What is the best outdoor pizza oven kits?

Outdoor pizza ovens allow you to make delicious wood-fired pizza in your own backyard. With the right oven kit, you can get professional-quality results and enjoy restaurant-style pizza anytime. When shopping for the best outdoor pizza oven kit, there are several factors to consider including size, materials, ease of assembly, and extra features. Looking at customer reviews is also key to picking the right oven for your needs and budget.

What types of outdoor pizza ovens are available?

There are a few main types of outdoor pizza oven kits to choose from:

  • Wood fired – These ovens use real hardwood as the main fuel source to create authentic wood-fired pizza. They get extremely hot, up to 900°F, and use materials like brick or ceramic that retain and radiate heat for the perfect crust.
  • Propane fired – Propane oven kits use gas as the heating source. They heat up quickly, are simpler to use than wood fired options, and still reach high temps for crispy pizza crust.
  • Electric powered – Electric outdoor pizza ovens plug into a standard outlet and use heating elements to bake pizza. They are the easiest to use but don’t get as hot and don’t provide the same smoky wood-fired flavor.

You’ll also find various oven construction materials like stainless steel, ceramic, brick and more. Size is another consideration – small ovens hold one pizza at a time while larger models fit 2-3 pies. Portable ovens on carts offer mobility around your yard.

What are the pros and cons of wood fired pizza ovens?

Here are the main benefits and drawbacks of wood fired outdoor pizza oven kits:

Pros:

  • Authentic wood-fired pizza flavor
  • Extremely high temperatures, up to 900°F
  • Well-insulated for heat retention
  • Durable brick or ceramic construction
  • Great for cooking other foods too like meats, veggies, bread

Cons:

  • More expensive than other options
  • Heavy, permanent outdoor installation
  • More effort to maintain temperature and prep wood
  • Potential for smoke

The superior wood-fired taste and ability to hit temps hot enough for authentic pizza crust make these oven kits a top choice for pizza perfection in your backyard. But the higher price and installation requirements mean they aren’t the right fit for everyone.

What are the benefits of propane pizza ovens?

Propane fired outdoor pizza ovens offer some advantages over wood options:

  • Lower price point – Propane ovens are more budget friendly, starting around $300.
  • Heats up quickly – You can start cooking in around 15 minutes.
  • Easy temperature control – Turn a knob to adjust the flame.
  • Convenient fuel source – Standard propane tank hookup.
  • Good portability – Many propane oven kits come on wheels.

The quick start-up time, easy temperature regulation, and lower costs make propane ovens accessible for beginners. If you want wood-fired flavor though, propane can’t compete.

What features should I look for in a pizza oven kit?

Key features to evaluate when choosing an outdoor pizza oven include:

  • Size – Dimensions and pizza capacity.
  • Temperature range – Look for 500°F+ for pizza.
  • Construction – Durable materials like stainless steel, brick.
  • Portability – Wheels for mobility.
  • Ease of assembly – Pre-built kits versus DIY.
  • Design – Entry points, ventilation, insulation.
  • Extra features – Storage, prep surfaces, thermometers.

Consider how you plan to use the oven – for pizza only or for roasting meats and veggies too? Maximum temperature and insulation are key for crispy crust. Portability allows you to move the oven as needed. And while DIY brick ovens can be rewarding, pre-fabricated kits are much easier for the average home chef.

What are the best portable outdoor pizza oven options?

Here are top ranked portable outdoor pizza ovens based on customer reviews and ratings:

Oven Fuel Price
Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto Propane $349
Camp Chef Italia Artisan Propane $399
Ooni Koda Gas Powered Propane $399
ROCCBOX by Gozney Gas or Wood $499
Ooni Koda 16 Wood Pellet $699

The Pizzacraft Pizzeria and Camp Chef Italia are affordable propane options under $400. The Ooni Koda Gas and ROCCBOX provide the option to use either propane or wood fuel. And the Ooni Koda 16 is a versatile wood pellet oven with excellent heat retention and portability. Consider your budget and fuel type preference when choosing among portable pizza oven options.

What should I know about Ooni pizza ovens?

Ooni is one of the most popular high-end outdoor pizza oven brands on the market right now. Here are key facts about Ooni pizza ovens:

  • Specialize in portable wood, gas, and multi-fuel pizza ovens.
  • Reach temperatures up to 950°F.
  • Priced between $299-$599.
  • Top models include the Ooni Koda Gas/Wood, Ooni Karu, and Ooni Koda 16.
  • Feature sleek modern designs.
  • Known for high-quality durable construction.
  • Come fully assembled for fast setup.
  • Approved by pizza professionals and chefs.

