After thorough research and hands-on testing of the industry’s leading countertop pizza ovens, we’ve distilled our findings to bring you the best performers. Explore our data-driven results to find your ultimate pizza-cooking companion.
Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo
Ooni Volt 12
Presto 03430 Pizzazz
I used to struggle with making great Neapolitan-style pizza in my kitchen oven. It usually turned out soggy or too dried on the inside.
Then I would try boosting my oven’s heat performance using baking steel. That didn’t work. The pizzas were too spongy. The crust wasn’t caramelized like those from the Italian pizzeria down my street.
So, I decided to go all in on a specialty pizza oven, which turned out to be a game changer.
Countertop pizza ovens take less space while cooking, like a brick-fired oven. They deliver crispy crust with delicious toppings with almost no learning curve. But not every model out there can accomplish this remarkable feat.
Don’t waste your money. Here’s a curated list of the top 5 best countertop pizza ovens available.
✅Best Countertop Pizza oven For Home
- Ooni Volt 12 countertop pizza oven [Best Overall]
- Presto 03430 Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven [Best for Budget]
- Breville Smart countertop pizza oven [Pizzeria grade Pizza]
- PYY Pizza countertop pizza oven [Best Mid-Range]
- Shikha Commercial countertop pizza oven [For Busy Kitchen]
🤔Can A Countertop Pizza Oven Replace A Regular Oven?
Both countertop pizza ovens and regular ovens are options for making pizzas at home. But if you intend to make authentic pizza with a crisp texture, the countertop oven is ideal.
However, a countertop pizza oven cannot replace your regular kitchen oven. Here are a couple of reasons:
- Capacity: Regular ovens come with larger cooking space than countertop pizza ovens. The latter is designed for baking perfect pizzas. So there’s no room to cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Plus, you might struggle to fit larger dishes in a countertop pizza oven.
- Cooking versatility: Regular ovens offer more cooking functions than the countertop pizza oven. They are perfect for roasting, baking, broiling, and much more. They come with a wider range of temperature settings and controls.
- Cook time: Countertop pizza ovens are known for their extreme heat production. This results in faster cooking time. But not all dishes need such rapid cooking performance. This is where regular ovens shine better with slow cooking mode.
All in all, countertop pizza ovens are a great addition to any kitchen. They are perfect for making mouth-watering pizzas at home. But, they do not match up with the regular oven’s versatility and functionality. So, a countertop pizza oven is a must-have if you bake pizza frequently.
🔠Types Of Countertop Pizza Ovens
Countertop pizza ovens are not created equal. Several types of countertop pizza ovens are available based on the fuel option.
Electric Pizza Ovens
This type of countertop pizza oven features heating elements. Usually, they come with two elements, one at the top and one at the bottom, for even heating.
Also, they sport interesting features like timers and adjustable temperature controls. Electric models are an excellent choice for small-scale pizza production and home kitchens.
Gas Pizza Ovens
These ovens run on either propane or natural gas. They are primarily used in pizzerias and other professional settings. However, there are compact models designed for home baking.
Gas versions are revered for their high-heat and quick heating performance. Thus, resulting in a crispy crust.
Also, they come with adjustable temp control to regulate the heat for precise cooking.
The choice between the electric and propane countertop pizza oven depends on your cooking preference, size, temperature control, heating capabilities, and ease of use.
📌 Things You Need to Know..
- Can’t find the right countertop pizza oven? Most do not have high heat output to create great Neapolitan-style pizzas.
- Most recommendations from review websites are not handpicked based on real-time use. They rely on the manufacturer’s promises.
- I have carefully chosen the top five countertop pizza ovens. These selections are based on my extensive firsthand experience and thorough testing.
- Before making a decision, it’s important to consider primary factors. These include your cooking intentions, budget, available space, and family size.
🔍What Is The Best Type Of Countertop Pizza Oven For Me?
The right countertop pizza oven to buy depends on a couple of factors. Electric models are the best bet for folks intending to make pizzas indoors.
