Ethan Hauck

10 Best Professional Pizza Ovens: Alfa, Forno Bravo, Authentic Pizza Ovens

Best professional pizza oven
Image courtesy of Kajetan Sumila via Unsplash

Pizza is artwork, as simple as that. Those who've worked with it for a while already know this, but it's not common knowledge for everyone. The truth of the matter is that, without the proper tools, an artist is hamstrung - and pizza is no different from any other art in that regard. That makes selecting the best pizza oven for you crucial to perfecting your pies.

Luckily for you, those of us at Dishcrawl are experts in all things pizza - and that absolutely includes the ovens in which they bake. So, let's get you a list of the best professional pizza ovens on the market from the best-known names in the industry, shall we?

Table of Contents:

  1. Alfa Brio Gas Pizza Oven
    1. Technical Data
  2. Authentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime
    1. Technical Data
  3. Forno Bravo Venetzia Pronto 500
    1. Technical Data
  4. Alfa One Nano Gas Pizza Oven
    1. Technical Data
  5. Forno Bravo Venetzia Torino 200
    1. Technical Data
  6. Authentic Pizza Ovens Pizzaioli
    1. Technical Data
  7. Alfa One Nano Wood Fired Pizza Oven
    1. Technical Data
  8. Chicago Brick Oven CBO 750 DIY Kit
    1. Technical Data
  9. Authentic Pizza Ovens Premium Pizzaioli
    1. Technical Data
  10. Alfa 5 Minuti Wood Fired Pizza Oven
    1. Technical Data
  11. Pizza Oven Styles & Applications
    1. Indoor
    2. Outdoor
    3. Fixed vs. Portable Ovens
    4. Fuel Type
      1. Wood-Fire
      2. Gas
      3. Electric
  12. Conclusion

Now - let's find you the "Goldilocks" pizza oven; not too big, not too small, but just right. And if you want some more reading for when you find your perfect oven, swing by our guide to the best pizza flour!

10 Best Professional Pizza Ovens: The Breakdown

Not all pizza ovens are created equally. Some are designed to be used with very specific environmental factors in mind, while others are crafted to be absolute beasts in the right conditions. This makes selecting the best professional pizza ovens quite difficult; you can't just say "sure, that one," you have to actually think about it.

We figured that's no fun, so we took the thinking out of the equation for you. Now, without further ado, here are the best professional pizza ovens of the year.

Best Outdoor Pizza Oven: Alfa Brio Gas Pizza Oven

"Top-tier insulation ensures that users get the best out of their oven, each and every day."

Pros:

  • Insulation Performance: The Alfa Brio gas pizza oven makes use of the manufacturer's groundbreaking insulation technology. By making use of commercial-style ceramic insulation (and a lot of it), the Alfa Brio gas pizza oven ensures that your oven will maintain heat even on the coldest of days. And best of all - it guarantees that you won't sweat too much while cooking, as the insulation keeps the heat where it should be; you know, in the oven.
  • Performance: This particular gas pizza oven uses triple-layer, high-density ceramic fiber for insulation. This ensures that you're able to cook pizzas in lightning-quick times time and again - no more waiting for the oven to reheat. Additionally, with a max heat of well over 1,000 °F, you can cook massive, authentic pies in a matter of roughly 60 seconds.
  • Adaptability: If you're not a fan of propane-fueled ovens, the Alfa Brio has you covered. With the potential for conversion to a wood-fired or natural gas-fueled oven, you're able to cook how you want to - no compromises here.

Cons:

  • Price: This is a truly excellent outdoor pizza oven, but at just under $4,000, it's got a hefty price tag. That's not to say it isn't worth the cost - it absolutely is - but if you're looking for a budget buy, there are far better options on this list. Keep in mind that this price tag comes with world-class customer service, a generous warranty, and genuinely authentic pizza cooked in just 60 seconds.

Alfa Brio Gas Pizza Oven: Technical Data

Alfa Brio Gas Pizza Oven
Alfa Brio Gas Pizza Oven
OvenAlfa Brio Gas Pizza Oven
Oven Size (W x D x H)27.5 x 19.7 x 25" (69.85 x 50.03 x 63.5 cm)
Weight217 lbs. (98 kg)
CapacityOne 18" pizza or up to three 10" pizzas at once
Fuel OptionsNatural gas, LPG gas, wood-fire (with kit)
Warranty2 years on parts + components, 3 years on the gas burner
Max Temp1,000 °F+ (537 °C+)
Time to Reach Max Temp.15-30 minutes
MaterialIron sheet, stainless steel, ceramic fiber
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes, cover when not in use.
Special Features- Ready to use with propane (LPG gas). To use natural gas or wood, one must purchase the conversion kit.
- Flue System reduces heat loss and ensures lightning-quick cook times.
- High-density fire & refractory bricks provide top-notch heat retention (40% greater retention than competing products) over a long period of time.
- Designed to be freestanding, rested on the Alfa stand, or placed in preexisting countertops & kitchen layouts.
What's in the Box?- Chimney & chimney cap
- Gas (LPG/propane) kit
- Side gas cover
- Gas knob
- Electric generator
- Cables
- Oven door
- Flange
- External shell
- Thermometer
- Proprietary oven bricks
- Fibrablock
- Oven feet
- Alfa logo

