If you’ve ever dreamt of restaurant-quality pizza in your backyard or kitchen, you’ve probably considered buying a pizza oven. But is it worth it?
Let’s explore the pros, cons, and alternatives to help you make the right decision.
Key Takeaways
- Pizza ovens cook faster and hotter, creating crispier, more authentic pizzas.
- They’re versatile, you can also roast, bake, and sear in them.
- Electric ovens are convenient, but gas ovens offer better performance.
- Ooni pizza ovens are widely considered a worthwhile investment.
- Pizza ovens get very hot, safety and space considerations are key.
- A BBQ is better for meats; pizza ovens excel at high-heat baking.
- It is not essential for casual users, but it is ideal for pizza lovers and entertainers.
Pros of Owning a Pizza Oven
- High Heat = Better Pizza: Reaches 450-500°C, cooking pizzas in under 2 minutes.
- Crispier Crusts: The extreme heat creates the perfect balance of crisp and chewy.
- Versatility: Great for meats, vegetables, bread, and even desserts.
- Outdoor Entertainment: Ideal for hosting pizza nights and gatherings.
Cons of Owning a Pizza Oven
- Cost: Good quality ovens can range from £250 to £2,000+.
- Space: Some ovens are bulky and need dedicated outdoor or indoor areas.
- Learning Curve: Getting pizza dough and timing just right takes practice.
- Limited Use: If you don’t make pizza often, it could gather dust.
Does Pizza Taste Better From a Pizza Oven?
Yes, especially if you’re using a wood or gas oven. The high temperatures create blistered, airy crusts and lightly charred toppings, something regular ovens can’t quite replicate. A pizza oven delivers a true pizzeria-style result at home.
Are Electric Pizza Ovens Better Than Gas?
Electric pizza ovens are great for indoor use and offer more control, but they usually max out around 300°C. Gas pizza ovens get much hotter and cook faster, making them better for traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas. If authenticity and speed are priorities, gas wins.
Are Pizza Ovens Too Hot to Touch?
Yes. Most pizza ovens get extremely hot on the outside, especially metal-bodied ones. Always use heatproof gloves and tools, and keep children and pets away during use.
Should a Pizza Oven Have a Door?
A door helps retain heat and cook evenly, especially in traditional brick ovens. Portable gas or wood-fired ovens often don’t require a door, as their design ensures heat circulation without it. It depends on the oven type and cooking style.
Do You Need a Hood Over a Pizza Oven?
If it’s built indoors or under a covered area, outdoor ovens in open-air settings don’t need a hood. A ventilation hood is crucial for indoor pizza ovens to manage smoke and heat safely.
Is a Pizza Oven Better Than a BBQ?
They serve different purposes. A pizza oven is better for pizza, flatbreads, and quick roasting, while a BBQ is better for grilling, smoking, and searing meats. Some people prefer owning both, especially if they entertain often.
Is an Ooni Pizza Oven Worth It?
For many, yes. Ooni ovens are portable, high-performing, and relatively affordable. Models like the Ooni Koda (gas) and Ooni Karu (wood/multi-fuel) deliver authentic pizzas in 60 seconds. If pizza is a regular feature in your meals or gatherings, it’s a worthy investment.
Can You Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer?
You can, but with limits. Air fryers are fine for frozen or small homemade pizzas. However, they won’t match a real pizza oven’s texture, flavour, or char. Great for convenience, but not for authenticity.
Is Pizza Better in a Brick Oven?
Yes, brick ovens provide intense, even heat and natural steam that produces exceptional crust texture and flavour. But they take longer to heat up and are more expensive. For purists, it’s the ultimate setup.
Is a Pizza Oven Worth Getting?
A pizza oven is a great investment if you cook pizza often, love entertaining, or want restaurant-quality results at home. If space, budget, or frequency of use are concerns, consider other options.
What Else Can You Cook in a Pizza Oven?
Pizza ovens are more versatile than you think. You can also cook:
- Roasted vegetables
- Whole chickens
- Steaks
- Flatbreads and focaccia
- Desserts like cobblers or baked apples
Use cast iron pans or oven-safe trays to maximise versatility.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying a Pizza Oven?
Yes, if pizza is a passion. For the occasional user, the cost and effort may outweigh the benefits. However, for enthusiasts and families, it adds flavour, fun, and flexibility to home cooking.
