Do you love pizza? Who doesn’t? But if you’re like most people, you probably don’t have a professional-grade pizza oven in your kitchen. That’s where a convection oven comes in. A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air, which cooks food more evenly and quickly than a traditional oven. This makes it perfect for baking pizza, as it ensures that the crust gets crispy and the cheese gets melted and bubbly.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 best convection ovens for pizza. We’ll consider factors such as size, features, and price, and we’ll give you our top picks for the best convection ovens on the market. So whether you’re a pizza lover or just looking for a way to cook your food more evenly, read on for our recommendations!
What is a convection oven, and Why is it good for pizza?
A convection oven utilizes a fan and heater to circulate hot air within the oven cavity. This circulating hot air cooks the food faster and more evenly compared to a traditional electric or gas oven. Convection ovens are especially beneficial for baking flat or thin foods like pizza. Here are the top reasons why convection ovens are good for baking pizza:
- Even Cooking: The circulating hot air ensures the top and bottom of the pizza heat evenly so no part is overcooked or undercooked. You get perfectly cooked and crispy crust every time.
- Speed: Convection ovens can bake pizza up to 30% faster than traditional ovens. The circulating hot air penetrates and surrounds the pizza quickly, limiting preheating times.
- No Burning: Since convection ovenscook food more evenly and quickly, there is less risk the crust or cheese will burn before the rest of the pizza is done.
- Crispy Crust: The hot moving air helps the crust dry out faster, resulting in an extra crispy and browned exterior every time.
- No Rotating Required: With even heat distribution from all sides, you don’t have to rotate the pizza for even baking in a convection oven. Just set it and forget it.
In summary, for the most evenly baked, crispy, and fast-cooked pizza every time, a convection oven is an excellent choice that utilizes technology for perfection in baking this popular flatbread. The unique airflow and even heat distribution make convection ovens a real game-changer for making perfect pizza at home.
Factors to consider when choosing a convection oven for pizza
There are many machines available, but not all of them will be ideal for your needs. Which one is perfect for your kitchen will depend on a variety of considerations, such as the features you require, the available space, and your budget.
Fan Power
A strong fan that circulates air more forcefully will cook pizza faster and help achieve a crispier crust. Look for convection ovens with multiple fan speed settings and higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) fan power ratings.
Temperature Range
A wide temperature range that goes up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is ideal for achieving the very high heat needed to bake pizzas with crispy crusts. Most home pizza ovens operate between 500 to 800 degrees F.
Size
Consider the size of your family and how many pizzas you typically make at once. Small to medium convection ovens with capacities of 2 to 3 pizza pans work great for most households. Large capacity ovens can fit more pizzas.
Pizza Pan Compatibility
Choose an oven with interior dimensions that can comfortably fit standard 14 inch round pizza pans without touching the sides or heating coils. This ensures even air circulation during baking.
Moisture Control
Since convection ovens are generally drier, look for models with a steam or humidity feature to help prevent the dough from drying out too fast and burning. This keeps pizza crusts crisp without being hard.
Warranty
A longer warranty, especially for parts like the fan and heating elements, provides more peace of mind. Usually 1 to 3 years is standard for home convection ovens.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for non-stick pizza pan compatible liners and removabable components to facilitate easier cleaning of baked-on grease and residues from baking pizza.
5 Best Convection Oven For Pizza
| Products | Images | Our Rating (5*) | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart TOA-60W Convection AirFryer Toaster Oven |  | 4.7* (Best Seller) | Check Price |
| Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven |  | 4.9* (Best Choice) | Check Price |
| Panasonic Toaster Oven FlashXpress |  | 4.8* (Cheapest) | Check Price |
| Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL |  | 4.6* (Best For Average User) | Check Price |
| BLACK+DECKER Crisp 'N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven |  | 4.6* | Check Price |
1. Cuisinart TOA-60W Convection AirFryer Toaster Oven
The Cuisinart TOA-60W Convection AirFryer Toaster Oven is a versatile appliance that can do it all. With 7 functions in one, you can toast, bake, broil, air fry, warm, and even proof bread. The large capacity (0.6 cubic feet) means you can cook enough food for a small family, and the nonstick interior makes cleanup a breeze. The TOA-60W also has a 60-minute timer and auto-shutoff, so you can set it and forget it.
