Making pizza at home has never been easier than it is today! With your very own alfresco pizza oven, you’ll be able to compete with restaurant-quality pizza chefs all in the sanctuary of your home.

In recent years, the demand for pizza ovens has grown exponentially, and it is clear why: they are relatively portable, compact, easy to use and set up, and since they can reach a temperature up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll be whipping out scrumptious pies in no time!

On top of this, they are extremely affordable.

Most alfresco pizza ovens will only set you back a couple of hundred dollars; this is a small investment when you compare it to the likes of backyard brick ovens.

Requiring as little as a table and some wood, or a propane tank, you’ll get your pizza up and running in a flash.

With all this in mind, we have created a complete guide to the best alfresco pizza ovens to try today.

Let’s get straight into it!

1. Ooni Koda 16


Ooni is a well-known brand when it comes to producing high-quality, powerful outdoor pizza ovens. Some models work exclusively on gas, while others contain a combination of wood and gas – there’s sure to be something that meets your needs.

The Koda 16 is the larger propane-powered model among the two featured pizza ovens – attributing an impressive 16-inch cooking area as opposed to the Koda 12’s 12-inch cooking area.

On top of this, the oven provides a relatively lightweight construction, easy setup, powerful L-shaped flame, large cooking space, and no-fuss functionality.

All these features come together to make it a versatile, family-friendly model when cooking homemade pizza.

Pros

  • Easy to use – Minimal setup is required with this pizza oven.
  • Simple temperature control – Ensures you only need to turn the pie once or twice for an evenly cooked crust.
  • L-shaped heat source – pizza cooked towards the back of the oven only needs a couple of minutes to become bubbly and charred.

Cons

  • No built-in thermometer – Gauging the temperature is much harder without a thermometer.
  • Accessories are sold separately – For example, a peel.

Also available from:
ooni.com

2. Gozney Roccbox


Gozney pizza ovens are best known for their professional grading and this Roccbox bears no exemptions to the statement – providing pro-level quality straight to your kitchen.

It is chic, modern, contains an almost extraterrestrial shape, and is available in a choice of two exterior colors (olive green or slate gray), making it a popular choice among design enthusiasts.

Since the oven doesn’t take up much space, it is a great option for those looking to make the most out of their small backyard or patio.

Plus, it looks extremely cool, what else could you want? Your guests are sure to be impressed at your pizza parties!

The gas source is located toward the back of the dome-shaped oven, providing your pizzas with a nice char on both the top and bottom – cooking your pizza perfectly in a matter of minutes.

Pros

  • Easy-to-read thermometer – Ensures you are reaching the perfect temperature every time for best results.
  • Modern design and color options – Find a pizza oven that blends in seamlessly with your outdoor decor.
  • Reaches high heat quickly – You’ll be able to whip out pizza in no time.

Cons

  • Hard to cool down once the temperature is high – Cool-down time is much longer than in other ovens.

Also available from:
us.gozney.com

3. Ooni Fyra 12


If you’re looking to avoid propane ovens, then this Ooni Fyra is the ideal choice for you. Instead of propane, it runs on wood pellets; however, it still can reach temperatures upwards of 950 degrees Fahrenheit.

Plus, with its 22-pound weight and small size, it makes for an easy pizza oven to pack up and conveniently travel with you.

A handy feeding tube is attached to the back of the oven which allows you to pour your wood pellets to keep your fire going.

Unlike propane-powered ovens, wood fires are slightly more difficult to control in terms of temperature – you may have to nudge the flue damper from time to time to achieve the perfect temperature – however, in approximately 90 seconds, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, cheesy pies.

Pros

  • Portability – More portable than other pizza oven models
  • Gets very hot – Cooks your pizza to perfection.
  • Adds wood flavor to pizzas – Can’t be achieved with a propane model.

Cons

  • No thermometer – Determining the right temperature is difficult.

