Best Propane Pizza Ovens for Every Budget

We meticulously test propane pizza ovens annually to bring you the top 3, ranking them on performance, efficiency, capacity, and affordability.

BEST FOR CAPACITY

Big Horn Propane Pizza Oven

• Cooking temperature: Up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cooking surface: 16 inches
• Features: Side shelves, built-in thermometer, removable pizza peel

Flavor:

Easy to use:

Value:

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Editor’s Pick

Ooni Koda 12 Pizza Oven

• Cooking temperature: Up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cooking surface: 12 inches
• Features: Built-in thermometer, removable pizza peel, carrying case

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Easy to use:

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BEST VALUE

Cuisinart Propane Pizza Oven

• Cooking temperature: Up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cooking surface: 14 inches
• Features: Side shelves, built-in thermometer, removable pizza peel

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I love homemade pizzas. But using my regular kitchen oven always resulted in soggy, heart-breaking pizzas.

If you were like me, you might have used baking steel, pizza stone, or parchment paper. Did you get a mouthwatering pizza with a crispy texture? I doubt that.

I decided to invest in a propane pizza oven since I didn’t want the hassle of a wood-fired alternative. Turns out that was the best investment I’ve ever made in my pizza-making endeavor.

Propane-powered pizza ovens can reach a scary cooking temperature of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for achieving lip-smacking stone-baked pizza. Thanks to their superior heating and insulation system, I never have to worry about my pizza drying out on the inside.

Over my many years of baking pizzas outdoors, I’ve used and tested countless pizza ovens. Not all of them live up to their hype.

So, don’t waste your hard-earned cash.

Here are the top 5 best propane pizza ovens delivering authentic pizzas better than the take-outs.

🤔Why a Propane Pizza Oven?

Save Space

Lightweight, portability, and compactness are the major selling points of propane models.

These modern models are perfect for homeowners with small outdoor areas. They are less cumbersome since they don’t come with a tall chimney or hopper.

Thus, their compact design means less space to eat up. And, of course, their propane tank can be detached and stored inside.

Keep in mind that manufacturers offer large models in their product line. However, they are much more likely to be smaller and take less space than wood-fired models.

Excellent Temperature Control

Propane units usually have the latest timer and sensor technology for better temperature management. It’s easier to create the perfect cooking condition in a device running on propane than wood.

Even better, propane ovens come in handy in cooking a wide range of culinary treats. Their superior temperature control makes them multifunctional and suitable for cooking functions.

How many features and accessories will be available to you hinges on the product cost and the manufacturer’s objective.

Convenience

Building fire can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you’re new to it. Luckily, the propane pizza oven allows you to skip this tiring process. These latest devices come with a dial knob to ignite the oven and heat it up to its highest temperature in less than 15 minutes.

On top of that, you don’t have to babysit this oven. The preheating time is usually spent building your pizza on the peel rather than tendering to a fire.

With propane, no particular skill or years of experience is required. You can start using it straight out of the box on your outdoor kitchen counter.

Easier to Clean

The ease of cleaning is another reason pizza lovers opt for the propane models. There’s barely any cleaning needed after cooking- no ash residue.

Also, there are fewer parts to clean. It does not come with a chimney, hopper, or ashtray. 

It’s your best bet if you value spending a good time with your family and guests instead of struggling with the post-cooking cleanup.

Cooking Time

Propane pizza ovens are exceptionally fast pizza-making machines. These appliances heat up faster than electric models and crank out fantastic pizza about half the time.

Some models feature high-heat capacity burners that speed up the preheating process. You can achieve a searing temperature within 15 – 20 minutes and knock out great pies in less than 3 minutes.

⭐Best Propane Pizza Oven Review

Best Overall

Ooni Koda 12 Pizza Oven

My Rating:

• Gas fueled for the ultimate ease and control
• Reaches 950°F (500°C) in just 15 minutes
• Cooks stone-baked fresh 12” pizza in just 60 seconds
• Fits in any outdoor space, weighing only 20.4lbs (9.25kg)

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I’ve been using the Ooni Koda 12 for over a year, and it remains my top pick for the best outdoor propane pizza oven. This unit sets itself apart with its commercial-grade carbon steel construction, thick cordierite stone baking board, and massive cooking power of 13,648 BTU.

This unit checks all boxes for an ideal backyard pizza oven. It has an ample 13.2-inch cooking surface to bake 12-inch pizzas without any hindrance.

Above all;

The Ooni Koda 12 is backed by a generous 5-year warranty to protect your investment.

