After conducting extensive research and testing, we have found the best outdoor natural gas pizza ovens in 2023 that offer excellent performance, durability, safety, and convenience. These are the top-rated natural gas pizza ovens that can cook delicious pizzas in minutes with minimal fuel consumption and maintenance:
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
Gozney Roccbox Gas Fired Pizza Oven
Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven
You’d agree that baking crisp and chewy pizza crusts on a rack is almost impossible. If you’ve ever tried that like me, you’d understand how unsatisfying the results can be – soggy pizza crust.
The only way I could finally craft beautifully charred pizzas at home was by using these trendy backyard pizza ovens. They were a game-changer, delivering intense heat that perfectly toast the pizza base.
Sadly, many of them are not compatible with natural gas. Getting one that works with your gas line and cooks like a brick oven can be a dream come true.
Luckily, I found the 5 best natural gas pizza ovens offering phenomenal pizza-baking experience and results.
✅Our Natural Gas Pizza Oven Picks
- Best Overall [Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven]
- Best Premium [Gozney Roccbox Gas Fired Pizza Oven]
- Best Value [Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven]
- Best Portable [Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven]
- Best Hybrid [Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven]
👩💼How Does A Natural Gas Pizza Oven Work?
Natural gas pizza ovens consist of three essential components: the dome-shaped hood, pizza stone, and burner. The burner is typically positioned on the thermally insulated hood, either on the side or back. Its precise location is not critical; what matters is connecting it to a natural gas supply line.
It’s important to note that this unit operates on natural gas (methane), not propane.
Starting the oven is a process similar to igniting a gas appliance. Once it’s lit, you’ll need to allow the oven’s deck to reach a temperature of 700 degrees Fahrenheit, a step referred to as preheating. Depending on the model, this vital process usually takes about 15 minutes.
🔍Benefits & drawbacks of using a natural gas pizza oven
Constant gas supply
Natural gas pizza ovens offer uninterrupted baking operations. Unlike propane and wood-fired pizza ovens, this outdoor appliance does not require refueling or tendering to fire. It runs efficiently for long periods, nonstop, since it’s attached to a gas supply line. It’s perfect for large pizza parties. Guests can make their pizza the way they want.
Cost-efficiency
Natural gas is a cheaper fuel source in the long run than wood, charcoal, or propane. Running cost-wise, switching to natural gas mode might be insignificant for at-home pizza cooks. But pizzerias and restaurants will save more, making this smart switch.
Easy to Use
Natural gas pizza ovens do not require exhausting wood chopping or tank lugging. Connect to a gas supply line and say farewell to long hours selecting the best quality charcoal.
Also, they burn clean like propane models. This means you won’t be spending half an hour cleaning ash and soot out the oven every time you make pizza. This is an exhausting consequence of cooking with wood or charcoal.
Installation
In contrast to propane or wood-fired pizza ovens, installing a natural gas oven is notoriously tricky. For safety reasons, it’s crucial to hire a professional to install the gadget. Usually, a gas line is dedicated to the pizza oven, which can be a massive deal to most residential users.
Limited Portability
Natural gas ovens are generally installed in a permanent spot. This means you probably won’t be able to carry this oven for on-the-go operation. They are not compatible with propane or wood. They are only useful when attached to a gas supply line.
🤔What is a better wood or gas pizza oven?
Choosing between a gas or wood-fired pizza oven depends on your cooking preference. The latter is your best bet if you love the aroma and flavor wood-burning cooking offers. Also, it’s an excellent choice for folks who find wood-cooking classism alluring.
Conversely;
Gas pizza ovens come with powerful burners to achieve high temperatures to craft authentic Italian pizza without chopping wood or tendering to a fire. It’s the most convenient option for baking crispy pizzeria-style pies. Managing heat on gas ovens does not require any extraordinary wood-firing craftsmanship.
📌Next Read: Best Propane Pizza Ovens for Every Budget
Also, they burn cleaner – no soot or ash to worry about. This means less maintenance and almost no post-cooking cleanup required.
Ultimately;
The age-old debate between wood and gas pizza ovens is a matter of what you value more – the allure of traditional wood-burning classism and smoky flavor or the effortless cooking experience offered by gas models.
👥How do I choose the right natural gas outdoor pizza oven for me?
Size and Space
Natural gas pizza ovens are more likely to become a permanent fixture in an outdoor kitchen. So, figure out where and how much space you can sacrifice for this oven. They are available in different sizes and offer varying cooking capacities.
