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Built in Outdoor Pizza Oven: Pros, Cons & 4 Best Brands for 2024

By James King

January 5, 2024

Pizza ovens have become an extremely popular addition to outdoor kitchens… And we can’t say we’re surprised!

There’s nothing like making authentic, great pizza right in your own backyard.

With the surge in popularity came a wide variety of outdoor pizza ovens. So when getting one for yourself… There’s a lot of options to consider!

There’s freestanding, built from scratch, and even portable pizza ovens… The list goes on and on.

In your search for the perfect pizza oven… You’ve likely stumbled across built in outdoor pizza ovens.

outdoor kitchen with alfa wood fired pizza oven

Though you may have an idea of what this means… We wanted to provide some clarity to help guide your search.

So without further ado… Let’s get into the different types of built in outdoor pizza ovens.

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Types of Outdoor Built in Pizza Oven

lynx countertop pizza oven easy assembly
alfresco built in pizza oven

What exactly is a built in outdoor pizza oven?

Built in implies that an appliance is attached to a kitchen island

When it comes to pizza ovens… There are two ways to interpret built in.

There’s built into the countertop

Or built into a structure commonly composed of brick, stone, or stucco.

To help you decide which built in pizza oven best suits your outdoor cooking needs… We’ll lay out the pros and cons of each iteration.

Starting with built in countertop pizza ovens.

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Types of Outdoor Built in Pizza Oven

Like built in grills… Built in countertop pizza ovens are prefabricated appliances designed to fit in a cutout on a BBQ island. There’s no need to add a finish to use this type of built in pizza oven!

We’ll get into the specifics of the best built in countertop pizza ovens later.

For now… Let’s see what makes a countertop built in pizza oven a great consideration! 

Pros

If you’re thinking of including a pizza oven in your outdoor kitchen… A built in countertop option may check all your boxes.

We’ll cover the pros…

Starting with easy assembly. 

Easy Assembly

If you want an oven that you’ll be able to install and use the same day…  Consider a built in countertop option! 

Just account for the dimensions of the pizza oven in your kitchen design… Run utilities (if you opt for a gas fuel type)… And place the oven into your kitchen frameThat’s it!  

Since countertop built in pizza ovens are prefabricated, there’s no need to add a finish prior to use. 

As long as you plan correctly… There’s no experience required to install and no long wait time to start cooking pizza outdoors!

What else makes a countertop built in oven a worthwhile choice?

Takes up Little Space

Countertop ovens come in a range of sizes… But even the largest model won’t take up as much space as a pizza oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure. 

These need their own stand, and the finish can make them quite clunky… Whereas countertop built in pizza ovens can be placed anywhere in an outdoor kitchen without drastically limiting space.

That means more room for prepping delicious pizzas!

But before you make any decisions…

There are a few points that may deter you from a built in countertop pizza oven!

We’ll lay out the major disadvantages.

lynx built in outdoor pizza oven built into a countertop

Cons

It’s time to turn our attention to the downsides of built in countertop pizza ovens.

Kicking off with heat retention…

Heat Retention

One downfall of built in countertop pizza ovens is lower heat retention.

Though many brands of prefabricated pizza ovens have workarounds to ensure their cooking chambers retain high heat… Their retention will never rival that of a full brick or stone oven.

Unlike an oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure, a prefabricated oven is lacking the additional layers of material to hold in heat!

Let’s see what else you don’t get with a countertop pizza oven… 

Limited Creativity

There’s no need to add a brick, stone, or stucco finish to a countertop pizza oven.

While this makes installation easier… It also limits creativity.

When you opt for a pizza oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure… You can finish your oven however you want!

But when it comes to prefabricated built in models… You get what you get as far as aesthetic appeal.

So, we’ve gone over advantages and disadvantages of a built in countertop pizza oven.

All in all… Built in countertop ovens are an easy alternative for expanding your outdoor cooking!

But if you’re looking for a more involved project with higher aesthetic payoff… They’re probably not for you.

Don’t worry! There’s another built in pizza oven consideration that may better fit your ideal.

Let’s see what a pizza oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure has to offer.

lynx countertop pizza oven

Built Into a Brick, Stone, or Stucco Structure: DIY or Prefab

diy pizza oven built into brick

When you hear built in pizza oven… Chances are, this definition is what you envisioned…

An oven fully enclosed in a structure, with an opening to slide delicious pies into a built in cooking chamber.

There are both DIY built in pizza oven kits and prefab appliances designed to be finished with brick, stone, or stucco. 

DIY pizza oven kits include oven domes that you assemble and finish yourself… While the prefab offerings come ready to finish with your choice of material (brick, stone, stucco…)

Before we go into the best DIY and prefab brands…

Let’s see how a pizza oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure may enhance your outdoor living space.

