Outdoor pizza ovens have become a standout feature in modern backyards. They're more than just a tool for cooking pizza: they help create memorable gatherings, bring fire-based cooking outdoors, and elevate any patio or outdoor kitchen setup. Choosing the right oven means thinking beyond style—like how you cook, your space, and how much time you want to spend managing heat.
This guide breaks everything down clearly, so you can make the best decision, whether you're building a full outdoor kitchen or adding a new centerpiece to your patio.
Choose the Fuel Type That Matches Your Cooking Style
The first step is deciding what powers your oven. Each fuel type has a different impact on flavor, speed, and maintenance.
Wood-Fired Ovens
Use wood-fired ovens to make delicious pizza. They offer the classic experience. They burn hardwood to create high, even heat and that signature smoky flavor many pizza fans seek. Most can reach over 800°F (425°C), cooking pizzas in under 90 seconds.
Best for: People who enjoy tending a fire, appreciate rustic flavor, and want high-heat, traditional results.
Considerations:
- Requires a reliable wood source
- Longer preheat time (30–45 minutes)
- Needs fire management skill and cleaning
Gas Ovens
Gas-powered ovens, especially those that use propane, are known for their convenience. They heat up fast (often in 15 minutes or less) and offer easy temperature control with a knob.
Best for: Cooks who want quick, consistent results without dealing with wood or smoke.
Considerations:
- May not replicate wood-fired taste
- Requires access to gas or gas tanks
- Often more portable than wood units
Pellet-Fired Ovens
Pellet ovens combine some of the flavor benefits of wood with the convenience of controlled heat. They use compact hardwood pellets as fuel, fed from a side hopper.
Best for: Users looking for a balance of flavor, eco-conscious fuel use, and compact storage.
Considerations:
- Mid-length heat-up time (~20–30 minutes)
- Hopper needs regular refilling
- Ash cleanup required after every few uses
Electric Ovens
Electric pizza ovens are less common outdoors but ideal for covered patios or small balconies where open flames aren’t allowed.
Best for: Smaller patios, apartment setups, or customers who value precision and ease over traditional flavor.
Considerations:
- Doesn’t produce flame-charred crust
- Requires nearby power outlet
- Lower max temperature than fire-based models
Multi-Fuel Ovens
Multi-fuel ovens offer the best of both worlds—sometimes even three. They’re designed to work with more than one fuel type, such as pellets and gas, or pellets and electricity. This gives you flexibility based on what’s available, how quickly you want to cook, or the flavor you're going for. With models like the Big Horn® 12” Pellet & Gas or Pellet & Electric Pizza Oven, you can switch easily between modes depending on the occasion.
Best for: Cooks who want flexibility without committing to just one fuel type. Great for households that enjoy variety or entertain often.
Considerations:
- Slightly more setup compared to single-fuel ovens
- Requires storage for more than one type of fuel
- Switching between modes may involve changing burner or power connections
Size and Capacity Matter More Than You Think
Before falling in love with a certain design, consider your cooking needs and available space.
Oven Size and Pizza Capacity
Look at how many pizzas you want to cook at once. A 12" model works well for couples or small families, while a larger 16"+ oven or double-deck unit fits better if you often host gatherings.
Tip: Review the oven floor dimensions and check how many pies it can handle simultaneously. Cooking capacity isn't just about width, it’s also about how evenly heat is distributed across the surface.
Footprint and Portability
If space is limited or you rent your home, a lightweight gas or pellet oven is easy to store and transport. Permanent brick or stone ovens require more planning and installation space.
Quick Reference:
| Oven Type | Average Weight | Portability | Setup Required |
| Wood-Fired (Built-in) | 400–1,200 lbs | No | Yes |
| Gas (Portable) | 20–60 lbs | Yes | No |
| Pellet (Compact) | 25–50 lbs | Yes | Minimal |
Safety, Placement, and Local Rules
Outdoor pizza ovens must be installed and used responsibly. Even small ovens can produce intense heat and smoke, so take time to plan their location.
