Tested Top US Pizza Makers: From Budget to Splurge
Making pizza at home has become increasingly accessible thanks to a wide range of pizza-making tools available in the US market. I tested top US pizza makers priced from $129 to $2,800 to determine which models offer the best value and performance for different budgets and needs.
Overview of At-Home Pizza Gear
At-home pizza equipment varies widely in price and complexity. On the affordable end, there is the simple carbon-steel pizza steel that can be used inside a conventional oven. At the high end, there are large outdoor pizza ovens fueled by propane or wood, designed to deliver a restaurant-quality pizza experience and serve multiple pies at once. Between these extremes are electric countertop pizza ovens that offer fast preheating and precise temperature control.
Each type of pizza maker has additional uses beyond pizza. For example, pizza steels are excellent for baking crusty bread, electric ovens can bake cookies or toast bagels, and outdoor ovens can roast meats and vegetables.
Budget Option: Baking Steel Original ($129)
The Baking Steel Original is a carbon steel slab designed to be used inside a home oven. It is virtually indestructible, conducts heat better than pizza stones, and produces a crisp, charred crust. The steel arrives pre-seasoned and requires about 45 to 60 minutes of preheating at 500°F (260°C) to reach optimal cooking temperature.
In testing, pizzas baked on the Baking Steel took about 7 to 8 minutes, with evenly browned cheese and crust. The steel retained heat well enough to bake two pizzas consecutively with consistent results. Cleanup is simple with hand washing and occasional reseasoning to prevent rust.
- Excellent crust quality
- Durable and low maintenance
- Good value for the price
Cons:
- Long preheat time
- Requires some care when launching pizzas into the oven
Mid-Range Option: Ooni Volt 2 Indoor Electric Pizza Oven ($700)
The Ooni Volt 2 is a dedicated electric countertop pizza oven that heats up quickly, reaching temperatures around 683°F in 20 minutes. It features a cordierite pizza stone and offers preset modes for different pizza styles, including Neapolitan, thin and crispy, and pan pizza. The oven also includes proofing, broiling, and standard baking modes.
During testing, pizzas cooked in about 8 minutes with consistent heat distribution, producing crispy crusts and well-melted toppings. The oven has a large window and interior light for easy monitoring. It weighs nearly 39 pounds and requires some counter space clearance.
Pros:
- Fast preheating and cooking
- Consistent, high-quality results
- Multiple cooking modes and presets
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Controls can be less intuitive initially
- Relatively heavy and requires counter space
Splurge Option: Gozney Dome XL Propane Pizza Oven ($2,800)
The Gozney Dome XL is a large outdoor pizza oven designed for serious home cooks and entertaining. It can cook up to three 10-inch pizzas simultaneously and reaches temperatures above 800°F. The oven uses propane by default but can also burn wood or charcoal with an optional kit.
In testing, the oven heated from 36°F to 520°F in 20 minutes and cooked pizzas in about 4 minutes, producing a beautifully charred crust with classic leopard spotting. The oven’s interior height of about 9.5 inches allows for finishing toppings without burning the crust. It requires some attention to rotate pizzas for even cooking but offers a versatile cooking experience beyond pizza.
Pros:
- Large cooking capacity
- High temperatures for restaurant-quality pizza
- Versatile for roasting and searing
Cons:
- High cost
- Requires outdoor space and propane or wood fuel
- Needs pizza rotation during cooking
Summary of Findings from Tested Top US Pizza Makers
For beginners or those on a budget, the Baking Steel Original offers excellent crust quality and durability at a reasonable price. It requires patience for preheating but delivers consistent results.
For those seeking speed, convenience, and versatility, the Ooni Volt 2 indoor electric pizza oven is a strong mid-range choice. It heats quickly, cooks pizzas evenly, and includes multiple cooking modes, making it suitable for frequent pizza nights.
For enthusiasts and entertainers who want the ultimate pizza experience and large capacity, the Gozney Dome XL propane pizza oven provides high heat, fast cooking, and versatility for outdoor cooking beyond pizza.
Each pizza maker tested offers distinct advantages depending on budget, space, and cooking preferences, making it easier than ever to enjoy quality homemade pizza.
Source: Original report