Pros

If you want that old-world, authentic pizza oven look… A pizza oven that you can finish yourself may be calling your name!

For obvious reasons… The first benefit of this type of built in oven is aesthetic appeal.

Aesthetic Appeal

diy pizza oven by pool with seating

There’s no denying that a brick, stone, or stucco pizza oven will make a powerful statement!

So if that’s what you’re looking to achieve… A pizza oven finished with brick, stone, or stucco is a great choice.

No matter what material you choose to bring that unique aesthetic to your outdoor space…

You will definitely impress your guests!

There’s no limit on creativity when it comes down to aesthetics… It’s totally up to you!

Can Double as an Outdoor Fireplace with Built in Pizza Oven

custom outdoor pizza oven

If you have a wood-fired oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure… It can double as an outdoor fireplace

Since the structure is so great at retaining warmth… A larger oven is perfect for keeping your outdoor cooking space cozy in cooler weather.

Your guests can enjoy sitting around the flames while waiting to devour crispy pizza dough and delectable melted cheese.

With a wood fired pizza oven built into the structure… There’s no need to factor a fire pit into your outdoor design!

At this point… A pizza oven finished with brick, stone, or stucco may sound like a wonderful addition to your outdoor kitchen.

But we all know there’s no such thing as perfection… So let’s get into the downfalls.

Cons

We hinted at a few downsides of pizza ovens built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure when hyping up built in countertop pizza ovens…

Now it’s time to go into more detail about why this type of built in pizza oven may not be the best choice.

It’s a More Involved Project

A pizza oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure is a way more involved project than a built in countertop pizza oven!

Whether you’re using a DIY outdoor pizza oven kit or a prefab built into the structure option… You’ll still have to spend time building the finish before you can use your oven. 

Though this will be less complex than building a pizza oven from scratch… It’s still no easy feat!

And unless you’re a professional mason… You may run into issues trying to achieve your desired design.

More Expensive

An outdoor pizza oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure can be quite expensive!

Even the most heavy duty built in countertop options don’t often exceed $7,000… While ovens built into brick, stone, or stucco can cost up to $15,000 or more.  

Not only do you have to buy the oven itself… But you also have to pay for all the materials and tools to add the finish.

And if you run into any obstacles and need to hire a professional to help you get the job done… The cost of the project will go up even more.

So, that sums up the major downfalls of a pizza oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure.

By now, you hopefully have a pretty thorough understanding of each type of built in outdoor pizza oven.

You might already have an idea in mind as to which option best suits your needs.

But if you need some extra help to come to that final decision…

Let’s dive into the best brands for each type of built in outdoor pizza oven.

Built in Pizza Oven Outdoor Brands: Countertop

Lynx Napoli Outdoor Oven

lynx luxury pizza oven with LED knobs

FEATURES

Material: 304 Stainless Steel

Cooking Area: 400 square Inch

Max Temperature: 700F

Warranty: Lifetime for stainless steel exterior and burners, 5 year warranty on valves and refractory dome, 2 year warranty on all other parts.

Kicking off the list with the Lynx Napoli Outdoor Oven…

This built in outdoor pizza oven fueled by a gas burner is a versatile option for expanding your cooking endeavors!

While large enough to cook a variety of food other than pizza… It’s not so large that it will cramp your outdoor kitchen.

The 400 square inch cooking area is made with a specialty refractory cement dome to mimic authentic stone cooking… And can reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit (with a 40,000 BTU capacity). 

For extra convenience… The Lynx Napoli has a cooking surface that is easy to slide in and out.

The exterior is made with 304 stainless steel and features backlit control knobs, a reversible chimney, and a removable front door.

So not only will it hold up to the elements… But it will also look and function great in your outdoor kitchen!

As for the warranty… There’s a lifetime warranty covering the stainless steel exterior and burners. The valves and refractory dome are covered for five years, and all other parts are covered for two (there’s also a one year warranty for defective parts). 

Regarding price… The Lynx Napoli is firmly in the luxury class at $5,949.00. 

Fire Magic Built In Pizza Oven

Fire Magic Built in pizza oven

Features

Material: 304 Stainless Steel

Cooking Area: 18 x 18″

Max Temperature: 750F

Warranty: Lifetime for covers, stainless steel burners cooking grids, and housing and one year warranty for ignition systems and electronic components.

Fire Magic’s propane or natural gas pizza oven is another built in outdoor gas pizza oven.

It comes with both a baking rack and pizza peel, as well as a removable pizza stone.

The large 18” x 18” cooking chamber makes it easy to cook a variety of dishes other than pizza!

