Pizza is one of the world's most beloved foods, and there's nothing quite like the smell of a fresh, hot pizza straight out of the oven. While traditional pizza ovens can be large and expensive, there's a new trend in the market that has made it easier than ever to enjoy the perfect pizza from the comfort of your own home.
Indoor pizza ovens have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they offer an exciting way to prepare your favorite dishes with family and friends. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of owning an indoor pizza oven, including the variety of recipes you can make, the ease of use, and the convenience of having a delicious meal ready in just minutes. So, if you're a pizza lover looking to take your culinary skills to the next level, read on to find out more about the fun and exciting world of indoor pizza ovens.
A brief history of pizza ovens
Pizza has been a popular food for centuries, and the development of pizza ovens has played a significant role in its evolution. The earliest pizza ovens were built by the ancient Greeks, who would bake flatbreads with toppings on heated stones. These ovens were typically made of clay or brick and were heated using wood.
In the 16th century, pizza ovens became more refined and were used in Naples, Italy, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of pizza. The first Neapolitan pizza ovens were dome-shaped and made of brick, with a wood-burning fire at the base. The heat from the fire would circulate around the dome, cooking the pizza quickly and evenly.
In the 19th century, pizza ovens started to become more widespread in Italy, and the introduction of gas and electric ovens made it easier to cook pizza on a large scale. However, traditional wood-fired ovens remained the preferred method for many pizzerias due to the unique flavor and texture they imparted to the pizza.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in wood-fired pizza ovens, and many home cooks and chefs are now using indoor and outdoor versions of these ovens to create the perfect pizza. With modern technology, these ovens have become more efficient and easier to use, making it possible for anyone to cook up a delicious pizza in their own backyard or kitchen.
Overall, the history of pizza ovens reflects the evolution of pizza itself, from its humble beginnings as a simple flatbread to the beloved and varied dish that we know and love today.
What are the benefits of using an indoor pizza oven?
There are several benefits to using an indoor pizza oven, including:
- Convenience: With an indoor pizza oven, you can make a delicious, restaurant-quality pizza in the comfort of your own home without having to worry about the weather or outdoor cooking conditions.
- Time-saving: Indoor pizza ovens cook pizzas quickly and evenly, which means you can have a fresh, hot pizza ready in just minutes.
- Versatility: Indoor pizza ovens are not just for making pizza. They can also be used to bake bread, roast meats, and vegetables, and even make desserts like cookies and cakes.
- Healthier cooking: Cooking in an indoor pizza oven can be a healthier option than using a traditional oven, as the high heat helps to seal in nutrients and flavors, and it requires less oil and fats for cooking.
- Authentic flavor: Indoor pizza ovens can create an authentic wood-fired taste that is difficult to replicate with a conventional oven. This flavor is due to the high temperatures and even heating provided by the oven, which creates the perfect crust and toppings.
Overall, an indoor pizza oven can be a fantastic addition to any home kitchen, offering convenience, versatility, and an authentic taste that is sure to impress family and friends.
What are the types of indoor pizza ovens?
There are several types of indoor pizza ovens available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are a few of the most common types:
- Countertop Pizza Ovens: These compact and portable ovens sit on your kitchen counter and are designed to cook a single pizza at a time. They come in electric or gas models and typically offer quick preheating times and adjustable temperature controls.
- Built-in Pizza Ovens: These ovens are designed to be installed directly into your kitchen cabinetry, similar to a conventional oven. They offer larger cooking capacities than countertop models and can be fueled by electricity or gas.
- Outdoor/Indoor Pizza Ovens: These ovens are designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, making them versatile for year-round use. They come in a variety of sizes and fuel types, including wood, gas, and electric.
- Brick or Stone Pizza Ovens: These are traditional pizza ovens that are made of brick or stone and use wood as the fuel source. They can be installed indoors and offer a classic, authentic taste to your pizzas.
- Portable Pizza Ovens: These ovens are designed to be lightweight and easy to move around, making them perfect for outdoor gatherings or camping trips. They come in a variety of fuel types, including wood, gas, and electric.
No matter which type of indoor pizza oven you choose, they all offer the convenience of making delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas in the comfort of your own home.
How to use an indoor pizza oven?
The specific instructions for using an indoor pizza oven may vary depending on the model and type of oven you have. However, here are some general steps to follow when using an indoor pizza oven:
- Preheat the pizza oven: Before placing your pizza in the oven, it's important to preheat it to the desired temperature. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the appropriate preheating time and temperature.
