Top 5 Pizza Ovens for Perfect Homemade Pies

Buying Guide for Top Pizza Ovens

If you’re ready to make a purchase, here are our top recommendations:

• Best Overall: Ooni Karu 12 Hearth Charcoal/Wood Outdoor Pizza Oven
• Best Value: Presto Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven
• Best for Everyday Use: Betty Crocker Countertop Pizza Maker
• Trusted Brand: Cuisinart Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
• Best for High Heat: NutriChef Portable Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven

When we think of pizza ovens, many of us envision grand brick constructions fuelled by logs, generating flames that create mouth-watering pizzas. However, most home cooks may find it challenging to replicate that experience without a restaurant-quality oven.

Fortunately, a compact electric pizza oven can bring the joy of homemade pizza into your kitchen without the hassle of wood chopping. While these ovens cannot completely replace the classic brick ovens, they can certainly produce delicious pizzas at home.

With a wide range of electric pizza ovens on the market, many can create delightful versions of your favourite wood-fired pizzas. These compact appliances save space and offer a cost-effective solution for pizza lovers who want to enjoy homemade pies without the need for extensive outdoor setups.

How Pizza Ovens Operate

Traditional wood-fired pizza ovens are constructed from bricks, which heat up and retain warmth effectively. This allows for even cooking of the pizza. However, larger brick ovens can take longer to heat up, presenting an advantage for smaller electric models.

Electric pizza ovens come in various styles but generally function in two primary ways.

Toaster Oven Style

These pizza ovens operate like versatile appliances that can also toast bread and bake cookies. They function similarly to conventional ovens, using electrical coils to generate heat that circulates within the unit, ensuring even cooking. Some models even include a rotating pizza pan to further guarantee thorough baking.

Round Cookers

Round pizza ovens feature a dual-heating system where both the lid and base heat simultaneously, cooking the pizza evenly from above and below. Many have a non-stick coating for easy cleaning, and some models include a thermostat to prevent burning. While they aren’t as versatile as toaster oven models, they can also be used for dishes like quesadillas and frittatas.

Key Features of Pizza Ovens

Many pizza ovens offer additional features that enhance their functionality and justify their presence on your countertop.

Heat Settings

Adjustable heat settings are common in electric pizza ovens, allowing you to cater to different pizza types, from traditional crust to thin crust.

Rotating Pan

Some models feature a rotating pan that ensures even heating, with many having removable and dishwasher-safe components.

Timer

Most pizza ovens include a timer to automatically shut off after a set time, which helps prevent burning and lets you multitask while your pizza cooks.

Energy Efficiency

Using an electric pizza oven can consume about 40% less energy than a standard kitchen oven, plus they won’t heat up your kitchen on warm days.

Cooking Time

Electric pizza ovens generally cook pizza faster due to their efficient heating elements. A frozen pizza that takes 15 minutes in a conventional oven can cook in as little as five minutes in these ovens.

Versatility

While designed primarily for pizza, electric pizza ovens can also cook a variety of foods such as flatbreads, nachos, and even desserts like cinnamon rolls.

Cost of Pizza Ovens

Most pizza ovens are quite affordable, generally ranging from £30 to £80.

About £30

In this price range, you can find a reliable cooker featuring dual heating and a non-stick surface. Some may even come with pizza peels for easier handling. These ovens typically offer substantial versatility for cooking various dishes.

Up to £80

Higher-end models often resemble toaster ovens and provide maximum versatility, effectively serving two purposes in one appliance. They tend to be bulkier and are designed for permanent placement on your countertop rather than storage.

Helpful Tips

• Even if the manual suggests that components are dishwasher safe, hand washing is often preferable.

• If counter space is limited, opt for a model that is easy to store.

• Ensure your chosen pizza oven can heat to at least 230°C.

• Some toaster oven-style pizza ovens come with a warming tray, which is perfect for keeping appetisers hot during pizza cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I cook a fresh pizza in an electric pizza oven, or do they only work for frozen pizzas?

A. While designed primarily for frozen pizzas, these ovens can also accommodate fresh dough. Just be prepared to adjust the temperature and cooking time. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and be mindful of the oven’s size to ensure your pizza fits.

Q. What size pizza can I cook in these ovens?

A. Most countertop models accommodate pizzas with a diameter of up to 12 inches. Larger pizzas are better suited for conventional ovens.

Q. How much power do electric pizza ovens typically use?

A. These ovens generally use around 110 volts, with some higher-end toaster oven models requiring up to 220 volts. All models typically come with a standard three-pronged plug suitable for any outlet.