I put 16 backyard pizza ovens through rigorous testing using my gas line during weekends to identify the ones that truly meet my criteria: performance, convenience, safety, and crush result. It involved more than 100 hours of hands-on testing, all with a simple yet delicious pizza – tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.
The results revealed my top 5 choices. If, after reading my review, you still need help making the right choice, feel free to send me a message.
Most pizza ovens are not designed to work with natural gas.
Getting one that works with your gas line and cooks like a brick oven can be a dream come true.
So, I personally tested several devices on my backyard gas line, cooking a simple pair of pizzas to evaluate their performance.
Even better;
I’ll also provide recommendations on who should consider a specific model and who might want to steer clear.
Stick around, and together, we’ll uncover the best outdoor natural gas pizza oven for an exceptional pizza-baking experience and outstanding results.
✅Our Natural Gas Pizza Oven Picks
- Best Overall [Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven]
- Best Premium [Gozney Roccbox Gas Fired Pizza Oven]
- Best Value [Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven]
- Best Portable [Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven]
- Best Hybrid [Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven]
⭐Best Natural Gas Pizza Oven Review
1. Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
After testing a bunch of pizza ovens, the Ooni Koda 16 takes the top spot as the best natural gas pizza oven on the market.
During my extensive testing, this appliance was the easiest to set up and hook to my gas line since it came preassembled with literally everything necessary.
It came with a 4”WC pressure regulator you’ll need to connect to the gas line using a wrench.
Next, attach the 3.4m hose included in the package to the regulator’s outlet and connect the other end to the pizza oven.
It’s important to check for leaks before firing up the oven. I applied a solution of soapy water to all connections and looked for bubbles. There wasn’t, if there were I would tighten the loose connection with the wrench.
The Koda 16 boasts an attractive design and top-notch engineering. It’s made with stainless steel and powder-coated, cold-rolled steel, guaranteeing durability.
With a large mouth opening and a 16-inch cordierite stone, Ooni claims this unit bakes up to 16 inch pizza. However, I found it optimal for pizzas up to 14 inches to avoid potential burning due to the proximity to the L-shaped burner.
Talking of its L-shaped burner, its performance is hands down the best I’ve seen. I noticed it delivers intense heat, raising the stone’s temperature from 72°F to 813°F in a record time of 15 minutes 32 seconds.
However, the stone temperature was not consistent. The areas closest to the burner are usually hotter, creating a hotspot. Thereby, necessitating that I turn pizzas every 20 seconds.
With the deck temperature at 800°F, I baked three classic cheese pizzas back to back to see how it performs without allowing the oven to recover. I was impressed with its cooking consistency. The first, second and third pizza cooked in 1 minute 11 seconds, 1 minute 40 seconds and 2 minutes 15 seconds respectively.
The pizzas had crisp crust with charming char marks, puffy edges featuring leopard spots and evenly melted cheese. Based on my experience, I recommend maintaining a safe distance from the L-shaped burner and turning the pizza every 20 seconds to avoid burning.
What I Like
- Quick preheating
- Premium construction
- Easy setup
What I Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Not ideal for 16-inch pizza
2. Gozney Roccbox Gas Fired Pizza Oven
After testing about a dozen pizza ovens, Gozney Roccbox is the only product that comes very close to the Koda 16.
This oven screams elegance and best-in-class engineering.
If you have a penchant for premium appliances, you’d be glad I recommended the Gozney Roccbox.
Gozney, a globally acclaimed brand renowned for its top-tier ovens, proves its excellence once again with the Roccbox.
Straight out of the box, this gas-fired pizza oven impresses with its sleek olive safe-touch silicon-jacket and stainless steel accents. Setting up is a breeze – fold down the legs, attach the burner, and connect to the gas line.
Capable of cooking with both gas and wood (burner sold separately), I focused on testing this oven using natural gas. One standout feature during testing was its patented baffle plate technology, producing a captivating rolling golden-brown flame, reminiscent of a wood-fired cooking experience.
I’m particularly impressed with its quick preheating, reaching a scorching temperature of 805°F in 15 minutes. While this oven is integrated with a thermometer, I find it unreliable as it measures the ambient heat and not the stone’s temperature. It’s best to use an infrared thermometer.
With the Gozney Roccbox, I decided to bake two thinly-topped cheese pizzas consecutively to evaluate its cooking consistency. Getting the pizza off the included peel without ripping the crust or creating a mess in the oven can be tricky. I found that by adding enough corn flour pizza slides off easily.
At 800°F, both pies were baked in under 4 minutes, with the first taking 1 minute 15 seconds and the second 1 minute 48 seconds. I remember saying to myself “what a crust!” as I take a good look at the pizzas.
