This is my review of the best propane pizza ovens for 2024.
After reviewing numerous propane pizza ovens, I found the Ooni Karu 16 to be the best overall choice. However, if budget is not an issue the Gozney Dome is my premium oven of choice.
As a passionate pizza lover, I have spent hours testing and researching gas pizza ovens with the aim of giving you the lowdown on the best products on the market.
For me, the Ooni Karu 16 ticked the most boxes. It’s reasonably priced, portable and cooks large pizzas. It is also multi-fuel should you wish to venture into the world of wood-fired pizzas further down the line.
The Gozney Dome is a beautiful looking pizza oven that cooks incredible pies, but it comes at a cost. If you are looking to build an outdoor kitchen in your backyard this is the perfect piece of kit to take centre place. That being said it is quite bulky so I would not recommend this if you want something portable to take on your travels. Like the Karu 16, it is also multi-fuel.
Keep reading to get my take on the best propane pizza ovens currently on the market.
Best Overall
Ooni Karu 16
Portable
Cooks pizza in 60 seconds
Easy to clean
Higher price
Premium Choice
Gozney Dome
Portable
Excellent heat retention
Cooks pizza in 60 seconds
Easy to clean
Higher price
Best Value
Ooni Koda 12
Portable
Cooks pizza in 60 seconds
Easy to clean
Smaller cooking surface
Our Top 6 Propane Pizza Ovens
- Ooni Karu 16 (Best Overall)
- Gozney Dome (Best Premium Option)
- Ooni Koda 16 (Best for Convenience)
- Ooni Koda 12 (Best Value for Money)
- Bertello Grande 16 (Best Alternative)
- Gozney Roccbox (Best Heat Retention)
Ooni Karu 16 – Best Overall
- Fuel: Multi-fuel (wood/gas/charcoal)
- Weight: 62.6 lbs
- External dimensions: 33″ H x 32″ D x 20″ W
- Maximum temperature: 950° F
- Pizza size: Up to 16″
The Ooni Karu 16, is a revolutionary pizza oven that combines cutting-edge design, versatility, and high-end performance, making it a must-have for every pizza fan.
As stated above, I have rated this as the best pizza oven overall based on the fact it ticks the most boxes and is more reasonably priced compared to the Dome.
With its sleek construction of powder-coated carbon steel and stainless steel, it not only promises durability but also adds a touch of elegance to your cooking space.
Weighing in at 62.6 lbs it is heavier than other Ooni pizza ovens, however, it is still easy enough to transport and is half the weight of the Gozney Dome.
The oven features a spacious cooking surface of 16.7 x 16.7″, and as the name suggests allows enough room to create pizzas up to 16-inches.
It houses 0.6″ thick cordierite pizza stones, renowned for their exceptional heat retention and distribution, ensuring every pizza you make has that perfect crispy base and well-cooked toppings.
Beyond its aesthetics and construction, the Ooni Karu 16 impresses with its rapid heating capability, reaching a temperature of 950°F in just 15 minutes.
Ooni Karu 16 embraces versatility with its multiple fuel options, however, propane gas isn’t an option straight out of the box. This is one of the drawbacks as you will need to purchase the gas burner at an extra cost. If you’re new to pizza making I would recommend starting out with gas.
Other fuel options include wood or charcoal for when you feel ready to up your pizza cooking game.
A notable feature is its new hinged oven door design integrated with ViewFlame™ technology, boosting visibility and allowing you to watch your pizzas as they cook to perfection.
Additionally, a mounted digital thermometer is included, which displays the internal ambient oven temperature, letting you keep tabs on the cooking conditions effortlessly without the need for an infrared thermometer.
Ooni makes unboxing a breeze with the inclusion of several accessories such as the Ooni Karu 16 chimney, chimney cap, burner tray & grate, draft defender plate, fuel hatch, and a handy essentials guide.
While the standard warranty for all Ooni products is 1 year, registering your Ooni Karu 16 within 60 days of receipt extends the warranty to a generous 5 years, a testament to Ooni’s confidence in the quality and performance of their ovens.
In conclusion, the Ooni Karu 16 stands out as the top oven overall in the world of gas pizza ovens, offering a blend of innovation, affordability, versatility, and superb performance.
