The best pizza oven in NZ overall is the BIG HORN 14-Inch Indoor Electric, because it reaches around 450C indoors with precision temperature control, which is roughly double what a kitchen oven manages and close to what an outdoor wood-fired oven delivers. Every pick below is built around a different setup, from countertop makers to conversion kits for a BBQ already in the garden.
The single thing that separates a real pizza oven from a kitchen oven is heat. A domestic oven tops out near 250C, which bakes a pizza slowly and dries it out, while the ovens here run from 220C on the multi-purpose makers up to 500C on the wood-fired models, where a pizza cooks in about 60 seconds.
Two of the picks below are conversion kits rather than complete ovens, so they only make sense for someone who already owns a compatible BBQ. Both are labelled clearly. If a benchtop appliance is more useful than a dedicated oven, the multi cookers guide covers those.
| Pick | Best for | Type | Key detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIG HORN 14-Inch Indoor | Overall | Electric indoor | 850F, 14in, PID control |
| Healthy Choice 12-Inch | Budget | Electric indoor | 380-400C, 12in, stone |
| BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pellet | Wood-fired | Wood pellet | 460C, 90 sec bake |
| Mimiuo Wood and Charcoal | Entertaining | Wood/charcoal | 500C, 60 sec bake |
| KLAIF Countertop Electric | Countertop with stone | Electric indoor | 420C, 31cm stone |
| Pizzacraft PizzaQue Deluxe | Kettle BBQ owners | Conversion kit | 900F, fits Weber kettles |
| Masterbuilt Insert | BBQ owners | Insert | Fits compatible BBQs/smokers |
| Chefman Everything Maker | Multi-purpose | Electric indoor | 220C, 6 functions |
| MisterChef Ceramic Maker | Ceramic plates | Electric indoor | 1450W, 12in, sealed base |
| TODO 1800W Pizza Maker | Cheapest | Electric indoor | 1800W, 30cm, doubles as grill |
The Best Pizza Ovens in NZ
1. BIG HORN 14-Inch Indoor Electric Pizza Oven – Best Overall
This is the pick for anyone who wants proper pizza-oven heat without moving outdoors. BIG HORN rates it to 850F, around 450C, which is roughly double what a domestic kitchen oven manages, and a PID precision temperature control system holds the setting rather than swinging around it. A pizza stone and peel are included in the box.
It preheats in about 15 minutes and cooks a 14 inch pizza in roughly three minutes, with 2200W of upper and lower heating elements doing the work. Six preset programs cover Manual, Wood Fired, Frozen, New York, Thin Crispy and Deep Dish, so there is a starting point whether the dough is homemade or straight from the freezer. It also handles bread, pies and chicken wings.
The catch is footprint and price. Even with a flip-up design that BIG HORN says halves the storage footprint, it is a substantial 51.7 by 47.9cm appliance that will live on the bench rather than in a cupboard. It suits a household that makes pizza often enough to justify a dedicated machine and wants to do it year round.
Pros
- Rated to 850F, about 450C, far beyond what a domestic kitchen oven reaches
- PID precision control holds the temperature instead of cycling widely
- Six presets covering wood fired, New York, thin crispy, deep dish and frozen
- Pizza stone and peel included, and it bakes bread and pies too
Cons
- Large benchtop footprint even with the flip-up design
- The most expensive pick in this guide
- Ships to New Zealand from Amazon UK, so delivery takes longer
Key specs: 14 inch indoor electric | Up to 850F, about 450C | 2200W upper and lower elements | PID precision control, 6 presets | 51.7 x 47.9 x 26.5cm | Stone and peel included
2. Healthy Choice 12-Inch Pizza Oven – Best Budget
The Healthy Choice is the cheapest way into a dedicated pizza oven here, and it covers the basics properly. It reaches 380 to 400C, which is well above a kitchen oven, and cooks a 12 inch pizza in three to five minutes on a removable ceramic baking stone. A large viewing window means the lid stays shut while the base crisps.
Dual stainless steel heating elements sit above and below the stone, with a pilot light showing thermal control status and a 15 minute adjustable timer with an alarm. It handles fresh dough, frozen and pre-baked pizzas equally, so it is forgiving for a first pizza oven. Two pizza paddles and a cutter are included.
