Who doesn’t love pizza? The crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite.
Have you ever wondered how to create the perfect pizza at home? The secret lies in choosing the right oven: toaster oven vs pizza oven.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of these two popular appliances, comparing their strengths and weaknesses, and discover the best options available in 2023 for achieving pizza perfection at home.
Key Takeaways
- Comparing toaster ovens and pizza ovens for 2023, both offer delicious results but vary in design, heating elements & temperature range.
- Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo & Ooni Koda 16 are the best toaster ovens while Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza Oven is a great home pizza option.
- Consider factors like space, budget & desired outcome when choosing an oven plus use preheating/temperature control with baking trays or stones for perfect pizzas every time!
| Aspect | Toaster Oven | Pizza Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Versatile, can cook a variety of dishes | Specifically designed for cooking pizzas |
| Versatility | High | Low |
| Size | Compact, suitable for small kitchens | Larger, requires more space |
| Price | Affordable | Can be expensive |
| Ease of Use | Easy to use with adjustable settings | Simple functionality but may require some practice |
| Cooking Time | Longer cooking time | Faster due to higher temperatures |
| Temperature Range | Lower than pizza ovens | Very high, ideal for crispy pizzas |
| Cleaning | Easier to clean | Can be challenging due to residues |
Comparing Toaster Ovens and Pizza Ovens
Toaster oven vs pizza oven
Toaster ovens and pizza ovens may seem quite different when it comes to size and appearance, but both have the potential to cook delicious pizza.
Toaster ovens are compact and versatile, fitting easily in most kitchens, while pizza ovens, especially outdoor models, are often larger and come with additional features for an authentic pizza experience.
How do these two oven types stack up in the pursuit of perfect pizza? We’ll examine their design, heating elements, temperature range, and functionality.
Design and Heating Elements
Toaster ovens typically have two heating elements, one heating element at the top and one at the bottom, generating more heat than a regular oven.
On the other hand, pizza ovens use four or five heating elements that work together to ensure the heat is spread evenly inside.
This difference in the number of heating elements results in different cooking environments for the pizza, affecting the final outcome.
In a toaster oven, the closer proximity between the heating elements and the pizza can make it easier to achieve a crisp crust, while the multiple heating elements in a pizza oven provide a more consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Consistent temperature is key to replicating the true Neapolitan pizza experience, with its perfectly charred crust and melty cheese.
Temperature Range and Cooking Time
Temperature plays a significant role in how your pizza turns out. Toaster ovens can reach temperatures between 200-550°F (93-287°C), while pizza ovens can get as hot as 900°F.
This higher temperature range of pizza ovens allows them to cook pizzas much faster, resulting in a crispier crust and perfectly melted cheese.
For example, the Ooni Fyra 12 pizza oven can cook a pizza in just three minutes.
On the other hand, toaster ovens might take a bit longer to cook a pizza, but their lower temperature range can still yield delicious results, especially if you use a pizza stone or steel.
Many toaster ovens also include a convection setting, which can help reduce cooking times and ensure even cooking.
The type of pizza you want to make and your desired cooking results will determine the temperature range and cooking times of the oven type you should consider.
For a true Neapolitan pizza, a pizza oven with a higher temperature range is ideal, while a toaster oven with a convection setting might be more suitable for other types of pizzas and dishes.
Functionality and Versatility
Toaster ovens, especially convection toaster oven models, take the lead in terms of versatility and range of functions when compared to a conventional oven.
They can toast, bake, broil, and even roast small meals, making them a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Conversely, pizza ovens are purpose-built to bake pizzas with a crispier crust.
This difference in functionality means that if you’re looking for an appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks beyond just pizza, a toaster oven might be the better choice.
However, if your primary goal is to create the perfect pizza with a crispy crust and melty cheese, a dedicated pizza oven could be the way to go.
Best Toaster Ovens for Pizza in 2023
Breville toaster oven for pizza
If you’re interested in crafting delicious pizza with a toaster oven, several excellent options are available in 2023.
Some of the top toaster ovens for pizza include the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo, the Ooni Koda 16 and the Presto Pizzazz Plus.