Gozney Dome – Premium Option
- Fuel: Wood only or multi-fuel (wood/propane or wood/natural gas)
- Weight: 128 lbs
- External dimensions: 26″ H x 24.8″ D x 28.8″ W
- Maximum temperature: 950° F
- Pizza size: Up to 16″
In my opinion, the Gozney Dome stands out as the best oven in both performance and aesthetics in today’s market, setting the gold standard for pizza ovens with its sleek design and exceptional build quality.
It comes in beautiful shades of bone or olive green, each model reflecting meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
It boasts key features that set it apart, including a 30mm double layer cordierite stone, ensuring unbeatable heat retention, a built-in digital thermometer for accurate temperature readings, and innovative air ventilation for optimal cooking conditions. These features together make the cooking experience seamless and enjoyable.
In the box, you will find the Dome oven, a detachable flue and cap, dock and accessory port, a digital thermometer, two temperature probes, a manual air regulation and ashtray module, and a user manual, ensuring you have everything you need to start your pizza journey.
Fuel versatility is another noteworthy feature; it offers three different fuel options: dual fuel (propane), dual fuel (natural gas), and wood only. To fully experience its capabilities, the dual fuel option comes highly recommended, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Its capability to reach a maximum temperature of 950° F makes it ideal for making authentic Neapolitan pizza. It must be said though that it does take slightly longer than other ovens to get this temperature.
Given its weight of 128 lbs and dimensions of 26″ H x 24.8″ D x 28.8″ W, it is relatively large compared to other available options. While it may not be the most portable, it acts as an elegant and functional centerpiece in any backyard setup.
Its spacious interior allows for cooking pizzas up to 16” in size or, for those more acquainted with its use, the simultaneous cooking of two smaller pizzas.
Gozney labels the Dome as ‘the world’s most versatile outdoor oven,’ and it’s difficult to argue this claim. Beyond pizzas, I have achieved excellent results in cooking bread, meat, and vegetables. Its versatility and performance make it a culinary haven for those who love to experiment with different recipes.
To top it all off, Gozney provides a sense of security and confidence in the longevity of their product with an offering of a warranty up to 5 years, as long as the product is registered within 60 days of purchase.
While I’ve ranked this as the best premium option gas pizza oven, I understand that the Gozney Dome won’t fit everyone’s budget. However, for those who can afford it, it stands as an unparalleled and indispensable investment.
Ooni Koda 16 – Best for Convienience
- Fuel: Propane gas and natural gas
- Weight: 39.2 lbs
- External dimensions: 25″ H x 23.2″ D x 14.7″ W
- Maximum temperature: 950° F
- Pizza size: Up to 16″
True to its name, the Ooni Koda 16 stands as the more advanced sibling to the Ooni Koda 12. If you’re aiming to craft large pizzas, value convenience, and are looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to the Karu, then the Ooni Koda 16 is your go-to choice
Much like the Koda 12 this sleek oven is housed in a durable, insulated, powder-coated carbon steel shell, ensuring longevity and resilience.
A big selling point of this oven is its portability. Weighing just 39.2 lbs and with compact dimensions of 25 x 23.2 x 14.7″ it makes it easy to transport and store, whether you are heading for a camping adventure or seeking a compact, stylish addition to your backyard.
With a spacious 16″ cooking surface furnished with a 15mm cordierite stone baking board, the Ooni Koda 16 is a haven for those who yearn for the perfect crispy crust, thanks to its exceptional heat retention and distribution properties.
It can reach temperatures of 950°F in just 20 minutes, allowing you to create delicious, stone-baked pizzas in as little as 60 seconds.
The main difference between the Koda 16 vs the Koda 12 (other than the size) is the innovative L-shaped gas burner. This provides a captivating waterfall effect flame and is a boon for one-turn cooking, enhancing your cooking experience by offering speed and simplicity. The built-in gas ignition guarantees a fast, easy cooking experience.
Flexibility is at the core of the Ooni Koda 16, with options to run on either propane or natural gas, however, there is no option for wood or charcoal like the Karu 16.
In the box, you’ll find everything you need to start making pizzas in quick time. The Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven body with folding legs, a cordierite stone baking board, a gas regulator, and hose compatible with your chosen fuel source, and an extendable match holder.
However, unlike the Roccbox the pizza peel is sold separately, so budget accordingly to ensure you can afford to buy a peel should this be the pizza oven you choose.
This oven comes highly recommended for those in pursuit of a gas-exclusive, user-friendly option capable of crafting larger pizzas compared to the Koda 12.