Beyond pizzas, the Roccbox showcased its versatility. With a cast iron skillet in the oven, I whipped up tasty wings and maple in under 15 minutes. When I was done cooking, the retractable legs fold up easily, making storage a convenient affair.
What I Like:
- Captivating rolling flame
- Beautiful, premium design
- Rapid preheating
What I Don’t Like:
- Learning curve involved
3. Bertello Outdoor Pizza
In my view, the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven represents the top choice for those seeking great value.
This product boasts a first-of-its-kind cooking flexibility. It runs on gas, and wood – at the same time Without charging me an extra dime, this model was shipped with an assortment of accessories – an infrared thermometer, pizza peel, and weatherproof cover.
If this isn’t a prime example of value for money, tell me what’s.
You’ll unlikely come across another pizza oven offering this level of quality and features at such an attractive price point.
The Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven is available in gas only, wood only and gas and wood option. I went for the dual fuel option, after reading many great reviews and being featured on Shark Tank.
This versatile appliance requires a minimal assembly, which took me less than 10 minutes. To set it up, you have to slide in the fuel tray through the door opening to back until it sits on two pins before attaching the gas burner from the rear, ensuring the U-ring on the burner sits inside the grate.
Once that’s done, use the included hex screwdriver to fasten the screw to secure the gas burner to the oven. After that, carefully slide the 12-inch pizza stone into the pizza oven and ensure it sits on all the four pins.
In terms of heat performance, the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven was a tad impressive. Based on my test, it’s best to heat this oven up with gas, which takes 20 minutes to reach 762°F. The included infrared thermometer is a plus (no batteries included), offering accurate temperature readings.
Once the oven has come to temperature, you can add a couple of wood chunks for a smoky flavor through the hatch. However, I suggest wearing a glove or using the included tongs when doing this to avoid scalding from the gas flame.
The perforated pizza peel included did a great job in launching, spinning and removing the pizzas. Being perforated means less corn flour making into the oven creating that bitter taste in your pizzas.
At 760°F, this dual-fuel oven cooked two stunning pizzas with crispy crust in 1m 40s and 2m 20s. Judging from my observations, it’s best to wait for a few minutes after adding wood to allow the smoke to develop in the oven for a better aromatic smoke flavor.
Also, I noticed this oven loses heat fast, which means I waited for 5 minutes while adding more wood for the oven to come back to temperature.
What I Like
- Comes with a lot of essential accessories like temperature gun
- Cooks on wood and gas
- No chimney – easy to transport
What I Don’t Like
- Poor heat retention
4. Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven
The Solo Stove Pi is the best compact pizza oven on the market – and thousands of customers agree.
This oven only took up a fraction of my patio space. It’s easy to set up anywhere.
Don’t be fooled by its size like me.
Its Demi-Dome construction promotes quick and crust-blistering temperatures.
Also, this petite pizza oven has dual-fuel compatibility. This means I can cook with gas on lazy days or with wood for allowing you to cook as you prefer.
The Pi Pizza Oven wins my favor right out of the box due to its compactness, taking minimal space, and durable shiny stainless steel construction.
As the smallest pizza oven in this review, its Panoramic Opening cleverly maximizes cooking space, allowing easy pizza launching, retrieval, and shuffling without feeling cramped.
This unit’s gas burner is sold separately. Despite the manufacturer’s claim of reaching up to 800°F on gas, my test yielded a maximum pizza stone temperature of 765°F after 20 minutes.
At this temperature, the Pi Oven excelled, baking a fantastic Neapolitan-style pizza in just 2 minutes and 30 seconds – featuring a crispy crust, pillowy interior, and evenly cooked toppings.
In the trial run, I observed that this oven’s deck temperature dropped to 600°F after every bake and even more towards the door opening.
Unlike the Koda 16, the Pi Oven requires a longer recovery time of 5 – 8 minutes before baking the next pizza.
What I Like:
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to set up
- Thick pair of pizza stones
What I Don’t Like:
- Rapid heat loss
5. Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The Karu 16 is the latest addition to Ooni’s premium product line.
This kitchen gadget is by far the most advanced hybrid pizza oven on the market 一, and that’s why I bought it.
Packed with standout features, this top-tier outdoor device includes a see-through lid and a built-in digital thermometer to aid in creating and monitoring the ideal cooking conditions within the chamber.
For pizza enthusiasts seeking a pizza oven capable of crafting large pizzas to feed a crowd, the Karu 16 stands out as the only contender in the ovens I tested.
While it does take up substantial space, it offers a massive cooking area ideal for baking pizzas up to 16 inches. The rubberized three feet provide stability on any platform.