- Prepare the pizza: While the oven is preheating, prepare your pizza by rolling out the dough and adding your desired toppings. Be sure to use a pizza peel or other flat surface to transfer the pizza to the oven.
- Place the pizza in the pizza oven: Once the oven is preheated, carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated baking surface or stone, using the pizza peel. Close the oven door and let the pizza cook for the recommended time.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the pizza and check it periodically to make sure it doesn't overcook or burn. When the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, your pizza is ready.
- Remove the pizza: Using the pizza peel or other flat surface, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when using an indoor pizza oven, and never leave the oven unattended while in use. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create delicious, homemade pizzas using your indoor pizza oven.
Conclusion
An indoor pizza oven is a fantastic addition to any home kitchen. A pizza oven offers a convenient and fun way to cook a variety of delicious dishes, from classic margarita pizzas to more creative flavor combinations. With the ease of use and quick cooking times, indoor pizza ovens are perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Additionally, they can be a great way to get the whole family involved in the cooking process and create memorable experiences. So, if you're a pizza enthusiast looking for a new and exciting way to prepare your favorite dish, consider investing in an indoor pizza oven today and get ready to cook up some fun!
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Indoor Pizza Oven on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Indoor Pizza Oven - Reviews
The Best
About this product
- This indoor pizza oven comes with convenient features for easy maintenance and efficient cooking.
- It includes a removable clean-out tray to make cleaning up after using a breeze.
- With a quick one-touch setting of 450F for 10 minutes, you can have your pizza ready to enjoy in no time.
- The adjustable thermostat allows you to choose a temperature between 150F and 500F in 25-degree increments, giving you precise control over the cooking process.
- The pizza oven also features durable Long-Life Calrod heating elements, ensuring consistent and reliable heat. This oven runs on 120 volts, with 12.5 amps and 1500 watts of power for efficient and effective cooking.
Makes perfect pizza every time, temperature control remembers the last setting. Better than heating up the large oven and guessing when the pizza is done. It even cools itself down after cooking. Also... corn dogs taste the best after being cooked in this pizza oven.
A few customers received used and not working pizza ovens. Others said that this product will start smoking when you plug it in.
Our Thoughts - Zero insulation on top, bottom, rear, and front means that you can't put it anywhere near anything and have to be pointlessly careful in moving around it.
Very Good
About this product
- This indoor pizza oven is designed to provide even and efficient baking. Its rotating tray continuously turns to ensure that your food is cooked evenly from all sides.
- The oven features top and bottom heating elements that are independently controlled, allowing you to choose whether to use the top, bottom, or both elements for optimal cooking results.
- The timer feature notifies you when the cooking process is complete and automatically turns off the heating elements to prevent overcooking.
- This oven is also energy-efficient, with the potential to save up to 60% in energy compared to a conventional oven.
- Its removable nonstick baking pan is easy to clean and store, adding to the convenience of using this indoor pizza oven.
Works great for making nachos too! What about making cookies? For homemade pizzas and it cooks the top and bottom perfectly. Frozen pizzas get the top done, but being frozen the bottom is not fully cooked but eatable and still good.
Some long-time users said that the previous original model was absolutely loved and used regularly for well over 10-14 years! It was the plain rotating Pizza cooker. This new model takes almost twice as slow as the old original version to cook the pizza.
Our Thoughts - This pizza cooker doesn't have an On/Off switch. To start it, one must plug it in and to shut it off one has to unplug it.
Good Value
About this product
- Experience the Bliss of Homemade Pizza: Indulge in the pleasure of creating and baking mouth-watering pizzas just the way you like them with the Betty Crocker 12" pizza pan and indoor grill, measuring 13.78" x 15.87" x 5.04".
- Makers Gonna Make: We are passionate about versatile kitchen appliances, which is why our pizza oven doubles as a sandwich maker, griddle press, tortilla press, crepe maker, omelet maker, quesadilla maker, and more!
- Oven-Free and Indoor: Enjoy the convenience of oven-less cooking with our exceptional 1440W electric skillet and tortilla maker. Whip up delectable nachos, quiches, and pancakes indoors, thanks to this electric grill for indoor use.
