BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven review

Want a faster, more reliable way to make 14-inch restaurant-style pizzas at home?

Buy BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven On Amazon

Product Overview

You’re looking at the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven Indoor, 14 Inch Electric Countertop Pizza Oven with 6 Preset Modes, Perfect Pizza Maker Machine for Home, Pizza Cooker with Pizza Stone and Pizza Peel, Stainless Steel. This countertop unit is designed to bake full 14-inch pizzas quickly, using an 1800W rapid heat-up system and a PID temperature controller that ranges from 220–850°F. The flip-up design and included accessories aim to make pizza-making convenient even if your kitchen space is limited.

Quick Specs Table

This table breaks down the main specs so you can scan the essentials at a glance. It’s handy when you’re comparing models or planning where to put it in your kitchen.

Feature	Detail
Max Pizza Size	14 inches
Power	1800W
Temperature Range	220–850°F (PID control)
Preheat Time	About 15 minutes
Typical Pizza Cook Time	Approximately 3 minutes (depends on temp & crust)
Preset Modes	Manual, Wood Fired, Frozen, New York, Thin Crispy, Deep Dish
Design	Flip-up countertop; reduces footprint by ~50% vs traditional ovens
Heating Elements	Upper and lower heating tubes
Included Accessories	14″ heat-conducting pizza stone, insulated oven door, lightweight pizza peel
Finish	Wrinkle black paint (oil/fingerprint resistant)
Cleaning	Removable pizza stone for easier cleaning

Design and Build Quality

You’ll notice the BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven emphasizes compactness without sacrificing capacity. The flip-up feature is clever — it halves the footprint for storage while still accommodating a full 14-inch pizza when in use. The stainless steel construction combined with a wrinkle black paint finish resists fingerprints and oil splatter, which helps keep it looking tidy after regular use.

Size, Footprint, and Placement

If you have a small kitchen or limited counter space, this oven is designed with you in mind. The flip-up design significantly reduces required storage space and makes it easier to tuck away when not in use. Still, you’ll want a stable, heat-resistant surface and sufficient clearance above and behind the unit for safe operation.

Heating System and Temperature Control

The oven uses 1800W rapid heat-up technology and upper/lower heating tubes for even baking. The PID temperature control system keeps heat stable and precise between 220–850°F, so you can reliably reach the high temperatures that produce crisp crusts and restaurant-quality finishes. The consistent temp control also helps reduce energy wastage because it avoids large swings that prolong cooking.

Preset Modes and Customization

You get six preset modes: Manual, Wood Fired, Frozen, New York, Thin Crispy, and Deep Dish. These presets are helpful if you want quick results without guessing temperature and timing. You can also manually adjust settings to match your personal preferences, so whether you want a New York-style char or a deep-dish, you can fine-tune the oven for it.

Accessories Included

The oven ships with a 14-inch heat-conducting pizza stone to help crisp the crust, an insulated oven door suitable for high-temperature cooking, and a lightweight pizza peel for easier transfers. These accessories let you get started immediately without having to buy extras to bake a proper pie. The inclusion of a dedicated stone is particularly useful since it absorbs and distributes heat to give you more even bottom browning.

Get The BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven (Amazon)

Setup and First Use

Setting up is straightforward: place the oven on a flat, heat-resistant counter, attach any removable parts, and plug it in. Preheat takes about 15 minutes to reach high temperatures. You’ll want to preheat with the pizza stone in place to ensure it’s properly heated for the best crust development.

Preheat and Cook Times

The oven is designed to preheat in roughly 15 minutes, and at recommended high temperatures, it can cook a 14-inch pizza in about 3 minutes. Keep in mind these are approximate times — actual cook times depend on dough thickness, toppings, chosen preset, and how hot you set the oven.

Baking Performance and Evenness

Thanks to the upper and lower heating tubes and the conduction from the pizza stone, you’ll see much more even baking than with typical toaster ovens or basic countertop units. The combination of radiant heat from the tubes and conductive heat from the stone promotes a nicely browned top and crisp bottom. If you like charred spots and a chewy interior, the high temperature ceiling helps you mimic wood-fired characteristics.

Crust Results: Thin vs. Deep Dish

You can produce crisp, thin-crust pies as well as softer, thicker deep-dish styles. For thin, crispy crusts, use the Thin Crispy or Wood Fired preset and a shorter cook time at higher temp; for deep dish, use the Deep Dish preset or Manual mode with slightly lower temperature and a longer bake. Because you can tweak temps with PID control, you get the precision needed to adjust crust texture and moisture.