Designed to run on wood and gas (with a separate burner available at an extra cost), the Karu 16 showcases impressive heat capacity.
In my testing, it reached a scorching 847°F in just 15 minutes, a little shy of what Ooni promised. It churned out delectable pizzas with nice char on the crust and cornicione.
Its robust stainless steel construction, ceramic fiber insulation, and thick pizza stone contribute to remarkable build quality, preventing heat loss even after baking three consecutive pizzas, with the pizza stone temperature still around 706°F.
A hallmark feature is its digital thermometer, offering accurate readings in either Celsius or Fahrenheit, surpassing the reliability of the Roccbox’s temperature sensor.
The full glass oven door is another standout, allowing cooking with the door closed to prevent heat leaks, a common issue in the Koda 16 and Roccbox.
As of my testing and writing this review, the Ooni Karu 16 is the sole product certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) for domestic use.
What I Like:
- Top-class engineering
- Ideal for baking 16-inch pizzas
- Full glass oven door
What I Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Large footprint
👩💼How Does A Natural Gas Pizza Oven Work?
Natural gas pizza ovens consist of three essential components: the dome-shaped hood, pizza stone, and burner.
The burner is typically positioned on the thermally insulated hood, either on the side or back. Its precise location is not critical; what matters is connecting it to a natural gas supply line.
It’s important to note that this unit operates on natural gas (methane), not propane.
Starting the oven is a process similar to igniting a gas appliance. Once it’s lit, you’ll need to allow the oven’s deck to reach a temperature of 700 degrees Fahrenheit, a step referred to as preheating.
Depending on the model, this vital process usually takes about 15 minutes.
🔍Benefits & drawbacks of using a natural gas pizza oven
Constant gas supply
Natural gas pizza ovens offer uninterrupted baking operations.
Unlike propane and wood-fired pizza ovens, this outdoor appliance does not require refueling or tendering to fire.
It runs efficiently for long periods, nonstop, since it’s attached to a gas supply line.
It’s perfect for large pizza parties. Guests can make their pizza the way they want.
Cost-efficiency
Read what Rocky Mount, NC, says about natural gas, “Thanks to its abundance and efficiency when used directly in the home, natural gas is a cost-effective energy source“
Running cost-wise, switching to natural gas mode might be insignificant for at-home pizza cooks.
But pizzerias and restaurants will save more, making this smart switch.
Easy to Use
Natural gas pizza ovens do not require exhausting wood chopping or tank lugging. Connect to a gas supply line and say farewell to long hours selecting the best quality charcoal.
Also, they burn clean like propane models. That’s not me saying it, but the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
But what this means to us is less time cleaning ash and soot out the oven every time you make pizza.
This is an exhausting consequence of cooking with wood or charcoal.
Installation
In contrast to propane or wood-fired pizza ovens, installing a natural gas oven is notoriously tricky. For safety reasons, it’s crucial to hire a professional to install the gadget. Usually, a gas line is dedicated to the pizza oven, which can be a massive deal to most residential users.
Limited Portability
Natural gas ovens are generally installed in a permanent spot. This means you probably won’t be able to carry this oven for on-the-go operation. They are not compatible with propane or wood. They are only useful when attached to a gas supply line.
👥How To Choose a Natural Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven?
Size and Space
Natural gas pizza ovens are more likely to become a permanent fixture in an outdoor kitchen.
So, figure out where and how much space you can sacrifice for this oven.
They are available in different sizes and offer varying cooking capacities.
For crowded parties, I recommend a 16-inch pizza oven. They are roomy enough to whip up large pizzas to feed many guests.
However, you can invest in something other than a large one if you only want to satisfy your small-sized family pizza cravings.
Material and Build Quality
When it comes to a pizza oven’s build quality, you want to consider these four things:
- type of insulation
- exterior coating
- stainless steel grade
- pizza stone thickness
Stainless steel grade
Generally, most pizza ovens are built with stainless steel for durability and rust resistance.
However, the grade of the stainless steel material is equally important.
Natural gas pizza ovens are more likely to be exposed to outdoor conditions, so consider models crafted out of 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Furthermore, areas exposed to extreme temperatures should feature thicker stainless steel. Thicker stainless steel resists wrap and other heat-related wear better.
Type of insulation
For crafting restaurant-grade pizzas, achieving and retaining blistering temperatures is essential. Look for pizza makers insulated with thick, high-density materials.
Different options, like refractory cement, rockwood, or ceramic fiber, can provide outstanding heat preservation.
Exterior Coating
Stainless steel and powder-coating are two standard exterior designs. They are the most durable finishes, ensuring your permanently installed pizza oven is weatherproof and durable.
While both options will protect your oven against the potential deterioration of prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions, powder-coating is better for an overall eye-catching appearance.