Ultimately, the Alfa Brio gas pizza oven is a top-notch outdoor pizza oven. It reaches incredible temperatures in a matter of 15-30 minutes and, importantly, maintains those levels of heat consistently. If you love to cook up tasty pies for the whole family, Alfa's proprietary insulation and design ensure that you keep the heat where it belongs - in the kitchen.

While this oven is certainly a spendy one, it's entirely worth the investment. Top-tier insulation ensures that users get the best out of their oven each and every day. And with the ability to adapt the oven to your personal preference (wood-fired, natural gas, or propane/LPG), Alfa makes life easier than ever before - and certainly tastier.

If you truly want the best pizza oven on the market, click here to buy the Alfa Brio gas pizza oven.

Best Wood-Fired Professional Pizza Oven: Authentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime

"Ultimately, if you need a top-notch outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, the Authentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime is a genuinely exemplary choice."

Pros:

  • Handmade in Portugal: Portuguese craftsmanship isn't to be ignored, and the Maximus Prime is no exception. Authentic Pizza Ovens makes truly top-notch gear, and this is perhaps their most unique and best-performing wood-fired oven yet.
  • Patented Barrel Design: The proprietary shape and design of the Maximus Prime ensure the best airflow possible while simultaneously making it incredibly simple to install. By creating an oven that's simple to get set up, APO has created something that stands out while doing its job perfectly.

Cons:

No Warranty: Many of the ovens on this list provide a bare minimum parts & labor warranty for two years - Authentic Pizza Ovens does not. They claim that, due to their incredibly high construction standards, the only damage that's physically possible is standard wear and tear that "adds personality" to your oven. While these ovens are excellent, this is a dubious claim at best.

Authentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime: Technical Data

Authentic Pizza Oven Maximus Prime wood-fired oven
Authentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime
OvenAuthentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime
Oven Size (W x D x H)39 x 39 x 45" ( 15.35 x 15.35 x 17.71 cm)
Weight300 lbs (136 kg)
CapacityUp to four 12" pizzas at once.
Fuel OptionsWood-fire
WarrantyNo warranty.
Max Temp900 °F+ (480 °C+)
Time to Reach Max Temp.30 minutes
MaterialAluminum + decorative brick (exterior), stainless steel & ceramic insulation (interior), refractory cement & forged iron (cooking surface)
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes, cover when not in use.
Special Features- Handmade in Portugal
- Triple insulation
- Countertop design allows flex in where it's placed
- Patented barrel design provides top-notch air circulation and heat retention.
- #1 choice for professional local chefs
What's in the Box?- Authentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime pizza oven
- One removable stainless steel chimney with cap and flue
- Ceramic baking dish, Portuguese (10 x 14.5 x 3")
- 10" wood-handled pizza peel
- Thermometer (up to 500 °C)
- Wood holder
- Ashing tool
- One backup floor tile

At the end of the day, the Authentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime is a truly excellent choice for those who want a handcrafted European wood-fired pizza oven. While there are a few things that set them apart from the competition, the largest is the unique design the Authenic Pizza Ovens has opted to use. The patented barrel design ensures that triple-layered insulation can do its job without taking up too much space. And, perhaps more importantly, it allows the oven to get perfect airflow.

While the lack of a warranty is disappointing, the legitimately mind-bogglingly top-tier quality of the Maximus Prime makes it worthy of a top spot in our list of the best professional pizza ovens on the market. We've found that it cooks pizzas quickly and effectively without taking up too much space - which is a major struggle for some pizza ovens.

Ultimately, if you need a top-notch outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, the Authentic Pizza Ovens Maximus Prime is a genuinely exemplary choice.

Best Portable Professional Pizza Oven: Forno Bravo Venetzia Pronto 500

"Personally, my favorite feature of the Forno Bravo Venetzia Pronto 500 is its spacious storage. It allows you to store tools, fuel, and (perhaps most importantly) a cold beer or two - all without getting in the way."

Pros:

  • Storage: This is something that's often ignored until it's too late. Having the space available right where you need it is severely underrated, and the Forno Bravo Venetzia Pronto 500 ensures you're never without the proper space. This also enables you to pick up and go, bringing your fuel and tools with the oven on an easily rolled base.
  • Portability: While most people aren't going to be rolling their pizza oven everywhere they go, if you wanted to - the Forno Bravo Venetzia Pronto 500 lets you do exactly that. The high-quality base and wheel system ensures that you have proper, effective storage and unrivaled portability. This is especially handy for those who want to be a true professional pizzaiolo and start up a stand, cart, or truck to sell slices.

