In 2012, Ooni launched the first-ever portable pellet pizza oven. And today, it’s the number-one brand in the industry.
But Ooni is not the only show in town. Other brands have emerged, offering pizza ovens with similar (or better) features, lower cost, and more flexibility.
In this guide, I highlight the best Ooni alternatives. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each, how much they cost, and the features that make them stand out.
So if you’re thinking about buying an Ooni, but want to weigh all the options, keep reading.
Use the links below to navigate the guide:
- Ooni Alternatives: Comparison Chart
- Ooni Alternative 1: Gozney Roccbox
- Ooni Alternative 2: Bertello Pizza Oven
- Ooni Alternative 3: Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven
- Ooni Alternative 4: Cru Ovens
- Bottom Line: What Is the Best Ooni Pizza Oven Alternative?
Ooni Alternatives: Comparison Chart
The following chart shows two Ooni pizza ovens compared with four Ooni alternatives. It’s a quick way to see how the features stack up.
Swipe to view the entire chart on mobile.
Ooni Karu 12 /16 | Ooni Koda 12 /16 | Gozney Roccbox | Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven | Breville Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven | Cru Ovens | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $$$$ (Ooni.com, Amazon) | $$$ (Ooni.com, Amazon) | $$$ (Amazon) | $$ (Amazon) | $$$$ (Amazon) | $$$-$$$$$ (Amazon) |
Pizza size | 12-inch/16-inch | 12-inch/16-inch | 12-inch | 12 to 16-inch (16-inch in grande model only) | 12-inch | 10 to 18-inches depending on the model |
Maximum temperature | 950°F | 950°F | 932°F | 930°F | 750°F | 900°F |
Preheat time | 15 minutes | 15 minutes/20 minutes | 20-30 minutes | 30 minutes | 10-20 minutes | 20-25 minutes |
Neapolitan pizza cook time | 60 seconds | 60 seconds | 60 seconds | 60 seconds | 2 minutes | 90 seconds |
Wood Fuel? | Yes | No | Yes (with attachment) | Yes (gas & wood at the same time) | No | Yes |
Charcoal Fuel? | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Gas Fuel? | Yes (burner sold separately) | Yes (burner sold separately) | Yes (propane burner included) | Yes (burner sold separately) | No | No |
Electric? | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Body Material | Brushed stainless steel/powder-coated carbon steel and brushed stainless steel | Powder-coated carbon steel | Steel wrapped in silicone | Steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel or lacquered aluminum outer casing |
Pizza Stone Material | Cordierite | Cordierite | Cordierite | Cordierite | Cordierite | Cordierite |
Weight | 26 lb/62 lb | 20 lb/40 lb | 45 lb | 30-63 lb (varies by model) | 37 lb | 33-200+ lb (varies by model) |
Pros | Compatible with wood, charcoal, and gas | Lightweight/more portable | Collapsible legs and removable fuel source for easy storage | Wide opening for sliding pizza in and out | Precision control | High-quality construction |
Cons | No accessories included | Not compatible with wood or charcoal | Heavy | No accessories included | Indoor use only | Most expensive |
Ooni Alternative 1: Gozney Roccbox
Tom Gozney started researching pizza ovens around 2009 and built his first brick oven in his garden. With it, he cooked a pizza in 45 seconds. That sparked the business he has today.
The Gozney brand manufactures multiple pizza ovens for outdoor home use. It also offers commercial models for restaurants.
Home models include:
The Gozney Roccbox is a portable outdoor pizza oven with a 304 stainless steel frame, cordierite stone interior for baking pizza, and an exterior silicone jacket to make it safe to touch.
The Roccbox includes a gas burner, but you can buy a detachable accessory to burn wood for fuel, making it a multi-fuel pizza oven.
Let’s see how the Gozney Roccbox compares to Ooni pizza ovens.
Gozney Roccbox vs. Ooni Pizza Oven
Here are some key features that Gozney and Ooni pizza ovens have in common:
- Gozney and Ooni offer multi-fuel models. The Ooni Karu 16 burns wood, charcoal, or gas. The Gozney Roccbox burns wood or gas.
- Both require minimal setup. Extend the attached legs and connect your fuel source.
- Each brand of oven features a built-in temperature gauge.
- Ooni and Roccbox both offer open-face ovens.
- Both feature a cordierite stone to cook the pizza from the bottom and disperse flames across the oven’s roof to cook the top of the pizza.
There are some differences, too:
- Ooni has a maximum temperature of 950°F with gas. Gozney reaches 932°F with gas.
- It takes Ooni ovens 15-20 minutes to heat up. The Roccbox needs 20-30 minutes to reach its maximum temperature.
- Ooni gas pizza ovens (Koda 16 and 12) burn natural gas or propane. The Roccbox burns propane or butane. At this time, natural gas is not an option.