Also available from:
ooni.com

4. Solo Stove Solo Pi


Primarily known for its popular smokeless fire pits, Solo Stove is applying its impressive knowledge to pizza ovens.

Similar to the company’s fire pit, Solo Stove’s Solo Pi works just as well, allowing you to whip up pies in minutes.

Not only does it contain a wide mouth that allows you to see and turn your pizzas with ease, but it also features an attractive stainless steel exterior that is easy to clean.

If this pizza oven sounds like something up your street, then we recommended purchasing the additional propane attachment.

Due to the oven’s efficiency, it burns through the wood so quickly that constant restocking is required; therefore, the propane attachment will allow you to focus on cooking your pies.

Pros

  • Dual-fuel oven – You can cook your pizzas on the grill.
  • Modern, attractive design – Great for those decor enthusiasts.
  • Cooks pizzas well – Achieve all your pizza goals with this oven.

Cons

  • Hard to refuel wood – Some have found refueling wood to be difficult due to its size.

Also available from:
solostove.com

5. BakerStone Portable Gas Series Pizza Oven Box


Get two for the price of one with the BakerStone Pizza Oven Box!

Originally, it was designed as a box to be placed on a grill, this allows you to remove the top of the ‘firebox’ and cook your pizza on a grill.

Inside the oven, you’ll find five sides of pizza stones which cook surprisingly well when compared to the open-flame Gozney Roccbox and Ooni Koda.

The stone’s ability to maintain and radiate heat ensures that your pizza is cooked evenly with a decent amount of char.

Additionally, you’ll also find two gas burners inside the firebox with their knobs, allowing you to experiment with your pizza oven heat.

Another hole on the side of the firebox enables you to see how the flames are flickering away.

Plus, an easy-to-read thermometer provides you with the exact temperature inside your pizza oven – just keep an eye on it when you’re cooking your pizza for the best results!

Pros

  • Radiant heat – Provides nice char.
  • Five-sided stone baking chamber – Reaches high temperatures quickly.
  • Two gas knobs – More temperature control.

Cons

  • Complex assembly – Harder setup.

Also available from:
bakerstonebox.com

Buyer’s Guide

There are a few different considerations to make before purchasing the best alfresco pizza oven.

To help with this, we have created a detailed buyer’s guide on everything to look out for.

Fuel Source

Pizza ovens can either be heated by charcoal, wood pellets, or propane (for indoor models there are also electric options).

Before choosing an outdoor pizza oven, you’ll want to consider the heat source for you.

While propane ovens are easier to control in terms of temperature, charcoal, wood pellets, or wood provide that reminiscent smoky flavor to your pizza.

Plus, carrying a bag of wood or pellets is a lot easier than a tank of propane, especially if you’re considering long camping trips.

Oven Size

Another consideration to make is the size of the oven itself.

Typically, most outdoor ovens can accommodate pizza roughly 12 inches in diameter; however, some can be larger and fit 16-inch pizzas – which is ideal if you’re looking to feed a crowd.

On the other hand, some also have a taller interior which is great for experimenting with other types of food, including bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have answered all your burning questions concerning alfresco pizza ovens.

Propane Vs. Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?

Wood-fired pizza ovens take your pies to the next level. The wood provides a certain charm and character to your pizza which simply can’t be achieved with a propane oven.

Although, having said that, wood-fired ovens require a lot more work and setup, as well as cleaning afterward!

On the other hand, propane pizzas can retain and maintain a more accurate temperature with less effort than a wood oven.

Ultimately, the decision with the two ovens comes down to your personal preferences and what you’re looking to achieve with your pizza oven.

Final Thoughts

Achieve restaurant-quality pizza all within the comfort of your backyard with an alfresco pizza oven. Cooking pizza has never been easier – or quicker! – than with a pizza oven.

In as little as a few minutes, you’ll have a cheesy, nicely charred pie. Hopefully, this guide has informed you about the best alfresco pizza ovens.