Cons:

  • Capacity: While the Forno Bravo Venetzia Pronto 500 is quite portable, its capacity isn't too large. Other ovens on this list can house up to 18" pies, while this can only take up to two 10-12" pies at any given time.

Forno Venetzia Pronto 500: Technical Data

Forno Venetzia Pronto 500 pizza oven
Forno Venetzia Pronto 500
OvenForno Bravo Venetzia Pronto 500
Oven Size (W x D x H)20 x 24 x 9.85” (50.8 x 60.9 x 25.01 cm)
Weight309 lbs (140.16 kg)
CapacityUp to two 10" pizzas at once
Fuel OptionsWood-fired only
Warranty2-year parts warranty for defective manufacturing
Max Temp850 °F (454 °C)
Time to Reach Max Temp.15-20 minutes
MaterialStainless steel, ceramic insulation & iron sheeting, wooden handle
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes, cover and disassemble the chimney during off-season storage.
Special Features- Shelving for storage below the oven
- Tool holder for peel & equipment
- High-quality chimney
What's in the Box?- Pizza oven + base
- Chimney pipe and cap
- Oven door with handle
- Thermometer (0-850 °F)

Realistically, the Forno Bravo Venetzia Pronto 500 is a great choice for those who want to have a portable, fast-heating wood-fired pizza oven. While it won't let you bake off massive pies, it has enough space to function quite efficiently and does its job very well.

Personally, my favorite feature of the Venetzia Pronto 500 is its spacious storage. It allows you to store tools, fuel, and (perhaps most importantly) a cold beer or two - all without getting in the way. And along with the storage, you get freedom - specifically, you get wheels! This allows you to take the oven where you want, rather than just settle for where it fits.

The Forno Venetzia Pronto 500 is a top-notch portable professional-grade pizza oven and is truly great for those who want a wood-fired oven with a bit of extra storage space.

Best Professional Gas Pizza Oven: Alfa One Nano Gas Pizza Oven

"If you want the temperature and, therefore, the flavor of a 1,000+ °F wood-fired oven but don't want to wait, the Alfa One Nano is your best bet."

Pros:

  • Lightning-Quick: Most of the ovens on our list (especially those that are wood-fired) can take 30-45 minutes to get fully heated. The Alfa One Nano gas pizza oven, though, takes a matter of minutes. From start to finish, you can have a pizza in less than fifteen minutes - that's pretty freakin' good. But that's the benefit of gas - super high heat in a short amount of time.
  • Easily Portable: The One Nano's relatively light weight and small size allow it to be easily moved about. While users should be aware of the heat resistance and weight allowance of the surface they use, this oven is excellent for outdoor gardens and patios. And the little feet are made from surprisingly sturdy steel, ensuring that your oven stays where you put it and doesn't wobble as you work.

Cons:

  • Capacity: This pizza oven is a great oven - assuming you don't need to cook multiple pies at once. If you plan to entertain (or feed a large family), there are higher-capacity ovens at similar price points on this list. While some of them don't heat quite as quickly, the One Nano is really only suited to cooking 1-2 (small) pies at a time.

Alfa One Nano Gas Pizza Oven: Technical Data

Alfa One Nano Gas Pizza Oven
Alfa One Nano Gas Pizza Oven
OvenAlfa One Nano Gas Pizza Oven
Oven Size (W x D x H)28.7 x 21.6 x 18.8" (73 x 55 x 48 cm.)
Weight121 lbs (55 kg)
CapacityOne 10-12" pizza
Fuel OptionsNatural or LPG gas
Warranty2-year parts warranty for defects in manufacturing
Max Temp1,000+ °F (537 °C)
Time to Reach Max Temp.10 minutes
MaterialReinforced steel, ceramic fiber insulation
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes, store and cover during the off-season (if left outside)
Special Features- Super-fast heating time
- Lightweight, easily portable
- Peephole in the oven door allows you to monitor your pies in peace
- Patented Alfa deflector ensures superior airflow & heat retention
- Easy-use oven mouth shape
- "Slide in/out" pizza peel
What's in the Box?- One Nano gas pizza oven body
- Oven feet
- Oven handle
- One Nano gas connector + supply/inlet
- Chimney + flue

If you want the temperature and, therefore, the flavor of a 1,000+ °F wood-fired oven but don't want to wait, the One Nano is your best bet. It's designed to work with both LPG and natural gas and heats up to max temp in a matter of ten minutes. While its capacity leaves a bit to be desired, this is a great oven for those who want to cook one or maybe two personal pies at any given time.

