Want to go directly to the Product Page…Click Here!
Summer is officially here in Wisconsin, and if you’re anything like us, you’re looking for every possible excuse to keep the heat outside instead of turning on the kitchen oven.
Over the years, Joe and I have found ourselves spending more and more time on our patio during the warmer months. Between grilling dinners, relaxing around the fire pit, and enjoying backyard get-togethers with family and friends, our outdoor space has become an extension of our home.
One tradition that has followed me from childhood into adulthood is Friday night pizza night.
Now, I’m going to date myself a little here. When I was growing up, Friday nights usually meant ordering pizza or throwing a frozen pizza into the oven while settling in to watch our favorite television 90s lineup. It was simple, easy, and something our family looked forward to every week.
Fast forward to today, and Joe and I still carry on that tradition. After a busy workweek filled with meal planning, grocery shopping, and figuring out what to make for dinner every night, pizza night remains one of our favorite ways to kick off the weekend.
The only thing better than pizza night? Taking it outside.
Why an Outdoor Pizza Oven Makes Sense
One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor pizza oven is that it allows you to cook outdoors without heating up your kitchen. During the hottest days of summer, that alone can be worth the investment.
Outdoor pizza ovens have also become much more accessible in recent years. Whether you’re looking for a portable model for occasional use or a dedicated backyard cooking station, there are options available for nearly every budget and lifestyle.
Beyond convenience, outdoor pizza ovens create an experience. Preparing dough, adding toppings, and watching pizzas cook in just a few minutes can turn a simple dinner into a fun activity for family and guests.
If you enjoy entertaining, an outdoor pizza oven can quickly become the centerpiece of your backyard gatherings.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Pizza Oven
Before purchasing a pizza oven, the most important decision you’ll make is selecting a fuel source.
Today’s outdoor pizza ovens generally fall into three categories:
Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens
Wood-fired pizza ovens provide the traditional pizza-making experience. They produce high temperatures and can create the lightly smoky flavor and crispy crust many people associate with authentic pizzeria-style pizza.
If you’ve ever enjoyed stone-fired pizza at a restaurant, you know there’s something special about the flavor and texture.
Growing up, there was a local restaurant my parents and I frequently visited that served stone-fired pizzas. Those pizzas quickly became a family favorite, and to this day I still think they taste just a little better. That nostalgic flavor is one of the reasons we’re strongly considering a wood-fired option for our own backyard.
Propane Pizza Ovens
Propane pizza ovens offer convenience and consistency. They heat up quickly, maintain stable temperatures, and require less hands-on attention than wood-fired models.
If you’re looking for a pizza oven that delivers great results with minimal effort, propane can be an excellent choice.
Electric Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Electric outdoor pizza ovens are ideal for homeowners who want simplicity and easy storage. Many electric models are compact, easy to operate, and perfect for smaller patios or decks.
They also eliminate the need to store wood or propane tanks, making them a practical option for casual pizza makers.
Our Top Pick: Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
One pizza oven that continues to receive outstanding reviews is the Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven.
What makes this model unique is its flexibility. It can cook using wood, charcoal, or propane (with an optional gas attachment), giving you the freedom to choose the cooking style you prefer.
Even more impressive is its cooking speed. The Ooni Karu 12 can reach extremely high temperatures and cook a fresh pizza in as little as 60 seconds.
For backyard entertainers, that means less time waiting and more time enjoying your guests.
Why We Like It
- Multi-fuel versatility
- Authentic stone-baked pizza results
- Portable design
- Reaches cooking temperatures quickly
- Cooks pizzas in approximately 60 seconds
A Great Electric Option: Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
As we’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, we’re a bit of a Ninja family around here.
So naturally, the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven caught our attention.
This electric outdoor pizza oven is compact, user-friendly, and easy to store when not in use. For homeowners with limited space or those who prefer a plug-and-play experience, it offers a lot of convenience.
Pairing it with a dedicated pizza oven table can also create a complete outdoor cooking station that looks fantastic on a patio or deck.
Why We Like It
- Compact footprint
- Easy operation
- Consistent cooking temperatures
- Convenient storage
- Great for smaller outdoor spaces
Tips for Creating the Ultimate Backyard Pizza Night
Once you’ve chosen your pizza oven, consider adding a few accessories to enhance the experience:
- Pizza peel for easy pizza transfers
- Infrared thermometer for monitoring cooking temperatures
- Pizza cutter and serving board
- Outdoor prep table
A few simple additions can transform pizza night into an event everyone looks forward to.
Final Slice
If you’re searching for new ways to enjoy your backyard this summer, an outdoor pizza oven may be one of the best additions you can make.
Not only does it help keep your home cooler during Wisconsin’s warm summer months, but it also creates a fun and interactive experience for family and friends. Whether you prefer the traditional flavor of a wood-fired pizza, the convenience of propane, or the simplicity of an electric model, there’s an outdoor pizza oven that fits your lifestyle.
For us, bringing Friday night pizza outside sounds like the perfect way to unwind after a busy week. Good food, fresh air, and quality time with the people you care about—it’s hard to ask for much more than that.
Have you added an outdoor pizza oven to your backyard setup? We’d love to hear which model you chose and what your favorite pizza toppings are in the comments below!
Affiliate & Product Disclaimer
Some posts on this website may contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. These commissions help support the content we create. However, we only share products we personally use, trust, or believe may provide value.
No Guarantees
We make no guarantees about the effectiveness, reliability, or results of any products, services, or recommendations mentioned on this site.
[…] you checked out our blog, Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens for Backyard Pizza Nights, yet? If not, be sure to give it a read for inspiration, tips, and ideas. Once you’re done, […]