Making pizza at home doesn’t have to be a hassle. Countertop pizza ovens are becoming super popular because they’re convenient and can cook a pizza way faster than your regular oven. Plus, many get hot enough to give you that crispy, restaurant-quality crust we all crave. I remember when I first tried making pizza at home – it was a disaster! The crust was soggy, and the toppings were all over the place. A good counter pizza oven can totally change that game.
Here’s a quick look at some of the top contenders in the countertop pizza oven world. These ovens bring the heat and make pizza night a breeze.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven: Versatile fuel options, large cooking area, high temperatures.
- Roccbox by Gozney Portable Gas Pizza Oven: Reaches incredibly high temperatures quickly, easy to use, portable.
- Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo: Electric, replicates wood-fired oven performance, precise temperature control.
- BakerStone Original Series Pizza Oven Box: Affordable, converts gas grills into pizza ovens, authentic stone-baked results.
- Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven: Powerful burner, double-layered ceiling, built-in temperature gauge.
Top 5 Best Counter Pizza Oven Reviews
1. Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The Ooni Karu 16 is a beast of a pizza oven. It’s designed to use either wood, charcoal, or gas, giving you tons of flexibility. Plus, its large cooking area means you can crank out bigger pizzas for the whole family.
Pros:
- ✅ Multi-fuel capability for versatile cooking options.
- ✅ Large cooking area accommodates up to 16-inch pizzas.
- ✅ Reaches high temperatures (up to 950°F) for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point compared to other countertop models.
- ❌ Requires some practice to master wood or charcoal firing.
- ❌ Can be bulky and heavy for some countertops.
Verdict: If you’re serious about pizza and want the flexibility of different fuel sources, the Ooni Karu 16 is an excellent investment. It’s perfect for pizza enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques.
2. Roccbox by Gozney Portable Gas Pizza Oven
The Roccbox is all about speed and convenience. This portable gas pizza oven heats up crazy fast – we’re talking over 900°F in just a few minutes. It’s super easy to use and gives you that amazing crispy crust every time.
Pros:
- ✅ Reaches incredibly high temperatures quickly.
- ✅ Easy to use and portable for outdoor cooking.
- ✅ Produces restaurant-quality pizza with a crispy crust.
Cons:
- ❌ Primarily gas-powered, limiting fuel options.
- ❌ Smaller cooking area compared to some other models.
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey for its size.
Verdict: The Roccbox is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a quick and easy way to make amazing pizzas at home. Its portability makes it great for camping or backyard parties.
3. Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo
The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is an electric oven designed to mimic the performance of a wood-fired oven. It has precise temperature controls and different cooking presets, so you can easily make various styles of pizza. My sister swears by hers; she says it’s the closest she’s gotten to pizzeria-quality pizza without actually going to a pizzeria.
Pros:
- ✅ Electric operation for consistent and convenient cooking.
- ✅ Replicates wood-fired oven performance with high temperatures.
- ✅ Precise temperature and cooking presets for different pizza styles.
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point than many other countertop ovens.
- ❌ Requires dedicated countertop space due to its size.
- ❌ May not achieve the exact smoky flavor of a wood-fired oven.
Verdict: If you prefer the convenience of electric cooking and want precise control over your pizza-making process, the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is a top-notch option. It’s ideal for those who want consistent results and a variety of pizza styles.
4. BakerStone Original Series Pizza Oven Box
The BakerStone Pizza Oven Box is a unique way to turn your gas grill into a pizza oven. It’s basically a stone box that sits on your grill grates, creating a high-heat environment for baking pizzas. It’s a more affordable option compared to dedicated pizza ovens and still delivers that authentic stone-baked taste.
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable way to achieve stone-baked pizza results.
- ✅ Converts most standard gas grills into a pizza oven.
- ✅ Reaches high temperatures for crispy crusts.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires a gas grill for operation.
- ❌ Can be less precise than dedicated pizza ovens.
- ❌ May take longer to heat up compared to other options.
Verdict: The BakerStone Pizza Oven Box is a great choice for budget-conscious pizza lovers who already own a gas grill. It’s a simple and effective way to upgrade your grilling game and enjoy delicious homemade pizza.
5. Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven
The Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven is a powerful and reliable option for outdoor pizza cooking. It features a strong burner, a double-layered ceiling for even heat distribution, and a built-in temperature gauge. I used to see this at outdoor events, and it always seemed to crank out pizzas like a pro.
Pros:
- ✅ Powerful burner for high-temperature cooking.
- ✅ Double-layered ceiling for even heat distribution.
- ✅ Built-in temperature gauge for precise control.
Cons:
- ❌ Primarily designed for outdoor use.
- ❌ Can be bulky and require dedicated space.
- ❌ May require some assembly.
Verdict: The Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven is a solid choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want a powerful and reliable pizza oven. It’s perfect for backyard parties, camping trips, and other outdoor events.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right countertop pizza oven can feel overwhelming, but here are a few things to keep in mind to make the decision easier:
- Fuel Type: Do you prefer gas, wood, charcoal, or electric? Gas is convenient, wood adds flavor, and electric offers precise control.
- Temperature Range: Look for ovens that can reach at least 700°F (ideally 800-900°F) for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
- Size: Consider the size of your pizzas and the amount of counter space you have available.
- Ease of Use: Some ovens are simpler to operate than others. Think about your comfort level with different fuel types and cooking techniques.
- Budget: Countertop pizza ovens range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. Set a budget and stick to it.
- Portability: If you plan to take your pizza oven on the go, look for a lightweight and portable model.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about countertop pizza ovens:
Q: How hot do countertop pizza ovens get?
A: Most countertop pizza ovens can reach temperatures between 700°F and 950°F, which is ideal for cooking authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
Q: Can I use a countertop pizza oven indoors?
A: It depends on the model. Electric pizza ovens are generally safe for indoor use, while gas, wood, and charcoal-fired ovens are typically intended for outdoor use only.
Q: How long does it take to cook a pizza in a countertop pizza oven?
A: Cooking times vary depending on the oven and the thickness of the crust, but most pizzas cook in just a few minutes at high temperatures.
Q: What kind of pizza stone should I use?
A: Most countertop pizza ovens come with a pizza stone. Cordierite stones are popular because they’re durable and heat up evenly. You can also use ceramic or cast iron stones.
Q: How do I clean my countertop pizza oven?
A: Always let the oven cool completely before cleaning. Use a brush or scraper to remove any food debris from the stone. For stubborn stains, you can use a damp cloth or a mild detergent.
Conclusion
Countertop pizza ovens are a fantastic way to bring the taste of Italy to your home. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza pro or just starting out, there’s a model out there to suit your needs and budget. Consider what’s most important to you—fuel type, size, ease of use—and then find the oven that best fits your lifestyle. With the right oven, you’ll be cranking out delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas in no time.
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