10 Best Wood-Burning Pizza Ovens: Your Buyer’s Guide

1. 1. Alfa Allegro 39-Inch Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

   

   Price: $5,199.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Reaches internal cooking temperatures as high as 2,000-degrees F
   • Reaches optimal cooking temperatures in 10 minutes
   • Large cooking floor allows for five pizzas at a time
   • Freestanding design

   Cons:

   • Information is limited on how long it takes to cook pizza
   • More expensive option
   • Yellow dome could be off-putting to some

   Alfa’s made a mark in the pizza oven industry by offering a varied line of professional-grade pizza ovens. And the Alfa Allegro 39-Inch Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven is seriously awesome. Here’s what we like about it: it’s quick. While this oven might be one of the larger options on our list, it reaches optimal cooking temperatures in just 10 minutes – talk about fast!. Not just that, but it’s large enough to accommodate 5 pizzas at a time. Pretty cool, huh? A freestanding model from a reputable pizza oven brand, here’s what you need to know:

   • Handcrafted in Italy, limited assembly needed, and no curing is required.
   • Patented Forninox technology provides efficient cooking, fast heat-up times, and limited fuel use.
   • The cooking surface is spacious, measuring 39 3/8″ x 27 9/16″.
   • The specially shaped dome is made from powder-coated stainless steel and the cooking floor is made from refractory material to help retain heat while cooking.
   • Temperature ranges from 834-degrees F to 2,000-degrees F.
   • Perfect for pizza, meats, vegetables, desserts, and more.

   Find more Alfa Allegro 39-Inch Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven information and reviews here.

2. 2. Alfa 4 Pizze 31-Inch Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

   

   Price: $3,488.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Large cooking surface can accommodate four pizzas at a time
   • No curing needed and minimal assembly required
   • Reaches optimal cooking temperatures in 20 minutes
   • Lightweight base contains storage for wood in addition to side shelves for other pizza making accessories
   • Features a built-in thermometer
   • Versatile oven that's perfect for all kinds of meals - roasts, vegetables, fish, desserts, and more

   Cons:

   • More expensive option
   • Physically large and weighs 308lbs
   • Cooks pizza in 2 minutes but not as fast as other models

   If you’re looking for a powerful free-standing oven to be the show-stopper in your backyard, check out the Alfa 4 Pizze 31-Inch Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven. Large and in charge, this outdoor pizza oven offers up a large cooking surface and wood storage. Here’s what you need to know:

   • Reaches optimal cooking temperatures as high as 2,000-degrees F in just 20 minutes and can accommodate four pizzas at a time – great for families and parties!
   • Cooking surface measures 31 1/2″ x 23 3/5″.
   • Minimal assembly required & no curing is needed.
   • Patented Forninox technology provides efficient cooking, fast heat-up times, and limited fuel use.
   • The specially shaped dome is made from powder-coated stainless steel and the cooking floor is made of interchangeable refractory tiles to help retain heat while cooking.
   • The lightweight stainless steel base features two side shelves, a wood storage shelf, and wheels to easily move the oven around.
   • A built-in thermometer helps monitor progress.
   • Perfect for pizza, meats, vegetables, desserts, and more.

   Find more Alfa 4 Pizze 31-Inch Outdoor Wood-Fired Pizza Oven information and reviews here.

3. 3. Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven

   

   Price: $799.00

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   Pros:

   • Multi-Fuel, accommodating wood, charcoal and gas with the right attachment
   • Upgraded design that blends together function with beauty
   • Large cooking surface perfect for 16-inch pizzas
   • “Recommended for Domestic Use” designation from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana

   Cons:

   • Long pre-order time - won't ship for 15-17 weeks
   • Expensive
   • Not as portable as other Ooni models

   Announced in June 2021, the Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven is the latest outdoor pizza oven release that has everyone buzzing. While only available for pre-order – wait time is 15-17 weeks! – this oven option is definitely a game-changer.

   The first and only pizza oven to receive a “Recommended for Domestic Use” designation from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the governing authority on Neapolitan pizza, this oven features multiple fuel types – wood or charcoal with a gas burner sold separately – can reach 950-degrees F in just 15 minutes, comes with a mounted digital thermometer, and features a hinged door design with ViewFlame™ technology to boost visibility.

   It’s also large enough to cook 16-inch pizzas. Talk about impressive.

   Find more Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven information and reviews here.