- Ooni ovens that burn wood include a chimney for venting and heat control. Roccbox wood-burning pizza ovens vent from the front opening of the oven.
- Unlike the removable Ooni pizza stone, the Roccbox pizza stone is permanently attached to the oven. If it cracks, it’s difficult to replace. Gozney does not sell replacement stones.
- Roccbox pizza ovens have thick calcium silicate insulation around the interior roof of the oven to retain heat. Ooni features a thinner mineral fiber insulation to preserve heat.
- The Gozney Roccbox features a silicone jacket on the exterior to protect people from burns. Ooni does not offer a heat-protective jacket.
- Ooni has models that can cook up to a 16-inch pizza. The Roccbox is suited for pizzas 12 inches or smaller.
- Gozney and Ooni both offer a one-year warranty as a standard. If you register your product, Gozney will extend that warranty to five years, while Ooni will extend its warranty to three years.
Pros of Gozney Roccbox
The Gozney Roccbox comes with a pizza peel, a built-in thermometer, retractable legs, and a detachable burner that makes it easy to transport.
The Roccbox is less expensive than the Ooni Karu 16 but similarly priced to the Ooni Koda 16.
You have a choice of colors, and it offers an attractive design profile with a round back and arc-shaped opening. It requires minimal assembly because the legs are already attached. Screwing on the fuel source (gas or wood burner) takes only a few seconds.
Bonus: it comes with a bottle opener, making it easy to remove bottle caps to enjoy your favorite beverage while your pizza cooks (or after).
Cons of Gozney Roccbox
The Gozney Roccbox is more expensive than three Ooni models — the Karu 12, Koda 12, and Fyra 12. The Roccbox is comparable to those three models since it makes pizzas 12 inches wide or smaller.
The Roccbox is too small for 16-inch pizzas.
If you want the dual fuel option, you need to purchase the wood burner separately. And that costs about $100.
What Others Say About the Gozney Roccbox
Here’s a quick look at what some other reviewers think of the Roccbox pizza oven:
Tom’s Guide listed the Gozney Roccbox as one of the best outdoor pizza ovens. Reviewers liked the quick heating, the option for wood as fuel, and the silicone exterior. However, the reviewers thought it was expensive and took a while to cool down.
Food & Wine called the Gozney Roccbox the best portable pizza oven. Testers thought the oven was easy to use and transport, even though it was heavier than other models tested. They also liked how its heat retention provided consistent results. The smaller pizza peel also made it easier to rotate the pizza while cooking.
Popular Mechanics named the Gozney Roccbox the best-looking outdoor pizza oven. The reviewers liked the unique design and the silicone exterior to protect home chefs from the extreme heat. However, they did not like the excessive soot on the front after use because it was difficult to clean.
Check out Gozney pizza ovens on Amazon to learn more and read hundreds of other reviews.
Ooni Alternative 2: Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Bertello pizza oven debuted on Kickstarter in 2017. Back then, it was called the Napoli Multi-Fuel Pizza oven. It was rebranded as Bertello and featured on the TV show Shark Tank in 2019.
Created by brothers Andy and Eric Bert, the brand offers two options:
- Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven — A 12.5-inch wide, 13.5-inch deep model
- Bertello Grande 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven — A 16-inch wide, 16-inch deep model
The smaller oven accommodates pizzas up to 12.5 inches. The other is suitable for pizzas up to 16 inches.
The oven has a corrugated steel base to prevent warping from the high heat. It is fitted with a cordierite pizza stone, and the unit has a black finish with a slight sheen.
Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven vs. Ooni Pizza Oven
Here’s what’s similar about Ooni and Bertello:
- Ooni pizza ovens can reach a max temperature of 950°F. Bertello ovens top out at 930°F.
- Like some Ooni models (Karu 16, Karu 12), Bertello offers multi-fuel operation. You can use gas; gas and wood; or gas, charcoal, and wood together.
- You can set up both pizza ovens in under five minutes.
- Ooni Karu 16, Koda 16, and Bertello Grande 16 can all make pizzas up to 16 inches wide.
- Similar to Ooni, the pizza oven does not come with accessories. You have to buy a pizza peel and fuel burners for gas, wood, and charcoal.
- Like the Karu 16, you can buy a natural gas converter for the Bertello Grande 16.
Here’s what’s different:
- Bertello allows you to cook with gas, but you can also burn wood or charcoal while using gas. Multi-fuel Ooni ovens only allow for one source of fuel at a time.
- Bertello offers two pizza oven models. There are five Ooni models.
- If you want to return your Ooni, you have 60 days from receipt of the oven, but it must be unused and in its original package. Bertello gives you up to a year to return it, even if it’s used.
- The Bertello ovens do not have a built-in temperature gauge.
- Bertello provides a three-year warranty. Ooni offers a one-year warranty with an option to extend it to three years if you register the product within 60 days of purchase.
