Summer is fast approaching, which means outdoor entertaining is finally back on the cards. To really up your al fresco hosting game, invest in a pizza oven. Not only will it seriously impress the guests at your garden party, but you'll have an endless supply of homemade pizzas to enjoy all summer long. In fact, you may never be tempted to order a pizza again.
The home pizza oven market is saturated with a huge variety of options, so to help you make your decision, we've rounded up some of the best outdoor pizza ovens to buy in 2024. But firstly, there are a few things you'll need to consider...
What to look for in an outdoor pizza oven
A key factor you'll need to think about when choosing an outdoor pizza oven is its size. Consider where you want it to live in your garden and how it will fit. Take note of the oven's dimensions and ensure it will work with your existing outdoor furniture and the space available without overwhelming it. You'll also need it to be big enough to accommodate enough pizzas for the amount of people you intend to feed, so factor that in to your decision as well.
Another important aspect to consider is fuel type. Many outdoor pizza ovens are wood-fired, which lends the pizza a nice, smoky flavour, while others are gas fuelled and come with an easy ignition and adjustable temperature. There's also the option for multi-fuel ovens, which can feature both gas and wood burners, or coal ovens, which are slower to cook than a traditional wood-fired oven, but offer a crispier crust. Whatever fuel you choose, ensure the oven is between 400ºC and 500ºC before you cook your pizza.
Types of outdoor pizza oven
Portable pizza ovens
Portable pizza ovens are perfect if you don't want to commit to a larger outdoor oven, or even if travel frequently, as you can easily fold it away and pop it in the back of your car. Despite their smaller size, portable outdoor pizza ovens can often reach high temperatures to rival larger ovens and offer excellent cooking results. Portable outdoor pizza ovens are usually on the lower end of the pizza oven price range.
Freestanding pizza ovens
Opt for a freestanding pizza oven if you don't plan on keeping it in the same place in your garden. If yours doesn't come with a protective cover, be sure to invest in one, so you can leave it outside all year long. Most freestanding pizza ovens are wood fired or charcoal fuelled.
Built-in pizza ovens
Diehard pizza fans may want to consider building your own outdoor pizza oven (or having one built for you). You can get most of the items you need from builder’s merchants, and the feeling of building one from scratch is predictably satisfying. If you do opt to have a pizza oven custom built for you, expect to shell out a lot of cash. And of course, a built-in pizza oven can't be moved around, so you'll have to be 100% sure of its placement.
Hybrid pizza ovens
Hybrid pizza ovens sit on top of your barbecue and use the heat from underneath to heat up. You can also purchase barbecues with in-built pizza ovens. The general consensus, however, is that ovens designed specifically for making pizza tend to result in the best pizzas, so only consider a hybrid pizza oven if you'll be using the barbecue feature a lot separately anyway.
Best outdoor pizza ovens to buy in 2024
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Ooni is the leading brand for outdoor pizza ovens, and for good reason. It offers a huge range of wood, gas and coal-powered pizza ovens, as well as multi-fuel options, such as the Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven. Using real wood or charcoal, the Karu 12 can cook wood-fired, stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds. It's also gas compatible – simply order a gas burner attachment for even more flexibility. The Ooni Karu 12 gets bonus points for its portability. Weighing just 12kg, it can be easily moved around the garden and stored away during the winter months.
Gozney Dome Pizza Oven
Gozney's professional grade outdoor oven will satisfy chefs and amateurs alike with its easy-to-use engineering and handy features. Its Dual Fuel model enables you to use just wood or wood and gas, with a built-in gas burner that allows you to easily switch between fuel types and reach 500°C at the turn of a dial. It makes a tasty pizza, but it can also be used to roast, smoke, steam or bake just about anything. The water-resistant and UV stable ceramic bonded outer coating means you can keep it in the garden all year round.
Igneus Classico Pizza Oven
This wood-fired pizza oven from Igneus is spacious enough to cook two stone baked pizzas at the same time in less than 90 seconds, making it ideal for families or garden parties. It boasts a removable chimney, built-in thermometer and removable refactory bricks, which are responsible for that distinctive stone-baked taste. As it only weighs 45kg (20kg with the bricks removed), it can be either built-in or placed on a stand, and can easily be moved around your garden.
Delevita Outdoor Pizza Oven
DeliVita’s Outdoor Pizza Oven is a portable wood-fired oven that will have your pizza cooked and ready to eat in 90 seconds, after simply loading it with wood 25 minutes prior. Its relatively compact size is perfect for small gardens or balconies and it can also be used to cook meat, fish and vegetables. Unlike some of the clunkier models on the market, this pizza oven looks the part. Choose from a range of finishes: the super sleek Chilli Red gets our pick.
Woody Portable Wood Fired Pizza Oven Kit
One of the more affordable options we've come across, Woody's Portable Wood Fired Pizza Oven Kit offers all the tools you need to make exceptional wood fired pizza at home, without the need for additional equipment, which inevitably inflates the price. Woody reaches 500°C in just 15 minutes and Cordierite Stone, ensures delicious firm-based pizzas. You can also cook steaks, fish and even bread in the oven, and transport it easily around the garden.
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