Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven Review

Who would have thought I would become a backyard pizza enthusiast without the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven? It wasn’t until after consuming less-than-stellar frozen pizzas and warming-up lackluster delivery for years that I began to investigate outdoor pizza ovens. What was initially a curiosity turned into a passion, and now my weekends are filled with the wonderful smell of perfectly charred crust and bubbling cheese. After using this oven for several seasons and many a pizza night, I am eager to share my real thoughts on the Ninja Artisan.

Key Takeaways

• Reaches impressive 950°F cooking temperatures for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas in 90 seconds
• Dual-fuel system combines propane convenience with optional wood chunks for smoky flavor
• Smart temperature control makes it accessible for beginners while satisfying experienced pizza makers
• Portable design works well in various outdoor settings from patios to camping trips
• Exceptional heat distribution creates consistent results with perfect crust char and evenly cooked toppings

My Experience with the Ninja Artisan

Pros	Cons
Fast Cooking – Bakes 12-inch pizzas in just 3 minutes at 700°F. Versatile Settings – Offers 5 pizza styles plus bake, broil, warm, and proof functions. Electric Convenience – No open flames, providing precise temperature control.	Preheat Time – Requires an 18-minute preheat before cooking. Outdoor Use Only – Designed for outdoor use, limiting indoor versatility. Pricey – At $279.99, it may be expensive compared to traditional ovens.

First Impressions

The unboxing experience immediately impressed me with the oven’s thoughtful design. Unlike the bulky traditional pizza ovens I’d researched, the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven features a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements my outdoor space. The stainless steel construction strikes an excellent balance, substantial enough to feel durable but not so heavy that it’s difficult to move.

Setup took less than 30 minutes from box to ready-to-use, with clear instructions guiding the process. Connecting to my propane tank was straightforward, and the initial firing confirmed the oven was operating properly.

Performance

The true test came with the first pizza. It is claimed that the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven can reach cooking temperature in about 20 minutes, which was true when I checked using an infrared thermometer. This quick preheat time is much better than many competitors, which can take almost an hour to heat up to the optimum cooking temperature.

The 90-second cooking time delivered a perfect balance: a crisp exterior and a tender, airy interior. The cheese melted beautifully without burning and the basil kept its vibrant flavor. The Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven is remarkable in its even heat distribution. There are a lot of pizza ovens that I have used that have hot spots that require constant pizza rotation and vigilance.

The Ninja has a better heating element design that offers more even cooking and is more forgiving of technique flaws, which is really helpful for beginners.

Versatility

While pizza excellence was my primary goal, I’ve discovered the Ninja Artisan handles a surprising variety of dishes:

• Artisan bread with exceptional crust development
• Roasted vegetables with perfect caramelization
• Cast iron seared steaks with restaurant-quality results
• Cedar plank salmon with subtle smokiness
• Naan and flatbreads with authentic char

The dual-fuel capability deserves special mention. While propane provides consistent temperature control and convenience, adding wood chunks to the dedicated chamber infuses food with authentic smoky notes. This hybrid approach gives you the precision of gas cooking with the flavor advantages of wood fire.

Learning Curve

What makes the Ninja Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven different from traditional pizza ovens is its availability. The learning curve is much shorter than that of other models due to the built-in temperature monitoring and steady heat environment. Using this, satisfying results were achieved by most users including complete beginners in my household on their first attempt.

However, perfect pizza is still a bit of a technique. I think I got my rhythm with the dough, launching, and timing by about the fifth or sixth cooking session. The peel that comes with it is fine, but I eventually decided to get a perforated metal peel that made it easier to launch the raw dough.

Maintenance

Keeping the oven in top condition is hassle-free, thanks to its well-thought-out design. The high-temperature self-cleaning function significantly reduces the need for scrubbing, simply running the oven at its maximum 950°F (510°C) for several minutes effectively burns off grease, food particles, and residue from the cordierite stone. For regular upkeep, a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps the stainless steel exterior looking pristine.

The removable components, including the cooking stone and burner assembly, make deep cleaning easy when necessary. The stone can be gently scraped with a brush or scraper to remove stubborn charred bits, while the stainless steel body resists stains and smudges, ensuring long-term durability with minimal effort.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the things that really stand out about this oven is how efficiently it burns fuel. A normal size 20 lb propane tank can provide enough energy for up to 15-20 full cooking sessions, depending on the temperature and the length of time you keep the cooking going. This makes it a cheap way of using it frequently for family pizza nights or for large gatherings. It also has a built in wood chunk supplement option, so that you can get that great smoky flavor in your dishes while still having the ease of propane.