Versatility Beyond Pizza

This oven isn’t just for pizza — you can bake bread, cakes, pies, baguettes, and even roast items like chicken wings. The PID control and the range of presets make the oven adaptable to different baking profiles, and the stone helps with items that benefit from even bottom heat. You’ll likely appreciate how quickly the oven reaches a stable baking environment compared with larger conventional ovens.

Controls and Interface

The interface is designed to be approachable, offering both preset programs and manual control. You won’t need to memorize complex settings; select the preset for your crust type or use manual mode to adjust temperature and time. The PID controller keeps the temperature consistent so you don’t have to babysit the oven as it cooks.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is easier than with many other countertop pizza ovens because the stone is removable. Wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth when cooled, and clean the stone according to manufacturer recommendations — typically scraping off crumbs and wiping with a dry brush or cloth. The wrinkle black paint finish resists oil stains and fingerprints, so the exterior will stay presentable with minimal effort.

Safety Considerations

You should always use the insulated oven door and a heat-resistant surface; keep a buffer zone around the unit and don’t place it under low-hanging cabinets. Use the included peel with care when inserting and removing pies, and avoid touching the heating elements. The PID temperature control helps minimize runaway heat, but standard appliance safety precautions still apply.

Noise and Energy Use

The oven runs fairly quietly since it is primarily electric radiant heat plus conduction from the stone — no noisy fans unless a model specifically includes a convection fan. At 1800W, it’s powerful, so your circuit load should be considered, especially in older homes or when multiple high-draw appliances are on the same circuit. Compared to larger traditional ovens, you’ll likely use less energy for small, focused bakes.

Real-World Cooking Tests

When testing, people often report crisp, well-browned crusts and evenly melted toppings, particularly when using the stone and preheating fully. Thin crusts benefit from the high-temperature settings and cook very quickly; thick crusts or deep dishes require lower temps for slightly longer to get the center cooked without over-browning the top. Frozen pizzas typically do better with the “Frozen” preset to avoid undercooked centers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your pizza isn’t browning properly on the bottom, ensure the stone is fully preheated and the lower heating element is functioning. If the top is burning before the interior cooks, try lowering the upper heat setting or moving to a lower preset. Uneven baking often resolves by rotating the pizza halfway through, especially if your toppings are dense.

Pros and Cons

You’ll find a clear balance of benefits and trade-offs with this oven. The pros are fast preheat, high maximum temperatures for authentic crusts, a space-saving flip-up design, and useful accessories. The cons include the need for careful placement due to high heat, the 1800W draw which can tax some circuits, and the learning curve to get the timing just right for different styles.

Who Should Buy This

• You want a dedicated pizza oven that can handle full 14-inch pies.
• You have limited counter or storage space but still want professional-style results.
• You bake frequently and appreciate precise temperature control for consistent results.
  If you only make frozen pizzas occasionally, a basic toaster oven might be more economical, but if you prioritize speed and crust quality, this oven is a strong choice.

Who Might Want Something Else

If you need a multi-rack appliance for baking multiple items simultaneously or you’re frequently cooking very large dishes, a full-size oven will be more versatile. Also, if you don’t have a dedicated electrical circuit and regularly use other heavy appliances, the 1800W draw may be a constraint.

Comparison: BIG HORN OUTDOORS vs. Other Countertop Pizza Ovens

You’ll find this model competes well on temperature capability and included accessories. A few differences you’ll notice when comparing:

• Temperature range and PID control here give a precision advantage over many basic counter pizza ovens.
• The flip-up space-saving design beats many ovens that are bulky and hard to store.
• The included pizza stone and peel mean you won’t immediately need to buy extras.

Setup Tips for Best Results

• Preheat with the stone in place for the full 15 minutes to ensure even bottom browning.
• Use a pizza peel lightly dusted with semolina or flour to transfer pies smoothly.
• Start with the relevant preset and adjust by small increments until you hit your preferred crust texture. These simple practices will help you get consistent pies from the first few cooks.

Pizza Dough and Topping Tips

• For a Neapolitan-like char, use higher temps and a thin base; watch carefully—cooking times drop drastically at higher temps.
• For New York-style, try the “New York” preset and a slightly lower temperature than for thin-crispy to keep some chew.
• For deep dish, par-bake the base briefly to set the dough before adding heavy toppings to prevent sogginess. Your ability to manage heat precisely will pay off in texture control.

Baking Other Items

You can bake baguettes, breads, cakes, and pies — the stone helps with items that benefit from a crunchy base. For breads, use a bit of steam or a tray of water in the oven (if safe per manual) to encourage a better crust, and be mindful of bake times as these items generally need lower temperatures for longer periods than pizza.