Key Features:

Commercial-grade engineering: This is one of Ooni’s notable upsides. This model’s shell is built with cold-rolled carbon steel to ensure it lasts. This means it won’t warp or crack under intense heat. Also, it’s responsible for its lightweight and superior heat transfer. Furthermore, the shell features a high-temperature-resistant, powder-coated finish to prevent accidental burns.

High Cooking Power: The Ooni Koda 12 is equipped with a powerful burner system. It delivers a whooping 13,648 BTU of cooking power. This is enough to get the oven above 800 degrees F in less than 15 minutes.

10mm Cordierite Stone Baking Board: This unit bakes some of the tastiest and crispiest pizzas. The stone is super porous to eliminate moisture from the pizza dough and cook evenly for a charred crust.

Thanks to the oven’s high heat performance, this pizza stone delivers perfect stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds.

Optimal for High-Volume Pizza Making: Koda 12 has a superior insulation design that holds its 950 degrees F max temperature better than its competitors. You can load and launch the next pizza without waiting several minutes for the oven to come to a temperature.

Best For:

The Ooni Koda 12 is a premium choice for serious home chefs looking to make a one-time investment in the best pizza oven out there.

Pros:

• The Koda 12 is the closest thing to a wood-fired pizza oven among all the pizza ovens I’ve used and tested. I could easily achieve ultra-high temperatures to give my pizza that irresistible stone-baked taste and crispiness.
• I observed that the Koda 12 reaches temperatures above 700 degrees Fahrenheit 5-10 minutes faster than most pizza ovens. No more unnecessary delays.
• This oven has a wide 13.2 inches of baking space. Baking my 12-inch pizza feels super spacious, especially when spinning it for proper doneness.
• It’s integrated with a Flame Safety Device, FSD, to stop the gas flow immediately after the flame is extinguished. It’s a big plus for me, considering my pizza oven is close to some furniture.
• I love the upgraded instant gas ignition technology on this oven. It lights up every time – no fail.

Cons:

• This pizza oven is not for beginners. You should expect some learning curve. If you’ll be cooking at 900 degrees F, it’s essential to be ready to quickly spin the pizza to avoid burning. In this case, I recommend you purchase the Ooni Pizza Turning Peel for quick spinning.

Best For Versatility

Blackstone Propane Pizza Oven

My Rating:

In my opinion, the Blackstone Propane Pizza Oven is the best choice for baking more than just authentic pizza ovens. This model sports patented 2-Stone Technology, a specially engineered cooking chamber, and a built-in thermometer for a versatile cooking experience.

• It’s a portable tabletop pizza oven that can cook pizza and all brick oven favorites.
• The oven includes a 15″ stone.
• The oven features patented 2-Stone Technology, a front door, and a specially engineered cooking chamber that captures and retains high heat.
• This oven allows for even, hassle-free cook. It only requires you to rotate your pizza once during the cook instead of constantly tending to it.

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This tabletop oven brings plenty of cooking space to bake up to 15-inch pizza to perfection. But the best part is this model comes in a bundle. There’s a FREE pizza peel and rocking pizza cutter to get you started immediately.

Key Features:

Patented 2-Stone Technology: This is a revolutionary feature. This oven has two pizza stones. A round stone is at the bottom, and the other is rectangular at the top. So, it ensures your pizza base is super crisp and the topping is perfectly cooked without the risk of burning. Plus, they help retain heat better to let you cook several pizzas without almost no wait in between.

Large Cooking Chamber: The Blackstone Propane Pizza Oven offers enough space to bake up to a 15-inch pizza. Also, the cooking chamber is well-engineered and more forgiving. So, it’s great for searing steak and roasting vegetables with less chance of ruining your culinary feat.

Built-in Thermometer: This model is integrated with a thermometer for easy monitoring. However, the thermometer is placed in front instead of the side for more convenient viewing.

2-in-1 Cooking Function: This best-selling pizza-making machine can be converted into a tabletop griddle. This griddle plate is sold separately. It’s perfect for stir-frying vegetables, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pancakes.

Best For:

Outdoor cooks are looking for a top-quality propane pizza oven with a griddle function for an amazingly versatile cooking function.

Pros:

• The Blackstone Propane Pizza Oven is impressive with its 2-stone design. I did not experience any learning curve, unlike the Koda 12. Also, I barely have to spin my pizza for a well-baked result.
• This model comes with a built-in thermometer. So I never have to reach for my temperature gun. This is usually the case with the Koda 12.
• Even better, this appliance comes with a front lid. From my experience, it helps get the oven to temperature quickly by locking in the heat.
• Also, this model comes with a high-quality stainless steel peel and rocking pizza cutter. The peel does a great job. It made launching and removing my tasty pizzas from the oven hassle-free.