- Easy to Clean: Cleaning up is a breeze with the non-stick surface of this superior pizza cooker, grilled cheese maker, and panini maker. Let your creativity run wild and make a mess without worrying about scrubbing away all night!
- Bring People Together: Wow your friends and family with delicious homemade cheese pizza using this electric pizza maker. Create memorable moments and delectable recipes with this countertop electric cooker.
Cooks pizza evenly. Gives the crust a nice crispy texture. Option to heat the top, bottom, or both. It's more energy efficient than using an oven. Easy to clean and store away when not in use. This pizza cooker helps to simplify many meals. Always looks clean even after using it. Makes cardboard pizzas look beautiful, and cooks so evenly.
A few users said that it produces a bad-tasting pizza. Not sure if it's the non-stick surface or the addition of oil or the combination of both. Others mentioned that it's a very cheap pizza maker. Does the job but only at a default temp, with no adjustment. Also no handhold (claims to have one) so difficult to handle this awkward machine. Only 25"cord, so needs to be right next to an outlet.
Our Thoughts - Same customers said that this isn't the original Betty Crocker pizza maker.
Good
About this product
- Get Creative with This Pizza Oven: From making pizza and baking bread to roasting meats and more, this oven is perfect for all your culinary adventures. With a double-layered ceiling that enhances heating dynamics, it bakes like a brick oven. Preheat and start cooking in just 15 minutes. Plus, with the built-in valve ignition/micro-adjust valve, you have total flame control.
- Monitor Temperatures with Ease: Keep an eye on the internal air temperature with the built-in temperature gauge. This oven can reach temperatures of up to 700°F, making it perfect for all your high-heat needs.
- Easy to Clean and Use: The stainless steel construction is not only sleek and stylish, but it's also easy to clean. The ventilated oven door with a handle makes it easy to access your food while cooking.
- Flexible Fuel Options: This oven runs on a 1-lb disposable propane bottle, but a regulator and 5 ft. hose are included to adapt it to a standard bulk propane tank. With a total output of 17,000 BTU/hr and weighing in at 47 lbs, this oven is a versatile and portable addition to any outdoor cooking setup.
This pizza oven is very good and we highly recommend it to pizza lovers. Gets very hot and cooks great. The pizza stone is easy to remove and clean. Good pizza is far more about the dough than it is about the oven. First, learn how to make good dough.
Some customers said that the pizza oven didn't work out of the box. This is a great pizza oven but for various reasons, it didn't work out for them.
Our Thoughts - This little pizza oven may be inexpensive, but it works very well and is durable, and the manufacturer really stands behind its product.
The stone needs to reach a temperature of 500-550 F degrees for the perfect crust on an artisan-style 8-10" pizza that cooks quickly.
Note: We may know why some people have problems with the control button. It combines gas control, safety shut-off, and piezo igniter. You need to turn it to the on position, wait as you hear the gas coming in, and then turn a little further to trigger the igniter and keep the button pushed until all three burners light up. If they don't, the gas gets shut off (it's a safety feature).
Good
About this product
- Cook for a Crowd: With a large 0.7 cubic ft. capacity, this toaster oven can fit up to 12 slices of bread or two 12-inch pizzas, as well as casseroles, steaks, cookies, and more!
- Versatile Cooking Options: Choose between Bake, Toast, Convection Bake, and Broil settings to achieve your desired results. The indicator light lets you know when the unit is on and working.
- Customizable Temperature Control: Adjust the temperature to suit your cooking needs with a range from 200 to 450°F. Four-stage heating selections include Upper, Lower, Upper and Lower, and Off.
- Easy to Monitor and Use: Keep an eye on your food as it cooks with the see-through, high-temperature-resistant glass window and stainless steel handle. The 60-minute timer will ding when your food is done, and the Stay-On function allows for extended baking times.
- Effortless Clean-Up: Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable baking pan, wire racks, and crumb tray. Spend more time enjoying your delicious meals and less time on clean-up with this user-friendly toaster oven.
This is a great little convection toaster oven. Well...it's actually pretty big for a toaster oven. It is a perfect size for rolls, cornbread, pizzas, and casseroles.
You may have to learn how long to leave in the artisan bread and homemade bread to get the perfect toasty goodness.
A few users said that it never heated properly from the start, taking forever even to do a toast. There is no insulation, and you have to wait 15 minutes to do anything!