And if you want the freedom of being able to knock out a pie (start to finish) in fifteen minutes, there are very few ovens on the market that can accommodate you as well as the One Nano. Those seeking capacity and space should look elsewhere - but if you need sheer performance, the Alfa One Nano is likely your best option.

Best High-Capacity Professional Pizza Oven: Forno Venetzia Torino 200

"The Forno Venetzia Torino 200 is a top-notch oven for entertainers that want a true wood-fired oven experience."

Pros:

  • Capacity: The Forno Venetzia Torino 200 is spacious, capable of fitting up to four whole pies at once. While it's a bit large and unwieldy, this size ensures that you can keep the pies rolling, whether it's just for you and a hungry friend or for an entire group - you'll be set. And best of all - the smoky flavor imparted by the wood won't break the bank due to the next pro on our list.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Those who've worked with wood-fire ovens on a commercial scale already know this - wood-fire ovens are wood hogs. They burn through fuel like nobody's business, especially if left open to the air. The Forno Venetzia Torino 200 is different, making use of proprietary insulation to ensure its wood use is minimal.

Cons:

  • Size & Weight: If you want portable, this isn't the oven for you. Weighing in at over 300 pounds, the Forno Venetzia Torino 200 will require at least two people to move, making it a pain to relocate. However, the size and weight come with a bonus - this thing is nearly impossible to tip, it uses less fuel than similar models, and it's (as mentioned above) shockingly spacious.

Forno Venetzia Torino 200: Technical Data

Forno Venetzia Torino 200 - Red
OvenForno Venetzia Torino 200
Oven Size (W x D x H)24 x 32 x 10.25" (60.9 x 81.2 x 26.6 cm)
Weight327 lbs (148 kg)
CapacityUp to four 10-12" pizzas
Fuel OptionsWood
Warranty2-year warranty on parts against manufacturing defects
Max Temp850 °F (454 °C)
Time to Reach Max Temp.20-25 minutes
MaterialSteel, iron, ceramic insulation
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Not waterproof; safe for outdoor use, must be covered when in disuse.
Special Features- Fully assembled
- (Tempered) glass oven door
- Insulated to cut wood use
- Pre-cured
What's in the Box?- Pizza oven
- Chimney pipe + cap
- Oven door and handle
- Thermometer (up to 850 °F)

The Forno Venetzia Torino 200 is a top-notch oven for entertainers that want a true wood-fired oven experience. It boasts the capacity to ensure you can cook up pies for just a few friends or for an entire party, and do so quickly. While the Torino 200 does take a bit to heat up, its proprietary design ensures it retains heat to keep the party going.

And perhaps best of all, the genuinely excellent insulation means that you'll use less wood for the same job - that's pretty nice, isn't it? While the size of the Forno Venetzia Torino 200 makes it a bit of a beast to get set up (let alone move), once it's in, you'll be in love. We do want to note that, while this is an outdoor-only oven, it's not waterproof - so be religious about covering it when finished. If not, you'll end up with an ugly, corroded oven questioning what it did to deserve that fate.

If you're an entertainer (or just have a big family), the Forno Venetzia Torino 200 is an excellent choice - especially if you're in the market for an authentic wood-fired pizza oven.

Best Fixed Professional Pizza Oven: Authentic Pizza Ovens Pizzaioli

"This thing is a beast, weighing in at well over half a ton... The size of the Pizzaioli ensures that it won't tip, move, or even slightly budge, no matter what you throw at it."

Pros:

  • Customizable: If you want the best professional pizza oven on the market and you want it to be personalized, the Pizzaioi from APO is the choice for you. They offer a broad range of customizable exteriors, ranging from bare iron and brick to terra cotta and more. This is the best customizable pizza oven on the market, hands down.
  • Built-In Thermometer: This may seem like a small feature, but it's quite handy. The built-in thermometer allows you to simultaneously monitor your fire and the pizza, ensuring nothing is ever over or undercooked again. While you could certainly use a handheld thermometer, APO knows that having it just... there already is a major plus.

Cons:

  • No Warranty: This was our only gripe with the other Authentic Pizza oven, the Maximus Prime - they don't offer a warranty. However, unlike the Maximus Prime, the Pizzaioli comes with a patch kit to repair cosmetic damage. It's worth noting that Authentic Pizza Ovens outright acknowledges that damage and cracking will occur over time (this is natural, believe it or not), hence the Ultrafire patch kit.

