There's nothing like an Aussie summer backyard BBQS, long nights, and, of course, incredible food shared with family and friends.
And right at the centre of those unforgettable gatherings? It's a great pizza oven.
Over the past few years, home pizza ovens have exploded in popularity across Australia. Whether you want authentic woodfired pizza, easy mid-week dinners, or even a slow-roasted lamb shoulder for your next Sunday lunch, a pizza oven adds serious firepower to your backyard.
As professional builders at The Woodfired Co, we've seen it all, from DIY brick projects to high-end artisan domes.
In this 2025 Buyer's Guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to choose the best pizza oven for your Aussie summer, including:
- The best types of pizza ovens
- What factors actually matter when buying
- Top recommendations for every style and budget
- Must-have accessories for perfect results
- Pro tips to get the most from your oven
Let's fire it up!
Types of Pizza Ovens Explained
First up: what style of oven suits your backyard and lifestyle best?
Woodfired Pizza Ovens
Best for: Traditionalists and serious food lovers.
Woodfired ovens are the gold standard for pizza making.
They can reach extreme temperatures (400–500°c), creating the signature leopard-spotted crust with a smoky aroma that can't be replicated with anything else.
Popular picks include our Calabrese 800 DIY Kit, a classic, authentic woodfired design made easy for home builders.
Pros:
- Unmatched flavour and crust quality
- Great for pizzas, roasts, breads, and more
- Adds a serious wow factor to your backyard
Cons:
- Requires fire management skills
- Takes longer to heat (1–2 hours)
Gas Pizza Ovens
Best for: Convenience seekers and busy families.
Gas ovens like the Ooni Koda (a Reddit favourite) offer rapid heat-up times, easy temperature control, and cleaner burning.
Great if you want pizza in 20 minutes without worrying about firewood.
Pros:
- Ready to cook in minutes
- Cleaner and easier to maintain
- Consistent cooking results
Cons:
- It lacks that deep wood-fired flavour
- Needs access to LPG
Hybrid Ovens (Wood + Gas)
Best for: The ultimate in flexibility.
If you want the best of both worlds, hybrid ovens like our Calabrese Entertainer Neo let you switch between wood and gas depending on the occasion.
Pros:
- Use gas during the week and wood for weekend entertaining
- No compromise on flavour or convenience
Cons:
- Slightly higher initial cost
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
Choosing the right oven isn't just about the type of fuel. Let's dive into what actually matters when picking the best pizza oven for your backyard.
Size & Cooking Capacity
Think about:
- How many pizzas do you want to cook at once?
- Are you hosting big parties or just family dinners?
As a guide:
- 600mm–800mm internal: Great for couples or small families
- 900mm–1100mm internal: Ideal for regular entertaining (cook 2–3 pizzas at a time)
For example, the Calabrese Grande Kit from The Woodfired Co is perfect for larger groups who don't want to wait between pizzas.
Build Materials
Not all pizza ovens are created equal.
Look for ovens made from high-density refractory materials. These materials store and radiate heat effectively, ensuring consistent and fast cooking.
Our ovens at The Woodfired Co. are built with 1500°c-rated refractory firebricks and heavy-duty insulation, guaranteeing lasting performance.
Warning signs of cheap ovens:
- Thin stainless steel bodies
- Poor or no insulation (wastes heat and burns pizzas unevenly)
- Low maximum temperatures (<400°C)
Heat-Up Time
Different ovens have different warm-up times:
- Small portable ovens: 15–30 minutes
- Medium woodfired ovens: 45–90 minutes
- Large traditional domes: 1.5–2 hours
Woodfired ovens require patience, but once they're hot, they stay hot for hours, allowing you to cook pizzas, breads, meats, and even desserts all in one firing.
Portability vs. Permanent Setup
Portable ovens like Ooni and Gozney Roccbox (popular among Redditors) are great for renters or those with small spaces.
Permanent installations like the Calabrese DIY Kits are better for homeowners who want a true outdoor kitchen centrepiece.
Tip:
If you're installing a permanent oven, double-check your council regulations regarding chimneys and outdoor fireplaces.
3 Best Pizza Ovens for Aussie Summers (2025 Picks)
Based on years of building, customer feedback, and real-world cooking tests, here are our top recommendations:
Best Overall (DIY Build):
Calabrese 800 DIY Woodfired Oven Kit
- Ideal for families or small parties
- Made from commercial-grade refractory materials
- Comes with precast dome pieces — easier to build
- Authentic woodfired taste
Best for Large Gatherings:
Calabrese Grande DIY Kit
- Massive cooking capacity (fits 2–3 pizzas at once)
- Perfect for those who love to entertain
- Fully customisable with your finishes
Best Premium Hybrid Oven:
Calabrese Entertainer Neo
- Wood and gas-compatible
- Commercial-quality build for serious home chefs
- Modern, sleek look that suits any outdoor kitchen
Best Pre-Built Option:
Napoli Pre-Built Oven
- Ready to fire, minimal installation
- Handcrafted in Australia with premium materials
- Traditional look with outstanding heat retention
Best Portable Gas Option:
Ooni Koda 16
(External brand but worth mentioning based on Reddit consensus.)