Each of these ovens boasts unique features and capabilities, making them excellent choices for pizza lovers.
The Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo, for example, is a countertop oven that can reach temperatures up to 750 °F and can accommodate a 12-inch pizza.
The Ooni Koda 16 is a propane-fueled outdoor pizza oven with a temperature range of up to 890 °F, while the Presto Pizzazz Plus is a rotating oven that can fit pizzas up to 12 inches in diameter and offers adjustable temperature controls for perfect pizza every time.
Best Pizza Ovens for Home Use in 2023
For those seeking a dedicated pizza oven, numerous high-quality options will be available in 2023. Some of the best pizza ovens for home use include:
- Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza Oven
- Ooni Fyra 12 pizza oven
- Camp Chef Italia Artisan Pizza Oven
- Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven
- Only Fire Universal Pizza Oven Kit
- Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo
- BakerStone Portable Gas Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 12 Gas Pizza. The oven is a highly-rated outdoor pizza oven that can reach temperatures up to 950 degrees, perfect for achieving that crispy crust and melty cheese.
Among other outdoor pizza ovens, the Ooni Fyra 12 pizza oven is a more budget-friendly option, fueled by wood pellets and boasting a smaller, lighter design.
For those who want a portable oven that can be used with charcoal, wood, and gas, the Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven is a great choice.
Each of these pizza ovens offers unique features and advantages, making it important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right pizza oven for your home.
If you want more information on outdoor pizza ovens, please check out our article and top picks!
Jocelyn
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Oven
Pizza being enjoyed from a pizza oven
Several important factors need to be considered when deciding between a toaster oven and a pizza oven. These include available space, budget, and desired cooking outcomes.
First, consider the size of the oven and the available space in your kitchen or outdoor area.
Toaster ovens are generally more compact and can fit easily in most kitchens, while pizza ovens, especially outdoor models, may require more space.
Budget is another important factor, as toaster ovens are typically more affordable than pizza ovens. However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more for higher temperatures and better pizza cooking results, a pizza oven might be worth the extra cost.
Finally, think about the type of cooking results you want to achieve. If you’re looking for a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of cooking tasks beyond just pizza, a toaster oven might be the better choice.
However, if your primary goal is to create the perfect pizza with a crispy crust and melty cheese, a dedicated pizza oven could be the way to go.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pizza in Toaster Ovens and Pizza Ovens
Perfect pizza
Regardless of whether you opt for a toaster oven or a pizza oven, applying certain tips and techniques can ensure you craft a delicious, crispy pizza at home.
These include preheating your oven, using a pizza stone or baking tray, and keeping an eye on your pizza while it cooks.
Temperature control and using a rotating pizza oven during cooking can also help you achieve that perfect pizza every time.
Preheating and Temperature Control
The key to achieving optimal pizza cooking results lies in preheating and maintaining consistent temperatures.
Preheating ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the pizza quickly and evenly, while consistent temperatures help the pizza cook evenly all the way through.
When preheating a toaster oven, set the temperature to the highest setting and let it preheat for at least 10 minutes.
For pizza ovens, preheat the oven to the desired temperature and then let it cool down slightly before adding the pizza.
This will help prevent the crust from burning and ensure that the toppings cook evenly.
Maintaining consistent temperatures can be a bit more challenging in toaster ovens, as they may not be able to keep temperatures as steady as pizza ovens.
However, by monitoring the temperature and adjusting it as needed, you can still achieve great pizza cooking results in a toaster oven.
Using Pizza Stones and Baking Trays
Your pizza cooking results in both toaster ovens and pizza ovens can be significantly improved by using a pizza stone or baking tray.
These flat, heat-resistant surfaces absorb and retain heat, ensuring that the pizza cooks evenly and quickly.
They can also help to mimic the texture of a wood-fired oven in a home oven, resulting in a crispier crust.
When using a pizza stone or baking tray, remember to:
- Preheat the oven and stone for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Rotate the pizza during cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
By following these tips, you can achieve delicious pizza slices with a perfectly crisp crust and bubbly cheese.
