the higher heat capabilities

✓ Once oven is preheated you want to be able to quickly cook pies in as little as a few minutes - excellent for entertaining a large crowd

✓ You look for the unique textures (crispy, yet soft pizzas and breads)

✓ Pizza not on the menu? Cook other foods in the oven including breads, meats, vegetables, pastries

✓ You want an amazing flexibility of flavor (you can experiment with different kinds of hardwoods, you can introduce new flavors by switching up the type of logs you use such as cherry or apple)

✓ You value the centuries-old traditional cooking experience where all your friends and loved ones will get to admire and appreciate

✓ You want certain advantages that come with faster cooking such as locked-in nutrients of the ingredients, making for healthier meals than they would otherwise

 

What you need to know about wood-fired ovens:

- Preheating times can take an average of 40 minutes up to 1.9 hours, depending on the oven, but cooking times are generally done in a matter of a few minutes

- You'll need a steady supply of wood to prevent unwanted interruptions

- When cooking with wood, you'll need to continue feeding more of it into the fire to maintain the high temperatures, otherwise it will start to decrease with the shrinking available fuel (unless you purposely want the temperature to be lower)

- There is a little bit of a learning curve, but one can quickly become an expert and the rewards can be exceptional

- More labor intense and requires extra cleaning than gas ovens because of the soot and ash

 

NOTE: Before you order a wood-fired oven check with your homeowner association (HOA) to confirm that wood burning ovens are permitted in your residential area.

 

(GAS PIZZA OVENS):

Gas fueled pizza ovens are usually preferred by those who value convenience, efficiency, and ease of use, especially when dealing with temperature control. Whether using natural gas or propane, these ovens preheat quicker - in about half the time as their wood-fired counterparts with just the turn of a control knob. These produce minimal ash and soot, making cleaning and maintenance easier.

The main trade-off is that you won't be able to turn out the unique smoky flavors provided by a wood-fired oven. And although gas pizza ovens uses a pizza stone to absorb as much heat as possible, temperatures are still generally lower than in wood-fueled ovens, where certain dishes such as the Neapolitan pizza may not come out the way they ideally should.

 

Why a gas-fired option may be for you:

✓ You prefer to skip all of the initial prep work and extra time needed with a wood fired oven and just want to hit the ground running

✓ You don't want to manage a fire and have longer wait times to preheat a pizza oven

✓ You prefer the extra cooking space (since there is no sharing of the cooking floor with a wood fire)

✓ You want a more user friendly pizza oven that's easy to light up and easy to control temperatures with

✓ You're looking for consistent results every time (the constant and even heating from a gas burner means you'll easily be able to replicate pie after pie)

✓ You want cleaning to be quick and simple where you won't have to sweep out wood ash after cooking

✓ You'll be needing extended cooking sessions for catering and large parties (this is where the quick pre-heat times and consistent cooking results shine)

✓ You generally want a pizza oven that will take up less room (as is the case for many wood-fired ovens)

✓ Your residential area doesn't allow wood-burning appliances but still want in on the pizza making experience

✓ Your indoor settings prohibits the use of wood-burning ovens

 

What you need to know about gas-fired ovens:

- You won't get to taste the superior flavor given off in a wood fired oven

- You won't be able to get your oven quite as hot as a wood-fired one, meaning you wouldn't be able to perfectly recreate certain pizzas such as Neapolitan pizza (although in several luxury models since the heat source include infrared-style burners this can be a possibility)

- If using natural gas, you'll need a gas line available that can be tapped into

- If using propane, you'll want to have a few backup tanks to ensure uninterrupted cooking sessions

 

Natural Gas (NG) vs. Propane Pizza Ovens:

Just like other types of gas grills, gas-fired pizza ovens come in two sub-fuel types, which is something to consider when choosing a gas pizza oven: Natural gas (NG) or Propane gas.

Natural gas is often the most suitable option for large built-in oven units, particularly those integrated into outdoor kitchens with accessible natural gas lines.

Propane gas is often used in freestanding units, where it's stored inside the base. It's preferred by those who value mobility, as it can be easily moved around.

 

(HYBRID PIZZA OVENS):

A hybrid or dual fuel oven is designed to accommodate both wood or gas cooking and is the top choice for those who are either on the fence on what single fuel source they want or simply prefer to have the flexibility to choose how to cook for the moment. One could whip up some wood-fire greatness today, and tomorrow be in the mood for something easy and quick with just the turn of the gas.

 

Why a hybrid option may be for you:

✓ You can't make up your mind on a wood or gas fueled oven

✓ Easily switch between fuel types and get to try two different cooking experiences as you please - the utmost flexibility over your cooking!