With a quick preheat time (just 20 minutes), you won’t have to wait long to start baking.

The main burner has a 36,000 BTU heat output, and can reach up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The exterior is well constructed with 304 stainless steel.

It also features a gravity latch locking system and interior lighting… And the oven door can open flat and sustain up to 50 pounds.

A lifetime warranty covers the stainless steel burners, cooking grids, and housing. A one year warranty covers ignition systems and electronic components. 

This oven is also firmly in the luxury class at $6,749.10. 

Alright, we’ve gone through a few fantastic choices for pizza ovens built into an outdoor kitchen countertop.

If that’s what you’re here for… Hopefully we’ve given you some great considerations!

But if you’re looking for an outdoor pizza oven that you can finish yourself… These options just won’t cut it.

So let’s turn our attention to brands that offer pizza ovens designed to be built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure.

Outdoor Pizza Oven Solution

Create an outdoor kitchen space that pairs with your outdoor pizza oven. Use our free 3D design tool to get started.

Best Pizza Oven Outdoor Brands: Built into a Brick, Stone, Or Stucco Structure

When it comes to pizza ovens that you can finish yourself… There are two distinct offerings.

There are DIY outdoor pizza oven kits… As well as prefabricated ovens intended to be built in with brick, stone, or stucco. 

We’ll begin with the kits. 

DIY Kits

If you’re looking for a pizza oven kit that you can fully self-assemble and finish… There are a few different options!

Let’s start with Chicago Brick Oven.

Chicago Brick Oven

Chicago Brick Oven offers a variety of outdoor pizza ovens… From freestanding models to options for tailgating. 

But we’re here to discuss their DIY outdoor pizza oven kits! 

There are both gas and authentic wood fired options in a range of sizes.  

Their kits include a refractory cement dome, oven door, pizza peel, hardware to install the oven yourself, as well as other accessories. 

Aside from the install kit and oven itself… It’s up to you to build it into a brick, stone, or even stucco structure to finish your oven. 

Depending on the size you choose… These ovens cost anywhere from $2,899.00 to $7,999.00. 

chicago brick oven wood fired pizza oven

Forno Bravo

The final pizza oven kit option we’ll discuss… Forno Bravo also offers refractory gas or wood fired cooking chambers in a variety of sizes.

Forno Bravo’s kit comes with a concrete dome, fire bricks, ceramic fiber insulation, high temperature mortar, a steel door, as well as a stove pipe and chimney cap.

You’ll also be responsible for sourcing the materials to finish your Forno Bravo pizza oven.

Again, depending on the size of the kit, the price will vary from $2,905.00 to $6,545.00. 

So, we’ve gone over a few of the best DIY pizza oven kits… And there are some great options!

Now, onto prefab options designed to be built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure. 

forno bravo pizza ovens

Prefab Pizza Ovens

Perhaps you’re looking for the functionality of a built in countertop pizza oven… But with the built in stone or brick aesthetic. 

If that’s the case… You should consider a prefab appliance designed to be finished with brick, stone, or stucco! 

Let’s go over the different brands… Starting with Alfresco’s Pizza Oven Plus. 

Alfresco Built-In Pizza Oven Plus

alfresco pizza oven

Features

Material: 304 Stainless Steel

Cooking Area: 456 square inch

Max Temperature: 1,000F

Warranty: Lifetime on stainless steel parts, 5 years on hearth brackets, gas valves, 2 years on all other parts.

This 30” outdoor gas pizza oven is designed to be built into a stone or brick structure.

Inside, gas logs speed up the preheat time, allowing the 456 square inch cooking area to reach over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit in under 20 minutes!

With two burners… The total heat output is 40,000 BTUs. 

The hearth and ceiling are made with high quality ceramic slab for even heating.

The exterior is full 304 stainless steel, with glass doors for checking your pizza mid-bake.

Though it operates like a countertop pizza oven… Alfresco’s Built In Pizza Oven Plus is actually meant to be built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure.

So this is a great option if you’re looking for an oven with a unique finish that’s also easy to use.

Alfresco promises a lifetime warranty on all stainless steel parts. The hearth brackets, gas valves, and drip pans are warrantied for five years, and all other parts are covered for two. 

The Pizza Oven Plus is also in the luxury class at $7,499.00. 

Tuscan Chef

tuscan chef outdoor pizza oven

Features

Material: 304 Stainless Steel & Steel

Cooking Area: 27 inch & 46 inch ovens

Temperature: 950F

Warranty: 2 years

The final option we’ll be discussing is Tuscan Chef’s outdoor kitchen built in pizza oven.

Tuscan Chef offers 7 outdoor wood burning pizza ovens, with models specifically designed to be built in to a stone or brick structure!

