Wood vs. Gas Pizza Ovens: Which Is Right for You?
A comprehensive comparison of wood-fired and gas-powered pizza ovens. We break down the pros and cons of each fuel type to help you make the perfect choice for your outdoor cooking needs.
Pizza ovens have become an increasingly popular addition to outdoor kitchens and backyard spaces. With their ability to reach high temperatures and cook pizza in minutes, these specialized ovens provide an authentic experience that standard kitchen ovens simply can't match. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top outdoor pizza ovens available in 2025.
Whether you're looking for portability, versatility, or authentic wood-fired cooking, there's an outdoor pizza oven perfectly suited to your needs. We've tested dozens of models across various price points to identify the absolute best options on the market today.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Pizza Oven
Before diving into our top picks, it's essential to understand the key factors that separate a great pizza oven from a mediocre one:
- Fuel type: Wood, gas, charcoal, or multi-fuel options each offer different advantages
- Maximum temperature: The best pizza ovens reach at least 900°F (482°C)
- Heating time: How quickly the oven reaches cooking temperature
- Size and cooking area: Consider whether you'll cook for small or large groups
- Portability: Some models are designed for travel, while others are permanent fixtures
- Construction quality: Materials affect heat retention, durability, and performance
- Ease of use: Some ovens are more beginner-friendly than others
1. Ooni Koda 16 Gas-Powered Pizza Oven
Ooni Koda 16 Gas-Powered Pizza Oven
A large gas-powered pizza oven that reaches 950°F in just 20 minutes, capable of cooking 16-inch pizzas with exceptional results.
The Ooni Koda 16 consistently delivered exceptional results in our testing, making it our top overall pick. This gas-powered pizza oven features a wide 16-inch cooking surface that can accommodate large pizzas while also providing enough space to maneuver and rotate them during cooking.
Why We Love It
- Reaches cooking temperature in just 20 minutes
- L-shaped flame design provides exceptional heat distribution
- Built-in gas ignition for simple one-turn starting
- Foldable legs make storage easier
- Powder-coated carbon steel shell that retains heat incredibly well
- No assembly required - ready to use straight out of the box
What Could Be Improved
- The large size means it takes up more storage space than smaller models
- Premium price point may be prohibitive for casual users
- Requires a propane tank (not included)
During our testing, the Koda 16 produced pizzas with perfectly charred crusts and evenly melted toppings in just 60-90 seconds. The large opening makes it easy to launch, turn, and retrieve pizzas, and the excellent temperature control allows for cooking various styles from Neapolitan to New York and even Chicago-style deep dish (with a longer cook time at a lower temperature).
If you're serious about making restaurant-quality pizza at home and value convenience over the traditional wood-fired experience, the Ooni Koda 16 is the best choice on the market today.
2. Gozney Roccbox Portable Pizza Oven
Gozney Roccbox Portable Pizza Oven
A professional-grade portable pizza oven with exceptional insulation, available in dual-fuel configuration for both gas and wood-fired cooking.
The Gozney Roccbox earned our runner-up spot thanks to its exceptional build quality and performance. This professional-grade portable pizza oven features a unique silicone outer jacket that keeps the exterior cooler than most competitors, making it safer for families with children or in crowded outdoor settings.
Why We Love It
- Available in dual-fuel configuration (gas and wood)
- Superior insulation with commercial-grade stone floor
- Built-in thermometer for precise temperature monitoring
- Rolling flame design ensures even cooking
- Retractable legs and detachable burners for easy transport
- Safe-touch silicone jacket reduces risk of burns
The Roccbox delivers exceptional heat retention with its dense cordierite stone floor and multi-layer insulation. In our tests, it maintained consistent temperatures better than most competitors, resulting in perfectly cooked pizzas time after time.