They are well-suited for making nice crisp pizza crust occasionally in your kitchen. Also, they can be a great choice if you lack an outdoor space.
However, if you host pizza parties, you are better off with gas or propane countertop pizza ovens. They are specially designed to handle large pizza production. It’s ideal for people who want authentic pizzas with the crispiest texture.
⭐Best Countertop Pizza Oven Reviews
Ooni Volt 12 countertop pizza oven
The Ooni Volt 12 is the best countertop pizza oven for home. The reasons are not far-fetched at all. This appliance features top-of-the-line temperature control technology, superior insulation, and rip-roaring heat output.
This device is an electric model. Yet, it produces restaurant-grade pizzas with a perfectly crisp texture. It has an automatic heat setting. The process becomes simple and hassle-free, requiring no prior experience or expertise.
Not to mention, the Volt 12 comes with a generous 2-year manufacturer warranty. No question asked; Ooni will refund you if you are unhappy with your purchase.
Key Features:
Robust Steel Shell: The Volt 12 is built with solid stainless steel to ensure it lasts. However, it boasts the newest powder-coating technology for impressive weather resistance. Hence, it’s one of the few electric pizza ovens suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Triple-Paned Borosilicate Glass Door: Instead of the typical two-pane design, Volt 12 has three. This provides superior insulation for a consistent cooking environment and even doneness. Meaning you don’t have to worry about shuffling your pizza every 15 seconds. Also, the door’s transparency allows easy monitoring without opening the door.
Excellent Heat Control: The Volt 12 offers an adjustable dial that allows you to set your desired heat levels for the elements. This means you have the flexibility to cook the pizza base faster than the toppings or vice versa. This results in an irresistibly well-cooked pizza.
Additionally, this oven can reach 850 degrees Fahrenheit within 20 minutes. Hence, delivering the crispiest crust ever in a remarkable 90 seconds.
Best For:
Folks looking to make a one-time, huge investment in a “premium” countertop pizza oven.
Pros:
- After using it for over three months, the Volt 12 is the best option. It has a sturdy build quality, packs superior cooking power, and is portable enough for easy carrying.
- This unit comes with a generous 13-inch cooking space. It’s easy to bake a 12-inch pizza without feeling cramped in there.
- This model uses two heating elements to fire up to 850 degrees F in around 20 minutes. Even better, I don’t need to track the entire process like a wood-burning model. It’s more like a set-and-forget operation.
- It packs a lot of extra features, like an adjustable heat dial, that make baking any style of pizza seamless for me. The “Boost” mode is handy whenever I need the extra char on the crust and browner cheese.
Cons:
- I noticed the stone’s temperature drops by 50 degrees when the door is opened. Thus, uneven cooking, especially in areas close to the door. So, I need to rotate the pizza constantly for even doneness.
Presto 03430 Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven
In my opinion, the Presto 03430 is the best countertop pizza maker for budget homeowners. This unit sports the Next-Gen Dual Heating Technology.
Also, it has an ingenious rotating pizza tray and a powerful 1235-watt heating element. Instead of a pizza stone, it uses a non-stick pizza stone that still delivers terrific pizzas.
Presto 03430 comes with a timer function, supporting a hands-free baking experience. Despite not costing an arm and a large, the manufacturer offers a whopping 2-year warranty.
Key Features:
Cutting-edge dual heating technology: Even at this price-point alternative, this unit boasts two heating elements. Users can independently control them. So, users can cook the base or toppings longer for proper doneness. Hence, it is easier for first-time bakers to achieve the perfect pizza crust every time.
Rotating Nonstick Baking Tray: Presto 03430 Pizzazz Plus showcases a high-performing baking pan. It’s removable to reduce this appliance’s footprint and for easy storage.
Moving on, it can handle crazy high heat to deliver a crisp crust with your preferred char level. Also, this pan highlights a premium non-stick coating. It guarantees easy cleaning and a pristine appearance.