Our Thoughts - Many users said that they had no problems with overheating, glass breaking, door or rack problems, discoloration, melted cord, or any problems with it not working or intermittent working.
Good
About this product
- Introducing the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill - the perfect indoor countertop Grill and Air Fryer that sears, sizzles, and crisps your favorite meals to perfection. With its Cyclone Grill Technology, it uses 500°F cyclonic air to perfectly cook or char grill your food, creating delicious, char-grilled marks and flavors.
- The Smart Cook System and Thermometer work together to ensure your food is cooked to your desired doneness, without over or under-cooking. The Foodi Smart Thermometer features 4 smart protein settings and 9 customizable doneness levels, making it easy to achieve the perfect results every time.
- The XL capacity of the grill grate can fit up to 6 steaks, 24 hot dogs, mains, sides, and more, making it perfect for entertaining. Plus, with its 6 cooking functions - Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate - you can cook a variety of dishes with ease.
- The included 4-qt crisper basket lets you air fry crisp your favorite foods with up to 75% less fat than deep frying (tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries). Plus, the Smoke Control System reduces smoke, keeping it out of your kitchen.
- With the Dual-Sensor Foodi Smart Thermometer, you can monitor the temperature in two places for even more accurate results. Plus, forget about defrosting your food - the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill can transform frozen foods into perfectly char-grilled meals in under 25 minutes.
- The package includes the Ninja Smart XL Grill, 9" x 12" Grill Grate, 4-qt. Crisper Basket, 4-qt. Cooking Pot, Foodi Smart Thermometer, Cleaning Brush, and Chef Created 15 Recipe Books, making it the ultimate kitchen tool for all your grilling and air frying needs.
This ninja smart XL grill Cooks to perfection every time. No need to be an expert cook, a newbie with no experience can cook hamburgers, steak, marinated chicken breast, onion rings, and french fries at the same time. in the Foodi. Oh, and the pizza comes out nice and crispy.
The product is great but customer service is poor at the best of times. As one customer put it "Ninja customer service is so bad it might as well be no existent."
A few customers reported that they didn't receive the whole kit, (i.e. some items were missing).
Our Thoughts - This is an absolute lifesaver in the kitchen and virtually no mess and cleanup. Fry /Bake/ Roast.
FAQs
Why does pizza taste better in a pizza oven?
Pizza ovens are designed to cook pizzas quickly and evenly at high temperatures, typically between 700 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit (370 to 480 degrees Celsius). This high heat helps to create a crispy crust while keeping the toppings moist and flavorful.
The unique shape of pizza ovens, typically with a domed ceiling and a stone or brick cooking surface, also contributes to the delicious taste of pizza. The domed ceiling helps to trap heat inside the oven and circulate it around the pizza, while the stone or brick surface absorbs moisture from the crust, helping it to cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
Additionally, many pizza ovens are fueled by wood, which can add a smoky flavor to the pizza. The wood-fired cooking process also imparts a distinctive char on the crust, which many people find particularly delicious.
Overall, the combination of high heat, even cooking, and wood-fired flavor makes pizza cooked in a pizza oven taste better than pizza cooked in a regular oven.
Why is homemade pizza healthier than store-bought?
Homemade pizza can be healthier than store-bought pizza for several reasons:
- Control over ingredients: When making pizza at home, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. This means you can choose healthier options such as whole-grain crust, low-fat cheese, and fresh vegetables, and avoid additives like preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sodium.
- Portion control: Store-bought pizzas are often larger than what you would make at home, which can lead to overeating and consuming more calories than you need. Making your own pizza allows you to control the portion size and the number of toppings you use, which can help you maintain a healthy balance of calories and nutrients.
- Less processed ingredients: Many store-bought pizzas contain highly processed ingredients such as refined flour, hydrogenated oils, and high-fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. When making pizza at home, you can choose whole-food ingredients that are minimally processed and contain more nutrients.
- Fresher ingredients: Store-bought pizzas may sit in the freezer or on store shelves for long periods of time, which can reduce the nutritional value of the ingredients. Making pizza at home allows you to use fresh ingredients, which are higher in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Overall, making pizza at home can be a healthier option than buying it from a store. By choosing fresh, whole-food ingredients and controlling the portion size, you can create a delicious pizza that is packed with nutrients and is lower in calories and unhealthy additives.
How to make pizza taste like a restaurant?