Technical Specifications

The Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven is engineered for precision, durability, and high-performance cooking, making it a versatile tool for home chefs. Below is a detailed breakdown of its technical specifications:

Maximum Temperature: 950°F (510°C)

• The oven reaches an impressive 950°F, a temperature crucial for achieving an authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with a crispy, charred crust and a light, airy interior.
• This extreme heat also makes it ideal for searing meats, roasting vegetables, and baking artisanal bread.

Preheat Time: 20 Minutes

• The oven heats up quickly, taking just 20 minutes to reach its maximum temperature, allowing you to start cooking with minimal waiting time.
• Compared to traditional wood-fired ovens that often take over an hour to preheat, this is a significant time saver.

Cooking Surface Options

• XL Model: 16″ circular cordierite stone
• Compact Model: 12″ circular cordierite stone
• The cordierite stone is highly heat-resistant and retains heat evenly, ensuring a consistent bake with a perfectly crisped crust.
• Its non-stick properties help prevent pizza dough from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Fuel Compatibility

• Primary Fuel: Propane (standard)
• Optional Wood Chunk Supplementation:
  • For those who love the smoky aroma and rich flavor of wood-fired pizza, the oven allows for small wood chunks to be added, enhancing the taste without the hassle of maintaining a full wood fire.
  • This hybrid functionality provides both convenience and authentic flavor, making it a standout feature in its category.

Construction and Build Quality

• Exterior: Commercial-grade stainless steel, resistant to rust, heat, and weather elements.
• Interior: Heat-retaining cordierite stone for superior cooking performance.
• Design:
  • The ergonomic front handle and easy-to-adjust burner knob make operation smooth and user-friendly.
  • The oven’s sleek, modern aesthetic makes it an attractive addition to any patio, backyard, or outdoor kitchen setup.

Weight and Portability

• XL Model: 58 lbs (26.3 kg)
• Compact Model: 42 lbs (19 kg)
• While sturdy and durable, both models are light enough to be portable, making them great for taking to outdoor gatherings, tailgating events, or camping trips.

Dimensions

• XL Model: 28.5″ × 18.3″ × 14.7″
• Compact and well-designed, allowing for easy storage and setup in outdoor spaces.

Warranty

• 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
• Covers defects in materials and workmanship, ensuring long-term reliability and customer support.

Designed for Both Efficiency and Performance

For the aspiring home chef or the experienced cook looking for restaurant quality results at home the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven is built to impress. With a high heat capacity, quick preheat time, durable construction and hybrid fuel compatibility it’s a standout option for serious pizza enthusiasts and casual home cooks alike.

Comparing to Competitors

Having owned both an Ooni and a Roccbox ovens in the past I can offer some insights as to the comparison. The Ninja Artisan maintains better temperature control than the Ooni Koda which has a very high temperature gradient from the back to the front. The only problem with the Roccbox is that it is almost as good at heating as the Ninja but it does not have the dual fuel system that increases the versatility.

In my opinion, the Ninja is the best among them in terms of user friendliness. The wide hole makes it easier to put pizzas in and out of the oven than the Roccbox with its narrow hole. A feature missing from many other competitors is the viewing window that lets you check on the food without opening the door and letting out the heat.

The traditionalists who want to use only wood as a fuel source may like the Ooni Fyra which is equipped with a wood pellet system. The Ninja does the opposite – it employs wood as a taste infuser, not as the main heating source.

Value Proposition

At its price point, typically ranging from $499 to $649, depending on the model and ongoing promotions, the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven offers exceptional value. While it isn’t the cheapest option on the market, it delivers premium features typically found only in high-end, commercial-grade ovens that cost significantly more.

One of its standout advantages is the dual-fuel functionality, allowing users to cook with both propane and optional wood chunks. This feature essentially gives you two ovens in one, combining the precision and consistency of propane with the rich, smoky flavor of wood-fired cooking. For home cooks who want authentic, restaurant-quality pizza without the complexity of managing a full wood-fired setup, the Ninja Artisan strikes the perfect balance between convenience and craftsmanship.

