Top-Rated Pizza Ovens for Outdoor Wood-Fired Cooking

Outdoor wood-fired pizza ovens have become a symbol of rustic cooking and delicious, artisan pizzas. The smokiness of the wood, the high temperatures, and the distinct flavors they impart make these ovens an irresistible choice for many pizza enthusiasts. If you're looking to create a perfect pizza in your backyard, a wood-fired oven is the ultimate tool. In this guide, we'll explore some of the top-rated pizza ovens specifically designed for outdoor wood-fired cooking, breaking down their key features, benefits, and what makes them ideal for a wood-fired pizza experience.

Why Choose a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven?

Wood-fired ovens are the quintessential way to cook pizza. Here are a few reasons why they stand out:

• High Heat: Wood-fired ovens can reach temperatures upwards of 900°F (482°C), perfect for cooking pizzas quickly and creating that crispy crust with the soft interior.
• Flavor Infusion: The wood smoke adds a distinctive, rich flavor to the food that you just can't replicate with gas or electric ovens.
• Versatility: While primarily used for pizzas, these ovens can also cook bread, roasts, vegetables, and even desserts like pies.
• Authenticity: Wood-fired cooking is an ancient technique, and using a traditional method enhances the experience, making it feel like you're cooking in a true Italian pizzeria.

Now, let's dive into some of the best wood-fired pizza ovens that you can use to create incredible outdoor meals.

1. Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven

Overview

The Ooni Karu 16 is one of the most popular and versatile outdoor pizza ovens on the market. With the ability to use wood, charcoal, or gas, this oven is ideal for those looking for a flexible cooking experience. Its design is crafted for high-heat cooking, which is essential for wood-fired pizza.

Key Features

• Multi-Fuel Capability: You can cook with wood, charcoal, or switch to gas for more convenience.
• Maximum Temperature: Can reach up to 932°F (500°C), allowing you to achieve that perfect pizza crust with a soft, chewy interior.
• Large Cooking Area: Accommodates pizzas up to 16 inches in diameter, making it perfect for family-sized pies.
• Portable Design: Despite its large cooking surface, it's still portable enough for backyard or camping use.

Why It's Great for Wood-Fired Cooking

The Ooni Karu 16 is a perfect blend of functionality and versatility. Its multi-fuel capabilities allow you to experiment with different wood types to infuse unique flavors into your pizza. The high temperature and even heat distribution ensure your pizza cooks evenly, with the characteristic crispy and smoky crust of wood-fired pizza.

Pricing

Approximately $799, this oven is priced in the higher range but offers premium performance and versatility.

2. Camp Chef Artisan Pizza Oven 16

Overview

The Camp Chef Artisan Pizza Oven 16 is built for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. It's engineered with a heavy-duty construction and provides an excellent cooking surface for pizza lovers looking for that traditional wood-fired taste.

Key Features

• Cooking Surface: Features a 16-inch cooking surface, ideal for large pizzas.
• Temperature Range: The oven can reach up to 700°F (371°C), high enough for making wood-fired pizzas.
• Insulated Construction: The oven's insulated design helps retain heat, ensuring consistent and even cooking.
• Gas Grill Compatibility: Can be placed on top of a Camp Chef gas grill, adding versatility to the cooking process.

Why It's Great for Wood-Fired Cooking

The Camp Chef Artisan Pizza Oven 16 retains and distributes heat efficiently, ensuring the pizza bakes evenly. Whether you're cooking with wood for that smoky flavor or opting for gas, it's built to create authentic wood-fired pizza every time.

Pricing

Around $350, offering a mid-range price for solid build quality and performance.

3. Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven

Overview

The Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven is compact, portable, and powerful. This oven is suitable for those who want the experience of cooking wood-fired pizzas but need something more manageable and affordable.

Key Features

• Multi-Fuel: It can use wood, charcoal, or gas for cooking, giving you flexibility in how you want to create your pizza.
• High Temperature: The Bertello can reach up to 930°F (500°C), making it perfect for quick, crispy pizza cooking.
• Portable: The compact design allows it to be easily moved, making it a great choice for small backyards or outdoor gatherings.
• Affordability: This oven offers excellent value for its price.

Why It's Great for Wood-Fired Cooking

The Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven offers fantastic value for its price. It is simple to set up, versatile, and reaches the necessary high temperatures to create authentic wood-fired pizzas. The multi-fuel option is perfect for experimenting with different wood flavors.

Pricing

Around $250, it's an affordable option for anyone looking to experience wood-fired cooking.

4. Forno Bravo Prima 60 Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Overview

The Forno Bravo Prima 60 is a professional-grade wood-fired pizza oven, perfect for serious pizza enthusiasts who want the real deal. Made with high-quality materials, it's built to last and can create the perfect wood-fired pizza every time.

Key Features

• Built for High Heat: The oven reaches temperatures over 900°F (482°C), ideal for cooking pizzas quickly.
• Large Cooking Surface: With a cooking surface of 24 inches in diameter, this oven can easily accommodate large pizzas or multiple smaller ones.
• Professional Construction: Made with refractory brick and insulated with high-quality materials, the oven retains heat very well, ensuring even cooking.
• Traditional Design: The Forno Bravo Prima 60 has a classic wood-fired pizza oven design, complete with a chimney for smoke ventilation.

Why It's Great for Wood-Fired Cooking

The Forno Bravo Prima 60 is perfect for creating professional-style wood-fired pizzas in your own backyard. The high temperature and superior heat retention allow the oven to cook pizzas in just a few minutes, creating the perfect crispy crust and melt-in-your-mouth cheese.

Pricing

Around $3,000, it is an investment for those looking for high-end, professional-level cooking.

5. Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto Outdoor Pizza Oven

Overview

The Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto Outdoor Pizza Oven is a compact and lightweight wood-fired oven designed for quick preheating and efficient cooking. Its small size makes it ideal for those with limited space but still desire the authenticity of wood-fired pizza.

Key Features

• Quick Preheat: The oven heats up quickly, typically ready to cook in just 15 minutes.
• Temperature Range: Up to 700°F (371°C), perfect for getting the crispy crust of a wood-fired pizza.
• Portability: Lightweight and easy to transport, it's perfect for picnics, camping, or small backyard spaces.
• Sturdy Design: Despite its small size, the oven is built to last and withstand outdoor conditions.

Why It's Great for Wood-Fired Cooking

The Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto is a solid entry-level wood-fired oven. It might not reach the extreme temperatures of some larger ovens, but it still produces great pizza with that wood-fired flavor. Its portability and quick setup make it a favorite for those new to outdoor pizza making.

Pricing

Around $250, offering a great value for beginners or casual pizza makers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right outdoor wood-fired pizza oven depends on a variety of factors including space, budget, and the type of experience you're looking for. Whether you're interested in a multi-fuel oven like the Ooni Karu 16 or a more affordable, compact oven like the Bertello, each of these top-rated ovens can bring the rich, smoky flavor of wood-fired pizza to your backyard.

The key is to understand the kind of cooking experience you want: portability, high heat, or professional-level performance. All of these ovens can help you achieve that perfect pizza, but the choice is yours based on your needs and preferences. Happy cooking!