A Honest Guide for (Second-Guessing) Pizza Lovers
A Honest Guide for (Second-Guessing) Pizza Lovers
Are Indoor Pizza Ovens Worth It? A Honest Guide for (Second-Guessing) Pizza Lovers
So you asked for an affordable indoor pizza oven for your birthday, but now you’re staring at it (or the box) thinking, “Do I really need this? I already have a toaster oven…” Trust me, you’re not alone! I’ve been there—overthinking a kitchen gadget that feels like a “nice-to-have” instead of a “must.”
The good news? Whether an indoor pizza oven is worth it depends on 3 simple things—no pizza snobbery required. Let’s break them down so you can decide if it stays or goes!
1. First: How Much of a Pizza Enthusiast Are You?
Let’s start with the basics: How often do you actually make pizza at home? And what style do you crave?
-
🥳 If you’re a “Pizza Night Regular” (1-2x/week or more):If you’re tired of soggy crusts from the toaster oven or waiting for takeout, an indoor pizza oven might be a game-changer. Most affordable models hit 700-800°F (way hotter than your toaster oven’s max 450-500°F), which means:
-
Crispy, charred crust (no more floppy slices!)
-
Melty cheese that doesn’t burn
-
Pizza ready in 5-8 minutes (faster than preheating the toaster oven!)
-
Pro tip: If you love Neapolitan or New York-style pizza, this is a no-brainer. Your toaster oven can’t replicate that high-heat bake—even with a baking steel.
-
😐 If you’re a “Pizza Occasionalist” (1-2x/month):Save the counter space. Your toaster oven + a baking steel (under $50!) will do the trick. Preheat the steel for 30 minutes, slide your pizza on, and you’ll get a decent crust—nothing mind-blowing, but good enough for a casual night.
2. How Worried Are You About Space & Storage?
Let’s be real: Most indoor pizza ovens are the size of a small microwave (16-20 inches wide). That’s great if you have extra counter space… but a nightmare if your kitchen is already cramped.
Ask yourself:
-
🧐 Do I have room to leave it out permanently? (If you have to store it in a closet and haul it out every time, you’ll probably stop using it.)
-
🛠️ Is it easy to clean? (Look for models with removable stone/steel and non-stick interiors—no one wants to scrub burnt cheese off a tiny oven!)
If you’re short on space but obsessed with pizza, consider a mini indoor pizza oven (like the Ooni Koda Mini, ~$200). It’s compact, portable, and still hits 950°F—perfect for small kitchens.
3. Do You Hate Cooking Pizza Outdoors on Bad Days?
If you have an outdoor pizza oven (lucky you!), but avoid it when it’s raining, snowing, or freezing—an indoor model is a lifesaver.
-
☀️ Outdoor ovens are amazing… until the weather turns. An indoor oven lets you make fresh pizza year-round, no matter the forecast.
-
🌬️ No more fighting wind (which ruins your pizza’s cook time!) or shivering while you wait for your slice.
But if you don’t have an outdoor oven? This point is less important—focus back on Points 1 and 2 instead.
Final Verdict: Should You Keep the Indoor Pizza Oven?
Let’s make it simple with a quick checklist:
✅ Keep it if:
-
You make pizza 1-2x/week (or more).
-
You have counter space to leave it out.
-
You hate outdoor cooking in bad weather (or don’t have an outdoor oven).
-
You crave crispy, restaurant-style crust.
❌ Return it if:
-
You make pizza once a month (or less).
-
Your kitchen is too small to store it easily.
-
You’re happy with your toaster oven + baking steel.
At the end of the day, it’s all about how much joy it will bring you. If you picture yourself making fresh pizza every Friday night, crispy crust and all—keep it! If it feels like one more gadget you’ll forget about—pass.
What do you think? Are you team “keep the oven” or team “stick to the toaster”? Let me know in the comments! 🍕
Sorry, there are no products in this category