At 380 to 400C it will not deliver the 60 to 90 second Neapolitan bake that the outdoor wood-fired ovens here manage, and 12 inches is the ceiling on size. It suits a household that wants noticeably better pizza than a kitchen oven produces without committing bench space or budget to a large machine.
Pros
- Reaches 380 to 400C, far hotter than a conventional kitchen oven
- Removable ceramic baking stone for a crisp base
- Large viewing window and a 15 minute timer with alarm
- Two pizza paddles and a cutter included in the box
Cons
- Not hot enough for a true 60 to 90 second Neapolitan bake
- 12 inch maximum pizza size
- Sold by a third-party seller rather than Amazon directly
Key specs: 12 inch electric countertop | 380 to 400C | Dual upper and lower elements | Removable ceramic stone | 15 minute timer | 36 x 17 x 34cm
3. BIG HORN OUTDOORS Wood Pellet Pizza Oven – Best Wood-Fired
This is the one for genuine Neapolitan pizza, and the numbers back that up. BIG HORN rates it to 460C within 18 minutes of lighting, at which point a pizza bakes in about 90 seconds. It runs exclusively on natural wood pellets with no gas or electricity involved, which is where the smoky character comes from.
The body is stainless steel, chosen to handle both high heat and outdoor humidity, and a 12 inch pizza stone spreads the heat evenly across the base. Folding legs and a low weight make it genuinely portable, so it moves between the deck, a campsite or a friend’s place without special tools. It also cooks meat, fish and vegetables.
Wood pellets mean a learning curve that an electric oven does not have, since temperature is managed by feeding fuel rather than turning a dial, and a 90 second bake leaves little margin for a distracted cook. It suits someone who wants the real thing outdoors and is happy to tend a fire to get it.
Pros
- Reaches 460C in 18 minutes and bakes a pizza in about 90 seconds
- Runs on natural wood pellets for genuine wood-fired flavour
- Stainless steel body with folding legs, genuinely portable
- 12 inch stone, and it doubles for meat, fish and vegetables
Cons
- Managing temperature with pellets takes practice compared with a dial
- A 90 second bake leaves very little margin for error
- Outdoor use only, and it ships from Amazon UK
Key specs: 12 inch outdoor, wood pellet fired | Up to 460C in 18 minutes | About 90 second bake | Stainless steel, folding legs | 51.5 x 35.5 x 50.5cm
4. Mimiuo Wood and Charcoal Outdoor Pizza Oven – Best for Outdoor Entertaining
The Mimiuo takes both wood and charcoal, which gives it more fuel flexibility than a pellet-only oven. Mimiuo quotes 10 to 15 minutes of preheating to reach 500C, the highest figure in this guide, after which a pizza bakes in around 60 seconds. That speed is what makes it work for a crowd, since pizzas can be prepped in advance and cooked in quick succession.
Viewing holes let the flame size and the pizza be watched without opening anything up, and the advice is to turn the pizza every 20 to 30 seconds for an even bake. A built-in fuel funnel makes topping up firewood or charcoal quick, which is what keeps the temperature steady across a run of pizzas. The included 33 by 33cm stone holds heat for a crisp base.
Folding legs make it portable for camping or a friend’s garden, though at this size and weight it is a two-hand carry rather than something to sling in a bag. A 60 second bake demands constant attention. It suits someone feeding a group outdoors who wants speed and the flavour that comes from a real fire.
Pros
- Reaches 500C, the hottest in this guide, and bakes in about 60 seconds
- Takes both wood and charcoal rather than being tied to one fuel
- Built-in fuel funnel keeps the temperature steady across several pizzas
- Large 33 by 33cm stone and folding legs for transport
Cons
- A 60 second bake needs constant attention and frequent turning
- Outdoor use only, and heavier to move than a small portable oven
- Ships to New Zealand from Amazon UK
Key specs: Outdoor, wood and charcoal fired | Up to 500C in 10 to 15 minutes | About 60 second bake | 33 x 33cm stone | Stainless steel with folding legs and viewing holes
5. KLAIF Countertop Electric Pizza Oven – Best Countertop with a Stone
The KLAIF sits between the budget electric ovens and the serious indoor machines. A 1200W dual heating system reaches 788F, around 420C, which KLAIF rightly contrasts with the roughly 500F a conventional oven manages. It preheats in about five minutes, so a weeknight pizza does not need planning.