✓ Go where your mood takes you for the day - turn on the gas to whip something quick, or use wood for the rich flavor

 

What you need to know about hybrid ovens:

- These ovens are typically bulkier

- Usually pricier than single fuel ovens

- Requires thorough cleanings and maintenance like with wood-fired ovens

 

Now that you've decided on your preferred fuel type and cooking methodology, let's move on to how you want your pizza oven to be set up.

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Don't let the size of your space discourage you from a great pizza oven! The main setup types are Portable, Freestanding, Countertop, and Built-In.

 

(PORTABLE):

Portable pizza ovens are sort of similar to freestanding or countertop pizza ovens, but this term usually refers to smaller versions that you can take with you at any time of year that makes for a great camping trip, sports event, or tailgate party. Not only are these ovens smaller but they are usually constructed out of stainless steel which allows them to preheat quickly.

 

Why a portable configured option may be for you:

✓ You are looking for the least expensive configuration type in a pizza oven

✓ You are an adventurous soul and love the idea of a pizza making session while sitting by a camp fire

✓ You are looking for an overall convenient and easy to use pizza oven if you are constantly on the move

✓ You live in an apartment or townhouse dwelling

 

(FREESTANDING/MOBILE):

Freestanding or mobile configured ovens are designed with mobility in mind for those who want a semi permanent placement for their oven with the benefit of being able to move it around when needed.

Carts are included and often arrive with storage space for your essential accessories such as the wood and pizza utensils.

Many manufacturers will also include heavy-duty castor wheels for those who want to wheel their oven around easily, while others may include a stand version, best for those who want a more permanent placement for their oven.

 

Why a freestanding/mobile configured option may be for you:

✓ You need a bigger oven but don't want to deal with construction that is necessary for a remodel of your kitchen as is the case for a built-in

✓ You want the advantage of moving your oven around your space very much wherever and whenever needed

✓ You have limited space and cannot accommodate a larger oven

 

(COUNTERTOP):

Countertop ovens are the most popular configuration type - and for good reason! You want your pizza oven to be stationary but not exactly built into your outdoor kitchen. Designed to sit beautifully on your countertop, they offer a lot of practicality without the hassle of building or maintaining a large built-in oven.

They also make a great option for individuals or families that enjoy making homemade pizzas but are limited in space or budget.

 

Why a countertop configured option may be for you:

✓ You want a pizza oven that's very easy to set up with little to no assembly - just simply place oven onto countertop

✓ You don't want to deal with the construction necessary for a remodel of your kitchen

✓ You have limited room

✓ You're looking for an affordable option

 

NOTE: Ensure that there is enough clearance in your entryways and paths to enable smooth transport from delivery truck to countertop.

 

(BUILT-IN):

Built-in ovens are the largest type of pizza ovens and are made to be the permanent heart of your kitchen! Constructed from some of the highest quality materials, these ovens cook faster than other configuration types and can house multiple pies to cook at the same time. And of course, beyond pizza, they prove great for baking, roasting, and a lot more.

A sub-category of the built-in setup type are DIY pizza oven kits, which typically contain a pizza oven shell and all the other components to await complete assembly. This could be an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts or those seeking to customize the oven's external appearance to match their kitchen decor precisely.  **Additional details for DIY kits provided further below.

 

Why a built-in configured option may be for you:

✓ You frequently entertain and enjoy cooking outdoors

✓ You passionately enjoy making homemade pizzas and other delicious meals that require high temperatures

✓ You have a large outdoor kitchen or space and would like a cooker that can be seamlessly integrated into the design of your area

✓ You want to have a potential asset that can add value to your home if you decide to sell it (integrated pizza ovens are a desirable feature for homebuyers)

✓ You are a small restaurant owner who is willing to offer savory, wood-fired creations to your customers

 

Now that you've looked at the various setup types in a pizza oven let's see how these ovens are commonly built and what to look for.

 

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What you'll also see is that pizza ovens are unique in their construction to serve different purposes, and the choice you make will depend on your personal preference, budget, and specific needs. Ideally, you want an oven built from quality materials that will last for years. The main construction types are brick and metal.

 

(BRICK OVENS):

This is probably what you envision when you hear the term 'pizza oven'. They are the traditional form and are designed using refractory bricks along with a dome roof which combined, contributes to the excellent heat retention - which again, is very important when it comes to ultra high temperatures and evenly distributed cooking.

 

Why a brick oven option may be for you:

✓ You are a traditionalist

✓ You want a pizza oven that can last for many years

 

What you need to know about brick ovens:

- While these ovens take longest to heat up, they can maintain it for many hours once it reaches its ideal temperature

- These are some of the most expensive oven builds

- You need an installation professional

 

(METAL OVENS):

Featuring modern and sleek looks, metal ovens are more lightweight, arrive pre-assembled, and are usually made of stainless steel. Ovens made of metal heat up quickly and can reach high temperatures, but cannot hold onto that heat as well as a brick oven meaning that they will cool down just as quick as it heats up once you let the flames to settle.

