Best Fire Pits for Cooking Pizza Outdoors (Wood + Gas Options)
There’s something magical about crafting a pizza outdoors—the aroma of melting cheese, the crackle of the fire, and the satisfaction of a perfectly crisp crust. Whether you’re a purist who loves the smoky flavor of wood-fired pizzas or someone who appreciates the convenience of gas, there’s a fire pit out there to elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
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Why Choose a Fire Pit for Pizza Making?
- Versatility: Many fire pits come with attachments or designs that allow for baking, grilling, and even smoking, making them multifunctional outdoor cooking stations.
- Flavor: Wood-fired pits impart a unique, smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate, while gas options offer consistent heat for evenly cooked pizzas.
- Experience: Cooking pizza outdoors turns meal prep into an event, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a family night under the stars.
Top Fire Pits for Outdoor Pizza Cooking
1. Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven
The Ooni Koda 16 is a gas-powered pizza oven that reaches temperatures up to 950°F, allowing you to cook restaurant-quality pizzas in just 60 seconds. Its sleek design and portability make it a favorite among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
2. Kokomo Grills 32 Inch Dual Fuel Gas or Wood Fired Stainless Steel Pizza Oven
This dual-fuel oven offers the best of both worlds, letting you choose between the smoky flavor of wood or the convenience of gas. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability, and the spacious interior accommodates large pizzas with ease.
3. Solo Stove Pi Fire – Fire Pit Pizza Oven
Designed to sit atop Solo Stove fire pits, the Pi Fire transforms your fire pit into a wood-fired pizza oven. Its innovative design ensures even cooking, making it a great addition for those who already own a Solo Stove.
4. Morsø Forno Wood Fired Countertop Pizza Oven
Crafted from double-coated cast iron, the Morsø Forno is not just a pizza oven but a statement piece for your backyard. Its design allows for versatile cooking, from pizzas to steaks, and its durability ensures it will be a centerpiece for years to come.
5. WPPO Infinity 50-Inch Hybrid Wood/Gas Pizza Oven
This hybrid oven offers flexibility with both wood and gas cooking options. Its large size is perfect for entertaining, and the quick heat-up time means you won’t keep your guests waiting.
Tips for Perfect Outdoor Pizza Cooking
- Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven reaches the desired temperature before placing your pizza inside. This guarantees a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings.
- Use a Pizza Stone: A pizza stone retains heat and distributes it evenly, mimicking the floor of a traditional brick oven.
- Rotate Your Pizza: Especially in wood-fired ovens, rotating your pizza ensures it cooks evenly and prevents burning on one side.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try different wood types like oak or cherry to infuse unique flavors into your crust.
Investing in a fire pit suitable for pizza making not only enhances your culinary repertoire but also transforms your outdoor space into a gourmet pizzeria. Whether you prefer the traditional charm of wood-fired cooking or the modern convenience of gas, there’s an option out there to suit your needs
I still remember the first time I made pizza outdoors—it wasn’t perfect, but it was unforgettable. The fire pit wasn’t fancy, just a simple wood-burning model with a grill on top. But the smell of oak wood and bubbling mozzarella? That made it better than any frozen pizza I’ve ever had.
What I love about using wood fire is the way it adds flavor you simply can’t fake. Even basic dough transforms when it’s kissed by smoke. Every bite carries the essence of a real flame, and no two pizzas taste exactly the same.
Gas, on the other hand, gives you control. When I’m cooking for friends or family and want a more predictable outcome, I turn to my propane-powered pizza fire pit. It heats up faster, the flame is even, and I can churn out pizzas every 10 minutes with minimal fuss.
There’s a common myth that you need a big backyard to enjoy fire pit pizza nights. But I’ve seen compact models that work amazingly well on patios or small decks—as long as you’ve got ventilation and follow local safety rules, you’re good to go.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all fire pits are ready for pizza cooking out of the box. I always recommend getting a fire pit with dedicated pizza oven attachments or stone trays. These help maintain the high heat needed to get that crispy, chewy crust.
You’ll also want a model that hits at least 700°F or higher. While traditional ovens barely touch that, a proper fire pit pizza oven can climb past 900°F—this is key for authentic Neapolitan-style results with blistered edges and fast cook times.
Another feature I look for is a domed lid or curved heat chamber. This design helps circulate the heat above the pizza, cooking toppings evenly while ensuring the dough isn’t raw in the middle. Flat-lid designs often leave you with a half-baked base.
Cleanup is surprisingly easy with these fire pits. Wood ash brushes out with a small shovel or grill brush, and most gas options come with removable trays. I usually line the bottom with foil to make it even simpler when I know I’ll be cooking several pies in a row.
I also like using my fire pit setup for more than just pizza. Flatbreads, calzones, even skillet lasagna—anything that benefits from quick, even heat can be cooked outdoors. It turns your backyard into a year-round kitchen.
Cooking pizza outdoors is also a great way to entertain. Everyone can top their own dough, and no one’s stuck in the kitchen. The fire becomes the centerpiece of the evening—kids get involved, conversations flow, and it becomes more than just a meal.
When it comes to fuel, I personally mix it up. Cherry wood gives a sweet aroma that pairs well with meats like prosciutto, while mesquite delivers bold flavors that punch through heavy cheese. If you’re using gas, a smoke box with wood chips adds a nice touch.
In the end, the right fire pit pizza oven gives you the freedom to create. It doesn’t matter if you’re a chef or just starting out. With the right setup, the right tools, and a little patience, anyone can serve up artisan-level pizzas right from their own backyard.