Want to make amazing pizzas at home, just like your favorite pizza place? Yes, you totally can! Pizza ovens are really popular now, and there’s a perfect one out there just for your pizza party.
But with all the choices: wood, gas, electric, tiny ones, big ones...figuring out which one to get can feel a bit overwhelming. So here this guide is to help you understand all the options and pick the pizza oven that fits your life perfectly.
Understanding Pizza Oven Types: What's the Difference?
First let's get to know the different types. Here are the main kinds of pizza ovens and they mostly differ by what fuel they use and where you can put them.
How They Get Hot (Fuel Type)
Wood-Fired Ovens: For Authentic Flavor
- What they do: These ovens burn wood pellets to get super hot (570-660°F!). This is how you get that unique smoky flavor and those perfectly crispy, slightly charred edges on your pizza. It’s the closest you’ll get to a traditional Italian pizza taste.
- Things to know: They take a bit longer to heat up (around 18-20 minutes), and you'll need to keep adding pellets to keep the fire going. It takes a little practice, but the taste is worth it.
- Best for: People who love that classic, smoky taste and don't mind a little extra effort for a big flavor payoff.
Gas Ovens: For Speed and Convenience
- What they do: Hook them up to a gas tank (like a BBQ) and they blast to incredibly hot temperatures (up to 1140°F!) in just 15 minutes. Your pizza can be cooked in a super fast 90 seconds!
- Things to know: Gas ovens don't add a smoky flavor, but they're incredibly fast and easy to use. You get precise control over the temperature with a simple knob.
- Best for: Busy families, people who want quick results, or anyone who prefers easy, consistent cooking without managing a fire.
Electric Ovens: For Indoor Use & Consistent Results
- What they do: Just plug them into a regular wall outlet, and they heat up to 850°F. Many have smart settings for different pizza styles (like thin crust or deep dish), making it easy to get consistent results every time. They usually heat up in 15 minutes and cook a large pizza in about 3 minutes.
- Things to know: No smoky flavor here, but they offer the most reliable and easy-to-control cooking experience, especially for indoor use.
- Best for: Apartment dwellers, people who want to cook indoors, or anyone looking for super consistent results with minimal fuss.
Dual-Fuel Ovens: For Ultimate Flexibility
- What they do: These are pretty cool because they can use both electricity and wood pellets. So you can plug it in for a quick weeknight pizza, or switch to wood for that authentic smoky taste on the weekend.
- Things to know: They can cost a bit more, but you get the best of both worlds.
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Best for: People who want options and like to switch between quick convenience and a more traditional, flavorful cook.
Where It Lives (Location & Portability)
- Indoor Countertop Ovens: These are small enough to sit on your kitchen counter. Some even fold up to save space when you're not using them.
- Outdoor Portable Ovens: If you want to take your pizza-making on the go, these are for you! They're lighter (around 25-42 pounds) and often have foldable legs for easy transport to picnics, camping trips, or friends' houses.
- Outdoor Fixed/Built-in Ovens: These are bigger, permanent ovens that are usually built into an outdoor kitchen setup. They're great for large gatherings and become a real centerpiece in your backyard.
How to Choose Pizza Ovens? Think About These!
Understanding the different fuel types and sizes of pizza ovens is a great start. Now, let's get into the practical stuff. Choosing the right oven means thinking about how you actually like to cook and what truly fits your life.
How Many Pizzas Will You Make? (Size Matters)
- Small (around 12-inch) ovens: Good for 1-2 pizzas at a time, perfect for a small family or a couple.
- Medium (around 14-inch) models: Can handle slightly larger pizzas and are good for small gatherings.
- Large (around 16-inch) units: Ideal if you're making pizzas for a crowd or want to cook other things like big roasts or bread.
What Kind of Flavor Do You Want?
- Smoky and traditional? Choose wood-fired.
- Clean and pure, letting your toppings shine? Gas is a great choice.