The 31cm natural ceramic stone is the part that matters most, because its porous structure pulls moisture out of the dough and gives a crisp base rather than a soft one. Separate rotary knobs control the top and bottom elements independently, which is genuinely useful for matching thick and thin bases, and an integrated thermometer plus a viewing window mean the lid stays down.
Heat-resistant handles and non-slip feet make it stable on a bench, and a pizza shovel, scraper and wrap are included. At 34 by 32cm it is compact for what it does. It suits a household that wants stone-baked results indoors and enough control to tune the bake, without the cost or bulk of a 450C machine.
Pros
- Reaches about 420C, well beyond a conventional kitchen oven
- Independent top and bottom temperature knobs for different base thicknesses
- 31cm natural ceramic stone draws moisture out for a crisp base
- Integrated thermometer and viewing window, plus a tool set included
Cons
- Not hot enough for a true 60 second Neapolitan bake
- 1200W is modest next to the 2200W indoor ovens here
- Ships to New Zealand from Amazon UK
Key specs: Countertop electric | Up to 788F, about 420C | 1200W dual heating | 31cm ceramic stone | Independent top and bottom controls | 34 x 32 x 17cm
6. Pizzacraft PizzaQue Deluxe Kettle Grill Kit – Best Kettle BBQ Conversion
This is not a standalone oven, and that is the point. The PizzaQue Deluxe is a conversion kit that turns a kettle grill already sitting in the garden into a pizza oven, so the money goes on the pizza hardware rather than a second appliance. It fits many 18 inch and 22.5 inch kettle grills including Weber models.
Pizzacraft claims around 900F, roughly 480C, which puts it in genuine wood-fired territory and delivers the smoky flavour that comes with cooking over charcoal. A pizza takes three to five minutes. The deluxe kit is comprehensive: a stainless steel kettle converter with a built-in thermometer, a 15 inch cordierite stone, a 13 inch folding aluminium peel, a charcoal fence and a flex door.
The obvious limitation is that a compatible kettle grill is required, so this is worthless to anyone without one, and the door may ship separately. Cooking over charcoal means managing a fire rather than a dial. It suits an existing kettle grill owner who wants pizza-oven results without buying and storing a whole second unit.
Pros
- Converts a kettle grill already owned rather than requiring a new appliance
- Reaches around 900F, about 480C, for genuinely fast charcoal-fired pizza
- Complete kit with converter, thermometer, 15 inch stone, peel, charcoal fence and door
- Fits many 18 inch and 22.5 inch kettle grills including Weber
Cons
- Requires a compatible kettle grill, so it is useless on its own
- Charcoal means managing a fire rather than setting a temperature
- The flex door may ship separately from the rest of the kit
Key specs: Kettle grill conversion kit, charcoal fired | About 900F, roughly 480C | 3 to 5 minute bake | 15 inch cordierite stone, 13 inch folding peel | Fits 18in and 22.5in kettle grills
7. Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Insert – Best BBQ and Smoker Insert
Like the Pizzacraft, this is an insert rather than a complete oven, designed to drop into a compatible Masterbuilt BBQ or smoker and turn it into a pizza cooker. Installation is straightforward and it integrates with the existing unit rather than needing its own space, which is the main appeal for anyone already invested in that system.
It creates the high-temperature, evenly distributed heat that a crisp base needs, with the construction built for repeated high-heat use rather than occasional novelty. Beyond pizza it handles flatbreads and baked dishes, so it extends what an outdoor BBQ can do rather than serving one narrow purpose.
The catch is compatibility. This only makes sense for owners of a compatible Masterbuilt BBQ or smoker, and it is worth confirming the specific model fits before ordering. Masterbuilt does not publish a peak temperature for the insert, which depends on the host BBQ anyway. It suits an existing Masterbuilt owner adding pizza to a setup they already use.