4. 4. Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven

   

   Price: $349.00

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   Pros:

   • Weighs 26lbs for a super portable design
   • Compatible with multiple fuel types for a versatile cooking experience
   • Reaches internal cooking temperatures as high as 950-degrees F
   • Pizzas are cooked in 60 seconds
   • Delivers a powerful live flame that renders little to no ash
   • Oven gets so hot that it's technically a self-cleaning appliance

   Cons:

   • Can only make one 12" pizza at a time
   • Portability can be challenging
   • Not as robust as other options

   Ooni Pizza Ovens makes incredible, affordable, and 100% portable pizza ovens. The Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven is one of them. An exceptional outdoor pizza oven that can handle real wood, charcoal, and gas for a versatile cooking experience, here’s what you need to know:

   • Equipped with a heavy-duty stainless steel body and a fuel tray to maximize airflow.
   • Weighing in at 26lbs, this oven has a super portable design.
   • Delivers a powerful and searing flame and renders little to no ash.
   • Reaches internal cooking temperatures as high as 950-degrees F and heats up within 15 minutes.
   • You can make up to 12″ pizzas in just 60 seconds.
   • Gas adaptor sold separately.
   • Oven gets so hot that it’s technically self-cleaning, but it’s best to remove the stone in between uses, scrape any remaining debris, and flip the stone over before putting it back in.

   Find more Ooni Karu Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven information and reviews here.

5. 5. Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven

   

   Price: $299.00

   Shop now at Ooni Pizza Ovens
   Pros:

   • Offers wood-pellet power and live fire for a true authentic experience
   • Reaches internal cooking temperatures as high as 950-degrees F
   • Pizza is cooks in 60 seconds
   • Innovative pellet hopper design ensures a seamless cooking experience
   • Affordable option
   • Super portable design, weighs just 22lbs
   • Oven gets so hot that it's technically a self-cleaning appliance

   Cons:

   • Only accommodates one 12" pizza at a time
   • Popular item; orders placed now will ship in 5-7 weeks
   • Not as robust as other options

   The Ooni Fyra Wood Pellet Pizza Oven is one of the most portable wood-burning pizza ovens on the market today. Featuring live fire and an innovative gravity-fed wood pellet hopper to help keep the flames alive, this outdoor pizza oven is pretty dang cool. Don’t be worried about wood pellet cooking, either – this wood-burning oven is completely streamlined and super easy to use. Here’s what you need to know:

   • This oven is powered by hardwood pellets. Why is that cool? They add all kinds of awesome smoky and aromatic flavors to your pizza. 
   • Weighing just 22lbs, this is a super portable outdoor pizza oven.
   • Reaches internal cooking temperatures as high as 950-degrees F and heats up in just 15 minutes.
   • Cooks 12″ pizzas in just 60 seconds.
   • Oven gets so hot that it’s technically self-cleaning, but it’s best to remove the stone in between uses, scrape any remaining debris, and flip the stone over before putting it back in.

   The only real downside to this oven is its popularity. Orders placed now will ship in 5-7 weeks.

   Find more Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven information and reviews here.

6. 6. Gozney Roccbox

   

   Price: $499.00

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   Pros:

   • Compact design that can be taken anywhere
   • Compatible with both wood and gas
   • Accessories bundle is included: pizza peel, bottle opener, detachable gas burner
   • Reaches internal cooking temperatures as high as 950-degrees F
   • Cooks pizza in 60 seconds

   Cons:

   • Slightly heavier portable option, weighing in at 44lbs
   • Wood-pellet hopper not as effective as other models on our list
   • Takes 30 minutes to preheat
   • Can only accommodate 12" pizzas

   Weighing in at 44lbs, the Gozney Roccbox is a heavier option, but an excellent portable pizza oven nonetheless. Well-reviewed and loved by users, this outdoor pizza oven boasts multi-fuel compatibility, although there’s some disagreement over the design and success of the wood pellet hopper.

   Reaching internal cooking temperatures as high as 950-degrees F within 30 minutes, this powerful outdoor appliance cooks 12″ Neapolitan-style pizza in just 60 seconds. It’s also versatile enough to cook steaks, vegetables, desserts, and more.

   Available with both a gray and bright green dome, the Roccbox also comes with an accessories bundle that includes a pizza peel, detachable gas burner, and bottle opener. 

   Find more Gozney Roccbox information and reviews here.

7. 7. ilFornino Professional Series Wood Fired Pizza Oven

   

   Price: $3,195.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Thicker gauge 430 stainless steel material
   • Cooking area of 1007 square inches is enough for three larger pies or six smaller pies
   • High-density insulation with two hefty ceramic blankets

   Cons:

   • Unit is quite heavy
   • Initial learning curve
   • Peel is on the bulky side

   With the power to cook almost any pizza in less than 70 seconds, the ilFornino Professional Series Wood Fired Pizza Oven is an excellent choice and great addition to any backyard. Perfect for pizza parties, large gatherings, and more, this professional series oven features a more robust experience. Here’s what you need to know:

   • A total cooking area of 1007 square inches is enough for three larger pies or six smaller pies – yeah, perfect for pizza parties.
   • This outdoor pizza oven ships fully assembled, except for the chimney.
   • Reaches optimal cooking temperatures in just 22 minutes.
   • Made with 430 stainless steel and offering high-density insulation, this oven comes complete with two hefty ceramic blankets helping to retain heat for hours.
   • Comes with a professional-quality peel and brush along with the owner’s manual.
   • Weighs 200lbs but is on wheels for easy portability in the backyard or on the patio.