Maintenance Schedule

• After each use: remove crumbs from the stone and wipe down the interior when cool.
• Monthly: check heating elements for obvious damage and clean the exterior finish.
• Annually: inspect the power cord and controls for wear and ensure the oven continues to seat on a level surface. Regular maintenance keeps the oven performing at peak for years.

Accessories Worth Buying

• A second pizza stone so you can rotate and preheat one while using the other.
• A long-handled peel (if you prefer heavier pizzas) for safer transfers.
• An infrared thermometer to check surface temperatures quickly and confirm PID readings. These small additions can help dial in results faster and make using the oven more convenient.

Safety and Placement Checklist

• Place on a non-combustible, heat-resistant surface with clearance on all sides.
• Avoid placing under wood cabinets or in confined enclosures.
• Keep the cord away from hot surfaces and don’t run it across counters where it could be snagged. Following these steps will reduce risk and extend appliance life.

Troubleshooting Quick Guide

• Oven doesn’t reach set temp: ensure proper preheat time and that no power issues exist; verify PID settings.
• Uneven bake: rotate pizza halfway through and confirm stone is fully preheated.
• Smoky smells: clean crumbs from the stone and interior; some oils from toppings can create smoke at very high temps. These fixes resolve the more common minor issues you might encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long to preheat the pizza stone?
A: Roughly 15 minutes is recommended to get the stone and oven up to stable heat.

Q: Can I use the oven for frozen pizzas?
A: Yes — use the Frozen preset to optimize temperature and timing for frozen pies.

Q: Will it fit a 14-inch store-bought pizza?
A: Yes, the oven accommodates a full 14-inch pizza, which is one of its main selling points.

Q: Is the stone dishwasher safe?
A: Typically, pizza stones are not dishwasher safe — clean them by scraping and wiping; check the manual for specific care instructions.

Q: Does it require special ventilation?
A: Normal kitchen ventilation is usually sufficient, but make sure there’s clearance and good airflow around the unit to handle heat and any occasional smoke.

Cleaning Step-by-Step

1. Turn off and unplug the oven and allow it to cool completely.
2. Remove the pizza stone and scrape off leftover crumbs with a plastic scraper or brush.
3. Wipe interior surfaces with a damp cloth; avoid harsh chemicals on the heating elements.
4. Clean the exterior with a damp cloth; the wrinkle black finish helps resist fingerprints. These steps will keep the unit functioning cleanly and safely.

Sample Settings and Cooking Times (Starting Points)

• Thin Crispy: 600–700°F, 2–4 minutes (watch closely).
• New York: 450–575°F, 6–8 minutes depending on dough thickness.
• Deep Dish: 375–425°F, 12–20 minutes (lower and longer to cook through).
• Frozen: follow the “Frozen” preset; times will vary by product. Use these as starting points and adjust to suit your dough and toppings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not preheating the stone long enough — this often causes a soggy bottom.
• Overloading toppings — too many heavy toppings can prevent the center from cooking.
• Using the wrong peel technique — a poorly executed transfer can distort the crust or cause burns. Avoiding these mistakes will save you frustration and lead to better pizzas.

Long-Term Use and Durability

With proper care and cleaning, the oven should remain reliable for years. The PID system and stainless-steel construction suggest a build that’s more robust than cheaper plastic units. Regular inspection of the heating elements and electrical cord will help you spot issues early and maintain consistent performance.

Final Verdict

You’ll find the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven Indoor, 14 Inch Electric Countertop Pizza Oven with 6 Preset Modes, Perfect Pizza Maker Machine for Home, Pizza Cooker with Pizza Stone and Pizza Peel, Stainless Steel is a strong option if you want fast, consistent, high-temperature baking capable of producing restaurant-style 14-inch pizzas. The PID temperature control, 1800W power, included stone and peel, and the space-saving flip-up design make it especially attractive for home cooks who value precision and quick results. If you’ve got the counter space and the circuit capacity, this oven gives you a reliable, user-friendly tool to raise your home pizza game.

Final Tips for Getting the Most Out of It

• Invest a little time in learning how each preset affects your crust and toppings, and keep notes on your favorite settings.
• Practice safe handling with the peel and insulated door and maintain the stone to prolong its life.
• Try several dough recipes to find the one that reacts best to the oven’s high heat; small adjustments will quickly lead to big improvements. With a little practice, you’ll consistently make pizzas that impress friends and family.

Shop BIG HORN OUTDOORS Pizza Oven On Amazon

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.