Which? Experts Name Top 3 Home Pizza Ovens After Testing 45 Models

Consumer advocacy group Which? has identified the top three home pizza ovens after testing 45 different models, evaluating them on performance, ease of use, and the quality of the final product. The tests, which involved cooking 150 pizzas, focused on achieving sizzling toppings and crispy bases, crucial elements for Neapolitan-style pizza.

To assess the ovens, Which? experts measured the time taken for each pizza stone to reach 400°C (1112°F). They then cooked three pizzas in each oven using identical dough, sauce, and cheese. The finished pizzas were judged on crust bubble and rise, cheese melt, and base crispness. Practical considerations such as portability, stability, and assembly ease were also factored into the reviews.

Best Value: Electric Oven

For those seeking an accessible option, an electric oven was highlighted as the best value. This model, measuring 32cm high, 59cm wide, and 42cm deep, weighs 11.9kg and can accommodate pizzas up to 11.5 inches. It heated to 400°C in approximately 15 minutes and offers an 'air frying' mode suitable for cooking sides like chips. The primary advantage of this electric model is its portability and straightforward plug-in operation. However, the Which? experts noted that while the pizzas produced were good, they lacked the exceptional quality some enthusiasts might seek, and the absence of live flames may be a drawback for purists.

Best Mid-Range: Multi-fuel Oven

The mid-range recommendation is a multi-fuel oven, capable of using wood, charcoal, or gas. This unit has dimensions of 75.4cm high, 41.7cm wide, and 76.1cm deep, with a weight of 15.5kg. It supports pizzas up to 12 inches in size. This oven proved easy to set up and operate, and its portability was also a positive factor. It reached the crucial 400°C temperature in a rapid 13 minutes. The test results indicated first-class food quality, with pizzas featuring sizzling toppings and crispy bases exhibiting a desirable leopard-spotted crust. A minor caveat is that using gas requires the separate purchase of an Ooni Gas Burner for an additional £90.

Best Blowout: Gas Oven

The top-tier recommendation is a gas oven, measuring 34.2cm high, 48cm wide, and 56.4cm deep, and weighing 21.5kg. It is designed to cook pizzas up to 14 inches. This model was praised for producing excellent pizzas with ease of operation. A notable design feature is the side-mounted gas burner, which allows for closer monitoring and easier rotation of the pizza compared to ovens where the burner is at the rear. The main drawbacks are its higher price point and a slower heat-up time, taking approximately 20 minutes to reach 400°C.

Which? operates as a not-for-profit organization, with its revenue reinvested into consumer advocacy and services. Further details on the tested pizza ovens can be found on the Which? website.