Pizza oven types: Which is best for you?

There are lots of different types of pizza ovens: gas, wood-fired, dual-fuel, electric and charcoal ovens. And that’s just the fuel. 

Each pizza oven type has its own advantages, too, so choosing the right one for you can be tricky. 

Luckily for you, Delivita has done just that. 

This guide explores the different types of pizza ovens, how they work, what they’re good for, and how they make delicious pizzas.

Summarised: The different pizza oven types and their benefits

What are the different types of pizza ovens?

There are several different types of pizza ovens, each designed around a specific fuel source and cooking style. Some prioritise convenience and control, while others focus on delivering traditional flavour and high heat.

Understanding how each type works – and what it’s best suited for – will help you choose the right oven for your space and how you like to cook.

Portable pizza ovens

Unsurprisingly, portable pizza ovens are designed for flexibility. Lightweight and compact, they can be used anywhere – camping trips, festivals, your mate’s garden – before being packed away once you’ve polished off the last crust. 

Most portable ovens are gas-powered, which makes them quick to set up and easy to use. Some models can reach very high temperatures quickly, allowing you to cook restaurant-quality pizzas without a permanent outdoor setup. 

Take our Diavolo, for example. This compact gas oven can reach up to 500°C in around 20 minutes – cooking pizzas in as little as 60 seconds.

They’re a popular choice if you want high performance wherever you are, without committing to a fixed installation.

However, their smaller size means less cooking space and smaller pizzas, so if you’re planning to host some pizza parties, a portable oven could slow your progress.

→ Our portable pizza oven comes with an accessory bundle worth £169 and everything you need to get the party started, including a folding pizza peel, carry case, and a gas regulator and canister. Explore the full list of accessories and choose a colour – Delivita Diavolo.

Pros and cons of portable pizza ovens

Gas pizza ovens

Gas pizza ovens are all about simplicity and control. Powered by propane or natural gas, they provide a consistent heat source that’s easy to regulate, making them ideal for beginners, using while you’re out and about, and anyone seeking reliable results.

→ Running low? Get next-day delivery on our power fuel gas canisters.

One of the biggest advantages of gas ovens is how quickly they heat up – our Diavolo model reaches 500°C in 20 minutes. You can go from setup to cooking in minutes. And there’s no need to build or maintain a fire. 

Temperature control is straightforward, enabling you to adjust heat levels precisely depending on what you’re cooking.

This makes gas ovens a strong choice for everyday use, especially in gardens or outdoor spaces where convenience matters.

The trade-off is that gas ovens don’t produce the same smoky flavour you’d get from wood or charcoal.

Pros and cons of gas pizza ovens

Wood-fired pizza ovens

Wood-fired pizza ovens are the traditional choice and are often associated with authentic, Neapolitan-style pizza. They burn wood to create intense heat and a distinctive smoky flavour that many people consider essential for true pizza-making.

These ovens can reach extremely high temperatures – often over 500°C – and retain heat for long periods, allowing you to cook multiple dishes beyond pizza, including meats, bread, and vegetables.

They’re also a great centrepiece for outdoor entertaining – starting conversations about their appearance and ending conversations with that first bite of pizza. 

Wood-fired ovens do require a bit of TLC, though. You’ll need to manage the fire, control airflow, and allow time for the oven to heat up properly. 

→ Ready for an authentic pizza-making experience? Discover the Delivita Origin Wood-Fired Pizza Oven. 

Not sure what wood’s best? We’ve got you covered. Use our wood bundle for pizza ovens. 

This 20kg selection includes 24 fire lighters, 3kg of kiln-dried kindling and 13kg of sustainably-sourced dried ash logs, split to the ideal size for Delivita ovens. 

Pros and cons of wood-fired pizza ovens

Dual-fuel pizza ovens (gas and wood)

Dual-fuel pizza ovens give you the best of both worlds – with gas, you get fast, reliable heat with minimal setup. Switch to wood, and you can add that traditional smoky flavour to each bite. 

With some ovens, like Delivita’s Flow Dual-Fuel Pizza Oven, you can even use a combination of both. Start with gas to heat the oven quickly, then switch to wood to retain authentic flavours. 

They’re particularly useful if you want convenience for regular cooking but still enjoy experimenting with wood-fired techniques when you have more time.

The main consideration is cost, as dual-fuel ovens tend to be more expensive than single-fuel options. 

Another drawback is portability: you need a large oven to house the wood fire, so if you want something to use on the go, a portable oven would be more suitable. 

→  To help you move your wood-fired or dual-fuel pizza oven from A to B, use our specially designed pizza oven stand with side tables, or get all of the accessories you need with a pizza oven bundle. 