Pros
- Adds pizza capability to a BBQ or smoker already owned
- Sold and dispatched by Amazon AU rather than as an overseas import
- Built for repeated high-heat use rather than occasional novelty
- Also handles flatbreads and baked dishes
Cons
- Only works with compatible BBQs and smokers, so check the model first
- No standalone use, and no published peak temperature
- More expensive than several complete countertop ovens here
Key specs: Pizza oven insert for compatible BBQs and smokers | Radiant heating | Non-stick finish | Fits Masterbuilt compatible systems | Peak temperature depends on the host BBQ
8. Chefman Everything Maker 30cm – Best Multi-Purpose
The Everything Maker is a pizza oven that deliberately does not stop at pizza. The same 30cm non-stick plate works as an omelette maker, pancake griddle, sandwich maker, tortilla press and crepe maker, so it earns its bench space on days when nobody wants pizza. The finish is tidy enough to leave out.
Quick-heating elements on the top and bottom reach 220C, which is enough to crisp a pizza base or finish a quesadilla, and the unit is up to temperature in as little as three minutes. Dual LED indicators show power and preheat status. The 1570W element does the work without the long wait a conventional oven demands.
At 220C this is the coolest-running pick here by a wide margin, so it produces a good home-style pizza rather than a charred Neapolitan one. The non-stick plate also means no stone, so the base crisps less than on a ceramic surface. It suits a small kitchen or a flat where one appliance has to justify itself across several jobs.
Pros
- Genuinely multi-purpose, covering pizza, omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches, tortillas and crepes
- Reaches temperature in as little as three minutes
- Non-stick plate wipes clean with a damp cloth
- Stands vertically for storage, with integrated cord storage
Cons
- 220C is far cooler than every dedicated pizza oven here
- Non-stick plate rather than a stone, so the base crisps less
- Ships to New Zealand from Amazon UK
Key specs: 30cm electric, multi-purpose | Up to 220C | 1570W | Non-stick plate, no stone | Dual LED indicators | 33 x 38.1 x 10.2cm, stores vertically
9. MisterChef Ceramic Pizza Maker – Best Ceramic Plate Maker
The MisterChef uses dual ceramic heating plates rather than a stone or a metal griddle, which spreads heat evenly and releases the base without sticking. The cooking base is sealed all the way around, so crumbs and grease cannot work their way inside the unit, which is a sensible touch on an appliance that lives on the bench.
A 1450W element brings it up to temperature quickly and cooks a homemade or frozen pizza in under ten minutes, using considerably less energy than heating a full-size oven for one pizza. An adjustable temperature knob covers thin and crispy through to deep pan, and a long cool-touch handle keeps hands clear when lifting the lid.
The 12 inch, 30cm surface takes a full family pizza while staying compact enough for a small kitchen, caravan or flat. Like the other plate-based makers here it will not reach the temperatures the outdoor ovens hit, so expect a good home pizza rather than a leopard-spotted Neapolitan base. It also handles naan, flatbreads, crepes and toasted sandwiches.
Pros
- Dual ceramic plates spread heat evenly and release the base cleanly
- Sealed base stops crumbs and grease getting inside the unit
- Adjustable temperature control for thin, deep pan or calzone
- 12 inch surface but compact enough for a flat or caravan
Cons
- Plate-based design cannot reach true pizza-oven temperatures
- MisterChef does not publish a maximum temperature figure
- Ships to New Zealand from Amazon UK
Key specs: 12 inch, 30cm ceramic plate maker | 1450W | Dual non-stick ceramic plates | Adjustable thermostat | Cool-touch handle | 40 x 12 x 30cm
10. TODO 1800W Electric Pizza Maker – Best Cheap Pizza Maker
The TODO is the cheapest entry here and keeps things simple. An 1800W element heats a 30cm round non-stick plate, with independent temperature knobs for the top and bottom so a thick base can get more heat from below than above. A 0 to 30 minute timer handles the cooking.
The hinged lid is the clever part, because it opens a full 180 degrees to lie flat and turn the appliance into a griddle. That makes it a pancake and breakfast plate as much as a pizza maker, which is useful when bench space is tight and the budget will not stretch to two appliances.
There is no stone and TODO does not publish a maximum temperature, so this produces a decent home-style pizza rather than anything approaching a wood-fired base. The non-stick coating also needs care to avoid scratching. It suits a flat, a first kitchen or anyone wanting to try pizza-making without committing much money.
