Homemade pizza shines when baked in a dedicated pizza oven, as these smart devices replicate the authentic cooking experience, delivering quality far beyond what a standard oven can achieve.
When searching for a pizza oven, you'll find two main types: indoor and outdoor. With the colder months approaching, it's wise to consider the advantages of an indoor pizza oven. These ovens can be utilized year-round, unlike their outdoor counterparts, and often offer better storage solutions.
However, before investing in a new oven, be aware of some limitations inherent to indoor models. Having tested many options, I can confidently point out which oven suits different homes.
Which Oven Delivers the Best Flavor?
Determining which oven produces the tastiest pizza is simple: outdoor pizza ovens reign supreme. The type of fuel used plays a significant role in flavor. Generally, wood-fired ovens deliver the best taste, followed by gas, with electric ovens trailing far behind.
Wood-fired ovens impart a unique smoky flavor that others can't replicate. The flames also enhance the melting of cheese, resulting in perfectly cooked pizza. Wood ovens are considered the best since they emulate traditional brick pizzerias.
Gas ovens, while also providing flames for effective cooking, lack the smokiness of wood-fired varieties. If you're not fond of smoky flavors, a gas oven might suit you, but many find them less flavorful compared to their wood counterparts. It's akin to the difference between charcoal and gas grilling—subtle but noticeable.
Both gas and wood ovens can reach much higher temperatures, often between 900°F and 1100°F, while standard kitchen ovens peak at 500°F. This allows pizzas to cook in just one or two minutes instead of ten.
Outdoor ovens often come with added features like steam injectors to keep dishes moist, providing much more versatility than electric models.
Electric pizza ovens, essentially larger toaster ovens, lack the smoky flavor or flame-cooking capability. They produce pizza similar to that of a conventional oven but with slightly crisper bases, thanks to the pizza stone. If you're after peak flavor, a wood-fired oven is the way to go.
For a fair comparison, let's look at the best indoor versus outdoor models:
Best indoor
Fuel type: Electric
Exterior dimensions: 18.1 x 18.5 x 10.6"
Cook surface: 12 x 12"
Cook time: 2-7 minutes
Best type of pizza: Any
Best overall outdoor
Fuel type: Wood and gas
Exterior dimensions: 33 x 32 x 20"
Cook surface: 16.7 x 16.7"
Cook time: 1 minute
Best type of pizza: Neapolitans
| Breville Smart Oven | Ooni Karu 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | Electric | Wood & gas |
| Exterior dimensions | 18.1 x 18.5 x 10.6" | 33 x 32 x 20" |
| Cook surface | 12" x 12" | 16.7 x 16.7" |
| Cook time | 2-7 minutes | 1 min |
| Best type of pizza | Any | Neapolitan |
The comparison shows that the Ooni Karu surpasses the Breville Smart Oven. It accommodates more fuel types, larger pizzas, and faster cooking times. In taste tests, the Ooni Karu 16 consistently produced superior pizzas.
Nonetheless, the Breville has its advantages. Its compact size is ideal for limited spaces, and being electric means straightforward plug-and-play use—no hassles with propane or wood. Additionally, it features dedicated settings for various pizza styles, simplifying the cooking process.
Which Oven is More Affordable?
Pizza ovens can be pricey, often exceeding $1000. Indoor models, such as the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo and Ooni Volt 12, typically cost around $800, while comparable outdoor versions like the Gozney Arc and Ooni Koda 16 range from $600 to $700.