Ooni Koda 12 – Best Value for Money
- Fuel: Propane gas
- Weight: 20.4 lbs
- External dimensions: 24.4″ H x 15.5″ D x 11.7″ W
- Maximum temperature: 950° F
- Pizza size: Up to 12″
The Ooni Koda 12 is an oven that is very close to my heart as it was the very first pizza oven I purchased and learned how to make authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
I highly recommend this oven if you are looking to get into making fresh pizza at home but are a bit wary of going down the wood-fired route. It’s a great entry-level oven at a very reasonable price.
Its sleek design with a commercial-grade, powder-coated carbon steel shell promises durability and resistance against high temperatures.
The oven’s dimensions of 24.4 x 15.5 x 11.7 inches and lightweight build of 20.4 lbs, coupled with folding legs, make it Ooni’s most compact oven, incredibly portable and suitable for any outdoor space.
Equipped with a 10mm cordierite stone baking board and a cooking surface of 13.2 inches, the oven ensures uniform cooking and optimal heat retention.
The Ooni Koda 12 is designed for the utmost convenience and speed, reaching 950°F in 15 minutes and allowing the cooking of stone-baked fresh pizza in just 60 seconds.
It’s fueled by gas for ultimate ease and control, and it’s compatible with large propane tanks and 1lb propane tanks with an adapter.
In the box, you receive the oven body with folding legs, a cordierite stone baking board, and a gas regulator and hose, although the pizza peel is sold separately. You will need to factor in this additional cost when weighing up which oven is best for you.
Ooni offers a standard 1-year warranty which can be extended to a 5-year warranty when registered within 60 days of receipt, testifying to their confidence in the product’s quality and durability.
This oven is the perfect choice for those who value convenience, speed, and quality in their cooking experiences.
Bertello Grande 16″ – Best Alternative
- Fuel: Propane gas and wood
- Weight: 62.9 lbs
- External dimensions: 30″ H x 22″ D x 17″ W
- Maximum temperature: 900° F
- Pizza size: Up to 16″
This oven is ideal for those who love the flexibility in their cooking process, allowing the cook to switch between gas and wood, or use both simultaneously, to achieve the desired flavor profile.
I’ve included this oven as it is a high-quality alternative to the Ooni and Gozney brands.
The main difference between Bertello vs Ooni and Gozney is the unique, patent-pending design that enables the combination of gas and wood, or gas alone, to achieve over 900 degrees F in under 10 minutes. This makes it ideal for those who desire a quick, efficient heating process while still having the option to infuse their pizzas with that authentic, smoky wood-fired flavor.
This oven is robust, designed in the USA, and suitable for year-round use, even in sub-zero temperatures. Its sturdy legs ensure stability, allowing you to cook with peace of mind in any season.
Weighing in at 62.9 lbs with dimensions of 30 x 22 x 17 inches, it is compact yet spacious enough to accommodate a 16″ pizza, making it a versatile choice for various outdoor spaces.
The Bertello Grande 16 comes with everything you need to start baking pizzas: the pizza oven itself, a gas burner, a wood tray for the gas burner, and a 16×16″ pizza stone. However, the pizza peel is sold separately. This ensures you are well-equipped to start your pizza-making journey as soon as it arrives at your doorstep.
This oven is ideal for those who love the flexibility in their cooking process, allowing the cook to switch between gas and wood, or use both simultaneously, to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Gozney Roccbox
- Fuel: Multi-fuel (wood or propane)
- Weight: 44 lbs
- External dimensions: 16.3″ H x 21″ D x 18.6″ W
- Maximum temperature: 950° F
- Pizza size: Up to 12″
The Gozney Roccbox is a compact and stylish pizza oven, offering a seamless blend of functionality, convenience, and quality, all packed in a sleek design. It sports external dimensions of 16.3 x 21 x 18.6 inches and a cooking floor of 12.4 x 13.4 inches, a space big enough to cook pizzas up to 12 inches.
In terms of aesthetics and durability, the Roccbox doesn’t compromise. The body and legs are constructed from 304 stainless steel for longevity and robustness. The cooking floor is made from Cordierite stone, which is known for its excellent heat retention and distribution, guaranteeing evenly cooked pizzas every time. The outer jacket is available in four different colors (green, gray, olive or black) and is made from a safe-touch commercial-grade silicone, adding a layer of safety and style to the oven.