There are 27” and 46” ovens designed for built in application. 

These ovens have two chambers: One operates as a firebox, and the other is for cooking.

The cooking chamber is lined with firebrick… And the insulation comes from building the oven into a brick, stone, or stucco structure.

These wood-fired ovens can reach 950 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Tuscan Chef’s ovens are made with a combination of steel and 304 stainless steel… So it’s worth checking with Tuscan Chef directly to confirm their products’ durability!  

There’s a two year warranty for all Tuscan Chef pizza ovens. 

As for price… It depends on the oven’s size, but it typically falls between $2,799.00 and $4,499.00. 

At this point, we’ve gone through the pros and cons, as well as reviewed options for both takes on built in pizza ovens.

Now that you’ve seen the options, you may be wondering which is the best choice…

The Best Outdoor Built in Pizza Oven

So… What is the best built in outdoor pizza oven?

Let’s discuss which options stand out from the rest in each category. 

The Best Built in Countertop Brand

For a built in countertop pizza oven… There’s really no fundamental differences between the two options listed! 

However… The Lynx Napoli does pull just a bit ahead.

It has the most robust warranty, largest cooking area, highest BTU output, and arguably the most versatility. 

Though still a luxury appliance… It’s also less expensive than Fire Magic! 

The Best DIY Pizza Oven Kit 

As far as the best DIY pizza oven kit… These options are also quite similar! 

But if we base our answer off materials included and price alone… Forno Bravo comes out slightly ahead of Chicago Brick Oven. 

The Pizza Oven Built into Brick, Stone, or Stucco

The best prefab appliance designed to be finished is definitely Alfresco’s Pizza Oven Plus. 

Another more expensive option… It’s undeniably a powerhouse of an appliance. 

With high heat output, a large cooking surface, a quick preheat time, and a robust warranty… You really can’t go wrong with this option (if it’s in your budget)! 

But at the end of the day… The best outdoor pizza oven will be determined by what you value… 

Maybe you want a built in wood fired pizza oven with a rustic brick finish

Or perhaps you’re looking for a pizza oven that’s easy to install and can churn out pies with max efficiency.

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to do your research! 

Before committing to a brand… Always check reviews, warranties, and materials. 

And always look into a product’s warranty… This is a great way to gauge the long term quality!

And if you’re already dead set on one of the options above… That’s great! We won’t hold you back from getting started on your research. 

But if you’re still unsure which route to take (or wondering if there’s a less expensive alternative)… We’d like to bring your attention to a different oven. 

An Easy and Authentic Built in Pizza Oven for Your Outdoor Kitchen

rta outdoor kitchen with pizza oven

If you’re looking for an outdoor pizza oven that’s the perfect balance of aesthetically appealing, efficient, and versatile… 

We’d like to introduce you to Alfa. 

Though Alfa doesn’t explicitly offer “built in” outdoor pizza ovens… Many of their models can be designed for countertop installation (which is essentially the same as the other built in countertop models we’ve discussed)!

Their handcrafted Italian pizza ovens come in a variety of sizes… All with one of the quickest preheat times (just 20 minutes)!

The interior is crafted with a fire brick cooking surface and specially shaped, insulated dome to ensure even heating.

Alfa’s DoubleDown Ceramic Superwool insulation also gives it much better heat retention than many of the other built in countertop offerings.

Though you may be sacrificing the rustic stone or brick look… Alfa’s double powder coated, 304 stainless steel pizza ovens will still be a beautiful, modern addition to your outdoor kitchen that’ll stay durable for years to come. 

Let’s not forget about versatility. Alfa offers gas, wood, and dual fuel pizza ovens in a variety of sizes… So there’s no need to choose between efficient cooking and authentic wood fired pizza! 

Easier to build into your outdoor kitchen than an oven built into a brick, stone, or stucco structure… Alfa’s Italian countertop pizza ovens come fully constructed and ready to use.

With easy installation… You’ll be cooking in no time!

And when it comes to installation… You’ll need an island for your Alfa pizza oven.

That’s where an RTA outdoor kitchen comes in.

Not only do we have stands designed to hold your pizza oven… But we’re also happy to factor in appliance cutouts specific to your built in oven. 

And if you’re looking to add a pizza oven to your outdoor space… Why not bring in the most functionality with a full grill station?

We make it easy to customize your outdoor kitchen with whatever appliances you choose (from pellet grills and gas grills to outdoor refrigerators and sinks… If you can dream it, we’re happy to help you achieve it)!

To see what we mean, why not try out our free online design tool?

It’s an easy and quick way to start planning your dream outdoor kitchen. 

And once you get the ball rolling…  You’ll be able to host the best pizza parties imaginable! 

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