Ooni ovens are designed specifically for making perfect pizza. They heat up incredibly fast and can bake a fresh pizza in just 60-90 seconds. Ooni offers both propane and wood fuel options to suit different cooking needs. While pricier than entry-level oven kits, Ooni is a smart investment for the pizza lover who wants a durable, high performance backyard oven.

Which wood pellet pizza oven is best?

Wood pellet ovens are a great option for evenly-heated, convenient wood-fired pizza cooking. Here are two top picks:

Ooni Karu

  • Multi-fuel oven uses wood pellets or charcoal.
  • Reaches temps up to 950°F.
  • Sleek modern stainless steel body with stone cooking floor.
  • Fast 20-minute warmup.
  • Portable – weighs just 47 lbs.

Ooni Koda 16

  • Specifically designed for wood pellets.
  • Huge 16″ pizza capacity.
  • Insulated for better heat retention.
  • Includes cordierite stone baking board.
  • Durable stainless steel construction.

The Ooni Karu and Koda 16 get rave reviews for ease of use, portability, and authentic wood-fired flavor. Wood pellets burn hot and evenly while adding a light smoky taste. Just pour pellets into the hopper and go. For wood-fired pizza purists, a pellet model is the way to go.

What are the best DIY outdoor pizza oven kits?

Building your own outdoor pizza oven from scratch can be extremely rewarding. Some top DIY outdoor pizza oven kits include:

  • Pompeii Oven Kit – Quality pre-cut brick oven kit with insulation and chimney.
  • Chicago Brick Oven – Complete 700 lb. brick oven and smoker kit.
  • Mugnaini Wood Fired Ovens – Handmade artisan Italian oven kits.
  • EarthBrickOvens – Brick oven kits plus clay and refractory cement.
  • Forno Bravo – Residential and commercial grade brick oven kits.

DIY pizza oven projects allow you to customize the size, shape, materials, and features. But they require more time, skill, and labor to construct. Consider hiring a professional builder for complex installations. Pre-cut oven kits help simplify the DIY process for ambitious beginners.

What are the best pre-built outdoor pizza ovens?

Want wood-fired pizza without the hassle of construction? Check out these top-rated pre-built outdoor pizza ovens:

Oven Fuel Price
ilFornino Professional Series Wood $3,490
Alfa Seeger ARV-L-W Wood $4,895
Mugnaini Wood Fired Wood $6,000+
Fontana Forni 242 Wood $6,299+
Californo Dutch Oven Wood $8,500+

Pre-built wood-fired ovens eliminate the hard work so you can start making pizza right away. Quality craftsmanship also ensures optimal heat retention and longevity. Brands like ilFornino, Mugnaini and Fontana Forni offer professional-grade models for under $5,000. Be prepared for high prices though, with top-tier ovens running $6,000 and up.

What accessories do I need for my outdoor pizza oven?

Must-have accessories for your outdoor pizza oven include:

  • Stainless steel pizza peel – For easily sliding pizzas in and out of the oven.
  • Infrared thermometer – Essential for monitoring cooking temps.
  • Wood storage – Protect fuel from outdoor elements.
  • Oven brush – For cleaning out ashes between uses.
  • Welding gloves – For safety while stoking the fire.
  • Outdoor countertop – Provides extra surface for prep and storage.

Nice-to-have extras include a pizza cutter, insulated carry bag, oven cover, and grill grate that sits on top of the oven for cooking meats or veggies. Investing in a few key accessories will make using your outdoor pizza oven much more convenient.

Conclusion

The best outdoor pizza oven for you depends on your budget, fuel preference, portability needs, and commitment level for setup and maintenance. Wood fired oven kits offer authentic flavor at a higher cost. Propane models provide convenience and accessibility for beginners. And versatile wood pellet ovens combine the ease of gas with natural hardwood taste.

Evaluate pizza capacity, construction quality, and extra features when comparing outdoor oven options. Quality brands like Ooni and ilFornino earn high praise but come at a price. For DIYers up to the challenge, a custom brick oven allows you to tailor the design and functionality. And ready-made wood-fired ovens provide instant professional results for a significant investment.

Equip your outdoor pizza oven with accessories for convenience and safety. An infrared thermometer, pizza peel, heat gloves and prep table help streamline the pizza making process. With the right oven kit and tools, you’ll be serving crave-worthy, restaurant-quality pies out of your own backyard in no time.