For crowded parties, I recommend a 16-inch pizza oven. They are roomy enough to whip up large pizzas to feed many guests. However, you can invest in something other than a large one if you only want to satisfy your small-sized family pizza cravings.
Material and Build Quality
When it comes to a pizza oven’s build quality, you want to consider these four things:
- type of insulation
- exterior coating
- stainless steel grade
- pizza stone thickness
Stainless steel grade
Generally, most pizza ovens are built with stainless steel for durability and rust resistance. However, the grade of the stainless steel material is equally important. Natural gas pizza ovens are more likely to be exposed to outdoor conditions, so consider models crafted out of 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Furthermore, areas exposed to extreme temperatures should feature thicker stainless steel. Thicker stainless steel resists wrap and other heat-related wear better.
Type of insulation
For crafting restaurant-grade pizzas, achieving and retaining blistering temperatures is essential. Look for pizza makers insulated with thick, high-density materials. Different options, like refractory cement, rockwood, or ceramic fiber, can provide outstanding heat preservation.
Exterior Coating
Stainless steel and powder-coating are two standard exterior designs. They are the most durable finishes, ensuring your permanently installed pizza oven is weatherproof and durable.
While both options will protect your oven against the potential deterioration of prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions, powder-coating is better for an overall eye-catching appearance. Also, they are colder to the touch than stainless steel exterior coatings.
Pizza Stone Thickness
When it comes to pizza stones, I always go for thicker ones – for two reasons. One, thick pizza stones are more resistant to thermal shock. Secondly, they have better heat retention, making it easier to bake pizza after pizza with no long wait in between.
Burners
Gas ovens come with different burner systems. The placement and shape play an integral role in the overall cooking performance. Ovens with the burner placed at the back tend to require spinning pizzas several times. For U or L-shaped burner systems, they spread heat more uniformly. So, you can cook your thin-crust pizzas evenly with fewer spins.
Budget
How much are you willing to pay for a natural gas pizza oven? Knowing your budget helps you narrow down the endless available options. Thus increasing your chances of finding the best natural gas pizza oven.
📌Things You Need to Know..
- Need help finding the best natural gas pizza oven for you? That’s because not many gas pizza ovens are compatible with natural gas.
- I also noticed many comparison review websites only regurgitated manufacturer’s specs, not a first-hand opinion.
- Instead, I’ve selected and ranked FIVE best pizza ovens for natural gas based on hands-on experience and their outstanding performance.
- But before making a choice, consider these essential factors: cooking capacity, budget, and warranty.
⭐Best Natural Gas Pizza Oven Review
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 16 is my top pick for the best natural gas pizza oven. This unit remains the most recommended and awarded pizza oven – why? It has an innovative L-shape burner, roomy cooking space, and a powerful 29000 BTU burner. This results in a versatile gas oven that cooks Instagram-worthy pizzas with a crisp crust and yummy taste.
From a 4″ WC pressure regulator to a long 3.4m hose, the Koda 16 comes complete for easy installation. More importantly, this top-tier device is backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty, offering peace of mind with your purchase.
Key Features:
Top-performing L-shaped burner
Although the Koda 16 is not the only oven with this remarkable feature, its performance is hands down the best. The unique burner design offers an impressive 210-degree heat distribution. Meaning? Pizzas are ready in just one turn.
Huge heat capacity
One of many reasons the Koda 16 is a top choice for domestic use is its ability to replicate brick oven cooking performance. Equipped with a staggering 29,000 BTU gas burner, this oven reaches up to 950 degrees F in under 15 minutes. That’s enough heat to craft memorable pizzas in your backyard instantly.
Unbeatable heat retention
The Koda 16 shell’s thermal insulation performance differentiates it from other premium ovens. The hood is well-engineered and designed beautifully with powder-coated carbon steel. This stunning design effectively retains most of the generated heat inside the shell. This results in a rapid cooking experience. Plus, it keeps the exterior surface cool to the touch, reducing the risk of potential burns.
Best For:
Anyone looking to make a one-time investment in a top-of-the-line oven capable of consistently delivering authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Shortcomings
- This pizza oven is bigger than I thought. It took a lot of backyard space. But for the large cooking space, it’s worth it.
- This is arguably Ooni’s best-premium oven, but it does come with a salty price tag. If you’re working with a limited budget, check out the Gozney Roccbox. It’s available at half the price.