Beyond pizza, the oven’s high-heat capabilities make it a versatile outdoor cooking appliance, capable of roasting meats, baking artisanal bread, and even charring vegetables. With its combination of efficiency, ease of use, and professional-grade performance, the Ninja Artisan is an investment that pays off for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor cooking experience.

Who Should Buy It?

The Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven is an excellent choice for a wide range of users, particularly:

• Home Entertainers – Perfect for those who love hosting and want to offer guests more than just standard grill fare. The oven creates a fun, interactive cooking experience where everyone can customize their own pizzas.
• Pizza Enthusiasts – If you love Neapolitan-style pizzas with a crispy, charred crust, but don’t want the hassle of mastering a traditional wood-fired oven, this is an ideal option.
• Families – A great way to bring the family together for pizza nights, while also offering the flexibility to cook other dishes like roasted meats and flatbreads.
• Those with Limited Outdoor Space – The Compact model is an excellent solution for apartment dwellers or homeowners with smaller patios or balconies.
• Beginners – Unlike traditional wood-fired ovens that require constant attention to maintain heat, the Ninja Artisan’s propane functionality makes it user-friendly while still delivering impressive, professional-quality results.

However, it may not be the best fit for:

• Pizza Purists – If you insist on 100% wood-fired cooking with no propane assistance, a traditional wood-burning oven may be a better option.
• Budget Shoppers – While the Ninja Artisan offers incredible value for its price, those looking for the absolute lowest-cost entry into pizza ovens may prefer more basic models.
• Those Without Suitable Outdoor Space – Since this oven operates at extremely high temperatures (up to 950°F), proper outdoor ventilation is required, making it unsuitable for those without an adequate outdoor cooking area.

Conclusion

After several months of regular use in various seasons, the Ninja Artisan has become a permanent member of my outdoor cooking equipment. It consistently provides restaurant-style pizza with virtually no effort, just as it should. Combined with the thoughtful design, excellent performance, and surprisingly wide range of versatility, it manages to stand out in what is now a crowded market.

What impresses me most is that the Ninja is able to make exceptional pizza accessible to everyone. Although there is still some technique involved, the oven is quite forgiving, and even novice users can produce impressively convincing outputs that would otherwise be the domain of seasoned professionals.

If you are thinking of expanding your outdoor cooking equipment to include a pizza oven, the Ninja Artisan should be at the top of your consideration list. It is an investment that keeps on giving in the form of great food and wonderful evenings with friends and family after the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the Ninja Artisan compare to traditional brick pizza ovens?

Traditional brick ovens offer excellent heat retention but require permanent installation, significant space, and hours of preheating. The Ninja provides comparable cooking temperatures in a portable package ready in just 20 minutes. While dedicated pizza purists might detect subtle differences, the convenience factor is undeniable. When using the wood chunk feature, the results approach traditional oven quality remarkably closely.

2. Can the Ninja Artisan be used in winter or cold weather?

Yes, though with some adaptations. The oven will require slightly longer preheating in cold conditions and may struggle to maintain maximum temperature in extremely cold or windy environments. I’ve successfully used mine in temperatures around 40°F by positioning it in a wind-protected area. The optional insulation blanket accessory is worth considering for year-round use in colder regions.

3. What type of maintenance does the Ninja Artisan require?

Maintenance is straightforward but important for longevity. After each use, run the oven at high heat for 15 minutes to burn off food residue. Once cooled, brush away any remaining debris. Occasionally wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. The propane connection should be checked periodically for leaks using soapy water. With these simple steps, the oven should provide years of reliable service.

4. Can I use the Ninja Artisan on a wooden deck?

Yes, with proper precautions. The oven’s bottom doesn’t get hot enough to ignite wood directly, but I recommend using it on a heat-resistant pad for safety. Ensure adequate clearance (at least 3 feet from combustible materials) above and around the oven. Never leave it unattended during operation, and allow it to cool completely before covering or storing.

5. What’s the learning curve for making good pizza in the Ninja Artisan?

The learning curve is notably gentler than with traditional pizza ovens. Most users achieve satisfactory results on their first attempt and excellent results within 3-5 tries. Keys to success include properly stretching your dough to even thickness, using room-temperature ingredients, fully preheating the oven, and practicing launching and turning techniques. The included recipe book provides excellent starting points for both dough and topping combinations.

Last update on 2025-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API