Like the Dome, this oven’s maximum temperature reaches 950ºF, allowing you to recreate the magic of traditional Italian pizzas in the comfort of your backyard. Unlike the Dome, the Roccbox is faster at heating u, reaching maximum temperature in 15 minutes.
Despite its high-performance capabilities, the Roccbox is surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at just 44 lbs making it easy to transport.
It’s not just the oven you get. Inside the box, you’ll find a portable stone-floored pizza oven, a detachable propane gas burner, a professional-grade pizza peel valued at $85, a handy bottle opener, and a user manual to navigate through the features and usage easily.
One of the standout features of the Roccbox is its user-friendly design. It requires no assembly, allowing you to get straight to cooking. The retractable legs and detachable burner make it incredibly easy to transport, and the built-in thermometer ensures you’re always in control of the temperature. Plus, it comes with a lifting strap, making it easy to get it in and out of the box.
The oven’s versatility is amplified by its dual fuel capability, allowing you to choose between gas and wood, depending on your preference and availability.
What makes the Roccbox even more appealing is the peace of mind that comes with it, thanks to Gozney’s 5-year warranty. This reassures you of the quality and durability of the product, allowing you to explore your culinary skills worry-free.
The Gozney Roccbox is a great option, and one I highly recommend particularly for newbies and those with a smaller budget.
Guide To Buying The Best Propane Pizza Oven
What Is A Propane Pizza Oven?
A gas pizza oven, simply put, is a pizza oven where gas, either propane or natural gas, plays the role of fuel. They’re renowned for being user-friendly, having fast heat-up times, and maintaining a stable temperature.
These ovens can bless your taste buds with authentic pizzas, featuring crispy crusts and heavenly melted toppings, all in around 1-2 minutes.
The journey doesn’t stop at pizzas; you can explore cooking various foods like bread, meat, fish, vegetables, and even desserts in these versatile ovens.
When shopping for the best gas pizza oven, you’re essentially looking at a tool that combines convenience and personal needs with gourmet cooking.
What To Look For When Buying A Propane Pizza Oven
Size
Size matters, especially when it’s about fitting your new pizza oven in your outdoor space. The size of the gas pizza oven isn’t just about physical dimensions; it’s about the size of the pizzas you can cook and how easily it can be stored and transported.
Here are some key things to consider when choosing the size of your oven:
- Ensure the oven size is in sync with the available space in your outdoor area.
- If you plan to take your pizza oven on your travels or camping trips strongly consider an oven that can easily be transported.
- Size is usually gauged by the diameter of the cooking surface or the biggest pizza it can accommodate.
- From compact 12 inches to generous 16 inches or more, gas pizza ovens come in a variety of sizes.
Portability
The portability of your gas pizza oven is something you’re definitely going to want to research prior to purchase. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’ve invested a lot into an oven only for it not to suit your needs perfectly.
- Consider how often and where you plan to use the oven. The portability should align with your intended use and travel frequency.
- Look for an oven that balances durability and stability with ease of movement.
- Consider the various elements – weight, size, shape, design, folding features, handles, wheels, and legs.
Design
Design is where functionality meets aesthetics, turning your gas pizza oven into a piece of art that cooks.
- Your oven should be a reflection of your style and taste. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist look or a rustic charm, there’s a design out there that’s just right for you.
- An oven that looks good but can’t withstand the heat is like a pizza with no cheese – disappointing! Ensure your oven’s design is synonymous with quality and dependability.
- Look for design elements that enhance your cooking experience, such as color, material, finish, insulation, ventilation, door, window, thermometer, ignition system, and flame control.
- From classic to contemporary, gas pizza ovens come in various designs, allowing you to find the one that resonates with your aesthetic sensibilities and culinary needs.
Price
When it comes to purchasing a gas pizza oven it’s crucial to find a gas pizza oven that’s a perfect blend of value and performance without stretching your finances too thin.
- Assess your financial landscape and set a reasonable budget. Remember, it should align with your expectations and the features you desire in your oven.
- A low price tag can be tempting, but ensure it doesn’t compromise the oven’s value and features.
- The price fluctuates based on several factors like size, fuel type, brand, quality, and performance. Having a keen eye on these elements will ensure that you get more for your money.
