Why Are Pizza Ovens So Expensive?
Pizza ovens aren't cheap—and there are several good reasons for that, too. As someone who's been using many of the best pizza ovens for years, let me help explain why many of the best pizza ovens are so expensive.
Quality Materials: Pizza ovens are typically made from high-quality materials to withstand the extreme temperatures required for baking pizzas—often up to 1000F (510C). These materials (like stainless steel or refractory stone) are durable and heat-resistant, ensuring that the oven can reach the necessary temperature to make the pizza and maintain it for an extended period. Unfortunately, these premium materials come at a higher cost, which adds to the overall price of the pizza oven.
Design and Construction: The best pizza ovens are always carefully designed to create the perfect environment for cooking pizzas—just like the old domed pizza ovens in Naples. The design of the oven, including the insulation and ventilation, plays a critical role in achieving a well cooked pizza. A properly designed pizza oven will have features such as optimal air flow, a large baking surface, and efficient heat retention, all of which require expensive engineering and skilled craftsmanship. These design elements add to the manufacturing costs, adding to the overall expense of the pizza oven.
Heating Technology: Pizza ovens use specialized heating technology to achieve the high temperatures required for baking pizzas quickly and evenly, especially if the pizza oven is compact and portable. Some pizza ovens utilize wood-fired or gas-fired burners, while others may have electric heating elements. These heating systems need to be carefully engineered and calibrated to provide consistent and reliable performance. Generally speaking, the more advanced the heating system, the more expensive the pizza oven will be.
Brand Reputation: Just like with any other product, brand reputation can also impact the price of a pizza oven. Established pizza oven brands (like Ooni and Gozney) with a long-standing history of producing high-quality ovens often charge a premium for their reputation and brand recognition. This can include factors such as customer service, warranty, and after-sales support, which all add to the overall cost of the pizza oven. I always recommend going with a reputable pizza oven brand over a no-name knockoff.
Production Volume: The production volume of pizza ovens can also affect their cost. If a manufacturer produces a limited number of pizza ovens due to low demand or custom-made features, the production costs may be higher, resulting in a higher price for the final product. On the other hand, pizza ovens produced in large volumes may benefit from economies of scale, resulting in a lower cost per unit. This is one of the reasons Ooni pizza ovens are so relatively inexpensive despite their quality design and construction.
Now that we've covered why pizza ovens can be so expensive, let's delve a bit deeper to figure out if that extra cost is worth it for you.
Pros and Cons of Pizza Ovens
Pizza ovens, both portable and fixed, come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding differences can help you determine if investing in a pizza oven is worthwhile for you.
Pizza Oven Pros:
Authentic flavor: Pizza ovens are designed to reach high temperatures, resulting in crispy crusts and smoky flavors that are difficult to achieve with a regular oven. Leopard spotting (which are the little black char marks on a wood-fired pizza) can only be achieved with a high-temperature pizza oven.
Faster cooking time: Pizza ovens can cook pizzas in just a few minutes (or often as quick as 60 seconds) due to their high heat, making them perfect for gatherings or events where you need to cook multiple pizzas one after the other.
Versatility: Many pizza ovens can also be used for other types of cooking, such as baking bread, roasting vegetables, or grilling meats. Any dish that benefits from high heat and open flames can be cooked in a pizza oven.
Socializing and entertainment: Pizza ovens are a unique conversation piece that many of your guests will never have seen before, so they naturally become the centrepiece of many gatherings.
Pizza Oven Cons:
Cost: Pizza ovens can be expensive, with traditional brick ovens being particularly costly due to the materials and labor involved in their construction. Portable pizza ovens tend to be much less expensive, by comparison.
Space requirements: Pizza ovens range from giant brick domes to small, compact portable units. So, depending on the size of your outdoor space, you may need set aside a dedicated area for using the pizza oven.
Maintenance: All pizza ovens require regular cleaning and maintenance, such as ash removal, chimney cleaning, and sealing, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. If you don't like cleaning up after using your pizza oven, I recommend going with a gas or electric oven that doesn't produce smoke.
Do You Need a Pizza Oven?