Authentic Pizza Ovens Pizzaioli: Technical Data

Authentic Pizza Ovens Pizzaioli
OvenAuthentic Pizza Ovens Pizzaioli
Oven Size (W x D x H)39 x 39 x 26" (99 x 236 x 66 cm)
Weight1,200 lbs (544 kg)
CapacityUp to two 12" pizzas
Fuel OptionsWood
WarrantyNo warranty
Max Temp1,000+ °F (537 °C+)
Time to Reach Max Temp.20-25 minutes
MaterialBrick and/or terracotta exterior, steel, iron, ceramic baking dish
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes, cover when finished during off-season to protect against water and weather damage
Special Features- Triple insulation ensures perfect airflow and heat retention
- Customizable design
- Traditional dome shape ensures heat passes over rather than through pizzas
- Built-in thermometer
- Ultrafire patch kit for cosmetic repairs as needed
What's in the Box?- Authentic Pizza Ovens Pizzaioli oven
- Ultrafire patch kit
- 6" chimney with flue & damper
- Ceramic baking dish
- Built-in thermometer

The Authentic Pizza Ovens Pizzaioli oven is a truly excellent wood-fired pizza oven. While it does have a couple of minor downsides (specifically its size and lack of warranty) it's a genuinely incredible oven with a few tricks up its proverbial sleeve. The first and most notable feature of this particular oven is its incredibly diverse customization options.

Beyond that, though, is its size - this thing is a beast, weighing in at well over half a ton. While this means that you'll absolutely require help with getting it set up, and more likely than not, that you'll need a special place for it, it does come with perks. The size of the Pizzaioli ensures that it won't tip, move, or even slightly budge, no matter what you throw at it. This makes it an excellent choice for those with kids around, as its size makes it nearly impossible to be tipped without purposeful action.

Ultimately, if you need a long-term, customizable wood-fired pizza oven, the APO Pizzaioli is most likely the best option on the market for you.

Best Small Professional Pizza Oven: Alfa One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

"This little guy is also shockingly efficient, heating in less than half the time others on this list can and doing so with less fuel than most need."

Pros:

  • Lightweight & Portable: While the One Nano doesn't come with wheels, it's lightweight and designed in such a way that transportation is a breeze. The reasonable size and weight make it easy to carry with one (or maybe two for safety) people, allowing you to cook pizza anywhere your heart desires. The BBQ, family cookout, pool day - your options are limitless with the Alfa One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven.
  • Fast Heating & Cooking: The One Nano is able to be set up in a matter of minutes, and once heated, takes only 90 seconds to perfectly cook a pizza. While its size may be offputting, don't forget that you'll be knocking out pies in record time with the One Nano.
  • Fuel Options: Most of the ovens on this list can do either gas, wood, or electric. The Alfa One Nano, though, allows for lump charcoal in place of wood. This makes it ideal for those who love their New Haven-style pies cooked in charcoal ovens until they're blackened and crispy.

Cons:

  • Small Capacity: This is really our only gripe with the One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven. While it's able to set up and cook quickly, the limited space means that those who like to entertain large groups will have difficulty with prepping multiple pies at once. Ultimately, though, the Alfa One Nano is an excellent choice for those who want a small, easily moved outdoor wood-fired oven.

Alfa One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven: Technical Data

Alfa One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
Alfa One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
OvenAlfa One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
Oven Size (W x D x H)29 x 22 x 19" (73 x 55 x 48 cm)
Weight110 lbs. (50 kg)
CapacityOne 12" pizza
Fuel OptionsWood or lump charcoal
Warranty2-year warranty on parts against manufacturing defects
Max Temp1,000+ °F (537+ °C)
Time to Reach Max Temp.10-15 minutes
MaterialStainless steel (cooking chamber), ceramic fiber insulation,
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes, cover when finished or in your off-season to prevent weather damage.
Special Features- Mini peel
- Wood holder
- "Slide in/out pizza peel"
- Alfa Forni pyrometer (fire temperature gauge)
- Oven door peephole
- Patented deflector for proper heat retention
What's in the Box?- One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
- Mini peel
- "Slide in/out peel"
- Alfa Forni pyrometer
- Wood basket
- Supports and oven base

If you want a feature-rich pizza oven that's easily carried and stored, the One Nano Wood-Fired Pizza Oven is going to be your new best friend. It's incredibly lightweight in comparison to some of the others on this list, and while small, its size makes it easy to store when out of use. It also comes with a massive collection of various accouterments, such as a wood basket, patented pyrometer, mini peel, and more.

This little guy is also shockingly efficient, heating in less than half the time others on this list can and doing so with less fuel than most need. The addition of your ability to opt for charcoal rather than wood lends this oven quite well to those who prefer a charcoal oven pizza.

While its limited capacity is a bit of a bummer, the ease of portability and general use that it offers means that the One Nano remains on our list of the best professional pizza ovens on the market this year.

Best All-American Professional Pizza Oven: Chicago Brick Oven CBO 750 DIY Kit

"For those who want a truly top-notch wood-fired oven that's made entirely in America, the Chicago Brick Oven DIY Kit is the move."

