When it comes to outdoor dining, nothing beats the thrill of firing up your cooking station in the garden. But if you’re torn between buying a pizza oven or a BBQ, you’re not alone. Both offer amazing ways to cook outside, but each has its strengths depending on what you love to make.
In this pizza oven vs BBQ showdown, we’ll help you decide which is best for your style of UK garden cooking, from flavour and versatility to setup and social vibes. Whether you’re considering a traditional outdoor pizza oven in the UK or looking for a creative alternative, this guide has you covered.
Cooking Style & Versatility
Pizza Ovens
- Designed to reach extreme temperatures (up to 500°C)
- Perfect for Neapolitan pizzas in under 90 seconds
- Can also cook flatbreads, roast meats, fish, and even desserts with accessories
- Available in wood-fired, gas, and electric models
Great for: Authentic pizza lovers, bakers, and fans of quick, high-heat cooking.
BBQs
- Ideal for grilling meats, burgers, kebabs, and vegetables
- Some models (especially charcoal or kamado grills) can bake pizzas using a pizza stone
- Lower cooking temperatures than pizza ovens
- More smoke flavour and flexibility for slow cooking
Great for meat lovers, family barbecues, and entertaining in the garden.
Verdict: Pizza ovens win for pizza and speed. BBQs win for variety and smoke-rich flavour.
Heat-Up Time & Fuel Options
| Feature | Pizza Oven | BBQ |
| Heat-Up Time | 15–25 mins | 15–30 mins |
| Max Temp | 400–500°C | 200–300°C |
| Fuel | Wood, gas, pellets, electric | Charcoal, gas, electric |
| Temperature Control | High precision (especially gas models) | Moderate (gas) or manual (charcoal) |
🔥 Outdoor pizza ovens heat faster and reach higher temps, perfect for crispy crusts. BBQs offer longer, lower cooking for grilled perfection.
Space & Portability
Pizza Oven
- Tabletop options like Ooni and Roccbox are compact and portable
- Built-in ovens like the Gozney Dome need permanent space
- Usually lighter and easier to store than large gas BBQs
BBQ
- Portable charcoal BBQs are easy to move, but gas BBQs can be bulky
- Kamado or built-in models need dedicated space
- Often comes with storage cabinets, shelves, and accessories
Best for small patios or balconies: Portable pizza ovens
Best for larger garden kitchens: Gas or charcoal BBQs
Social & Entertaining Value
A big part of garden pizza cooking or barbecuing is the experience, cooking with friends, experimenting with toppings, or trying new marinades.
- Pizza ovens are great for DIY pizza parties and quick back-to-back cooking
- BBQs suit longer, more relaxed gatherings and grill-based menus
- Both can be centrepieces for your outdoor setup
Top tip: Combine both for the ultimate outdoor cooking station!
Cost Considerations
Pizza Ovens:
- Entry-level (Ooni Fyra, Koda 12): £250–£350
- Mid-range (Karu 16, Roccbox): £400–£700
- High-end (Gozney Dome, Delivita): £1,000+
BBQs:
- Entry-level charcoal BBQs: £100–£200
- Mid-range gas BBQs: £300–£600
- Premium or kamado grills: £800–£2,000+
Pizza ovens are cost-effective for pizza-specific cooking. BBQs offer more value for broader cooking needs.
Looking for a Pizza Oven Alternative?
If you already own a BBQ, you can turn it into a pizza oven alternative using:
- A pizza stone or steel plate
- A BBQ pizza oven insert (e.g. BakerStone or KettlePizza)
- A lidded grill to trap heat
While these won’t reach true pizza oven temps, they’re great for casual homemade pizza with a crisp base and smoky flavour.
Final Verdict: Which is the best option for you, Pizza Oven vs BBQ?
Choose a Pizza Oven if:
- You’re a pizza enthusiast and love high-heat baking
- You want fast cook times and artisan-style results
- You have a small space or prefer portable gear
Choose a BBQ if:
- You cook a wide range of meats and grilled dishes
- You prefer slow cooking, marinades, and smoked flavour
- You entertain frequently and want all-around versatility
Why Not Both?
More UK households are combining a compact outdoor pizza oven with a reliable BBQ to enjoy the best of both worlds. Pizza on Friday, BBQ on Sunday, what could be better?