One common question frequently is whether a pizza oven is a necessity or simply a luxury item. Of course, this depends a lot on the individual, so understanding your cooking preferences, lifestyle, and living arrangements can help you determine if a pizza oven is a practical addition to your outdoor cooking setup or just a waste of money.
Pizza oven factors to consider:
Frequency of pizza consumption: If you and your family enjoy pizza frequently and appreciate high-quality pizza (like real New York or Neapolitan style), a pizza oven can be a very worthwhile investment, especially if takeout pizza is expensive where you live.
Cooking versatility: If you're interested in using the pizza oven for other types of cooking, such as baking bread, roasting meats, or grilling vegetables, the versatility of a pizza oven may make it a more practical choice.
Space availability: Pizza ovens, especially traditional brick ovens, require a significant amount of space for installation. If you have limited outdoor space, it may not be feasible to have a pizza oven.
Your Budget: Pizza ovens can range in price, from affordable portable options to high-end traditional brick ovens that cost thousands of dollars in materials alone. Consider your budget and how much you're willing to invest in a pizza oven before making a decision. If you don't want to spend as much, a portable pizza oven is almost certainly your best option.
Are Pizza Ovens Worth It?
The value of a pizza oven depends on various factors, including your cooking preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some considerations to help you determine if a pizza oven is worth the investment.
Benefits of a pizza oven:
Authentic flavors: Pizza ovens are specifically designed to produce pizzas with crispy crusts with tender middles that are difficult to replicate with a regular home oven, providing a unique and enjoyable pizza experience.
Faster cooking time: Pizza ovens can cook pizzas in just a few minutes, allowing you to serve fresh pizzas to your family and guests quickly and efficiently.
Versatility: Many pizza ovens can also be used for other types of cooking, providing a versatile outdoor cooking option for making bread, roasting vegetables and meats, as well as full on roasts or rotisseries with the right attachments.
Entertainment value: Pizza ovens can be the focal point of an outdoor gathering, especially if it's large and unique looking. This provides a fun and interactive cooking experience for your guests, and adds an aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space. If you're selling a home, for example, a pizza oven in the backyard can go a long towards influencing prospective buyers.
Other Considerations of Value:
Frequency of use: If you plan to use the pizza oven frequently and enjoy experimenting with different pizza styles, the investment is definitely worth it. However, if you only occasionally make pizzas, and don't really appreciate gourmet pizza anymore than a fast food chain, a pizza oven will likely not be as worthwhile an investment.
Budget: Pizza ovens come in various price ranges, from affordable portable options to high-end traditional brick ovens. Consider your budget and how much you're willing to invest in a pizza oven, keeping in mind the potential long-term benefits and value it may bring to your cooking experience. If you can only barely afford a small portable model, maybe stick with a simple pizza steel in a home oven and then upgrade to a standalone pizza oven later.
Space availability: Traditional brick ovens require ample outdoor space for installation, so if you have limited space, it may not be practical to invest in a pizza oven. Portable pizza ovens are generally compact and weigh less than 50lbs, and so are much more easily fit into most living spaces.
Maintenance: Pizza ovens may require regular cleaning and maintenance, such as ash removal, chimney cleaning, and re-sealing of bricks and stones. Consider the time and effort you're willing to invest in maintaining a pizza oven. Portable gas and electric pizza ovens require the least amount of maintenance.
Different Types of Outdoor Pizza Ovens
If you've decided that a pizza oven is worth the investment, here are some options for the best outdoor pizza ovens that you can consider:
Traditional Brick Pizza Ovens: Traditional brick pizza ovens are known for their authentic flavors and classic looks—like something straight out of 19th century Naples. They are typically made of durable materials such as bricks or stones and require professional installation, unless you happen to be very handy. While they can be expensive, they are a long-term investment that can add value to your outdoor space and provide an authentic wood-fired pizza experience. It's basically like a piece of outdoor furniture.
Portable Pizza Ovens: Portable pizza ovens (like Ooni and Gozney) are a more affordable and convenient pizza oven options. They come in various designs and sizes, such as gas-powered or wood-fired, and can be moved around your outdoor space as needed. Portable pizza ovens are a good option for those with limited space or budget, and they can still produce delicious pizzas with crispy crusts and a soft interior. In my experience, compact portable pizza ovens work just as well as large more expensive fixed pizza oven.