Pros:

  • Made in America: For those who want to support American businesses that do things properly, the Chicago Brick Oven CBO 750 DIY Kit is an excellent choice. It's crafted and sourced entirely in the States, ensuring top-notch construction and performance.
  • Safety Certifications: Many ovens on this list have been approved by one form of governing board or another, but very few have both UL and NSF certifications. These allow you to use the Chicago Brick Oven with ease of mind, knowing that it's made with high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.
  • Customizable & Feature Rich: The Chicago Brick Oven is fully customizable, allowing you to choose its final appearance. Perhaps more importantly, though, upon purchase, you get a swathe of extra little bits and bobs. You'll get repair and touch-up kits, peels, various tools, and more, guaranteeing that you have everything you need in one easy spot.

Cons:

  • Installation: This is a DIY kit, and as such, getting it set up is going to require a good bit of work. Compared to other models which come ready to use out of the box, this is more time-intensive on the buyer's part. However, this allows you to get an in-depth understanding of the oven, making troubleshooting down the line far easier - so it's not all bad.

Chicago Brick Oven CBO 750 DIY Kit: Technical Data

Chicago Brick Oven CBO 750 pizza oven
Chicago Brick Oven CBO 750
OvenChicago Brick Oven CBO 750 DIY Kit
Oven Size (W x D x H)38.25 x 28 x 16.25" (97.16 x 71.12 x 41.28 cm)
Weight416 lbs (188.6 kg)
CapacityUp to two 12" pizzas
Fuel OptionsWood
Warranty1-year material + workmanship defect warranty
Max Temp1,000+ °F (537+ °C)
Time to Reach Max Temp.10-15 minutes
MaterialSteel, ceramic insulation, iron, brick (exterior)
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes, cover when out of use to prevent weather damage.
Special Features- Low-dome design for perfect airflow and heat retention
- American designed and made
- UL + NSF Certified
- Customizable
- "Pro Performance Drafting" ensures that smoke doesn't choke you with each opened oven door.
What's in the Box?- 6-piece oven assembly kit (Hearth, arch, dome, CBO decorative door)
- Install kit (foundation plate, anchor plate, insulation boards & blanket, mortar, door and plate gear)
- Accessory package (wire cleaning brush, infrared thermometer gun, pizza peel)

For those who want a truly top-notch wood-fired oven that's made entirely in America, the Chicago Brick Oven DIY Kit is the move. We found that this oven is incredibly feature-rich and surprisingly customizable, allowing users to tailor it to what they need. This makes the Chicago Brick Oven a top-notch choice for those who want performance and looks.

While it does require that the user set it up on their own, rather than coming preassembled, it's built from the highest quality materials possible; a sentiment that is echoed by its dual certifications for quality and safety from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

Ultimately, the Chicago Brick Oven is a top-notch choice, assuming you don't mind building the oven yourself.

Best Weatherproof Professional Pizza Oven: APO Premium Pizzaioli

"Authentic Pizza Ovens take pizza very seriously - as made abundantly clear by this 1,200-pound beast of a rust-proof, fully customizable wood-fired oven"

Pros:

  • Customizable: This is always a nice little surprise. While finding an oven whose color you enjoy is nice, being able to fully control its appearance from the ground up is really something special. This is something that Authentic Pizza Ovens have taken to heart, as made evident by their truly top-notch customization options for the Premium Pizzaioli wood-fired oven.
  • Rust-Proof: The non-premium Pizzaioli from APO is made from iron and stainless steel. This means that it needs to be regularly treated to avoid rust over the winter when it's not in use, regardless of whether it's covered. The Premium Pizzaioli solves this with rust-proof cast aluminum, ensuring your oven can stand the test of time.

Cons:

  • Big & Spendy: The Authentic Pizza Ovens Premium Pizzaioli is not only massive, but it's spendy. Sitting at just over half a ton and just under a $3,000 asking price, this thing demands a lot. But the performance you get out of it does balance things out enough to keep it on the list. Just don't try to set this thing up alone unless you're The Hulk. (If you are The Hulk - why are you reading this?)

