The Breville Pizzaiolo and ovens from Ooni solve the same problem - making restaurant-quality pizza at home - but in fundamentally different ways. The Pizzaiolo is a premium indoor countertop appliance designed for precision and perfectly controlled cooking, while Ooni focuses on portable, high-heat outdoor ovens that deliver a classic fire-kissed flavor in a more rugged, versatile package.
Here’s everything you need to know about these two top-tier pizza ovens from Breville and Ooni to decide which one is right for your kitchen or backyard.
Breville The Smart Oven® Pizzaiolo
The Breville Pizzaiolo is a high-performance smart oven that brings the power of a professional brick oven to your kitchen countertop. It uses advanced heating technology to reach 750°F and replicate the key qualities of wood-fired cooking without the need for an outdoor setup. It's a premium, specialized appliance for home chefs who demand consistency, control, and convenience.
- What it is: An indoor countertop pizza oven with multiple pre-set cooking functions for different pizza styles.
- Key features: Reaches 750°F with conductive, radiant, and convective heat. Smart Element IQ system directs power where it's needed for authentic results. Magnetic deck, built-in stone.
- Price: Around $799
- Style: Sleek brushed stainless steel design that fits seamlessly into modern kitchens. Features an intuitive digital interface and a professional-grade appearance.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality stainless steel and ceramic for the cooking surfaces, designed for excellent heat retention and durability indoors.
- Pros: Replicates a variety of pizza styles (Neapolitan, thin & crispy, pan-pizza etc.) with preset functions. Extremely consistent results with minimal learning curve. Can be used indoors year-round. Compact countertop design.
- Cons: High price point for a single-purpose appliance. Lacks the smoky, charred flavor from a true wood-fired oven. Can only cook one 12" pizza at a time.
The Breville Pizzaiolo is built for the pizza perfectionist who values precision, repeatability, and the convenience of year-round indoor cooking over portability and fuel options.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/ovens/bpz820.html
Ooni Pizza Ovens
Ooni specializes in portable, powerful outdoor pizza ovens that have become a phenomenon for backyard cooking. The brand offers a range of models that use different fuels - wood, charcoal, and gas - to hit temperatures over 950°F in as little as 15 minutes. Ooni ovens are an accessible way to make authentic-tasting flame-cooked pizza at home without a permanent brick oven installation.
- What it is: A lineup of portable outdoor pizza ovens designed for high-heat cooking.
- Key features: Reaches 950°F+ for 60-second pizza cooks. Portable designs with folding legs. Fuel versatility (wood, gas, multi-fuel options depending on the model).
- Price: Approximately $299 to $799, depending on the model and size.
- Style: Rugged, functional, and modern outdoor aesthetic. Typically powder-coated carbon steel in black or stainless steel. Designed for backyard gatherings and portability.
- Materials/Construction: Durable powder-coated steel or stainless steel shells, cordierite stone baking boards, and high-grade insulation to handle extreme outdoor temperatures.
- Pros: Reaches much higher temperatures for a true fire-kissed flavor. Wide range of prices and models to fit different budgets and needs. Fuel versatility offers different cooking experiences. Highly portable for backyards, camping, or tailgates.
- Cons: A steep learning curve to manage the flame and heat for consistent results. Strictly for outdoor use due to smoke and ventilation requirements. Can be impacted by wind and weather.
Ooni ovens are ideal for outdoor entertainers and enthusiasts who crave the authentic flavor of fire-cooked pizza and value portability and versatility over automated control.
Shop these products: ooni.com
Breville Pizzaiolo vs. Ooni Comparison
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
This is the most significant difference between the two. The Breville Pizzaiolo is exclusively an indoor countertop appliance. Its design, insulation, and electric heating elements make it perfectly safe and convenient for any kitchen. You can make pizza year-round, regardless of the weather outside.
In contrast, all Ooni ovens are designed strictly for outdoor use. Whether you choose a wood, charcoal, or gas model, they produce carbon monoxide and intense heat, requiring open-air ventilation. Ooni's core identity is tied to backyard cooking, social gatherings, and embracing the outdoor elements.
Performance & Heat
Ooni ovens can get hotter, often reaching temperatures upwards of 950°F (500°C). This extreme heat is what allows for the classic 60-second Neapolitan pizza with its signature leopard-spotted crust. However, mastering this heat requires a manual approach, with you rotating the pizza frequently and managing the flame.
The Breville Pizzaiolo heats to a maximum of 750°F (400°C), but its performance relies on precision. The Element IQ system uses independent heating elements to control the top and deck temperatures separately, mimicking the radiant heat from the dome and conductive heat from the floor of a brick oven. This control gives you consistent results and allows you to perfectly execute different pizza styles with ease.
Materials & Construction
The Pizzaiolo is built like a premium indoor appliance, with a sleek brushed stainless steel shell and an insulated double-pane front window. It's designed to look professional in a kitchen setting and built for longevity under controlled indoor conditions.
Ooni ovens are built for the outdoors. They use materials like powder-coated carbon steel to resist weather and wear. Their construction focuses on balancing durability, heat retention, and portability, often featuring folding legs and lighter-weight shells to make them easy to move and store.
Price & Value
The Breville Pizzaiolo is a single, premium product priced around $799. Its value comes from its specialized smart technology, ease of use, and the ability to make various pizza styles. Ooni covers a much wider spectrum. You can get started with a gas-powered Ooni Koda 12 for around $299 or go for a larger multi-fuel option like the Ooni Karu 16 for around $799. Ooni offers more flexibility on fuel types and budget, suitable for different levels of experience.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Breville Pizzaiolo and Ooni ovens are excellent at what they do, but they are designed for very different users and environments.
Choose the Breville Pizzaiolo if:
- You want to make pizza indoors, any time of day, in any weather.
- Consistency and ease of use are your highest priorities.
- You enjoy making different styles of pizza beyond Neapolitan.
- You have a premium budget for a dedicated kitchen appliance and appreciate a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Choose an Ooni if:
- You love cooking outdoors and hosting backyard pizza parties.
- Achieving the wood-fired flavor with a charred crust is your goal.
- You're on a budget where flexibility matters, offering pricing options from $299 to $799.
- Portability is important, whether for storage or transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Pizzaiolo and Ooni?
The core difference is usage location and heating method. The Breville Pizzaiolo is an electric countertop oven that must be used indoors, while Ooni ovens are outdoor-specific, using multiple fuel options for higher heat.
Can I use the Ooni oven indoors?
No. Using an Ooni oven indoors is dangerous. Its fuels release carbon monoxide and require open-air ventilation for safe operation.
Which oven reaches a higher temperature?
Ooni ovens reach higher temperatures, often exceeding 950°F (500°C). The Breville Pizzaiolo reaches up to 750°F (400°C).
Is the Breville Pizzaiolo worth the high price?
For pizza enthusiasts seeking consistency and convenience, the Breville is worth the price. It guarantees incredible pizzas by taking the guesswork out of temperature control.
What is better - wood or gas pizza?
Wood offers distinct smoky flavors but requires skill, while gas is more convenient and consistent. The Breville Pizzaiolo offers electric precision with ease.
Which is simpler to cook with?
Breville's presets and controls make it simpler to use. Ooni requires manual handling of fuel and temperature, ideal for those seeking an authentic experience.
How quickly can these ovens make a Neapolitan pizza?
Both ovens require about 15 minutes to preheat. A Neapolitan pizza takes just 1 or 2 minutes of cooking time at high temperatures in either oven.
Which oven is more portable and durable?
Ooni is more portable, designed for outdoor use with features like folding legs, making it ideal for travel or storage.
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