Safe Distance from Structures
Keep ovens at least 10–15 feet away from walls, fences, and overhangs. For wood-fired units, airflow is crucial: smoke can discolor surfaces or trigger fire alarms.
Chimney and Ventilation
Most wood-fired ovens need a chimney or flue to direct smoke up and away. This also helps maintain proper airflow for a steady flame. Gas ovens may have vents instead, since they produce less smoke.
Fire Codes and Planning Permissions
Portable ovens rarely need approval, but permanent installations (especially those built with brick, concrete, or gas connections) may trigger local building or fire safety reviews. Always check with your local municipality or HOA.
Build vs. Buy: Fixed or Portable?
Depending on your lifestyle and space, you’ll need to decide between a freestanding portable oven and a permanent built-in unit.
Portable Models
- Can be moved indoors during winter
- Ideal for renters or seasonal use
- Available in most fuel types (especially gas and pellet)
Built-In or Masonry Ovens
- Offers a centerpiece appeal in outdoor kitchens
- Adds a touch of luxury and permanence
- Better suited for wood-burning models
- May require concrete base or custom countertop
How Much Maintenance Are You Willing to Handle?
Every pizza oven needs care, but the type you choose will affect how often and how much you need to do.
| Fuel Type | Regular Tasks | Occasional Tasks |
| Wood | Empty ash, sweep floor, inspect chimney | Reseal dome, replace firebricks |
| Gas | Clean burners, check hose connections | Calibrate thermostat |
| Pellet | Empty ash tray, refill hopper | Clean fan and auger system |
| Electric | Wipe elements, check cords and controls | Clean vents and test sensors |
| Multi-Fuel | Clean based on fuel used, check switches | Clean connectors, inspect all systems |
Storage Tip: Even outdoor-rated ovens benefit from covers when not in use. This protects them from rust, debris, and pests.
Budget Smart: Upfront Costs and Long-Term Value
Pizza ovens range widely in price, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Plan not only for your initial purchase but also fuel, maintenance, and potential upgrades (such as stands, pizza peels, or covers).
Basic price tiers:
- Entry-Level (Compact gas/pellet): $150–$500
- Mid-Range (Larger portable models): $500–$1,200
- Built-In/Masonry or Multi-fuel: $2,000–$9,000+
When comparing options, consider total cost of ownership including fuel efficiency, maintenance requirements, and what accessories are included. Big Horn® ovens offer exceptional value with affordable prices, delivering professional-grade features for everyone and everyday use.
Also consider the return on enjoyment. If you entertain regularly or love experimenting with different recipes beyond pizza, then a quality oven will pay off in meals and memories.
Do Outdoor Pizza Ovens Add Real Value to a Home?
A thoughtfully placed, permanent pizza oven can enhance the appeal of your outdoor space. For homebuyers, it signals a lifestyle: one centered around hosting, cooking, and time spent outdoors.
Boosts Outdoor Entertainment
Pizza ovens are often the anchor of an outdoor kitchen setup. Pair it with prep counters, lighting, and seating, and you turn a backyard into a hospitality-ready space.
Appraisal and Buyer Appeal
While not guaranteed to raise appraisal numbers, a high-quality oven built into a professional-grade kitchen setup may help your home stand out in a competitive market, especially in regions where outdoor living is highly valued.
Find the Pizza Oven That Fits You
The best outdoor pizza oven is the one that matches your cooking habits, backyard layout, and comfort with fire or gas management. Whether you prefer the tradition of wood-fired flames or the speed of gas burners, there’s an oven style for every cook.
Take time to assess:
- How often you’ll use it
- Where it will live year-round
- What you want your food to taste like
With a thoughtful choice, your outdoor pizza oven will become part of your lifestyle.
Ready to Cook Outdoors Your Way?
At Big Horn® Outdoor, we believe outdoor cooking should be effortless, flavorful, and fun. Browse our collection of gas, wood, and hybrid pizza ovens—designed for both casual backyard cooks and serious fire-food lovers.
Build your outdoor kitchen around what you love to cook.
