Best outdoor pizza oven for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Ooni Koda 16 is the best outdoor pizza oven for most people thanks to its consistent gas performance and large cooking area.
For those seeking a premium wood-fired experience, the Gozney Dome S1 is an investment worth considering, while the Bertello Grande offers versatility for both gas and wood, and the Solo Stove Pi Prime is the top choice for portability.
Outdoor pizza ovens have become the centerpiece of modern backyard cooking, letting you fire up authentic Neapolitan-style pies in minutes. Unlike a standard grill, these ovens concentrate heat at the top and bottom, reaching temperatures well above 800°F to crisp the crust while keeping the toppings juicy. Choosing between fuel types (gas, wood, or both) and oven size is the main decision: gas offers convenience and consistent heat, wood adds smoky flavor and a ritualistic experience, and hybrid models let you switch. Portability matters if you plan to take the oven camping or tailgating, while larger models are better for entertaining. When shopping, look for how quickly the oven reaches full temperature, the size of the cooking stone (most home ovens accommodate 12 to 16-inch pizzas), and the quality of the stone for even heat distribution. Insulation and build quality affect heat retention, especially for wood-fired ovens. Budget-wise, expect to spend from a few hundred dollars for a compact pellet model up to several thousand for a floor-standing wood burner. No matter your choice, the right oven will let you make far better pizza than any delivery.
Ooni Koda 16
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Ooni Koda 16 combines a generous cooking surface with quick gas-powered heat. It’s a top performer in owner reports and expert reviews, delivering consistently crisp Neapolitan crusts with little fuss. The lack of an integrated thermometer and the gas-only limitation are the main compromises.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Gozney Dome S1
the backyard showpiece
4.5out of 5The Gozney Dome S1 is a heavy, floor-standing oven that marries wood-fired tradition with a sleek modern design. Owner forums praise its heat retention and ability to stack multiple pizzas quickly, but the price and size put it in a different league.
Price range: $$$$
Check price on Amazon →Bertello Grande
the flexible fuel champion
4.4out of 5The Bertello Grande lets you switch between wood and gas using the included adapter, offering the best of both worlds. It’s a bit smaller than the Ooni Koda 16, but reviewers note it achieves similarly high temperatures with either fuel.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Ooni Koda 16 | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a reliable, gas-powered oven that can crank out restaurant-quality Neapol | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Gozney Dome S1 | 4.5 / 5 | $$$$ | Serious home pizzaiolos who want a statement piece for their patio and don’t mind th | Check price → |
| Best value | Bertello Grande | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Home cooks who want the option to experiment with wood-fired flavor without committing to | Check price → |
| Best for portability | Solo Stove Pi Prime | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Adventurous cooks who want to make pizza anywhere – camping, RV trips, or small pati | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Ooni Koda 16: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Ooni Koda 16 combines a generous cooking surface with quick gas-powered heat. It’s a top performer in owner reports and expert reviews, delivering consistently crisp Neapolitan crusts with little fuss. The lack of an integrated thermometer and the gas-only limitation are the main compromises.
Pros
- Large cooking stone accommodates bigger pizzas comfortably
- Reaches high temperatures quickly for authentic Neapolitan style
- Gas fuel is easy to manage and heat is consistent
- Compact enough to move to different spots on a patio
Cons
- No built-in thermometer; you’ll need an infrared gun
- Gas-only operation won’t suit those wanting wood-fired flavor
- Requires a propane tank connection (not included)
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a reliable, gas-powered oven that can crank out restaurant-quality Neapolitan pizzas at home without constant fuel management.Who should skip it
You’re set on using wood for smoky flavor or need a portable oven that fits in a car trunk.2. Gozney Dome S1: the backyard showpiece
Runner-upThe Gozney Dome S1 is a heavy, floor-standing oven that marries wood-fired tradition with a sleek modern design. Owner forums praise its heat retention and ability to stack multiple pizzas quickly, but the price and size put it in a different league.
Pros
- Large cooking area that fits multiple pizzas at once
- Excellent heat retention for consistent baking
- Beautiful design and durable construction
- Can use wood or gas with an optional burner
Cons
- Very expensive and heavy, requiring permanent or semi-permanent placement
- Assembly and seasoning require patience
- Gas burner sold separately adds to the cost
Who it’s for
Serious home pizzaiolos who want a statement piece for their patio and don’t mind the investment.Who should skip it
You’re on a tight budget or need a portable oven for camping and tailgating.3. Bertello Grande: the flexible fuel champion
Best valueThe Bertello Grande lets you switch between wood and gas using the included adapter, offering the best of both worlds. It’s a bit smaller than the Ooni Koda 16, but reviewers note it achieves similarly high temperatures with either fuel.