Pros of Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven
The Bertello pizza oven is portable. It’s easy to set up and use and has a wide opening. You get various fuel options, including gas, charcoal, and wood.
It’s one of the most affordable options on this list.
The Bertello Grande 16 includes a gas burner and wood tray for wood or charcoal use. Gas can heat the oven quickly, and then you can add wood or wood and charcoal to enhance the flavor.
One of the greatest upsides to this oven is that Bertello will accept returns up to a year after receipt, even if you used the oven.
Cons of Bertello Pizza Oven
No accessories are included, so you’ll have to spend extra to get a pizza peel. Only the Bertello Grande 16 comes with a gas burner and wood tray. You’ll have to purchase the gas burner if you opt for the 12.5-inch Bertello pizza oven.
What Others Say About the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven
Tom’s Guide chose the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven as one of the best pizza ovens. Testers enjoyed the smoky flavor from the charcoal and wood and said it was easy to tote and set up. But they found it difficult to heat and maintain the cooking temperature and thought it would help to have a built-in temperature gauge.
Learn more about Bertello pizza ovens on Amazon, or watch the Shark Tank episode to see how it started.
Ooni Alternative 3: Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven
Breville is a trusted name in kitchen appliances. The Australia-based brand, founded in 1932, makes a variety of home electrics, including countertop ovens.
The Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven is a type of Breville Smart Oven. It’s an electric-powered oven that can reach a maximum temperature of 750°F, a higher temperature than most conventional indoor ovens.
It delivers conductive, radiant, and convective heat. Each type of heat provides different results depending on the kind of crust you prefer.
Breville claims it’s the first of its kind and can provide an ideal environment to cook New York-style, pan, thin crust, and frozen pizzas efficiently.
Breville Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven vs. Ooni Pizza Oven
How is the Breville Pizzaiolo pizza oven like the Ooni pizza oven?
- It can cook a Neapolitan-style pizza quickly (2 minutes or less) and deliver a leopard-spotted crust, much like the Ooni outdoor pizza oven.
- You can make a 12-inch pizza, like the Ooni Koda 12, Karu 12, and Fyra 12.
- The Breville has a stainless steel body and a cordierite pizza stone, just like the Ooni.
How is it different?
- This is the only Ooni alternative that is for indoor use only. Plus, it’s electric.
- There’s no need to buy fuel, which eliminates the ongoing cost that comes with outdoor pizza ovens.
- It’s more expensive than all Ooni pizza oven models.
- It heats faster than the Ooni ovens. It takes as little as 10 minutes to get it ready for cooking pizza.
- It has precise controls for temperature and offers seven cooking presets and a custom manual mode to accommodate multiple types of pizza, from thin crust to pan.
- You don’t have to rotate the pizza constantly to get it to cook evenly.
- The appliance has insulation and a heat-resistant window to keep the exterior cool.
- Breville offers a two-year warranty. Ooni offers up to three years when you register the product within 60 days. You must pay an additional fee if you want an extended three- or four-year warranty for the Breville Pizzaiolo.
Pros of Breville Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven
This is a solid option if you’re looking for an indoor oven to replicate outdoor pizza oven results. It’s ideal if you live in an apartment or don’t have an area to safely place an outdoor pizza oven.
It offers even heating and precision cooking control with seven cooking modes, comes with a pizza pan and peel, and heats up quicker than the Ooni alternatives.
You have a choice of finishes: brushed stainless steel or black truffle.
Best of all, this pizza oven allows you to cook several styles of pizza, fresh or frozen, and does not require you to constantly rotate the pizza to get even cooking.
Cons of Breville Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven
This oven uses electricity versus gas, charcoal, or wood, so it can’t produce the unique flavors of those fuel sources.
It’s not designed for outdoor use, so it’s not suitable for backyard parties or camping (unless you have an outdoor kitchen with an electric outlet and a covered space).
This pizza oven is more expensive than most outdoor pizza ovens in this guide. You could buy two Ooni’s for the price of one Breville Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven.
What Others Say About the Breville Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven
CNN Underscored named the Breville Pizzaiolo as the best pizza oven overall. It was chosen for its consistent, even cooking and predictable results. Testers thought it was easy to use and liked that it did not require frequent pizza turning.
New York Times Wirecutter chose the Breville Pizzaiolo as the best choice for an indoor pizza oven. Though reviewers pointed out the high cost, they praised its results, precise temperature controls, and preset features.
Food & Wine also praised the Breville Pizzaiolo, choosing it as one of the 7 best pizza ovens. Reviewers loved that it required no assembly, provided even cooking results, and was quick and easy to use. The preset modes allow you to choose your desired crust and doneness.
Check the current price and read more reviews of the Breville Pizzaiolo on Amazon.
