Last updated: August 16, 2026
Last updated: August 2026. This post contains affiliate links — if you buy through them I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
We have tested gas pizza ovens from the main brands across dozens of cooking sessions. Gas has become the default recommendation for most home cooks and this guide explains why – and which model to buy depending on your budget and setup.
See also: best portable pizza ovens | pizza oven temperature guide | essential accessories | Koda 2 vs Koda 16
Best Gas Pizza Ovens at a Glance
A quick comparison before we get into the detail on each oven.
| Oven | Pizza size | Weight | Preheat | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ooni Koda 16 | 16″ | 18.5 kg | 20 min | Families, larger pizzas |
| Ooni Koda 2 | 12″ | 9.9 kg | 20 min | Most people, portability |
| Gozney Arc | 12″ | 12 kg | 20 min | Build quality and design |
| Gozney Arc XL | 16″ | 17 kg | 20 min | Larger cook, premium feel |
| Gozney Roccbox | 12″ | 21 kg | 20 min | Best performance, higher price |
Why Gas Is the Right Choice for Most People
We cook on wood, pellet, and gas ovens regularly. Gas is what we recommend to most people buying their first pizza oven, and it is what we reach for when we want consistent results without managing fuel.
Gas ovens heat up in around 20 minutes. You turn a dial, wait, check the stone temperature, and cook. There is no fire to light, no wood to add mid-session, and no variation in performance based on fuel quality or wind. If it is a wet evening and you want pizza, a gas oven delivers. A wood oven in the same conditions takes more patience.
The main argument for wood or pellets is flavor. There is a mild smoke note from wood-fired pizza that gas cannot replicate exactly. In our experience the difference is smaller than people expect, especially with a good dough and high-quality ingredients. For home cooks who want great pizza without a steep learning curve, gas is the right choice.
1. Ooni Koda 16 – Best Overall
The Koda 16 is our top pick for most buyers who have outdoor space and want to cook for more than one or two people. It cooks a 16-inch pizza – large enough to feed three or four people from a single bake – and reaches 930°F consistently. We have cooked on the Koda 16 more than any other oven in the Ooni range and the results are reliable session after session.
The L-shaped burner runs along the back and side of the oven, which gives even heat distribution across the full 16-inch stone. You still need to rotate the pizza mid-cook – typically once, at about 30-40 seconds – but the base cooks evenly and the leopard-spot char on the crust is consistent. Preheat time is around 20 minutes to reach cooking temperature.
At 18.5 kg it is not portable in the way the Koda 2 is, but it fits on a standard backyard table and moves between sessions without difficulty. The build quality is solid. We have had no issues with the burner or ignition across extended use.
If you cook for a family or regularly host people, the Koda 16 is the oven to buy. If you mostly cook for one or two, or want to take the oven places, look at the Koda 2 instead.
Ooni Koda 16 (paid links): Amazon
2. Ooni Koda 2 – Best Compact Gas Oven
The Koda 2 is the successor to the Koda 12 and it is a meaningful improvement. The original Koda 12 had a single rear burner that created hot spots and required more rotation. The Koda 2 has an L-shaped burner that wraps around the back and side, giving much better heat distribution. In our testing the Koda 2 produces more consistent results with less management.
It cooks a 12-inch pizza, weighs under 10 kg, and folds flat for storage or transport. We have taken ours camping and to events without difficulty. At home it sits on a table, preheats in 20 minutes, and produces Neapolitan-style pizza in 60-90 seconds at full temperature.
The Koda 2 is the right choice if you are cooking for one or two people most of the time, want something genuinely portable, or have limited outdoor space. If you regularly cook for larger groups, the Koda 16 is worth the step up. Read our full Koda 2 vs Koda 16 comparison.
Ooni Koda 2 (paid links): Amazon
3. Gozney Roccbox – Best Performance
The Roccbox is the best-performing gas pizza oven we have tested. It reaches 930°F faster than the Ooni equivalents, holds temperature more consistently, and produces the most reliable results of any oven in this category. The thick stone and double-insulated body mean the cooking environment stays stable even in cooler conditions.
It comes with a gas burner as standard and there is an optional wood burner attachment for those who want the smoke element. The build quality is noticeably premium – the handle, shell, and controls feel more considered than any Ooni product we have used.
The trade-offs are weight (21 kg) and price. It is the most expensive oven on this list and the heaviest. If budget and portability are primary concerns, the Koda 2 or Koda 16 are the better fit. If you want the best possible results and are willing to pay for them, the Roccbox is the answer.