Pros
- Comes with both a wood-burning tray and a gas burner for flexibility
- Compact enough for countertop use yet delivers authentic results
- Heats up quickly and maintains temperature well
- Includes a built-in thermometer on the door
Cons
- Smaller cooking area limits pizza size compared to larger gas ovens
- Gas connection may require an adapter for your propane tank
- Some owners report a learning curve with temperature control on wood
Who it’s for
Home cooks who want the option to experiment with wood-fired flavor without committing to one fuel type.Who should skip it
You primarily want to cook large 16-inch pizzas or prefer a simpler, gas-only setup.4. Solo Stove Pi Prime: the take-anywhere pizza oven
Best for portabilityThe Solo Stove Pi Prime is lightweight, compact, and designed to go from tailgate to campsite. It uses wood pellets for fuel, which can be a bit fussy, but it reaches high heat quickly and packs away neatly.
Pros
- Extremely portable and lightweight for its performance level
- Uses widely available wood pellets for fuel
- Includes a built-in thermometer and carrying case
- Produces good wood-fired flavor in a small footprint
Cons
- Compact cooking area and peak temperatures are lower than dedicated gas ovens
- Pellet feeding requires frequent attention to maintain temperature
- Some smoke and ash management needed, not ideal for patios with overhead structures
Who it’s for
Adventurous cooks who want to make pizza anywhere – camping, RV trips, or small patios with limited space.Who should skip it
You want a set-it-and-forget-it gas experience or need to cook large pizzas for a crowd.Best for specific needs
Best for gas-only convenience
The Ooni Koda 16 dominates this category with its fast preheat, large cooking area, and simple gas operation. It’s the easiest path to authentic Neapolitan pizza for the home cook, with no smoke or fuel handling. If you want consistent results with minimal effort, this is your oven. Our pick: Ooni Koda 16.
Best for wood-fired flavor
For purists who love the crackle and aroma of a wood fire, the Gozney Dome S1 delivers both performance and atmosphere. Its massive stone floor and excellent insulation allow for long, steady heat, perfect for cooking multiple pizzas in a gathering. The high price and permanent installation are the trade-offs for this level of authenticity. Our pick: Gozney Dome S1.
Best for portability
The Solo Stove Pi Prime is purpose-built for mobility, weighing less than many competitors and including a carrying case. It runs on wood pellets, which eliminate the need for a propane tank, making it ideal for picnics, tailgates, and campsites. Just be ready to feed the fire frequently to maintain temperature. Our pick: Solo Stove Pi Prime.
Our verdict
For most people, the Ooni Koda 16 remains the top pick because it balances performance, ease of use, and price better than any other gas oven. But if you have the space and budget for a dedicated wood-fired setup, the Gozney Dome S1 will transform your backyard. Portability seekers should grab the Solo Stove Pi Prime, and those who want to play with both fuels will love the Bertello Grande. Whichever you choose, you’ll be rewarded with far better pizza than any store-bought option.
Frequently asked questions
What size outdoor pizza oven do I need?
The cooking surface size determines the largest pizza you can make, and the overall footprint determines where you can put it. Most portable outdoor pizza ovens accommodate 12–16 inch pizzas. A 12-inch oven is compact and lightweight enough to take camping or tailgating; a 16-inch oven stays home but lets you make a larger pie. If you’re cooking for a group and want to run several pies in sequence, a larger cooking surface reduces wait time between pies.
How do you store an outdoor pizza oven when not in use?
Most outdoor pizza ovens are designed to stay outside under a cover, or to be moved to a garage or shed when not in use. Folding legs and lighter-weight designs make moving easier. A fitted cover protects the exterior finish and keeps moisture out of the cooking chamber. Remove the cooking stone and store it dry if your oven will be idle for a long period, since absorbed moisture can cause the stone to crack when it heats up again.
Do outdoor pizza ovens work in cold weather?
Yes, though cold ambient temperatures mean a longer preheat to reach cooking temperature, and the oven loses heat faster between launches. Gas ovens can be affected by low propane pressure in very cold conditions. Wood ovens are generally less affected by cold weather since the fire generates its own heat regardless of air temperature. In practice, outdoor pizza ovens are used year-round in most climates; a cold night just adds a few minutes to the warmup.