Timer Function: What you don’t get on a gas-fired pizza oven is a timer function this unit flaunts. It offers up to 20 minutes of cook time. Meaning? No more sacrificing your valuable time babysitting the entire cooking progress.
This unit will automatically shut off once it reaches the set cook time. This is a BIG win for forgetful cooks. Best For: Home chefs are looking to make fantastic pizzas occasionally without draining their wallets.
Pros:
- This hot-plate-style pizza oven is by far the easiest unit I’ve ever used or tested. There’s no need to shuffle or learn to ideally launch a sticky pizza from a peel onto the stone.
- After extensive testing, the Presto 03430 consumes less energy than the Volt 12.
- Also, there was no need to create space for this appliance on my kitchen counter. It barely took up any room. Plus, the removable baking tray makes it easier for this pizza oven to fit into my tight, available space.
- I’m impressed with its solid build quality, considering it is 15 times cheaper than the Ooni Volt 12. The shell’s polished finish offers a sparkling clean appearance at all times.
- This super affordable unit is almost as versatile as any unit on this list. Beyond pizza, this appliance makes delicious French fries, high pretzels, and mozzarella sticks.
Cons:
- This unit is not my go-to for making artisan-quality pizzas. I prefer the Ooni Volt 12 or the Breville Smart countertop pizza oven.
- Also, it takes about 12 minutes to bake a Neapolitan-style pizza. So, I won’t suggest this model for home chefs looking to make more than two pizzas at a time.
Breville Smart countertop pizza oven
If you ask me, the Breville Smart is the best electric countertop pizza oven for pizza lovers. Why? This model offers 7 preset functions to cook any style of pizza without breaking a sweat.
Additionally, it has a manual mode. This feature is especially attractive to professional pizzaiolos. It allows them to craft distinctive pizza profiles and flavors.
As if that’s not good enough;
The Breville Smart sports the new-gen Element IQ system. This feature helps create the optimal cooking environment. It allows you to create great pizzas that rival brick-fired oven’s results.
Unlike the Volt 12, there’s a FREE pizza pan and peel.
Key Features:
Superior Stainless Steel Construction: This unit is made of sturdy stainless steel delivering incredible heat performance. However, the shell showcases the premium feel of brushed stainless steel. While it might not be eye-catching as the powder-coating on the Volt 12, it’s highly resistant to scratches, dents, and corrosion.
A load of Preset Modes: This appliance proudly features cutting-edge Element IQ Technology. With its 7 preset modes, it automatically adjusts the heat levels for perfect results. By adjusting the dial, you choose from Wood Fired, New York, Pan, Thin & Crispy, and Frozen. This way, you can cook any pizza style and recipe, like a true pizzaiolo.
Innovative Cavity Design: Like the top-selling Volt 12, this unit has a modern dual heating system. However, the cordierite stone is attached to the door and pulls out as you open the lid. This makes it a breeze to launch and retrieve your masterpiece. Also, it features a superior insulation system. This holds the heat longer than its competitors.
Best For:
Home cooks looking to craft perfect thin or deep-dish pizzas even with no experience.
Pros:
- After testing dozens of pizza ovens, Breville Pizzaiolo is my dearest choice for creating true artisan pizza. It perfectly caramelizes my pizza crusts with a beautiful “leopard”.
- This unit warms up quickly. I can start launching my pizzas in about 15 minutes. This is almost as fast as the best-selling Ooni Volt 12.
- Unlike other units on this list, the Breville Pizzaiolo has several handy preset modes. Even my little cousins can bake their cheese and pepperoni pizzas like a pro. And, of course, under my strict supervision.
- Thanks to its Intense radiant heat, I barely worry about spinning the pizzas. In less than 2 minutes, it cranks out a perfectly baked 12-inch crust with a crispy texture ready to excite my tastebuds.
- It’s significantly cheaper than Volt 12 and comes with a BONUS peel and pan.