   Find more ilFornino Professional Series Wood Fired Pizza Oven information and reviews here.

8. 8. Chicago Brick Oven Wood-Burning Mobile Outdoor Pizza Oven

   

   Price: $7,999.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Mobile cart features wheels and storage for wood.
   • Reaches cooking temperatures as high as 1000-degrees F
   • Commercial-grade quality in your backyard

   Cons:

   • Takes up to 60 minutes to heat up
   • Expensive
   • Some assembly required

   The convenience of a grill with the authentic flavors of a wood-burning oven, the Mobile Pizza Outdoor Oven from Chicago Brick Ovens is a great patio addition to make this year. Chicago Brick Ovens are highly sought after because they are well-made and certified to UL standards. Here’s what you need to know:

   • Commercial grade with a specially designed dome modeled after ancient Italian wood-fired ovens.
   • Offers even heat distribution.
   • Reaches cooking temperatures as high as 1,000-degrees Fahrenheit for an exceptional pizza-making experience. Heats up in 45-60 minutes.
   • Features a 38″ x 28″ cooking area.
   • Sold with accessories kit that includes an infrared thermometer, pizza peel, and cleaning brush.
   • Features a mobile cart design that’s easy to move around.
   • Six-piece oven: dome, 3-piece hearth, arch, and decorative door. Some assembly is required.
   • Available in both silver and copper
   • Can be used to cook anything you make in your kitchen oven.

   Find more Chicago Brick Oven Wood-Burning Outdoor Pizza Oven information and reviews here.

9. 9. Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Black + Pizza Peel Combo

   

   Price: $279.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Weighs just 22lbs for a portable design
   • Reaches internal cooking temperatures over 930 degrees F
   • Comes with pizza peel and other accessories necessary to get the most out of your oven

   Cons:

   • Not as robust as other models on list
   • Not as well known as Ooni
   • Only makes one 12" pizza at a time

   Looking for a portable wood-fired pizza oven? Check out this one: the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven. Featuring a lightweight design, this outdoor pizza oven is compatible with multiple fuel types and is easy to tote around. Featured on Shark Tank in 2020, the Bertello oven is a popular affordable option.

   • Ready to cook with out of the box.
   • Oven is compatible with both wood and charcoal fuel types. If you prefer propane, an attachment is required but it’s sold separately.
   •  
   • The pizza oven warms to over 930 degrees
   • Comes with a pizza peel, cordierite stone, wood chip/pellet scoop, and wood/charcoal/pellet tray.
   • 12.5-inch wide x 13.5-inch cooking surface, perfect for 12-inch pizzas.
   • Weigh just 22lbs for a completely portable option

   Definitely one of the best outdoor pizza ovens for anyone who wants to take their pizza party to-go.

   Find more Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven Black + Pizza Peel Combo information and reviews here.

10. 10. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Wood Pellet Pizza Oven

    

    Price: $149.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Constructed with heavy duty stainless steel
    • Reaches temperatures up to 860°F (460°C), cooking delicious pizza in 90 seconds or less
    • Highly portable option at just 25 pounds
    • Quickly comes apart for easy cleaning and storage
    • Super easy assembly, operation, and breakdown
    • Also great for roasting steaks, fish, burgers, vegetable dishes and more

    Cons:

    • Pizza peel not included
    • Cannot cook with regular wood pieces
    • Can only cook one roughly 13-inch pizza at a time

    The BIG HORN OUTDOORS Wood Pellet Pizza Oven is a stellar affordable option for those looking to break into the home pizza oven world. Offering an exceptionally portable and easy-to-operate design, this choice of pizza oven gives you a whole lot of bang for your buck! 

    • This oven is powered by hardwood pellets so you can add all kinds of awesome smoky and aromatic flavors to your pizza. 
    • Weighing just 25 pounds and built with folding legs, this is a highly portable outdoor pizza oven.
    • Reaches internal cooking temperatures as high as 860-degrees F and heats up in about 15 minutes
    • Cooks 12″ pizzas in just 90 seconds or less
    • Oven gets so hot that it’s technically self-cleaning, but it’s best to remove the stone between uses, scrape any remaining debris, and then flip the stone over before returning it

    This package includes:

    Pizza oven assembly
    Oven door with handle
    Removable fuel tray
    Ash tray and poker
    12-inch square pizza stone
    User manual
    PIZZA PEEL NOT INCLUDED

    Find more BIG HORN OUTDOORS Wood Pellet Pizza Oven information and reviews here.