There are a few tips and tricks you can use to make your homemade pizza taste more like the pizza you get at a restaurant:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The ingredients you use can have a big impact on the flavor of your pizza. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients such as fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
- Preheat your oven: To get that crispy crust that you find in a restaurant pizza, it's important to preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (usually around 500°F or 260°C) and let it preheat for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a pizza stone or steel: A pizza stone or steel can help you get that crispy crust and even cooking that you find in restaurant pizza. Place the pizza stone or steel in the oven while it preheats, and then slide your pizza onto it to cook.
- Don't overload your pizza: Too many toppings can make your pizza soggy and less flavorful. Stick to a few high-quality toppings and spread them out evenly over the crust.
- Add fresh herbs after baking: Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano after baking can give your pizza a fresh, restaurant-style flavor.
- Experiment with different sauces and crusts: Don't be afraid to experiment with different sauces and crusts to find the combination that you like best. Try making a homemade tomato sauce, or using pesto or BBQ sauce instead.
By following these tips and experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, you can create a homemade pizza that tastes as if it came straight from a restaurant.
Is it cheaper to make your own pizza at home?
In general, making your own pizza at home can be cheaper than buying a pizza from a restaurant or ordering delivery. The cost of making pizza at home will depend on the ingredients you use, but homemade pizza is usually less expensive than restaurant pizza for a few reasons:
- You can buy ingredients in bulk: When you make pizza at home, you can buy ingredients like flour, cheese, and toppings in bulk, which can save you money in the long run.
- You don't have to pay for delivery or service fees: When you order pizza for delivery, you typically have to pay delivery fees and service charges, which can add up over time. Making pizza at home eliminates these costs.
- You can control portion sizes: When you make pizza at home, you can control the portion sizes, which can help you save money and reduce food waste.
- You can use leftovers: Making pizza at home is a great way to use up leftover ingredients from other meals, which can save you money and reduce food waste.
Overall, making pizza at home can be a cost-effective way to enjoy this popular dish without breaking the bank. By buying ingredients in bulk, controlling portion sizes, and using leftovers, you can save money while still enjoying a delicious homemade pizza.
Why is pizza considered unhealthy?
Pizza is often considered unhealthy because it can be high in calories, saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates. Some of the reasons pizza can be unhealthy include:
- High-calorie content: Pizza is often high in calories, especially if it has a thick crust, lots of cheese, and high-fat toppings like pepperoni or sausage.
- High saturated fat content: Cheese, one of the main ingredients in pizza, is often high in saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and heart disease.
- High sodium content: Pizza is often high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems.
- Refined carbohydrates: Many types of pizza crusts are made with refined flour, which can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
However, it's important to note that not all pizza is created equal, and some types of pizza can be healthier than others. For example, choosing a thin-crust pizza with lots of vegetables and a modest amount of cheese can be a healthier option than a deep-dish pizza loaded with meat and cheese. Making pizza at home with fresh, whole-food ingredients can also be a healthier option than ordering from a restaurant or buying frozen pizza.
What is better gas or wood for a pizza oven?
Both gas and wood-fired pizza ovens have their advantages and disadvantages, and the better option for you depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
- Flavor: Wood-fired pizza ovens are known for producing a unique smoky flavor that many people prefer over the taste of pizza cooked in a gas oven. However, some people may prefer the more neutral taste of pizza cooked in a gas oven.
- Convenience: Gas pizza ovens are generally easier to use and maintain than wood-fired ovens, as they don't require the hassle of lighting and maintaining a wood fire. With a gas oven, you simply turn it on and adjust the temperature.
- Cost: Wood-fired pizza ovens can be more expensive to purchase and operate than gas ovens, as they require wood fuel and may require more maintenance.
- Cooking Speed: Gas ovens tend to heat up faster and cook pizza more quickly than wood-fired ovens. This can be an advantage if you need to cook pizzas quickly, such as in a busy restaurant setting.
- Environmental Impact: Wood-fired ovens produce smoke and particulate matter that can contribute to air pollution, whereas gas ovens are generally cleaner burning.
Ultimately, the decision between a gas or wood-fired pizza oven comes down to your personal preference and circumstances. If you prioritize flavor and are willing to put in the effort to maintain a wood fire, a wood-fired oven may be the better option for you. However, if you prioritize convenience and ease of use, a gas oven may be the way to go.