Testing Takeaway
The Ooni top-selling Koda 16 works like a charm, churning out amazing pizzas with professional taste and quality in 60 – 90 seconds. Not just pizza, I was able to sear steaks to juicy, golden brown results. Also, it doesn’t take all day to return to temperature, allowing me to bake the next pizza almost instantly. Undoubtedly, the Koda 16 is in a class of its own – a truly valuable outdoor pizza oven!
Gozney Roccbox Gas Fired Pizza Oven
After testing about a dozen pizza ovens, Gozney Roccbox is the only product that comes very close to the Koda 16. This oven screams elegance and best-in-class engineering. If you have a penchant for premium appliances, you’d be glad I recommended the Gozney Roccbox.
This gas-fired pizza oven has a unique design that compliments your outdoor kitchen. Also, its high heat performance is another reason The Times, GQ, Forbes, and thousands of customers applaud this oven. It knocks out beautiful, golden-brown pizzeria-grade pizzas in under 90 seconds.
Key Features:
Hot, rolling flame
The Gozney Roccbox’s burner rocks a patented revolutionary technology that produces a rolling flame. It’s not the typical blue flame on the Koda 16. The roaring, golden flame lets you craft the most authentic Italian pizzas. Although fired by natural gas, it offers a wood-like cooking experience. So, you get a slight smoke flavor on your culinary creations.
Advanced insulation design
Firing up to 950 degrees F in under 20 mins, this oven preserves the heat for superior cooking quality. Even better than Koda 16, this top-tier appliance has a safe-touch jacket, preventing accidental burns.
Built-in thermometer
Ovens integrated with a temperature sensor make crafting delicious pizza easier. You can always launch your pies at the right temperature and time for the perfect crispy pizza crust. By eliminating guesswork, even beginners can consistently produce chef-quality pizzas with ease.
Best For:
Home chefs are shopping for a premium oven with a knack for crafting chewy, charred, and cheesy pizzas.
Shortcomings
- One of the caveats is the placement of the built-in thermometer. It’s oddly placed at the side, meaning you’ve to tilt your head to read the temperature.
- While the rolling flame offers a beautiful cooking experience, achieving a well-cooked result typically requires more than two rotations of the pizza.
Testing Takeaway
The Gozney Roccbox cooks amazingly well. This appliance is incredibly straightforward to set up, install, and cook with (once connected to a gas line). I fire up this oven to my sweet spot, usually around 750 – 800 degrees F, and it bakes mouth-watering pizzas that get my guests begging for another slice. On top of that, it comes with a BONUS – a well-made stainless steel peel suitable for launching, shoveling, and taking out your culinary creations.
Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven
In my view, the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven represents the top choice for those seeking great value. This product boasts a first-of-its-kind cooking flexibility. It runs on gas, wood, and charcoal – at the same time.
Without charging you extra, this model is shipped with an assortment of accessories – an infrared thermometer, pizza peel, and weatherproof cover.
If this isn’t a prime example of value for money, tell me what’s. You’ll unlikely come across another pizza oven offering this level of quality and features at such an attractive price point.
Key Features
Superior cooking performance
Like the Koda 16 and Roccbox, this value-centered oven can attain extreme temperatures. However, what’s mindblowing about this device is how well it cooks on both gas and wood. You don’t have to choose, but enjoy the best of both worlds. Simultaneously, cooking with wood and gas shortens the preheating time and makes heat management easier than any pizza oven on this list.
Authentic wood-fired taste
This is an almost impossible feat for most gas pizza ovens, not Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven. Once the oven is fired up with gas, you can always introduce wood to impart your culinary creations with aromatic smoky flavor.
An assortment of essential accessories
With the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven, there’s nothing else to purchase. The manufacturer included a pizza peel, Infrared thermometer, weatherproof cover, wooden tray, gas burner, etc. It’s a rarity to find a product that makes you feel like you’ve received more than your money’s worth, but the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven certainly achieves this.
Best For:
Budget-conscious shoppers are looking for an all-in-one pizza oven that delivers authentic Italian-style pizzas.
Shortcomings
- This unit is a bit tricky since it involves gas and wood.
- There’s nothing visually interesting about this oven – a very boring design.
- Heat distribution is not as impressive as the Koda 16. So, you have to turn the pizza 90 degrees every 15 – 20 seconds.
Testing Takeaway
Once I got the hang of cooking with the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven, crafting authentic Neapolitan-style pizza was easy. Preheating with gas and cooking with wood is a game-changing combo. Every slice gave my tastebuds an intense orgasm.
Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven
The Solo Stove Pi is the best compact pizza oven on the market – and thousands of customers agree. This oven takes up only a fraction of your available outdoor counter space. Don’t be fooled by its size. Its Demi-Dome construction promotes quick and crust-blistering temperatures. Also, this petite pizza oven has dual-fuel compatibility, allowing you to cook as you prefer.
Key Features:
13-inch Panoramic Opening
Despite its small size, Pi Pizza Oven has enough room to cook and spin pies without feeling cramped. Its cooking space can be optimized thanks to its brilliant 13-inch panoramic opening. This oven can accommodate your cast iron pan. Remember that the handle will stick out, but that’s not a big issue.
Superb Demi-Dome construction
The science behind this oven’s ability to achieve super high temp is its demi-dome construction. It’s thoughtfully engineered to direct and trap heat for quick preheating. So, it’s around 700 degrees F, my sweet spot, in under 15 mins of firing it up.
Dual-fuel Capability
This stand-alone pizza oven can be powdered with wood or gas. The manufacturer ships this device with a gas conversion kit for an extra cost. The gas burner delivers searing-high temperatures crucial to making charred and crispy pizza bases with bubbling cheese.
Best For:
Pizza enthusiasts are hunting for a compact pizza oven to fit into tight spaces.
Shortcomings
- The pizza stone has an odd shape, making it puzzling to find the center. Usually, you’ll have to adjust the pizza for proper positioning.
- It’s a 12-inch pizza oven and won’t be much of a help during crowded nights.
- The pizza stone loses heat fast. So, there’s a long wait in between batches. This is why I love the Koda 16.
- Wood-fired performance is decent and would suit average pizza lovers. But for pizza aficionados, the Karu 16 is the standout choice here.
Testing Takeaway
The Pi Pizza Oven has a more user-friendly feel to it because of its small size and round shape. For its size, I’m amazed the deck temperature clocks 700 degrees F, making it possible to craft phenomenal pizzas. Yes, it’s small, but no one would believe its culinary creations!
Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The Karu 16 is the latest addition to Ooni’s premium product line. This kitchen gadget is by far the most advanced hybrid pizza oven on the market. Packed with standout features, this top-tier outdoor device includes a see-through lid and a built-in digital thermometer to aid in creating and monitoring the ideal cooking conditions within the chamber.
If you’re searching for a premium multi-fuel pizza oven to complement your culinary creativity, the Karu 16 is the ultimate choice.
Key Features
Hefty construction
The Karu 16 has the most robust stainless steel construction. The shell showcases stellar stainless and carbon steel engineering for unbeatable heat performance and durability. Despite its high-temp cooking, the shell’s exterior poses no serious burn risk, thanks to its powdered coating.
Largest cooking space
With an enormous cooking space measuring 16.7 x 16.7 inches, this oven is roomy enough for 16-inch pies. There’s plenty of room to maneuver your peel in and out for evenly-cooked pizzas. Its large space also accommodates cast iron pans for other culinary delights.
Multi-fuel capacity
The Karu 16 is a stand-alone wood-fired pizza maker. However, an expensive upgrade option for fuel flexibility allows you to cook with wood or gas. With the gas burner, you can get the oven’s deck temp up to 800 degrees in 13 minutes or so. The allure is doing this effortlessly – no fire tendering or stocking.
Best For:
If you have ample outdoor space and love the charm of a hybrid pizza oven, the Karu 16 is the obvious choice. No matter what you fuel this oven with, the results are sensational.
Shortcomings
- The Karu 16 is a gigantic, scary-looking pizza oven that takes up a lot of outdoor kitchen space.
- Purchasing a gas burner makes this oven quite expensive. But it’s a good buy for folks who love the classism of live-fire cooking and the convenience of a gas-powered unit.
- Converting this oven from a wood to a gas-fired option can be a lot of work. Solo Stove Pi is the best buy if you want a simple conversion process.
Testing Takeaway
The Karu 16 is a serious pizza oven offering a wonderful baking experience. With gas, achieving the necessary temperature to char and crisp pizza crust was a snap. I appreciate the plenty of room that makes wiggling pizzas less tiring and more efficient. Once its thick pizza stone is at the ideal temperature, it churns out amazing, classic-looking pizzas with deep flavor depth for the most satisfying bite.