Why Buy A Wood-Burning Pizza Oven?

It's no secret that wood-burning pizza ovens can be a more expensive option. One look at our list and you'll find several models easily over $1,000. So, why buy one? 

To be honest, wood-burning ovens are not necessarily intended for the casual cook. With the amount of time and work required to fire it up and maintain the correct cooking temperature, these ovens are better suited for serious home cooks, budding-pitmasters, and professional chefs. But, don't let that intimidate you - these ovens can absolutely be used and enjoyed by everyone no matter your skill level. And, if you're after an authentic pizza-making experience, there's nothing better than a wood-burning pizza oven. After a few attempts and some practice, you'll feel like a total pro.

There are many benefits to cooking with wood. Per Forno Venetzia's website, a wood-burning pizza oven creates three cooking methods at once: convection, conduction, and radiant. Due to the design of the oven, the shape of the dome, the location of the fire, and the materials used, the oven works to naturally create each of these effects to provide a superior cooking experience. They also have the unique ability to reach incredibly high cooking temperatures. Why is that important? High heat requires less cooking time, which ultimately renders a better pizza. Think of it this way: a nice crust on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. The ultimate pizza dream. 

Flavor is another huge consideration with these ovens. Since you're working with wood, there's the potential to infuse all kinds of natural smokiness into your food. Depending on wood selection, different kinds of flavor can be achieved, too. Ultimately, smoke and the flavor it provides are what set these ovens apart. It's why wood-fired pizza tastes so good and the restaurants dedicated to the craft are so popular.

Here's the best part, though: possibilities. There's so much you can make, bake, and roast in these outdoor appliances: meats, vegetables, fish, bread, desserts, and more. All of the ovens on our list are marketed as all-purpose ovens, meaning they can do so much more than just make pizza. 

So, while some of these ovens might be more of an investment, they're absolutely worth it if you want the ultimate outdoor cooking experience.

Wood-Burning Pizza Ovens: What You Need To Know

In Italy, pizza's an artform. A population and place that takes the dough, sauce, ingredients, and process so seriously they've established rules and laws to distinguish authentic Neapolitan pizza from everything else, Italians are true traditionalists. As such, they believe in the power and benefits of a wood-burning oven.

Regarded as a superior cooking experience by professional chefs and foodies, a wood-burning pizza oven provides home cooks with all kinds of flavor not realized by other types of appliances. Heck, even companies like Ooni and Gozney are committed to developing gas-powered pizza ovens that replicate the wood-fired experience. And, honestly, we're big fans.

As an owner of the Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven, we can tell you this gas-powered option makes real-deal wood-fired-inspired pizza with all kinds of flavor. But, as much we love the ease-of-use and convenience that gas models provide, nothing beats a real-deal wood-burning pizza oven.

While these outdoor pizza oven models offer up an authentic pizza-making experience, it's important to understand that they do require more management and maintenance than other oven types. Here's what you need to know:

Cleaning - when you're cooking with wood, there's bound to be a mess. Ash and soot will pile up, and too much of that can affect the flavor of your pizza in a negative way. It's important to properly clean the oven after each use, and follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer. It's also important to note that some of the options on our list require a curing stage - prebaking the oven before cooking with it. This process can take hours or days, depending on the model.

Feeding The Flames - with a gas pizza oven you just need to flip a switch and let the oven do the rest. With wood, you have to monitor and manage the flames more closely to ensure your fire is maintained and the correct cooking temperatures are reached. It can take some practice to get comfortable with this process, but with tips and tricks available online, you'll be a seasoned pro in no time.

Warm-Up Times - just like any kitchen oven or gas pizza oven, it takes time to reach the desired cooking temperature. Depending on the weather and rate of the burn, it could take anywhere from an hour to several hours. Be patient and have fun with it. Part of the experience of cooking with a wood-burning pizza oven is the process. It's not just about the end result. 

Wood-Burning Ovens For Small Spaces & Budgets

Our list features two types of wood-burning ovens: large and in-charge models and friendly portable picks. If you have the space for a full-size pizza oven, we suggest going that route. However, if you're tight on space or budget, but still want the wood-burning experience, be sure to take a look at Ooni Pizza Ovens.

A true pioneer in the backyard pizza oven industry, Ooni's been churning out some of the best outdoor pizza oven models since 2012. With a variety of ovens, including three wood-burning options, Ooni's products are all fairly lightweight and completely portable. They also reach internal cooking temperatures as high as 950-degrees F, preheat within 20 minutes, and cook pizza in just 60 seconds. Seriously.

Another incredible option is the outdoor pizza oven from Bertello. First introduced in 2020 on ABC's Shark Tank, this oven weighs 22lbs, features a compact portable design, heats to 930 degrees F, and cooks pizza incredibly fast.