Cons:
- Outside of warranty, there’s no way to get a replacement for the stone if damaged.
- The cooking chamber is on the small side. I feel cramped when I need to shuffle the pizzas.
PYY Pizza countertop pizza oven
For versatile cooking, the PYY Pizza Oven is your top choice. It combines the high temperatures of a pizza oven with the flexibility of a regular oven. With a powerful 1,100W heating element, it warms up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. You can easily customize the temperature using the dial knob.
What’s more?
It features an advanced insulation cotton system. This delivers consistent heat distribution for even cooking. Like the Breville Smart, rotating your pizza is not necessary for proper doneness.
Key Features:
Pioneering Heat System: The PYY Pizza Oven features two heating tubes. They efficiently raise the temperature up to 572 degrees in minutes. However, this mid-range appliance has a better heating performance with its cotton insulation.
Unlike the Presto 03430 Pizzazz Plus, this sucker holds the temperature longer. Hence, you can bake the next pizza in a shorter time.
Wide Cooking Range: Unlike other models on this list, this pizza maker can double nicely as a regular oven. It features a robust pull-out tray. It accommodates baking steel for pizza or parchment paper for roasting vegetables.
Also, you can cook longer in this pizza oven than others on this list. It offers up to 60 minutes of hands-free cooking experience.
Impressive Build Quality: This model features an excellent stainless steel construction for better heating performance. Unlike Volt 12, this oven’s shell rocks oil paint for a stain and fingerprint-free exterior. The shell stays cool to the touch even at its maximum temperature.
Best For:
Folks are interested in a reasonably-priced pizza oven for pizzas and other everyday dishes.
Pros:
- From my testing, this oven takes 10 – 15 minutes to attain 512 degrees Fahrenheit. Once ready, this unit knocks out mouth-watering pizza faster than a regular oven.
- Everyone, including customer reviews, says this unit cooks everything, from cheese sticks to French fries, better than a microwave.
- It’s great that this appliance has a crumb tray. I don’t have to spend extra minutes cleaning the oven after cooking.
- Thanks to its superior heating technology, this modern oven offers even heating. My results are always a uniform golden brown, making the meal visually satisfying.
Cons:
- Unlike Volt 12, I had to wait about 8 minutes for a perfectly baked pizza. Also, you don’t get that charred crust or leopard Breville Smart offers.
- Further, you don’t get any preset functions like the Breville Smart. So, expect a learning curve with this device. Remember, PYY Pizza Oven is 3 times cheaper with almost the same cooking performance.
Shikha Commercial countertop pizza oven
The Shikha 3000W Pizza Oven is the best commercial countertop pizza oven available. This appliance flaunts a large 40L cooking capacity. This is more than enough space to bake two 16-inch pizzas at a time.
Another exciting highlight of this commercial oven is its heat emission holes. This guarantees excellent heat dissipation for even cooking and great results.
The Shikha 3000W looks similar to the high-performing PYY Pizza Oven. However, it has a higher temperature range. It exceeds 572 degrees F and reaches a rip-roaring 660 degrees F.
So, its results are crisper with a more defined flavor profile.
Key Features:
Ample Cooking Capacity: Large baking space is essential for high-volume pizza making. Luckily, this unit offers plenty of that. It comes with two cooking chambers that are spacious enough to fit up to 16-inch pizzas and bake two of them at once. Unlike the PYY Pizza Oven, this unit’s door features explosion-proof light and a glass window. Hence, it is easy to keep track of whatever you’re cooking, even from a distance.
Wide Temperature Range: For snack bars and catering businesses, a wide temp range is crucial to making several dishes. Shikha 3000W Pizza Oven has a generous temperature range from 120 – 600 degrees F for multiple uses. As a result, it’s capable of baking artisan-quality pizza, sweet potato bread, etc.
Independent Heat Control: This commercial oven has three knobs to control the three heating elements independently. The upside is you can cook different pizza recipes at the same time. Its powerful 3000W heating system allows both chambers to cook at crazy-searing temperatures.
