'Brought back the taste of Naples': Score our top pizza oven for a record low

Invite me to a cookout with burgers and hot dogs on the menu, and I'm a happy guest. But invite me to a cookout with homemade pizza? Yeah, I'm moving in. Of course, not all pies are created equal; it all comes down to the ingredients and cooking method. Sure, you can achieve decent results with a good ol' pizza stone in your full-size oven, but if you want to take things to the next level? A dedicated outdoor pizza oven is where it's at.

Yahoo Home & Garden Writer Kristin Granero went in search of the best models on the market, and after putting a slew of the top brands to the test, she awarded the Gozney Roccbox top honors. And wouldja believe it? It's currently down to its best price ever at Amazon, just in time for alfresco dining season.

Why is it a good deal? 💰

Let's do some math, because even with the $99 discount, some of us might be experiencing a little sticker shock. A Domino's 12-inch cheese pizza is about $11 before delivery fees and tip (expect to pay over $20 total once those are added — more with extra toppings). That means the Roccbox will pay for itself in less than 20 pizzas, plus you'll be able to customize your pies with whatever you have on hand. Oh, and no more waiting around for your dinner to arrive when you're hangry. (Psst: The Gozney Roccbox peel is also on sale.)

Why do I need this? 🤔

Before Granero tested the Roccbox, she reached out to pizza experts about their favorite at-home cookers. Craig Agranoff, founder and editor of pizza review site WorstPizza.com, had high praise for this model: "Its dual-fuel compatibility (gas and wood) offers flexibility, and the built-in thermometer ensures accurate temperature control." He goes on to say that he uses it "both at home and during outdoor events like barbecues and picnics," adding, "The quick preheating and easy clean-up make it ideal for spontaneous pizza nights. It's a great option for people who don't have the space for a larger oven ... It's also portable, which makes it incredibly versatile."

Upon trying it out, Granero said she "can attest to its convenience (it came fully assembled, was quick to start and fired up in about 15 minutes) and versatility (for a smaller oven, it still has enough room to cook a 12-inch pizza, as well as other food items, though [I'd] advise using a pan for messier sauces and meats)." That's right, it's more than just a pizza oven — cook your wings, char your veggies and more in this thing — but make sure you use cookware that can withstand the heat.

Granero says other handy features include the retractable legs, which "are convenient and safe for propping the oven on a table or taking it on the go." Plus, "The oven has a special coating which keeps it from scorching (we were able to touch it lightly without burning our fingers, though as with any hot device, you'll want to be careful)."

Her qualms are few, but she does mention the oven's "compact cooking surface," which means food gets quite close to the flame, so you'll want to keep an eye on that. And even though it's portable, she advises against "long-distance lugging."

What reviewers say 💬

Amazon customers — more than 1,600 of 'em — also say the Roccbox rocks.

Pros 👍

"This really brought back the taste of Naples for us," touted one tasteful traveler. "Great purchase!"

"I have purchased a few lower-priced pizza ovens," shared a convert. "I should have just stepped up and purchased the Roccbox first. Would have saved me time and money. This is [a] very versatile oven, way more uses than just a pizza oven ... so simple and easy to use, makes you look like a master pizza maker from the get-go."

"Great pizza oven," gushed a gleeful grandparent. "It was easy to use ... We have had so much fun making pizza with our kids and grandkids. Our grandchildren get so much satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment when they make their own pizza, and it comes out delicious. No need to ever go and buy expensive pizza from a pizza parlor again."

Cons 👎

"The Gozney allows us to make our own restaurant-grade pizzas in under two minutes," raved a mostly pleased pie maker. "We also cook wings in the oven using a cast iron skillet, and they are delicious." They did note, "There definitely is a learning curve when it comes to getting your pizza from the pizza peel into the oven. Don't skimp on the flour and make sure your peel is dry."

"It takes a little to get used to," echoed a final fan. "The first two pizzas we made burned, the second two were a little better, the third two were better yet; today they were excellent! So it takes time to learn how to use the oven, but patience is the key."

Psst: If you're looking for a less expensive option, these indoor models let you cook in your air-conditioned kitchen (score!).

If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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