Gozney Roccbox (paid links): Amazon
4. Gozney Arc – Best Mid-Range Gas Oven
The Arc is Gozney’s most affordable gas oven and it is the best-looking pizza oven at its price point. The build quality is a step above the Ooni Koda 2 – the casing, handle, and finish feel more premium. It runs on gas only, reaches 930°F, and cooks a 12-inch pizza in 60-90 seconds.
In our cooking sessions the Arc performed consistently. Heat distribution was good and the stone came up to temperature reliably. The front-loading design with a wide opening makes launching and retrieving pizza straightforward.
The Arc XL version cooks a 16-inch pizza and is the Gozney equivalent of the Koda 16. Read our Arc vs Arc XL comparison for more detail.
Gozney Arc (paid links): Amazon
What to Look for in a Gas Pizza Oven
Stone size. A 12-inch stone cooks a standard single pizza. A 16-inch stone cooks a larger pizza or gives more room to rotate. If you cook for more than two people regularly, the larger stone is worth having.
Burner design. An L-shaped or U-shaped burner gives more even heat across the stone than a single rear burner. The Koda 2, Koda 16, Arc, and Roccbox all have good burner designs.
Gas type. Most US home pizza ovens run on propane (orange Calor Gas canisters). Check which gas type the oven requires and whether a regulator is included – most Ooni and Gozney ovens include a US regulator.
Stone temperature, not just air temperature. Always use an infrared thermometer rather than relying on preheat time. Target 430-900°F for Neapolitan-style pizza. See our infrared thermometer guide or the thermometer we use (paid link).
Accessories You Actually Need
Perforated pizza peel. A perforated aluminum launching peel is essential. The holes allow excess flour to fall through rather than burning on the stone. Ooni perforated peel (paid link).
Infrared thermometer. Non-negotiable. Stone temperature is the most important variable in pizza cooking and you cannot judge it accurately by eye. Infrared thermometer (paid link).
Pizza stone brush. Keep the stone clean between cooks. See our full pizza oven maintenance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a gas pizza oven take to heat up?
Around 20 minutes for the stone to reach cooking temperature in most conditions. Check with an infrared thermometer rather than relying on time alone – ambient temperature and wind both affect how quickly the stone heats. Target 430-900°F for Neapolitan-style pizza.
Can you use a gas pizza oven indoors?
No. All gas pizza ovens produce carbon monoxide and require outdoor use with adequate ventilation. If you want to cook indoors, see our best indoor pizza oven guide which covers electric options.
What gas does a pizza oven use?
Most home pizza ovens in the US run on propane (Calor Gas orange canisters, widely available at garden centres and hardware stores). Some can also run on butane. Check the manufacturer specifications – Ooni and Gozney both specify propane for US use and include a compatible regulator.
Is gas or wood better for pizza?
Gas is easier to control and more consistent. Wood adds a mild smoke flavor that gas cannot replicate. In practice the difference in final pizza quality is smaller than most people expect. For beginners and for anyone who wants reliable results without managing fuel, gas is the better starting point. If you specifically want the smoke element, a multi-fuel oven like the Ooni Karu 2 lets you use both.
Which is better – Ooni or Gozney for gas?
Both brands make good ovens. Ooni tends to offer better value at each price point. Gozney ovens have better build quality and finish. If build quality matters, Gozney. If you want the best results per pound spent, Ooni. See our full Gozney Arc vs Roccbox comparison.
Which Gas Pizza Oven Should You Buy?
For most people the Ooni Koda 16 is the right answer. It cooks a proper 16-inch pizza, performs consistently at high temperature, and represents good value for a quality outdoor oven. If you cook for one or two people and want something portable, the Koda 2 is the better fit. If you want the best possible performance and are willing to pay for it, the Gozney Roccbox is the top performer in this category.
For more head-to-head help, see our Ooni Fyra 12 vs Koda 12 and Gozney Roccbox vs Ooni Koda 16 comparisons.
Torn between the Koda 16 and the multi-fuel Karu 16? See our Ooni Koda 16 vs Karu 16 comparison for a full breakdown.
About Ian Armstrong
I'm Ian Armstrong, a home cook and pizza oven obsessive based in the UK. Over the past four years I've owned and cooked on a Gozney Roccbox, Ooni Karu, Ooni Koda, and Gozney Arc — putting each one through real-world use in my back garden across all seasons, not just ideal summer conditions. I test dough hydration, preheat times, fuel efficiency, and how each oven handles everything from Neapolitan pizza to sourdough bread and Sunday roasts. Everything on Wood Fired Pizza Gear comes from hands-on experience. No sponsored placements, no guesswork — just honest assessments from someone who's burned a lot of dough getting it wrong so you don't have to.