📊Comparisons of the Natural Gas Pizza Oven
| Ooni Koda 16 | Gozney Roccbox | Bertello Gas & Wood | Solo Stove Pi | Ooni Karu 16 | |
| Best For | Overall | Premium | Value | Portability | Multi-Fuel |
| Fuel Options | Gas | Gas | Wood, Charcoal, and Gas | Wood, Charcoal, and Gas | Wood, Charcoal, and Gas |
| Max Temp | 950 °F | 950 °F | 900°F | 800°F | 950 °F |
| Cooking Capacity | 16 inches | 12 inches | 12 inches | 12 inches | 16 inches |
| Average Preheat Time | 15 – 20 mins | 15 – 20 mins | 15 – 20 mins | 10 – 15 mins | 20 – 25 mins |
| Average Cook Time | 90 seconds | 1 – 2 mins | 2 – 3 mins | 2 – 4 mins | 1 – 3 mins |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs | 49.9 lbs | 46 lbs | 30.5 lbs | 62.6 lbs |
| Dimension | 25 x 23.2 x 14.7 inches | 21 x 18.6 x 16.3 inches | 32.5 x 14 x 11.5 inches | 33 x 32 x 20 inches | |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | Lifetime | 5 years |
How does pizza cooked in a natural gas oven taste compared to wood-fired ovens?
Cooking with wood imparts your pies with a sweet, aromatic, smoky flavor. For a gas oven, pies have a mild, neutral flavor profile. While most pizza enthusiasts can’t seem to tell the difference, if you have sensitive taste buds, you will find wood-fired pizza a sensational culinary delight.
📌Next Read: Vevor Pizza Oven Reviews
How do I clean a natural gas outdoor pizza oven?
Using a natural gas pizza oven significantly reduces the need for post-cooking cleanup. After you’ve finished cooking, flip the pizza stone. This exposes the soiled side of the pizza stone to intense heat, effectively burning off any residue. For any dirt on the oven’s exterior, you can easily wipe it clean with a damp cloth. This convenience makes cleanup a breeze.
Can I convert my wood-fired pizza oven to natural gas?
Wood-fired pizza ovens can’t be powered by natural gas or propane. They are manufactured to bake gorgeous pizzas with wood or charcoal. If you prefer cooking flexibility, opt for a multi-fuel pizza oven. These hybrid models run on both wood and gas, using the included/purchased conversion kit.
What is the best pizza oven natural gas conversion kit?
Gas Burner for Ooni Karu 16 is the best conversion kit on the market. This accessory product is designed to seamlessly transform the multifuel Karu 16 into a full-fledged natural gas pizza oven. It’s a powerful burner with a high heat capacity of about 27297 BTU, which gets the Karu 16 up to 800 degrees F in under 15 minutes. On top of that, this best conversion kit is backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
🧠Natural Gas Pizza Oven Related FAQ
Are outdoor pizza ovens worth it?
Owning an outdoor pizza oven is a worthwhile investment. They can replicate the brick-oven cooking environment, which is ideal for producing crisp pizza crust with melty cheese. So, it’s a fun and rewarding experience, creating your own pizza at home just as you like.
Are outdoor pizza ovens safe?
Generally, pizza ovens are safe to use. However, they generate a lot of heat that can cause a potential fire accident. To avoid that, it’s best to keep them on a sturdy, leveled, heat-resistant table or counter. Additionally, consider wearing a protective glove when handling these scorching hot devices.
What other dishes can I cook in my natural gas pizza oven?
Natural gas pizza ovens are highly versatile and helpful in making almost any culinary delight. You can bake focaccia, sear steaks and burgers, roast vegetables, and chicken. The cooking possibilities are endless, provided you closely monitor and manage its cooking temperature, especially for delicate dishes.
Is a natural gas connection necessary for this oven?
Yes, natural gas pizza ovens require a supply line to work. It’s important to note that this type of pizza grill oven does not work with propane.
Are there environmental benefits to using natural gas over wood?
Homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint by cooking with natural gas instead of wood. It’s an excellent option for powering your pizza oven without polluting your environment. It burns cleaner than wood, meaning it leaves no ash or residue behind.
How long does a natural gas pizza oven last?
How long a pizza oven will serve you depends on essential factors like build quality and user care. However, pizza ovens generally last up to 5 years. Nonetheless, buying an oven with a generous manufacturer’s warranty is wise, protecting your investment.
Conclusion
Overall, the best natural gas pizza ovens can toast your pizzas at insane temperatures. They make it easier to achieve stunning pizzeria-quality pizzas – crisp crust, charred base, and caramelized cheese.
However, it’s essential to consider one tailored to your cooking preference, needs, and budget.
Nonetheless, I’m a big fan of the full-featured Koda 16 from the big brand Ooni and Gozney Roccbox. Impressive cooking performance with professional-quality results worth every penny!