Ooni Alternative 4: Cru Ovens
João Domingues designs Cru Ovens using 304 stainless steel and a cordierite stone. Of all the pizza ovens in this guide, these feature the most minimalistic design. They burn wood or charcoal but not gas or propane.
The Cru Model 30 and Model 32 ovens are portable for outdoor home use. The brand also makes larger stationary models, including:
All Cru ovens reach 900°F and can bake a 12-inch pizza, but the larger ovens (Cru 60, Cru 90, and Cru Champion) can cook up to an 18-inch pizza.
Cru Oven vs. Ooni Pizza Oven
There are similarities worth noting between Cru and Ooni pizza ovens:
- All Cru oven models are multi-fuel (wood and charcoal). Ooni also offers multi-fuel options that burn wood and charcoal.
- Both feature a built-in temperature gauge.
- Some Cru models include a chimney, similar to the Ooni Karu 16, Karu 12, and Fyra 12.
Here are the key differences:
- Ooni ovens can reach a higher temperature (950°F) than Cru ovens, which top out at 900°F.
- Cru ovens do not use gas as fuel.
- Cru ovens do not have long or retractable legs.
- Unlike Ooni, there is no tray for wood or charcoal. You build a fire in the center of the unit and use the included ember rake to push the fire into the back of the oven before adding your pizza.
- All Ooni models are designed for portability. Only the Cru 30 model travels well and has a carrying case (as a separate purchase).
- Cru Ovens includes a pizza peel and ember rake with each model.
- The larger models are the most expensive options in this guide and cost more than Ooni’s largest model, the Karu 16.
- Cru Ovens offers a one-year warranty, but Ooni offers up to three years with product registration.
- Cru Ovens gives you 14 days for returns. Ooni offers 60 days.
- Cru Ovens are made in Portugal. Ooni ovens are made in China.
Pros of Cru Oven
The larger models are big enough to cook multiple pizzas simultaneously, which is ideal if you have a big family or like to entertain.
The ovens have a minimalist and modern look that many people find appealing.
And if you are looking for a pizza oven not made in China (like Ooni), Cru Ovens are made in Portugal.
The ovens are manufactured with modern technology and the expertise of skilled craftspeople.
Cons of Cru Oven
Most of the ovens are heavy and expensive, with many models costing over $1,000.
Cru Ovens don’t use gas as a fuel source, so you’ll have to learn how to build and maintain a fire suitable for cooking pizzas.
What Others Say About the Cru Oven
CNN Underscored called the Cru Model 30 the best wood-burning pizza oven. The wide opening makes it easy to get pizzas in and out, and you can easily replace the cooking stone if needed.
Learn more about Cru Ovens on Amazon and CruOvens.com.
Bottom Line: What Is the Best Ooni Pizza Oven Alternative?
Now that you know how Ooni compares to its top competitors, it’s time to decide which pizza oven is right for you.
Before you choose, let’s recap the best Ooni alternatives:
- Gozney Roccbox: Makes up to 12-inch pizzas and offers a sleek design with a heat-protective jacket to retain heat and avoid burns. It comes with a pizza peel and burns gas or wood.
- Bertello Pizza Oven: Features two models. The larger option (Grande 16) can make up to a 16-inch pizza. The oven has the longest preheat time but cooks fast and has a wide opening for easy operation.
- Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven: An electric countertop model that can make up to a 12-inch pizza. It offers preset cooking modes and provides even heating and consistent results, but it’s on the pricey side.
- Cru Ovens: Offers a range of pizza ovens, from portable to stationary options. The larger models are expensive, but they feature high-quality construction and can cook multiple pizzas at once. Cru Ovens are not designed to burn gas.
If you’re still on the fence and need a nudge in one direction, go with the Gozney Roccbox or Bertello Pizza Oven. These alternatives are the most similar to Ooni, but both offer some unique advantages.
The Gosney Roccbox has an insulated body and a thicker stone, providing even heating and consistent results. The legs fold easily, and it’s compatible with gas and wood.
The Bertello Pizza Oven is the only alternative that allows you to burn gas and wood at the same time, so you get the convenience of gas and the smokey flavor of wood. It also has the best return policy. If you’re not 100% satisfied with its performance within the first year, you can return it for a full refund.
If a pizza oven’s cost, space requirements, or learning curve are deal breakers, consider a pizza stone for your conventional oven. You won’t get the same results as a 750°F+ pizza oven, but the hot stone is inexpensive and delivers quality pizza.
Check out my in-depth Ooni review to see side-by-side pictures (and video) of pizza cooked in a pizza oven vs. on a pizza stone.
Learn more and check the current prices of Ooni pizza ovens and each alternative at the links below:
- Ooni (Ooni.com, Amazon)
- Gozney Roccbox (Amazon)
- Bertello Pizza Oven (Amazon)
- Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven (Amazon)
- Cru Ovens (Amazon)
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