Gas-Powered Pizza Ovens: Gas-powered pizza ovens are convenient and easy to use, as they typically heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature. They are a good option for those who want a hassle-free pizza cooking experience without the need to handle wood or charcoal. Gas-powered pizza ovens are also relatively easy to clean and maintain. I recommend gas powered pizza ovens to anyone who hasn't used wood or charcoal before, unless it's a skill you specifically want to learn.
Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens: Wood-fired pizza ovens are known for their authentic flavors and the smoky aroma they infuse into the pizza (or whatever else you're cooking). They require wood as a fuel source and can reach high temperatures very quickly. However, solid fuel burning pizza ovens (like wood and charcoal) require more maintenance, including handling wood and cleaning out ashes.
Outdoor/Indoor Electric Pizza Ovens: Electric pizza ovens are a convenient option for those who prefer an easy-to-use and clean option. They are typically smaller in size and don't require fuel or flames, making them safer and easier to handle. However, they may not reach the high temperatures needed for authentic wood-fired flavors, and the crusts may not be as crispy. The best advantage of an electric pizza oven is that they can be used indoors safely and don't produce smoke or other harmful gasses as a byproduct.
Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens—4 of My Favorites
Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Price: $799
Weight: 62.6lbs
Baking surface size: 16.7 x 24.5″
Fuel types: Wood, Charcoal, Propane Gas & Natural Gas (with optional adaptors)
The Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven is an excellent investment due to its versatility and large baking surface size. It allows you to cook with various fuel types and has the largest baking surface size, allowing you to cook pizzas up to 16 inches in size.
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven
Price: $599
Weight: 40.1lbs
Baking surface size: Up to 16 inches
Fuel types: Propane Gas & Natural Gas (with optional conversion kit)
The Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven is another great investment. It heats up quickly and has a large baking surface size, allowing you to cook pizzas up to 16 inches in size. It is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around.
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Price: $299
Weight: 26.5lbs
Baking surface size: Up to 12 inches
Fuel types: Wood, Charcoal & Propane Gas (with optional adaptor)
The Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven is a smaller option, but it still offers versatility in terms of fuel types. It's also lightweight and portable, making it great for outdoor use.
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
Price: $349
Weight: 22lbs
Baking surface size: Up to 12 inches
Fuel types: Wood Pellets
The Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven is an excellent investment for those who want to cook with wood pellets. It's lightweight and portable, making it great for outdoor use. It also has a reasonable price point for a wood pellet oven.
Overall, each of these Ooni Pizza ovens are worth the investment because they offer high-quality performance and great versatility. Whether you prefer cooking with wood, charcoal, propane gas, natural gas, or wood pellets, there is a pizza oven that will work for you at a price you most likely can afford. Additionally, they all heat up quickly and have a large enough baking surface to cook pizzas up to 12 or 16 inches in size, depending on your preference.
If you only want to make smaller pizza, you can save some money buying a 12 inch pizza oven instead of a larger 16 inch one.
Why Pizza Ovens Are So Expensive - Key Points:
Pizza ovens, both traditional and modern, offer authentic flavors and faster cooking times compared to regular ovens.
Pizza ovens are versatile, allowing for other types of cooking such as bread baking and meat grilling, and can be a focal point for outdoor gatherings.
However, pizza ovens can be expensive, require ample space for installation, and may need regular maintenance.
Consider factors such as frequency of pizza consumption, cooking versatility, space availability, and budget when deciding if a pizza oven is worth the investment.
Traditional brick pizza ovens offer authentic flavors and aesthetics but require professional installation and can be costly.
Portable pizza ovens are more affordable and convenient, suitable for limited space or budget.
Gas-powered pizza ovens are easy to use but may lack the authentic wood-fired flavor. Consider your preferences, lifestyle, and budget before choosing the best outdoor pizza oven for you. Overall, pizza ovens can be worth the investment depending on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the pros and cons carefully to determine if a pizza oven is right for you.