If you’re passionate about pizza, a pizza oven is a must-have gadget. Seven years ago, I tested my first pizza oven, the Gozney Roccbox, and since then, these appliances have moved from niche product to a must-have for family get-togethers and entertaining. Outdoor pizza ovens are now far easier to use, with manufacturers making them simpler to light, cook in, and clean up afterwards. From electric models for fuss-free pizza-making to wood-fired ovens for authentic smoky flavour, read on to discover the best pizza oven for you.
Best pizza oven overall: Gozney Arc Lite
The Gozney Arc Lite is a brilliant all-rounder. Small enough to store in a shed (48cm deep, less than 30cm tall), it feels robust but isn’t too heavy to carry solo (12kg). It comes with almost every feature of bigger ovens, including a lateral flame, at a more affordable price. There’s no integral temperature display, so you’ll need an IR thermometer. The Arc Lite lit first time, and its colour-coded control dial proved simple to use. It took 30 minutes to heat up to 430C, and margherita pizzas cooked in 90 seconds with a well-risen crust. The meat pizza was best, with good leopard spotting and perfectly sizzled slices. Fuel source: gas. Maximum pizza size: 12in. Outdoors only.
Best budget pizza oven: ProCook outdoor pizza oven
ProCook’s pizza oven is a good gas-powered option at £249. It has fold-up legs for storage and a rotating stone turned by hand, eliminating the need for a turning peel. It lit first time, and the dial made flame control easy. Pizzas cooked well, though with less rise than pricier ovens. The meat pizza emerged best with well-melted cheese and sizzled meat. You’ll need an IR thermometer for accurate temperature. Fuel source: gas. Maximum pizza size: 12in. Outdoors only.
Best gas pizza oven: Ooni Koda 2
The Ooni Koda 2 offers 14in pizza capacity and foldable legs. It features a tapered flame and an optional rotating stone (reduces capacity to 12in) that uses a hands-free sensor. The oven lit first time and heated quickly, though temperature across the stone was inconsistent. The cheese and tomato pizza had a well-risen crust, and the veggie pizza benefited from the rotating stone. The mouth shape makes launching and retrieving pizza awkward. Fuel source: gas. Maximum pizza size: 14in. Outdoors only.
Best electric pizza oven: Ninja Artisan electric outdoor pizza oven & air fryer MO201UK
This Ninja pizza oven is plug-and-play, requiring only an outdoor socket. It has preset programmes and also functions as an air fryer. It was the fastest to heat up (14 minutes to 370C). The first cheese and tomato pizza burned due to the default three-minute programme, but a two-minute cook gave good results. The veggie pizza stuck to the stone at lower temperatures. The meat pizza cooked best at the 245C New York setting. The stiff door can be difficult to open. Fuel source: electric. Maximum pizza size: 12in. Outdoors only.
Best wood-fired pizza oven: Gozney Dome (Gen 2)
The Gozney Dome (Gen 2) is huge and ideal for entertaining. It can cook one 16in pizza or two 10in pizzas. The wood-fire control kit includes a grate and a rechargeable battery-powered fan to adjust the flame. Cooking with wood is tricky but the kit simplifies it. The cheese and tomato pizza was well-risen, and the veggie pizza’s topping was soft with caramelised onion. A flare-up from the meat pizza caused one edge to scorch. Fuel source: gas or wood (with additional kit). Maximum pizza size: 16in or 2 x 10in. Outdoors only.
Best of the rest
Vonhaus outdoor pizza oven (£114.99): A wood pellet-fired oven that is labour-intensive. Assembly took 25 minutes, and lighting was tricky. Heat control is difficult, and the lid must be replaced after launching pizza. Results were better than a regular oven, but dough rise was poor. Fuel source: wood pellets. Maximum pizza size: 12in. Outdoors only.
Ooni Volt 2 electric indoor pizza oven (£499): An indoor option that also functions as a worktop oven and can prove dough. It heated up rapidly (17 minutes to 430C) and has a live temperature reading. Pizza rise was inconsistent, and the first three pizzas were doughy or burned. The oven emits steam and odours. Fuel source: electric. Maximum pizza size: 12in. Indoors only.
What you need to know
Wood-fired vs gas pizza ovens
Gas pizza ovens are practical with easily controlled flames and quick heat. They require regular safety checks for gas leaks. Wood-fired ovens impart smoky flavour and offer a hands-on experience, but take longer to heat and are messier.
Key features to look for
Automatic ignition for gas ovens, airflow control for wood-fired, integral thermometers, rotating stones, and a wide mouth for easy pizza launching.
How to clean your pizza oven
Most ovens burn off debris at high heat. Once cool, sweep ash, wipe interior, and scrape residue from the stone with a plastic spatula. For wood-fired ovens, clean the hopper and chimney. External parts can be washed with soapy water.