Also, they are colder to the touch than stainless steel exterior coatings.
Pizza Stone Thickness
When it comes to pizza stones, I always go for thicker ones – for two reasons.
One, thick pizza stones are more resistant to thermal shock.
Secondly, they have better heat retention, making it easier to bake pizza after pizza with no long wait in between.
Burners
Gas ovens come with different burner systems.
The placement and shape play an integral role in the overall cooking performance.
Ovens with the burner placed at the back tend to require spinning pizzas several times.
For U or L-shaped burner systems, they spread heat more uniformly. So, you can cook your thin-crust pizzas evenly with fewer spins.
Budget
How much are you willing to pay for a natural gas pizza oven? Knowing your budget helps you narrow down the endless available options. Thus increasing your chances of finding the best natural gas pizza oven.
🤔What is a better wood or gas pizza oven?
Choosing between a gas or wood-fired pizza oven depends on your cooking preference.
The latter is your best bet if you love the aroma and flavor wood-burning cooking offers.
Also, it’s an excellent choice for folks who find wood-cooking classism alluring.
Conversely;
Gas pizza ovens come with powerful burners to achieve high temperatures to craft authentic Italian pizza without chopping wood or tendering to a fire.
It’s the most convenient option for baking crispy pizzeria-style pies. Managing heat on gas ovens does not require any extraordinary wood-firing craftsmanship.
📌Next Read: Best Propane Pizza Ovens for Every Budget
Also, they burn cleaner – no soot or ash to worry about. This means less maintenance and almost no post-cooking cleanup required.
Ultimately;
The age-old debate between wood and gas pizza ovens is a matter of what you value more – the allure of traditional wood-burning classism and smoky flavor or the effortless cooking experience offered by gas models.
How does pizza cooked in a natural gas oven taste compared to wood-fired ovens?
Cooking with wood imparts your pies with a sweet, aromatic, smoky flavor. For a gas oven, pies have a mild, neutral flavor profile.
While most pizza enthusiasts can’t seem to tell the difference, if you have sensitive taste buds, you will find wood-fired pizza a sensational culinary delight.
📌Next Read: Vevor Pizza Oven Reviews
What is the best pizza oven natural gas conversion kit?
Gas Burner for Ooni Karu 16 is the best conversion kit on the market.
This accessory product is designed to seamlessly transform the multifuel Karu 16 into a full-fledged natural gas pizza oven.
It’s a powerful burner with a high heat capacity of about 27297 BTU, which gets the Karu 16 up to 800 degrees F in under 15 minutes.
On top of that, this best conversion kit is backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
🧠Natural Gas Pizza Oven Related FAQ
Are outdoor pizza ovens worth it?
Owning an outdoor pizza oven is a worthwhile investment. They can replicate the brick-oven cooking environment, which is ideal for producing crisp pizza crust with melty cheese. So, it’s a fun and rewarding experience, creating your own pizza at home just as you like.
Are outdoor pizza ovens safe?
Generally, pizza ovens are safe to use. However, they generate a lot of heat that can cause a potential fire accident. To avoid that, it’s best to keep them on a sturdy, leveled, heat-resistant table or counter. Additionally, consider wearing a protective glove when handling these scorching hot devices.
What other dishes can I cook in my natural gas pizza oven?
Natural gas pizza ovens are highly versatile and helpful in making almost any culinary delight. You can bake focaccia, sear steaks and burgers, roast vegetables, and chicken. The cooking possibilities are endless, provided you closely monitor and manage its cooking temperature, especially for delicate dishes.
Is a natural gas connection necessary for this oven?
Yes, natural gas pizza ovens require a supply line to work. It’s important to note that this type of pizza grill oven does not work with propane.
Are there environmental benefits to using natural gas over wood?
Homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint by cooking with natural gas instead of wood. It’s an excellent option for powering your pizza oven without polluting your environment. It burns cleaner than wood, meaning it leaves no ash or residue behind.
How long does a natural gas pizza oven last?
How long a pizza oven will serve you depends on essential factors like build quality and user care. However, pizza ovens generally last up to 5 years. Nonetheless, buying an oven with a generous manufacturer’s warranty is wise, protecting your investment.
Conclusion
Overall, the best natural gas pizza ovens can toast your pizzas at insane temperatures. They make it easier to achieve stunning pizzeria-quality pizzas – crisp crust, charred base, and caramelized cheese.
However, it’s essential to consider one tailored to your cooking preference, needs, and budget.
Nonetheless, I’m a big fan of the full-featured Koda 16 from the big brand Ooni and Gozney Roccbox. Impressive cooking performance with professional-quality results worth every penny!
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