Pizza ovens aren’t just for pizza. From artisan crusts to perfectly blistered veggies and cast-iron desserts, these compact powerhouses bring serious heat and bold flavor to home kitchens, balconies, and backyards.
Whether you’re experimenting with dough, testing new toppings, or finally deciding which oven to buy, this pizza oven cooking guide covers everything you need to know: from temperature and timing to tools and techniques.
Why Invest in a Pizza Oven?
Weeknight cooking can be a drag. How many nights do you find yourself bored with the menu, too tired to cook, and opening the app of your favorite pizzeria to order in?
In comes an electric pizza oven, like the Current® Model P+ Electric Pizza Oven, to save the day. Here’s how:
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With temperatures that climb to 850°F in under 15 minutes, you can get a chewy, crisp crust that isn’t possible in a standard oven.>
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Smart app-controlled cooking lets you monitor temperatures, track progress, and receive alerts right from your phone. Control your oven remotely with the Current® app and Pizza Build Calculator™.
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The Model P+ is not just for pizza. We offer recipes for everything from Surf & Turf to Chocolate Chip Blondie Squares.
“I cannot think of a kitchen appliance that has changed my culinary existence more than the Current Pizza Oven. Seriously. I’m a pizza lover, and I’m very, very picky.” — Alton Brown
The Science of Great Pizza
Every perfect pie depends on three factors: heat, hydration, and timing.
Heat
A pizza oven’s design allows heat to surround the dough evenly, caramelizing sugars on the crust while keeping the interior airy. The Model P+ reaches up to 850°F and uses smart sensors to maintain even radiant and convection heat, so you get the ideal char without burnt edges.
Hydration
Dough hydration (usually between 60–70%) affects chew and crispness. Higher hydration yields that classic airy, leopard-spotted crust. Pizza ovens make this style achievable because they cook the surface before moisture escapes.
Timing
At 850°F, pizza can cook in two minutes. That rapid cook time traps steam, melts cheese evenly, and browns the crust just right.

Choosing Your Pizza Oven
If you’re ready to purchase an electric pizza oven, here is a comparison of some of the hottest products available.
|
Model |
Max Temp |
Cooking Area |
Best For |
Price Range |
Notes |
|
Current® Model P+ Smart Pizza Oven |
850° F |
12" pizza |
Indoor/ outdoor; smart connectivity |
$699 |
Fast preheat, even heat retention, 8 smart cooking modes |
|
Ooni Volt 2 |
850° F |
12" pizza |
Indoor use only |
$699 |
Superior heat retention but can produce smoke indoors |
|
Ninja Woodfire™ Pizza Oven |
700° F |
12" pizza |
Outdoor hybrid grill/oven |
$399 |
Versatile but less even heat and slower recovery |
The Model P+ is the clear winner if you want a pizza oven that reaches high temperatures, uses the latest technology, and provides a consistent cooking experience.
3 Expert Tips for Pizza Perfection
1. Use the right flour.
Opt for high-protein 00 flour. It withstands higher temps and gives that signature soft chew.
2. Use fewer toppings.
Overloading your pizza traps moisture and weighs down the crust. Stick to a thin layer of sauce and moderate toppings for faster, crisper results.
3. Use the right peel.
When you’re ready to take your pie out of the oven, you’ll want a pizza peel that doesn’t stick. The Current® Perforated Pizza Peel was designed for stress-free transfers.

Beyond Pizza: Getting Creative
One of the best-kept secrets of pizza ovens is their versatility. You can roast vegetables, bake bread, or even sear steaks with high radiant heat.
You could make:
For more inspiration, check out our pizza oven recipes for a deeper dive into best-practice techniques.
Electric vs. Wood-Fired
If you’re torn between modern convenience and traditional flavor, think about your lifestyle and the energy you’re willing to expend to make a pizza.
|
Feature |
Electric Pizza Oven |
Wood-Fired Pizza Oven |
|
Heat Control |
Precise, instant adjustment |
Manual |
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Smoke |
Minimal smoke |
More smoke during startup and heating |
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Ease of Use |
Plug and go |
Requires fuel, ash cleanup |
|
Location |
Indoor/outdoor |
Outdoor only |
Electric pizza ovens like the Model P+ bridge the gap; they deliver serious heat without the mess of firewood, making them ideal for everyday use.
Ready to Get Cooking?
Pizza ovens aren't a one-trick appliance. Serious heat, faster cook times, and recipes that go well past pizza. The Model P+ puts it all in one box: 850°F heat, app-controlled precision, and zero guesswork. Dough to dinner, on your schedule.
FAQs
What else can you cook in an electric pizza oven?
With an electric pizza oven like the Model P+, you can cook a full meal: appetizers, a main course like ribeye, and dessert. Check out all of our pizza recipes. We’re always adding more.
How to use an electric pizza oven?
Preheat to full temperature, usually around 850°F, and let it stabilize for at least 20 minutes for even heat. Stretch your dough, add sauce and toppings, then slide the pizza in with a pizza peel. The Model P+ built-in cordierite stone means no rotating, so you can track the bake from the Current® app and Pizza Build Calculator™
Why use a pizza oven?
A pizza oven like the Model P+ runs hotter than a standard oven, up to 850°F, so you get a crisp, chewy crust in minutes.
It's not just for pizza, either. Roast vegetables, sear steaks, bake dessert. With the Current® app and Pizza Build Calculator™, you can monitor the bake from your phone and spend the time with your people instead of hovering over the oven.
What features matter most in a pizza oven for even heat and a crisp crust?
Look for a high max temperature, 850°F or above, for a crisp, blistered crust in minutes. Smart sensors that balance radiant and convection heat prevent burnt edges and soggy centers. A built-in pizza stone, like the Model P+ cordierite stone, holds heat steady and skips the rotating step. App connectivity, like the Current® app and Pizza Build Calculator™, takes the guesswork out of the bake.