Rotating and Monitoring Your Pizza
To ensure even cooking and prevent burning, it’s vital to rotate and monitor your pizza during the cooking process.
By keeping an eye on your pizza and rotating it as needed, you can make sure that the crust and toppings cook evenly and achieve that perfect pizza every time.
To do this, simply check your reheating pizza slices every few minutes and give it a turn if necessary.
If you notice that the pizza is cooking unevenly or starting to burn, adjust the oven temperature as needed.
By staying vigilant and proactive during the cooking process, you can avoid any pizza disasters and enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked pizza at home.
To achieve this, it’s essential to know how to cook food properly, especially when it comes to learning how to cook pizza and cooking pizzas, including frozen pizzas.
How to Make Homemade Perfect Little 9” Pizza in a Toaster Oven (No-Knead “Turbo” Pizza Dough) artisanbreadwithstev
Additional Uses for Toaster Ovens and Pizza Ovens
In addition to pizza, both toaster ovens and pizza ovens offer a wealth of other culinary possibilities.
Toaster ovens provide multiple uses for everyday cooking. They can be used for toasting, baking, broiling, and roasting small meals.
Some examples of dishes that can be prepared in a toaster oven include baked cauliflower, baked brie, and a variety of other recipes.
Pizza ovens, while specifically designed for baking pizzas, can also be used for cooking other dishes.
For example, you can bake breaded chicken strips and French fries in a pizza oven, achieving a crispy and golden finish.
By experimenting with different dishes and cooking techniques, you can make the most out of your toaster oven or pizza oven, turning it into a versatile and valuable addition to your kitchen.
Care and Maintenance of Your Oven
A person cleaning a toaster oven with a damp sponge
Proper care of your toaster oven or pizza oven is key to its longevity and continued optimal performance.
Regular cleaning, temperature monitoring, and replacing worn or damaged parts are all important aspects of maintaining your oven.
For cleaning a pizza oven, use a wet sponge or other non-abrasive cleaner to remove any residue.
To get rid of extra chimney soot in pellet, hardwood, and charcoal pizza ovens, burn it off by running the oven at a higher temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
By following these care and maintenance tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your oven and ensure that it continues to cook delicious pizza and other dishes for years to come.
Summary
Both toaster ovens and pizza ovens have their own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to creating the perfect pizza at home.
Toaster ovens offer versatility and affordability, while pizza ovens provide higher temperatures and a more authentic pizza cooking experience.
By considering factors such as available space, budget, and desired cooking outcomes, you can choose the right oven for your specific needs and preferences.
With the right oven, proper care, and a few helpful tips, you can achieve pizza perfection in the comfort of your own home.
So go ahead, fire up that oven and start experimenting with your favorite pizza recipes – the possibilities are endless!
In the market for a toaster oven but want one in a color? Check out our top quality picks that could work for you!
Jocelyn
Jocelyn
Or if you are looking for one that is designed with a sleek and modern look, then check out our top picks for digital toaster ovens.
Jocelyn
Jocelyn
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a toaster oven cook a pizza?
Yes, you can cook a pizza in a toaster oven by preheating it to 400°F, brushing the frozen crust with oil and placing it directly on the center rack and baking for 15-16 minutes.
What are the disadvantages of a toaster oven?
Toaster ovens are expensive compared to regular toasters and they are fairly noisy, making them a less than ideal choice if you’re just looking to toast your bread slices for breakfast.
Why is a pizza oven better than an oven?
A pizza oven is better than an oven because it can heat up to almost twice as hot, meaning you get a crisper crust without burning your toppings.
Can I use a pizza stone in a toaster oven?
Yes, you can use a pizza stone in a toaster oven for a crispier crust and more even cooking.
What are some other dishes I can cook in a pizza oven?
If you have a pizza oven, why not branch out and try cooking breaded chicken strips, French fries, or even roasts? These are all easy to make and delicious options that are sure to please.
With a pizza oven, you can make a variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy everyone. From classic pizzas to more creative dishes, you can make something for everyone. Plus, you can experiment with different toppings.