Authentic Pizza Ovens Premium Pizzaioli: Technical Data

Authentic Pizza Ovens Premium Pizzaioli professional
APO Premium Pizzaioli
OvenAuthentic Pizza Ovens Premium Pizzaioli
Oven Size (W x D x H)39 x 39 x 26" (99x 99 x 66 cm)
Weight1,200 lbs
CapacityUp to two 12" pizzas
Fuel OptionsWood
WarrantyNo warranty.
Max Temp1,000+ °F (537+ °C)
Time to Reach Max Temp.Roughly 20 minutes
MaterialCast aluminum, ceramic insulation
Safe for Indoor Use?No.
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes; designed with premium rust-proof materials to ensure longevity
Special Features- Customizable
- Triple insulation for heat retention
- Traditional brick dome shape for ideal airflow
- Built-in thermometer
- Ultrafire patch kit
What's in the Box?- Authentic Pizza Ovens Premium Pizzaioli Wood-Fired Oven
- Chimney, flue, damper
- Ceramic baking dish (10 x 14.5 x 3")
- Thermometer (Up to 500 °C)
- Ultrafire Patch Kit

This thing is a beast, plain and simple. If you saw the previous Authentic Pizza Ovens entries, you already know that they do things quite well. Authentic Pizza Ovens take pizza very seriously - as made abundantly clear by this 1,200-pound beast of a rust-proof, fully customizable wood-fired oven. And unfortunately, it's made even more clear by their hefty price tag.

If you're looking for an oven that is legitimately the best in the market while being big, this is one of your better options. It is certainly spendy, sitting at just under $2,800, but the price tag is ultimately worth the investment. You get a handful of extra bits and bobs, but more importantly, you're given the tools and instructions to properly repair your oven when the time comes.

While we're still quite bummed that APO doesn't offer a warranty (despite it being industry standard), at least they provide you the means to do it yourself.

Best Compact Professional Pizza Oven: Alfa 5 Minuti Wood Fired Pizza Oven

"Ultimately, the Alfa 5 Minuti Wood-Fired Pizza Oven is your best bet if you need something that's compact and easy to move without being unwieldy."

Pros:

  • Size & Weight: The Alfa 5 Minuti Wood Fired Pizza Oven is many things: compact, relatively lightweight, extremely fuel efficient, and shockingly simple to use. Most of this comes from the fact that Alfa are masters of the craft, but this particular model is aptly named; the 5 Minuti (or 5 Minutes, for those non-Italians) sets up in moments and is a breeze to use. And when you're finished, its compact and efficient build makes it super simple to store out of the elements.
  • Simple & Effective: The Alfa 5 Minuti is an example of the best professional pizza oven design on the market, as it's made by pizza lovers, for pizza lovers. While that may be a cliche statement, in all reality, it's the truth; the people at Alfa know how annoying shoddy design is. It interferes with fueling, managing, and controlling your fire (and, you know, the food) - so they built the 5 Minuti with simplicity and effectiveness in mind.

Cons:

  • Compact: The small size of the Alfa 5 Minuti is both a good and bad thing. While it's easier to accommodate, move, and store, it's also too small to make multiple pizzas at once. Fitting two is possible, but its purposefully small design means that you'll be pushing its limits.

Alfa 5 Minuti Wood Fired Pizza Oven: Technical Data

Alfa 5 Minuti Wood-Fired Professional Pizza oven
Alfa 5 Minuti Wood Fuel Option
OvenAlfa 5 Minuti Wood Fired Pizza Oven
Oven Size (W x D x H)32.3 x 29.1 x 44.2" (82 x 74 x 112.2 cm)
Weight169.7 lbs (80 kg)
CapacityUp to two 12" pizzas
Fuel OptionsWood or lump charcoal
Warranty2-year parts warranty for defective manufacturing
Max Temp1,000+ °F (537+ °C)
Time to Reach Max Temp.10-20 minutes
MaterialStainless steel, powder-coated steel, ceramic insulation
Safe for Indoor Use?No
Safe for Outdoor Use (Weatherproof?)Yes, cover when out of use to prevent weather damage.
Special Features- Interchangeable refractory (cooking) tiles
- Stainless steel dome retains heat and saves fuel
- Ergonomic wooden no-burn grip
- Pyrometer to monitor oven temps
- Easy-clean design
- Wood and tool storage (optional)
What's in the Box?- Alfa 5 Minuti Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
- Alfa chimney, flue, damper

The Alfa 5 Minuti Wood Fired Pizza Oven is a truly excellent choice, despite its last place on our list. Think of this list as a top ten where each is tied; all of the ovens listed bring something unique to the table, and they all do their jobs admirably.

Ultimately, the Alfa 5 Minuti Wood-Fired Pizza Oven is your best bet if you need something that's compact and easy to move without being unwieldy. While the small size may hinder efforts to cook multiple (or large) pizzas, it's absolutely perfect for home cooks in apartments and smaller homes, as well as professionals in pizza carts or trucks that need compact, easy to use design.

Pizza Oven Styles & Applications

While we've listed what are far and away the best professional pizza ovens on the market, that doesn't do you any good if you don't know what you're looking at. So let's break down the basics really quick - oven types, styles, and their applications. After that, we can wrap for the day - but first, knowledge!