Cons:

• It took me more than an hour to put this oven together. The Koda 12 already came assembled and ready to use – not this one!
• Also, the ignition system on this oven is not as reliable as I had hoped.

Best Overall

Cuisinart Propane Pizza Oven

My Rating:

If you want to infuse your pizza with sweet wood flavor, this product is for you. The Cuisinart Propane Pizza Oven is well-engineered to perfectly mimic a wood-fired oven. How? This unit has a powerful 15,000 BTU burner to deliver scorching-hot temperatures.

• Pizza Capacity: 12″
• Fuel Type: Liquid Propane
• Burner BTUs: 15,000
• Cooking Temperature: Up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit

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Cuisinart comes with a unique built-in smoker cup to hold your preferred wood chips. This add-on infuses smoke flavor to create the most authentic Italian pizzas.

What else do I love?

This model has a warming tray to keep your pizza and other food warm without burning. Also, it comes complete with stainless steel peel and a long foldable handle.

Key Features:

Ample 143 sq inches of Cooking Space: This model has a vast cooking capacity. Whether baking up to 12-inch pizzas or making full-size pies, this versatile oven covers you.

Robust 15,000 BTU Burner: This appliance is fitted with an exceptionally powerful burner, providing an astounding heat capacity of 15,000 BTU. With this remarkable capability, it can raise the oven temperature to a staggering 700 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately 20 minutes. Additionally, it includes a 10mm round pizza stone that ensures flawless stone-baked pizzas in less than 5 minutes.

Built-in Smoke Chip Cup: This feature lets you incorporate wood chips, imparting a delightful natural wood flavor to your pizza. It’s perfect for infusing your pizza with a subtle touch of wood essence without overpowering its taste.

Best For:

The Cuisinart Alfrescamoré is a good buy for pizza lovers looking to make authentic wood-fired pizza with natural smoke flavor.

Pros:

• My favorite feature is the integrated smoke cup. I got a better crisp pizza with a genuine wood-fired taste with a couple of wood chips.
• I also love where this oven’s built-in thermometer is located. It’s right on the top of the oven for easy viewing.
• This oven coming with a warming tray is a big win for me. It is handy during pizza nights to keep guests’ pizzas warm until they are ready.
• With a 15,000 BTU burner, I’m impressed with its rapid heating. It takes about 20 minutes to warm up and bake a nice pizza for around 3 – 5 minutes.
• The insulation on this oven is unmatched. It doesn’t lose heat quickly. So, I made four pizzas in a row without delay.

Cons:

• The ignition knob takes two or more tries to get this oven fired up
• This cute pizza-making machine takes up a lot of space. Plus, it’s twice as heavier as Koda 12. This means it can be a struggle to move around.

For Large Pizza Party

Big Horn Propane Pizza Oven

My Rating:

• Capacity: 12 Inch Pizza
• Average Cook Time: 3-5 minutes
• Finish: stainless steel
• Surface Material: Stone
• Grill/Smoker Features: Rust Resistant
• Ignition Type: Battery Pilot
• Max Temperature (Fahrenheit): 950

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After thorough testing, Big Horn Propane Pizza Oven turns out to be the ultimate choice for feeding a crowd.

What sets this appliance apart is its combination of robust features:

• A durable stainless steel construction.
• An impressive cooking power of 23,000 BTU.
• A convenient mini-chimney that enhances combustion performance

This beast is designed to handle the enormous demands of high pizza production. Its cooking chamber is spacious enough to fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. And it’s the only sucker on this list that exceeds Ooni’s 950 degrees F max temperature range. It’s the next best thing to a brick oven.

Key Features:

Arc-Shaped Furnace Chamber: This innovative design offers superior heat management. It’s meticulously engineered to converse its high heat while promoting better circulation. This results in great subsequent pizzas like the first.

Widest Temperature Range: Thanks to its striking 23,000 BTU cooking force, this oven reaches a scorching temperature of 1,180 degrees. This is more than enough heat to sear your pizza and steak and roast your vegetables to gastronomical perfection. Also, its wide temperature range means you can bake anything in there.

High-performing 13-inch Pizza Stone: This is another notable feature. The pizza stone has a high moisture absorption rate and heat retention. As a result, it effortlessly creates a delectably crisp crust, whether you’re baking a fresh or frozen pizza.

Best For:

This commercial-grade pizza oven is best for folks who host many backyard parties.