Best For:
The Shikha 3000W Pizza Oven is designed for small pizzerias, bakeries, and home clubs.
Pros:
- This unit’s build quality is impressive, considering its price. The stainless steel is rock solid and does not wrap under extreme temperatures.
- This unit’s built-in hollow boron plate has excellent heat distribution and retention. Hence, making it easier to achieve super crisp pizza.
- Thanks to its 360°Air Circulation technology, I don’t rotate the pizza. Still, it comes out beautiful with a perfectly caramelized crust and melted cheese.
- For pizza parties, its double-deck design comes in handy. Everyone builds and bakes their preferred pizza to perfection in less than 5 minutes.
Cons:
- The top oven gets too hot. So, it cooks faster than the bottom. This was the reason I burnt a couple of pizzas at first.
📊Comparisons of the Best Countertop Pizza Oven for home
| Ooni Volt 12 | Presto 03430 Pizzazz Plus | Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo | PYY Pizza Oven | Shikha Commercial Pizza Oven | |
| Best For | Overall | Budget | Pizzeria-grade Pizza | Mid-Range | Busy Kitchen |
| Power | 1600 Watts | 1235 Watts | 1800 Watts | 1100 Watts | 3000 Watts |
| Max Temperature | 850°F | 400°F | 750°F | 572℉ | 660℉ |
| Preheat Time | < 20 mins | – | 15 mins | 15 mins | 20 mins |
| Cook Time | 90 secs | 12 mins | 2 mins | 5 mins | 3 – 5 mins |
| Cooking Space (for Pizza) | 12-inch | 12-inch | 12-inch | 12-inch | 16-inch |
| Timer | 30 secs – 20 mins | Up to 20 mins | 30 secs – 20 mins | 0 – 60 minutes | 0 – 60 minutes |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs | 7.6 lbs | 2.64 lbs | 20.2 lbs | |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | – | – | – |
📝8 Key Things To Consider When Choosing A Countertop Pizza Oven
Pizza Type
Pizza is a favorite staple and is available in different types. Some pizza types are best created in a certain type of pizza oven.
Deep-dish pizza cannot be perfectly cooked in an electric pizza oven. They can be challenging to take out once it has been perfectly cooked. Gas or wood-fired pizza ovens are better at it.
Also, gas and wood-fired ovens are more suitable for baking pizzas with heavy toppings. However, any high-performing pizza maker, either electric or not, would make excellent thin-crust pizzas.
Temperature Range
When shopping for a countertop pizza oven, the temperature range should be on your checklist. This factor is integral to the oven’s baking performance.
Models with a broad temperature range allow you to achieve more culinary feats.
The most important thing, at least for baking pizzas, is a high heat performance. It’s crucial that the countertop pizza oven heats up to 700 degrees F or higher.
Otherwise, your results will lack that signature crispy texture and flavor if you want to sear steak and vegetables, lean towards ovens capable of delivering high temperatures.
Fuel/Electric Usages And Cost
Generally, baking with gas is more affordable than electricity and wood. But it still boils down to the oven’s insulation, cooking space, and energy efficiency.
In terms of energy efficiency, electric ovens are excellent. They have more precise temperature control, which is subpar to their counterparts.
For gas models, most home chefs prefer cooking with propane. It’s slightly cheaper than natural gas.
Ultimately, choosing these different types of pizza ovens hinges on your cooking intention and fuel availability. The more readily available a fuel source is, the cheaper it’s to cook with.
Also, wood becomes a costly option if you want to bake only a couple of pizzas for small consumption.
Conversely, it can be a cheaper alternative to electricity for a large party or commercial purpose.
Cooking Surface Size
Most countertop pizza ovens are portable and have a cooking space to accommodate a 12-inch pizza. Yet, some models feel more spacious than others.
Therefore, letting you shuffle the same 12-inch pizza without feeling cramped.