 

Why a metal oven option may be for you:

✓ You desire the more modern and elegant look

 

What you need to know about metal ovens:

- You want to look for ovens that feature a double-wall for high heat retention

- In some economical models, these will be powdered coated

 

Did you know that you can build your own pizza oven? What??

Building an oven of your own can bring a great sense of pride and enjoyment. If you're a DIY enthusiast and the idea of putting together a pizza oven seems like the perfect crossover, then you'd be pleased to know that there are DIY kits made for this.

DIY kits makes it easy to have an oven fully assembled after a couple of hours.

 

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Pizza ovens come in all shapes and sizes, accommodating anywhere from a single pizza pie to as many as six.

The size of the oven will determine the amount of cooking surface area you have.

To find out how much cooking space you need in a pizza oven depends on: 1. the number of people you're serving, 2. the type of food or pizzas you're making, and 3. how frequently how plan to use the oven.

While there is no one-size fits all answer to this, below are general guidelines to help you estimate how much cooking surface area you need.

 

1. The number of people you plan to serve:

 

If you are only planning to enjoy solo meals: then a portable oven that fits a single standard pie may suffice.

If you are a small family or will celebrate with a small group: then a medium-sized oven that can fit two standard sized pies might be best.

If you have a large outdoor area and intend to feed a large crowd: you will want to go for a large oven with a large cooking capacity that fits multiple average sized pies at once.

2. The type of pizzas you will make:

But also consider the actual size of the pizzas you'll be making. Many prefer to make the common 12” sized pies, while others get more creative and enjoy preparing mini sized ones, with their own toppings and such.

3. How frequent you plan to use the oven:

If you run a pizzeria or restaurant, or even host a lot of parties at your home, then you'll definitely be needing a large cooking surface to handle high volume demand!

 

NOTE: Keep in mind that with wood-fired ovens, the wood itself will normally need an average of 10” of cooking surface area, so It's best to opt for an oven that is wider than you think you might need to accommodate all your pies. Worst case scenarios often come as a result of people having an oven that isn't large enough to house all their preparations at once.

 

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Pizza ovens can be installed indoors or outdoors. Do you want an outdoor oven that will add to your outdoor space? Or are you looking for an indoor option?

 

(OUTDOOR PIZZA OVENS):

Most of the pizza ovens in the market are designed to be used outdoors to create the ultimate backyard experience.

 

What you need to know about outdoor ovens:

- This is the easiest way to install an oven

- If you are considering a brick version, you need a small crane to get it into your desired location of your outdoor space

- If your oven will be used underneath a low hanging covered structure such as a pergola or roof ensure that the chimney vents properly whether through a cutout or by angling the position of the exhaust

- Follow all the local laws and regulations regarding the use of wood-burning ovens for your area

 

(INDOOR PIZZA OVENS):

Several brands manufacture pizza ovens to be used indoors. There are multiple considerations to make and guidelines you have to follow before you plan your purchase.

 

What you need to know about indoor ovens:

- Ensure you have the correct cutout clearance dimensions for the oven to fit in your structure

- Follow all the local laws and regulations regarding the use of wood-burning ovens for your area.

 

IMPORTANT: We highly suggest you contact a licensed contractor to handle venting and installation for you! Do not attempt to do it yourself if you are not trained.

 

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Pizza ovens generally range from a couple hundred for a small portable to over $10,000 for higher-end models. The investment you make in a pizza oven will be determined by your specific requirements and the extra features that you look for in an oven.

 

Here are some guidelines to help you determine how much you'll need to spend:

- If you only plan on using it occasionally, a budget-friendly model may be more suitable

- If you intend to use your oven regularly, you will want a premium model that come with additional features such as extra insulation, temperature gauges, and larger cooking surfaces.

- In a wood-fired oven, most authentic ones can start at over $1,000 and run upwards of $10,000 for the cream of the crop. Oven design quality is important when you take into account efficient cooking and longevity of the oven itself.

- If you live in an apartment or townhouse you might be restricted and can only use a smaller pizza oven such as a portable one which are some of the least expensive oven types

- With a hybrid pizza oven, you would be spending more than you would for a single fueled option of wood or gas

 

When deciding to buy a pizza oven, the amount you spend will vary based on the type of experience you look for, your needs, and your budget. For lots of people, the additional versatility provided by a high quality pizza oven is priceless, as it allows them to create unforgettable moments while cooking and living it up with their loved ones.

 

 

Now you are ready!

Purchasing a dedicated pizza oven is an exciting investment that can take your cooking and lifelong moments to new heights. By considering the factors mentioned in this guide, such as size, fuel source, and cooking style, you can narrow to the one that best fits your wants and needs.

Whether you go for an indoor or outdoor pizza oven, wood-fired or gas, portable or built-in, you're sure to enjoy delicious, professional-quality pizza and other baked goods right in the comfort of your space.