Indoor Pizza Ovens

This is pretty self-explanatory - indoor pizza ovens are generally designed to be used *gasp!* inside. The primary difference between the two (at least in terms of widely available non-commercial ovens) is the temperature range. Indoor pizza ovens generally function at around 500 °F using "conventional" (i.e. burners/heating elements) heating techniques. This lower temperature means that the pizza inside will take much longer to cook - roughly 15-20 minutes vs. 90 or so seconds - than their outdoor brethren.

It is entirely possible to find pizza ovens that are safe to use indoors that make use of convection (the same type of heat your air fryer uses), though they're less common.

It's also worth noting that, unlike outdoor ovens, indoor ovens are designed to be used in buildings and, therefore, require ventilation of some form. This is not as big of a deal as with outdoor pizza ovens, which we'll get to momentarily, but still worth noting.

Outdoor Pizza Ovens

On the other end of the spectrum, we have traditional pizza ovens, a.k.a. outdoor ovens - though this is a bit of a misnomer. Outdoor ovens are generally dubbed as such because they make use of gas, wood, or charcoal for fuel, each of which emits fumes. Without the proper ventilation (i.e., a commercial-grade hood and ventilation), they are hazardous to use in confined spaces.

However, the true professionals out there know that wood-fired, gas, and charcoal ovens all can be used indoors - it's just not something you want to do at home. (Unless you have commercial-grade ventilation in your apartment, in which case - gimme.)

Ultimately, the only other major difference between indoor and outdoor pizza ovens is that outdoor (especially wood or charcoal-fueled) pizza ovens can get very hot and cook pies within 90 seconds. So if you're a fan of New Haven, Neopolitan, or one of many other similar styles of pizza - outdoor pizza ovens are for you. And boy, are you in the right place!

Fixed vs. Portable Pizza Ovens

Fixed pizza ovens are generally commercial-grade ovens that weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds. These are ovens that often have superior space, insulation, and fuel efficiency but are so massive that they require special supports or mounts to properly and safely use. The largest of these can quite literally require a crane to place - though hopefully, you never have to do that. (Trust me - it's... not fun.)

Portable pizza ovens, on the other hand, are aptly named. They are easy to move (hence, portable) and either come on wheels or a mount like a BBQ or are simply compact and light enough that you can just pick them up and move them as needed. The plus sides of portable pizza ovens are many; you're able to place them more easily, you won't need special load-bearing mounts, and they can be used in food carts/trucks and just about anywhere else you can imagine!

While portable pizza ovens are naturally smaller (and therefore have a smaller capacity), many of them can still reach incredible temperatures above 1,000 °F and cook a pie within 90 seconds. Ultimately, it all boils down to what you need most - portability or capacity.

Pizza Oven Fuel Types

This is a self-explanatory section, but worth mentioning for those that are unfamiliar nonetheless.

Wood-Fire & Charcoal

Wood-fired pizza ovens require wood which you set on fire (duh). The same applies to charcoal pizza ovens, though rather than wood, you use lump charcoal.

All sarcastic statements of the obvious aside, wood-fired and charcoal pizza ovens generally burn far hotter than their electric counterparts and, importantly, impart a very unique flavor. The wood (or coal) that you use will alter the flavor, texture, and color of your final product and allow a good bit of creativity.

Gas

Gas pizza ovens are fueled by either LPG (propane) or natural gas. These are quite common in high-capacity industrial/commercial kitchens and are becoming increasingly popular with home cooks due to the similar temperatures and heating times they provide to wood and charcoal ovens.

Obviously, natural gas ovens require a gas line (which not everyone has), whereas LPG ovens can operate on a tank similar to a standard gas BBQ.

Electric

Electric pizza ovens are not very common and are very rarely (if ever) used in a professional capacity. They're generally harder to find in specialized pizza formats, take longer to heat and cook, and have a lower potential temperature range. We actually didn't highlight any electric pizza ovens here, as we're looking for the best professional pizza ovens - and pros don't really use electric.

Nonetheless, they do exist, so we figured it was only fair to give them a mention.

Conclusion

With all said and done, you should be well on your way to finding the best pizza oven for you. Some people need ease of use and portability, while others will prefer to have a spacious (if huge) oven. And the fuel you choose will matter quite a bit, too. Wood and charcoal ovens are far more capable of imparting unique flavors than gas ovens, though gas is generally a bit easier to come by and use.

If you're in the market for a truly top-notch professional-grade pizza oven, then the options above from Alfa, Forno Bravo, Authentic Pizza Ovens, and Chicago Brick Ovens are certainly your most appealing options. They vary in terms of size, cost, and ease of use, but each does its specific niche very, very well. Now - go make that pizza you've been dreaming of - you deserve it.

Ethan Hauck
I'm a writer and chef of ten years. In that time, I've worked in everything from French and Southern (creole/cajun) fine dining to pizza and modern American gastropubs. While I love food as a whole, pizza will always have my heart as the thing that got me into the world of culinary arts.
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