- Gas-powered, super easy to use
- Reaches 500°C in about 20 minutes
- Perfect for renters or patios
(Available through Ooni retailers.)
Must-Have Accessories for Pizza Perfection
Building or buying a great oven is only half the story.
Accessories make or break your cooking experience:
Pizza Peels
Use a wooden peel for launching pizzas and a metal peel for turning and retrieving them inside the oven.
(Grab a full Pizza Tool Kit from The Woodfired Co — it includes everything you need.)
Infrared Thermometer
Essential for checking your stone temperature.
Neapolitan pizza needs around 400°C–450°C at the stone.
Pizza Oven Brushes
Keep your cooking surface clean by brushing ash and debris between bakes.
Insulation Blankets and Render Kits
If you're building a DIY oven, don't skip insulation — it's critical for performance and fuel efficiency.
We stock premium insulation blankets and render kits that are ready to go.
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Party This Summer
Want to absolutely wow your guests? Follow these pro tips:
Use High-Hydration Dough
Aim for a 65–70% water content for super-light, airy crusts that can withstand high heat.
Heat Management Is Key
- Fire up early and allow at least 1–1.5 hours for proper woodfired ovens.
- Manage the fire to create a hot side and cooler zone.
- Rotate your pizza every 20 seconds for even blistering.
Cook More Than Just Pizza
Once you've cooked the pizzas, take advantage of the falling oven temperature:
- Roast lamb shoulders or beef brisket
- Bake crusty sourdough or focaccia
- Try baked desserts like pear and almond tart
Your oven is a full outdoor kitchen when used right!
DIY vs. Pre-Built: What's Right for You?
One of the biggest questions we get asked is:
Should I build my own pizza oven or just buy one that's ready to use?
Both options have their perks — it really depends on your time, budget, and how hands-on you want to be.
Going the DIY Route
If you enjoy weekend project work and want to personalise your outdoor setup, a DIY pizza oven kit is a great choice.
You'll save on labour costs, learn a lot in the process, and end up with a custom-built centrepiece that you can proudly say you made yourself.
One of our most popular options is the Calabrese 800 Precast DIY Kit —
- It's easy to assemble, even if you're new to this sort of thing.
- Built from commercial-grade refractory materials, it's made to last.
- Once finished, it looks stunning—especially when matched to your outdoor space with render, tiles, or brickwork.
Plus, firing up a pizza oven you built with your own hands? That hits differently.
Prefer Plug-and-Play?
On the other hand, if you just want to get cooking without the build, pre-built ovens are the way to go.
They're ideal for busy households, last-minute entertainers, or anyone who wants results immediately.
We often recommend the Napoli Range to customers after something ready-to-go. These ovens are:
- Handcrafted with precision
- Fully performance-tested before they leave our workshop
- Designed to hold heat beautifully and cook pizzas to perfection
All you need to do is set it up and cure it properly, and you'll be ready for summer pizza nights in no time.
What the Pizza Lovers Say
We also keep an eye on what people are saying online, especially in communities like Reddit's r/pizzaoven.
- Many home cooks rave about the experience of building their oven. They love the process, the learning curve, and the payoff.
- Others, especially renters or those with smaller patios or balconies, choose pre-built ovens to save time or opt for compact gas-powered options like the Ooni Koda or Gozney Roccbox.
Bottom line?
If you love a bit of DIY and want something that lasts, a kit is a fantastic choice.
If you'd rather skip straight to the fun part (eating pizza), pre-built makes a lot of sense.
Either way, you're in for a delicious summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cure a woodfired pizza oven?
Curing usually takes 5–7 days, slowly building small fires each day to avoid cracking.
Can I use a woodfired oven during total fire ban days in Australia?
It depends on local regulations — always check with your council. Some ovens are exempt if they have a chimney and door.
What's the ideal cooking temperature for pizza in a woodfired oven?
Aim for around 400–450°C (750–850°F) for perfect Neapolitan-style pizzas in 60–90 seconds.
How much wood will I need for a typical pizza night?
Depending on the size and efficiency of your oven, you’ll need about 5–8kg of hardwood for a 2–3 hour pizza session.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Oven This Summer
Choosing the best pizza oven for Aussie summers is all about matching your cooking style, backyard space, and how you want to entertain.
Whether you're rolling up your sleeves to build a Calabrese DIY Kit, investing in a ready-to-go Napoli, or just adding the right pizza peels and accessories to your setup, the Woodfired Co has everything you need to make your summer unforgettable.
Ready to get cooking? Visit The Woodfired Co. today to see our full range of premium DIY kits, pre-built ovens, and accessories!