Pros and cons of dual-fuel pizza ovens

Charcoal pizza ovens

Charcoal pizza ovens sit somewhere between gas and wood-fired options. The charcoal’s flavour profile is closer to wood-fired cooking, but with a slightly different character.

Although these ovens can reach high temperatures, they take longer to heat up than gas ovens and require more attention to maintain consistent heat. 

If you’ve ever had a BBQ, you’ll know that charcoal cooking can taste wonderful. If you’re a grill master looking to broaden your horizons, a charcoal pizza oven would be a good way to extend the BBQ experience into pizza. 

However, if you’re looking for convenience or authentic pizza-making, a gas or wood-fired oven would be much more suitable.

Pros and cons of charcoal pizza ovens

Electric pizza ovens

Electric pizza ovens are designed for simplicity and indoor use. They plug into a standard power supply and are often compact enough to sit on a kitchen worktop, an ideal choice if you’ve limited outdoor space. 

All you need to do is set the temperature and start cooking, so they’re suitable for beginners just dipping their toes into pizza making. 

That said, there are drawbacks to using an electric pizza oven. The first is that not all electric pizza ovens can reach the same high temperatures as their gas, wood, or charcoal counterparts. 

Not only does this mean a slower cook, but it can also affect the crust's texture, making it drier and firmer. 

The ovens’ reliance on electricity can reduce their portability, too, so you’re pretty limited in where you can make your pizza. 

And, with no flame, you won’t get the delicious char or authentic smoky taste as you do with wood or charcoal ovens. 

Pros and cons of electric pizza ovens

Expert Q&A: Which type of pizza oven is best for you and your situation?

Vickie Hawley, pizza enthusiast and owner of Delivita, shares her thoughts on the importance of getting the right pizza oven and the situations where different types of ovens might be most useful. 

“Before you buy a pizza oven, you need to have a good idea of where and how you want to use it. If the oven suits your lifestyle, using it regularly is easier and more enjoyable. That’s when you can start making really delicious food and get your money’s worth.  

“Each fuel type and oven has its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, if you want to cook pizza while camping, a portable oven like our Diavolo would be best. It’s a gas oven, making it super convenient and easy to control. It’s also much lighter and easier to transport than our other ovens. 

“Likewise, if you want something to use at home, and you’re thinking of cooking more than just pizza, a wood-fired oven gives you that authentic taste and experience, and it’s exceptional for cooking steaks, roasting veg and making desserts.” 

→ Find delicious meals, flex your cooking muscles and make the most of your pizza oven with our recipes. 

Which pizza oven should you buy if you want portability?

Our portable pizza oven is the most convenient oven in our range. The diavolo heats up quickly, is simple to control, and works well for regular use. It may not offer the same flavour or authenticity as a wood-fired oven, but you can take the Diavolo out of the box and be enjoying delicious pizza within 25 minutes. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that. 

What’s the best pizza oven for authentic flavour?

A wood-fired oven delivers the traditional taste and high heat associated with restaurant-quality pizza. Sure, it can take a little longer to heat up and require a bit more attention than a gas pizza oven, but nothing beats the authentic taste and traditional cooking methods of a wood-fired oven

What’s the best pizza oven for flexibility?

Dual-fuel pizza ovens are the most flexible choice. Choose gas for speed or wood for an authentic taste when you have a bit more time. We have two dual-fuel options in our range: the Flow and the Chef+ pizza oven. 

Both of these ovens are designed to make switching between fuels easy – not only does this give you more flexibility, but it’s really convenient if you’re making a lot of pizza. You can get up to temperature with gas before switching to wood to maximise the flavour. 

A compact, portable pizza oven is ideal for smaller spaces or cooking on the go.

Why choose a DeliVita pizza oven?

Delivita pizza ovens combine performance, practicality, and vibrant designs that make outdoor cooking accessible and fun. 

Using one of our pizza ovens isn’t just about the food – we believe that food’s at its best when it’s shared with your nearest and dearest. 

That’s why we take a tech-free approach to our ovens, so you can be present with the people and food you love. After all, eating is a social activity.

Across our range, you’ll find pizza ovens with:

• High cooking temperatures for fast, restaurant-quality pizzas

• Portable designs that are ready wherever you are

• The ability to cook more than just pizza, including meat, fish, and vegetables

We don’t just talk a good game either. Our pizza ovens are award-winning, so you can be confident you’re getting an exceptional oven, regardless of whether you’re looking for a compact gas oven you can take anywhere, a traditional wood-fired centrepiece for your garden, or a flexible dual fuel option.

You need more than just an oven, though. You need top-quality pizza oven accessories and pizza ingredients, like pizza cutters, turners, and dough balls, and we’ve thought of it all.

Still not sure which oven is right for you? Check out our guide – ‘Gas vs wood-fired pizza oven: Which one is right for you?’, for an in-depth look at two of the most popular fuel types.