- Gas pizza ovens range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Whether you’re looking for something basic or a model with all the bells and whistles, there’s an oven to suit your budget.
Temperature
The temperature of your gas pizza oven is one of the most critical elements to consider before you buy.
Here’s how temperature plays its role in your gas pizza oven:
- Whether you prefer a soft, chewy crust or a crispy, golden brown one, the oven’s temperature needs to align with your culinary needs and the dish’s requirements.
- Choosing an oven that heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature is essential for a quality end product.
- The temperature of a gas pizza oven is usually gauged by either its maximum reachable temperature or the average temperature it can sustain.
Warranty
Finally, and importantly, a warranty is another key factor to consider when making a purchase. A warranty is a measure of the trust and confidence you can place in your oven.
- The warranty serves as a testimony to the oven’s quality and durability.
- Usually, warranties are spelled out in terms of their duration, clearly stating the number of years they are valid.
- Depending on the brand and model, warranties can vary extensively, ranging from 1 year for basic models to over 5 years for premium ones.
Benefits Of Using A Propane Gas Pizza Oven
Gas pizza ovens provide a range of benefits compared to wood-fired alternatives. Whether you are a casual cook or a pizza pro, these benefits contribute significantly to a seamless and enjoyable cooking journey.
1. Speed and Efficiency
- Fast Preheating: Gas pizza ovens are renowned for their ability to reach high temperatures in quick time, significantly reducing the preheating time.
- Uniform Cooking: The consistent flame ensures an even distribution of heat, ensuring each pizza receives a uniform cook and a delectable crust.
2. Ease and Convenience
- User-Friendly Operation: With straightforward controls and instant ignition, gas pizza ovens offer ease of use that is unparalleled, making them a favorite among beginners.
- Portability: Many gas pizza ovens are designed with mobility in mind, allowing users to transport their ovens to various outdoor settings effortlessly.
3. Consistency and Reliability
- Stable Temperature: The stability of gas fuel maintains a steady temperature, providing a reliable cooking environment that produces perfect results every time.
- Precise Control: Adjusting the flame allows for meticulous control over the cooking temperature.
4. Versatility
- Multifunctional Cooking: Beyond pizzas, gas ovens can adeptly handle a variety of dishes including bread, meat, fish and veggies.
5. Environmental and Economic Benefits
- Eco-Friendly Option: Gas pizza ovens tend to have lower emissions compared to other types, making them a more environmentally friendly choice for outdoor cooking.
- Cost-Effective Operation: With generally lower fuel costs and efficient fuel consumption, gas pizza ovens are often more economical in the long run compared to their wood-fired counterparts.
Best Propane Pizza Ovens FAQs
Can gas pizza ovens reach the same high temperatures as wood-fired ovens?
Yes, all the gas pizza ovens featured in this review can reach similar high temperatures as wood-fired ovens, exceeding 800°F (427°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy crust and well-cooked toppings in a short amount of time.
Are gas pizza ovens portable?
Some gas pizza ovens are designed to be portable and are ideal for outdoor events, camping, or tailgating.
How do gas pizza ovens impact the flavor of the pizza?
Gas pizza ovens typically do not impart the smoky flavor associated with wood-fired ovens. However, they excel in delivering pizzas with a crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings.
Are gas pizza ovens safe to use?
Yes, when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, gas pizza ovens are safe. It’s important to ensure proper installation, ventilation, and maintenance and to follow safety precautions, such as keeping flammable materials away from the oven.
Can I use a gas pizza oven for cooking foods other than pizza?
Absolutely. Many gas pizza ovens are versatile and can be used for baking bread, roasting meats, vegetables, and more.
How do I maintain and clean a gas pizza oven?
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining gas pizza ovens. Remove ash and food residues after each use, and periodically check for any gas leaks, wear and tear, or other issues.
Why choose a gas pizza oven over a wood-fired one?
Gas pizza ovens are generally easier to use and maintain than wood-fired ones, with faster preheating times and consistent temperatures. They don’t require a constant supply of wood and produce less ash and soot, making them cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
What are gas pizza ovens?
Gas pizza ovens are cooking appliances specifically designed for baking pizzas, utilizing propane or natural gas as a fuel source. They are a popular choice for both home and commercial usage due to their efficiency and ability to reach high temperatures quickly.
What is the price range for gas pizza ovens?
The price of gas pizza ovens can range widely depending on the brand, size, and features.