Pros
- The lowest cost way into a dedicated pizza maker in this guide
- Lid opens 180 degrees to work as a flat griddle
- Independent top and bottom temperature knobs
- Built-in 0 to 30 minute timer
Cons
- No stone, and TODO does not publish a maximum temperature
- Non-stick coating needs care to avoid scratching
- Sold by a third-party seller with limited stock at time of writing
Key specs: 30cm round non-stick plate | 1800W | Independent dual temperature controls | 0 to 30 minute timer | Lid opens 180 degrees as a flat grill | 42 x 33 x 13cm
How to choose the best pizza oven in NZ
Start with temperature, because it decides what kind of pizza comes out. Anything under about 250C bakes rather than blisters, which gives a bready base. From 400C upwards the base sets fast and the toppings cook before the dough dries, and at 450C to 500C a pizza is done in 60 to 90 seconds, which is what Neapolitan style actually requires.
Then choose indoor or outdoor. Electric countertop ovens work year round, plug into a normal socket and need no fuel management, which makes them the practical choice for most households. Wood and charcoal ovens deliver higher heat and genuine smoky flavour, but they live outside, need fuel on hand and take a bit of practice.
Check whether there is a stone. A ceramic or cordierite stone absorbs moisture from the dough and gives a crisp base, which a non-stick plate cannot replicate. The plate-based makers in this guide are convenient and cheap, but they produce a softer base than any stone oven.
Match the size to the pizzas actually being made. Most ovens here take 12 inch pizzas, which suits a family, while the 14 inch models allow a larger base. Bear in mind a bigger oven takes proportionally more bench or deck space and longer to preheat.
Finally, consider a conversion kit before buying a whole second appliance. If a kettle grill or a compatible BBQ is already in the garden, a kit adds pizza capability for less money and less storage than a standalone oven, provided the existing unit is compatible.
If you are planning the whole kitchen, the guides to sandwich presses and wall ovens cover the other appliances worth costing in.
The verdict
The BIG HORN 14-Inch Indoor Electric is the best all-round buy, because it brings close to outdoor-oven heat into the kitchen and holds it steadily, with presets that take the guesswork out. Anyone who wants genuine wood-fired pizza should take the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Wood Pellet instead, or the Mimiuo if feeding a crowd, since its 500C and 60 second bake is the fastest here.
On a tight budget the Healthy Choice 12-Inch still reaches 380 to 400C, which is the meaningful jump over a kitchen oven, and the TODO 1800W is the cheapest way to try pizza-making at all. If a kettle grill is already sitting outside, the Pizzacraft PizzaQue Deluxe is the smartest money in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not just use a regular kitchen oven?
A domestic oven tops out around 250C, which bakes a pizza over eight to twelve minutes and dries the dough out before the base crisps. A dedicated pizza oven runs from 400C to 500C, setting the base in one to three minutes so the crust blisters while the toppings stay moist. That temperature difference is the whole reason these appliances exist.
Electric or wood-fired, which is better?
Electric is more practical for most households. It plugs into a normal socket, works indoors year round, holds a set temperature and needs no fuel. Wood and charcoal ovens reach higher temperatures and add genuine smoky flavour, but they have to live outside, need fuel on hand and take practice to manage. Electric for convenience, wood for flavour and speed.
Do I need a pizza stone?
A stone makes a real difference. Ceramic and cordierite stones absorb moisture from the dough and hold heat, which is what produces a crisp base rather than a soft one. Ovens built around a non-stick plate are cheaper and easier to clean, but they cannot match a stone for base texture.
How long does a pizza take in a pizza oven?
It depends entirely on temperature. The wood-fired ovens here cook a pizza in 60 to 90 seconds at 460C to 500C, the hotter electric ovens take about three minutes, and the cooler plate-based makers take closer to ten minutes. Faster bakes need more attention, since a pizza can go from perfect to burnt in fifteen seconds at 500C.
Can a pizza oven cook anything other than pizza?
Most can. The wood-fired ovens here also handle meat, fish and vegetables, and the electric ones bake bread, flatbreads and pies. The multi-purpose models go further, working as griddles for pancakes, omelettes and toasted sandwiches, which is worth considering if bench space is limited.
What is a pizza oven conversion kit?
A conversion kit turns a BBQ that is already owned into a pizza oven, rather than being a standalone appliance. The Pizzacraft kit fits many 18 and 22.5 inch kettle grills including Weber models, and the Masterbuilt insert fits compatible Masterbuilt BBQs and smokers. Both are considerably cheaper than a separate oven, but neither works without the host BBQ, so check compatibility first.