Pros:

• Unlike Blackstone Propane Pizza Oven, assembling this model was easier. It only took me a few minutes to put it together.
• It has one of the largest cooking spaces on a propane pizza oven. I could fit anything inside, from 12-inch pizza to a whole chicken.
• This unit warms up really fast. It reaches about 600 – 700 degrees in less than 10 minutes. Once it’s ready, I get beautiful pizzas with crisp textures in about 60 – 90 seconds.
• I also loved the mini-chimney. It helps eliminate the smoke, so I don’t have much to clean. Plus, it does an excellent job of regulating the oven’s temperature.
• Likewise, this unit comes with a built-in thermometer on the right side. Upon comparing its readings to those of my temperature gun, I found that it maintains high accuracy. The deviation is less than 10 degrees.

Cons:

• There’s no way I could lower the flame without it going out.
• Also, I’m not too fond of the bottom burner. It is not adjustable. So, it’s either On or Off.
• Plus, I must keep shuffling the pizza to prevent the side closest to the flame from burning.

Best for Budget

VEVOR Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven

My Rating:

Among all products tested, this VEVOR Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven is the best propane pizza oven for budget shoppers. This product costs almost half the price of the Ooni Koda 12 without lacking performance. It boasts a cutting-edge insulated steel shell, exquisite craftsmanship, and an assortment of accessories.

• Capacity: 12 Inch Pizza
• Average Cook Time: Less than 3 Minutes
• Finish: Stainless steel
• Grill/Smoker Features: Foldable Legs, Portable
• Configuration: Countertop
• Max Temperature (Fahrenheit): 930
• Model: vv-psl-624030

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Here’s what you get without breaking the bank:

• A pizza cutter
• A rocker-style blade
• Pizza clip
• A gas pipe, and
• A packaging bag

The VEVOR Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven is not only sought after for its low price point but also its stunning look. And, of course, it weighs only about 24 pounds and has retractable legs for easier transportation.

Key Features:

Groundbreaking Insulated Steel Shell: The VEVOR Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven showcases a steel exterior with an advanced insulation design. Thus, ensuring unbeatable heat retention and flavor preservation. This remarkable attribute guarantees an even better pizza than before and minimizes the waiting time between each mouthwatering pie.

Ultra-Fast Heating: This oven is engineered with premium stainless steel to deliver superior heat transfer and distribution. Like the Koda 12, it can heat up to 900 degrees in about 20 minutes. Also, it offers even heat in the cooking chamber to ensure your crisp pizza crust is more fluffy inside.

Best Value for Money: VEVOR Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven delivers an exceptional baking performance for half the price of its competitors. This inexpensive pizza maker features robust construction, an elegant design, and a bank of accessories. This is the only product with everything you need to bake a sumptuous pizza, from a peel to launch your pizza to a sturdy oven cover for practical storage. 

Best For:

People who want a propane oven with stellar performance without draining their wallet.

Pros:

• The oven comes ready to use almost straight out of the box. It only took my younger cousins about 10 – 15 minutes to get this oven in one piece.
• I fired up this oven for close to 25 minutes, and the oven’s temperature was around 800 degrees F.
• This pizza oven is more affordable than the top-class Ooni Koda 12. And, of course, it’ll make some of the most amazing pizzas you’ll ever have.
• I love the included cover. It offers a more convenient storage option than other models on this list.
• The stainless steel shell and overall design are as sturdy and eye-catching as the Koda 12. This unit added engaging visuals to my outdoor kitchen space.

Cons:

• This unit does not come with a built-in thermometer. It’s not a walk away if you own a temperature gun like me or can afford one.
• Also, I noticed there was no instruction manual included. The manufacturer should start having one for easy setup for first-timers.

📊Comparisons Table of Propane Pizza Ovens

💡How Does a Propane Pizza Oven Work?

The propane pizza oven is a contemporary version of the wood-fired pizza oven. These modern ovens are powered by propane instead of charcoal, wood, or pellets.

Depending on the manufacturer, they come with one or two burners to deliver searing temperatures. These burners are placed at the oven’s sides or back to create an even cooking environment.

Furthermore, most manufacturers equip their products with temperature control settings. This standard feature lets users set the correct baking temperature for outstanding results.

Like the traditional model, these pizza ovens cook on a stone. The hearth inside gets heated to a high temperature and is ready to char your pizza base for the crispiest result.

🎭Which is Better: a Wood-Fired Pizza Oven or a Propane Pizza Oven?

In the pizza-making world, this is the most debated topic. The right one for you boils down to your cooking needs and preference. Here’s how to figure out which pizza oven is better for you:

Cooking temperature

Pizza ovens are different. Wood-fired pizza ovens can attain extreme peak temperatures that propane models won’t.

However, controlling the heat in a traditional oven requires a considerable learning curve. Hence, propane units are mostly recommended to beginners and amateurs.