- Consistent results without smoky notes? Go electric.
How Quickly Do You Need Pizza?
- Super fast (60-90 seconds)? Gas or wood ovens get incredibly hot and cook lightning fast.
- Still quick (around 3 minutes)? Electric ovens are still very speedy for home cooking.
How Easy Do You Need It To Be?
- Gas & Electric: Generally very easy to use, almost like turning on a regular oven. Great for beginners.
- Wood-fired: Takes a bit more learning to manage the fire and temperature, but it's a fun skill to master.
What's Your Budget?
- Entry-level options: Around $100-200 (basic models).
- Mid-range choices: $200-400 (more features, better quality).
- Premium units: $400+ (top-of-the-line options).
Don't forget to think about the cost of fuel too.
Where Will You Put It?
- Outdoor ovens: Need enough clear space around them (about 24-36 inches) for safety and ventilation.
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Indoor ovens: Make sure you have enough counter space and a nearby electrical outlet.
Your Perfect Match: Which Oven Fits Your Life Best?
Considering all these factors we've explored, finding the pizza oven that truly aligns with your lifestyle is the next step. Think about what you love doing and how you like to cook!
If you're a "Flavor Fanatic" who loves a challenge:
Your perfect match is Big Horn's wood pellet series (12" or 16"). With innovative flame design, it gives you unmatched flavor and that satisfying feeling of creating something truly authentic.
This oven is for someone who sees pizza making as a rewarding hobby, not just a quick meal.
If you're a "Speedy Chef" who loves convenience:
If you get home from work at 6 PM, turn on the oven while you prep toppings, and by 6:20 you're pulling out restaurant-quality pizza. A Big Horn gas pizza oven (12" or 13") is your best friend.
Reaching 1140°F in 15 minutes and cooking pizzas in 60-90 seconds, it's perfect for busy weeknights and quick gatherings.
If you're an "Indoor Innovator" who loves precision:
You value consistency and ease, especially if your kitchen is where most of your cooking happens. You appreciate features that make life easier. Your ideal companion is Big Horn's 14" electric series. With 6 preset programs and space-saving design, it fits neatly indoors and delivers reliable results.
If you're a "Versatile Entertainer" who wants options:
You love to host, and you want the flexibility to make different kinds of pizza depending on the occasion. A Big Horn dual-fuel oven is your ultimate tool.
Switch between 1850W electric convenience and wood pellet flavor, this oven lets you be ready for any pizza party!
If you're an "Adventurous Foodie" who likes to travel:
Camping, tailgating, or at a friend's house—your idea of fun includes making fresh pizza wherever you are.
Big Horn's portable models with foldable legs are perfect travel buddies. At just 25-42 pounds with tool-free assembly, take pizza anywhere! Look for lightweight models with foldable legs that can handle being on the move. Pizza by the lake? Absolutely!
Smart Shopping Tips: Don't Buy Without Checking!
Before you pick your new pizza oven, here are some smart tips to make sure you get a great one:
- Read Reviews Carefully: Don't just look at the star ratings! Read what real people say. Do they talk about how hot it gets (or doesn't)? Is it hard to clean? Does it seem durable? Look for patterns in what many people are saying.
- Check the Warranty: A good company stands behind its products. Look for at least a 1-year warranty, or even longer if you can find one. This protects you if something goes wrong.
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Think About Accessories: Most ovens come with some basic tools, but these can make a big difference:
- Pizza Peel: This is the flat shovel you use to slide pizzas in and out. A good one is essential!
- Protective Cover: If your oven will be outside, a cover keeps it safe from weather.
- Infrared Thermometer: It's a handy tool that tells you the exact temperature of your pizza stone – key for perfect crusts!
Final Word
The best pizza oven isn't always the most expensive. It's the one that fits your space, your cooking style, and makes the kind of delicious pizza you love.
Ready to start making amazing pizzas with Big Horn Outdoors?