However, some models offer ample space to cook up to 16-inch pizza to feed a crowd.
Remember, units with larger cooking space tend to eat up more space in your kitchen. So, if you don’t have space for a cumbersome oven, it’s best to stick with portable options.
You don’t necessarily have to splurge on a large unit if you’re baking for your small family only.
On the other hand, you should go all out in a large oven if you frequently host parties.
Versatility
Another factor to take into account is versatility. Considering how much a pizza oven costs, potential versatility is a welcome benefit.
Most pizza ovens are designed to bake wholesome homemade pizza to crisp perfection.
Nonetheless, if you intend to use this specialty appliance for other cooking functions, it’s best to consider electric models. Their precise temperature control makes achieving a plentiful assortment of culinary delights easier.
Furthermore, the size of the oven is related to its versatility. An oven with a wider cooking chamber offers enough space to fit larger dishes. They can accommodate a hot tray or skillet for roasting or searing meats, vegetables, or fish.
Easy of Use
Regarding pizza ovens, cooking performance is always the most considered factor. However, user-friendliness is another crucial aspect that includes temperature control and setup.
Electric models are more approachable and easier to use than countertop versions. The formal comes with preset pizza settings, allowing novice cooks to bake the perfect pizza every time.
Some high-end electric pizza ovens might allow you to choose your preferred shade level.
On the other hand, most gas units have no heat mode or settings. It’s either the flame is On or Off. Creating the right cooking temperature in the chamber requires a learning curve.
Cleaning
Countertop pizza ovens are hassle-free to clean. For gas models, there’s barely any post-cooking cleanup demanded. These appliances get very hot to burn off the residue or spill off for an easy cleaning experience.
This is a tad shortcoming of the electric alternative.
They don’t get hot enough to burn off what’s left in the oven. So, you have to do a bit of scrubbing to get rid of the stuck ones. This is also an easy process that takes only a couple of minutes.
Safety Features
In terms of safety features, electric models are more appealing than their gas counterparts. With the digital pizza ovens, you can set everything on a timer. This can be super handy, especially for easily distracted cooks, leading to perpetual burnt pizzas.
Some gas models have an automatic shut-off function that cuts the gas supply once the flame goes off. This reduces the risk of potential accidents and prevents the buildup of harmful gas in your oven’s cooking chamber.
So, always look out for the safety features available on the pizza oven before splurging on one.
💬Countertop Pizza Oven Related FAQ
How much counter space does a typical countertop pizza oven require?
Most countertop pizza ovens come in almost the same size as your regular oven. On average, this appliance takes up about 12 – 18 inches of width, 12 – 16 inches of depth, and 8 – 14 inches of vertical space. Keep in mind some models, like Presto 03430 Pizzazz Plus, are more portable and need no extra space.
How long does it take to preheat a countertop pizza oven?
It depends on the appliance. Some pizza ovens, like Volt 12, come to temperature in less than 15 minutes. Others might take up to 30 minutes to reach 600 degrees F.
Is there a noticeable difference in the taste of a pizza cooked in a countertop pizza oven vs. a traditional oven?
Pizza oven delivers crispier and better-tasting pizzas than those from a regular oven. The formal can reach extreme temperatures necessary for achieving artisan-quality stone-baked pizzas.
Do countertop pizza ovens require special pizza stones or pans?
Most countertop pizza ovens are supplied with a pizza stone. However, you can replace it if you’re not satisfied. Models like Breville Smart Oven are supplied with top-quality pans and stones.
Conclusion
Traditional ovens fall short when creating exceptional pizzas. Usually, it ends up causing more frustration than anticipated.
Utilizing a countertop pizza oven is the key to effortlessly crafting delectable pizzas.
Sadly, the market is flooded with numerous options. And not all deliver on their extravagant claims. So, I have handpicked the best countertop pizza ovens. They are renowned for their outstanding baking performance.
This recommendation will spare you from overwhelming stress and the risk of wasting your hard-earned money.