If you're on a budget, I recommend opting for an affordable wood pizza oven. They deliver exceptional flavor that rivals much pricier models, outperforming indoor alternatives. For instance, compare the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven with the Ooni Fyra:
Best wood-fired
Fuel type: Wood
Exterior dimensions: 29.1 x 15.4 x 28.5"
Cook surface: 13.2"
Cook time: 1 minute 30 seconds
Best type of pizza: Neapolitans
Best budget indoor pizza oven
Fuel type: Electric
Exterior dimensions: 17.5" x 19" x 11"
Cook surface: 12.5" x 12.5"
Cook time: 7 minutes
Best type of pizza: Cheese pizza
| Ooni Fyra 12 | Cuisinart Indoor Oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | Wood | Electric |
| Exterior dimensions | 29.1 x 15.4 x 28.5" | 17.5" x 19" x 11" |
| Cook surface | 13.2"x 13.2" | 12.5" x 12.5" |
| Cook time | 1 min 30 | 7 minutes |
| Best type of pizza | Neapolitans | Cheese pizza |
The Cuisinart only excels in one area: size. The Ooni Fyra has a larger cooking area, cooks significantly faster, and offers superior flavor. Additionally, it often has a lower MSRP, making it the more budget-friendly choice. If outdoor space is available, consider a cost-effective outdoor model, like a mass-market pizza oven from Walmart, which will be a much better option.
Which Oven is More User-Friendly?
Indoor pizza ovens win for ease of use—this is their main advantage. They're straightforward to set up, allowing for cooking anytime.
Indoor models connect to utility power, eliminating concerns about propane tanks or wood supplies. Just plug in and start cooking.
They also have user-friendly settings for different pizza styles, so you can cook without constant monitoring. Simply place your pizza inside, and the oven handles the rest.
Most importantly, you can use them regardless of the weather. While outdoor pizza cooking can be fun, winter conditions can make it a hassle. An indoor oven lets you entertain guests without worrying about cold temperatures and lighting challenges.
Which Oven is Easier to Store?
Outdoor pizza ovens generally offer better storage options. Although marketed as space-saving, indoor ovens occupy significant countertop space—often at least a square foot. In smaller kitchens, they can consume valuable shelf space.
Conversely, outdoor ovens can be stored outside or in garages, keeping them out of the way. They might be larger, but they don't clutter your kitchen.
Which Oven is More Attractive?
Considering that pizza ovens are large, costly items, aesthetics are key since they'll likely be visible year-round.
Indoor models often lack visual appeal compared to outdoor ovens, which are designed to stand out in social settings. Indoor ovens tend to be plain, typically available in stainless steel or black, and may not enhance your kitchen's decor.
For instance, while the Ooni Volt is functional, its design is rather unremarkable. It may not suit a vibrant kitchen aesthetic.
In contrast, the original Gozney Dome, with its olive hue, serves as a stylish addition. It complements various garden styles beautifully. Outdoor models often come in diverse colors, allowing you to match them to your design preferences.
Best indoor/outdoor
Fuel type: Electric
Exterior dimensions: 24.2" x 20.8" x 10.9"
Cook surface: 13"x13"
Cook time: 1 min 30s
Best type of pizza: Neapolitan
Best-looking oven
Fuel type: Wood & gas
Exterior dimensions: 26" x 24.8" x 28.8"
Cook surface: 16"
Cook time: 2 minutes
Best type of pizza: Calzone
| Ooni Volt 12 | Gozney Dome | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel type | Electric | Wood and gas |
| Exterior dimensions | 24.2" x 20.8" x 10.9" | 26" x 24.8" x 28.8" |
| Cook surface | 13"x13" | 16" |
| Cook time | 1 min 30s | 2 minutes |
| Best type of pizza | Neapolitan | Calzone |
Pizza Oven Questions Answered
Can Outdoor Pizza Ovens Be Used Indoors?
No, outdoor pizza ovens aren't safe for indoor use. Both gas and wood models produce smoke, which can be hazardous indoors. The only exception is the Ooni Volt 12, the sole model approved for indoor and outdoor use.
Once you've determined the type of pizza oven you prefer, consider other factors before making a purchase. It's essential to choose the right fuel source and evaluate the top brands in the market.
Always measure your available space prior to buying, as pizza ovens can be surprisingly bulky and require ample room for functionality.