Cleaning

Unlike wood-fired pizza ovens, its modern alternative is a breeze to clean. A propane pizza oven burns cleaner with no residue left behind.

There’s a tad of work with a wood-fired pizza oven because of the ashes from burning wood, pellet, or charcoal.

Space

wood-fired pizza ovens are usually large and require much of your precious garden space. Also, you have to figure out the right location to fire up your oven safely.

Plus, you’ve to create the appropriate space to store all the chunks of wood. Propane pizza ovens are more portable and could work in small outdoor spaces.

Weight

Propane pizza ovens are portable and lightweight. They are much easier to move around the house.

Not all wood-fired pizza ovens are a pain to transport. Some models are built on trolleys for easy transportation.

Cooking time

Wood-fired models come to temperature faster than its counterpart. The formal relies largely on conduction. This means the oven is heated directly.

For gas pizza ovens, the floor takes longer to come to temperature because it depends more on radiant heat. So, it’s possible to have perfectly baked Neapolitan pizza in 60 -90 seconds with the traditional oven.

📝6 Key Things to Consider When Choosing a propane pizza oven

Size and Capacity

The size of a pizza oven is an important consideration when shopping for one. The right one should offer enough room to satiate your family or guests.

Most propane pizza ovens can bake a 12-inch pizza. But there are ovens with options to bake up to 16 inches. If you barely host guests or have a small family, a 12-inch oven is the way to go.

On the other hand;

It would be best to have a pizza oven with massive cooking space for large pizza production. However, this means a bigger, heavier, and slower cooking option.

16-inch propane pizza ovens take longer to heat up than their smaller counterparts. Also, it will take up more space in your backyard. But they are perfect for making gastronomical delights for a crowd.

Furthermore;

It’s not unusual to have a large pizza oven with two pizza racks. These models are best at creating pairs of any pizza simultaneously. However, I’d only recommend such models for commercial purposes.

Heat Output

The reason you are dishing the wood-fired models for propane versions is the ease of use and quick heating. These modern alternatives have a unique burner system to raise the oven’s temperature quickly.

Sadly, not all propane units can. Therefore, you should look out for models with a heat output of 20,000 BTU or higher. These burner systems get the oven in 15 minutes and crack out perfect toppings and crispy bases in 90 seconds.

Affordable options usually feature 12,000 – 15,000 BTU. They still produce lovely pizzas and fill your backyard with enticing aromas.

These inexpensive models take longer to cook, around 3 – 5 minutes. Also, they consume less fuel and are lighter than higher BTU models.

Temperature Control

For pizza ovens, it’s always about how hot it can get. While the sweet cooking temperature is 750 degrees F, higher temperatures offer much more.

For starters, pizza ovens that exceed 700 degrees knock out perfect crisp crusts in under a minute. Also, they are more suitable for baking several pizzas without a tiring long wait in between.

So, the temperature is essential. But what’s more important is temperature control. The best propane pizza ovens should have a heat management system to perfectly cook your food.

Some models are integrated with a thermostat for easy control. It comes in handy for beginners. Others offer a manual heat management system, which is more appealing to pizza masters.

Build Quality

This is another important criterion when shopping for an outdoor propane pizza oven.

Most home chefs prefer to leave their outdoor appliances in their gardens or backyard. So, it’s crucial that the oven is well-built to withstand the harsh effects of wind and water.

Additionally;

The oven’s interior should feature excellent engineering, including a very conductive material for even cooking and high heat retention.

What do I recommend?

I suggest opting for ovens with powder-coated carbon steel or stainless steel. They are incredibly durable, easier to clean, and deliver superior heat performance compared to other options.

Other Features

There are tons of gas pizza ovens out there. What sets them apart from one another is the number of features available.

Most low-priced propane pizza ovens won’t come with lots of features. However, some models are equipped with an assortment of features, from a built-in thermometer for easy temperature reading to an additional burner for extra cooking power.

🧠Propane Pizza Oven Related FAQs

Conclusion

If you’re seeking a hassle-free way to create wholesome homemade pizzas, propane pizza ovens come highly recommended by renowned Pizzaiolos.

I wholeheartedly agree!

They provide an unforgettable pizza-making experience right in the comfort of your own backyard.

However, with countless models available in the market, selecting the perfect one can take time and effort.

Fortunately, having cooked with over a dozen propane-powered ovens, I’ve discovered that only a select few can deliver that perfect pizza crust.

In this post, I have shared my top 5 recommendations for the best outdoor propane pizza makers.

By choosing one of these exceptional options, you can embark on a culinary journey to create mouthwatering pizzas that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.