The TOA-60W stands out in part because of its air fryer feature. A healthier method of cooking food is air frying, which creates a crispy surface and a moist interior by circulating hot air around the meal. Everything, including chicken wings, french fries, and veggies, can be air-fried.
The TOA-60W’s ability to cook with convection is another fantastic feature. Convection cooking helps to cook food more evenly by circulating hot air around the oven. This is particularly useful if you’re baking several things at once.
Pros:
- Versatile with 7 functions in one
- Large capacity
- Nonstick interior
- 60-minute timer and auto-shutoff
- Air fryer function
- Convection cooking
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- Not as powerful as a full-size oven
- Oven door can be difficult to open
2. Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven
The Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven is one of the most popular toaster ovens on the market. It has a unique Element iQ system that uses 5 independent quartz elements to distribute heat evenly throughout the oven. It also has 10 cooking functions, including toast, bagel, bake, roast, grill, pizza, cookies, reheat, warm, and slow cook.
Additionally, it has a super-fast 1800 W preheat, a large 13 x 11 inch interior, and is made of high-quality materials. An exclusive tip for using this oven is to use the convection setting to reduce cooking time by up to 30%. To get the best results, preheat the oven according to the recipe instructions. If you are cooking something delicate, like fish or vegetables, use the low fan setting to prevent them from drying out. To clean the oven, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Pros:
- Powerful convection fan cooks food evenly and quickly.
- 10 cooking functions, including toast, bake, roast, broil, pizza, cookies, reheat, warm, and slow cook.
- LCD display with digital timer and temperature control.
- Removable crumb tray for easy cleaning.
- Brushed stainless steel exterior.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Large footprint.
- Some users have reported that the oven can be noisy.
3. Panasonic Toaster Oven FlashXpress
The two infrared oven heating components of the Panasonic FlashXpress toaster oven are placed at the front and back of the appliance for maximum efficiency. This enables you to perfectly toast, bake, brown, and reheat food without the need for preheating. Additionally, the oven offers six pre-programmed cooking options that you can choose from, including toast, bagel, bake, roast, grill, pizza, and reheat, making it simple to prepare your favorite foods with a few button pushes.
The automatic shut-off feature of the Panasonic FlashXpress toaster oven is one of its unique features. This function aids in preventing overcooking and scorching, which is crucial when preparing delicate foods like fish or vegetables. Additionally, the oven has a 9-inch inner baking sheet that is removable for simple cleaning.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to use
- No preheating required
- Six preset cooking functions
- Automatic shut-off function
- Removable 9-inch inner baking tray
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Small capacity
- Not ideal for baking large items
- Can be noisy when in use
- Timer only goes up to 25 minutes
4. Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL
The Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Digital Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a powerful and versatile oven that can do it all. It features true surround convection technology, which circulates heat evenly throughout the oven for faster, crispier, and more evenly cooked results. The oven also has 10 cooking functions, including air fry, air roast, bake, whole roast, broil, toast, bagel, dehydrate, reheat, and pizza.
Its XL capacity is one of the Ninja DT201 Foodi’s unique features. A 5-pound chicken, two 12-inch pizzas, or a 12-pound turkey may all fit in the oven. Because of this, it’s a fantastic choice for preparing huge dinners or entertaining.
The digital display on the Ninja DT201 Foodi is another unique feature. The cooking function, temperature, and timer are displayed on the LCD. Additionally, it has a preheat light that signals when the oven is heating up.
Pros:
- Powerful and versatile
- XL capacity
- Digital display
- True surround convection technology
- 10 cooking functions
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Can be noisy when in use
- Expensive
- Not all functions are used equally
- Some parts are not dishwasher safe
5. BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven
A premium appliance with a lot of functions is the Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven. It is an adaptable addition to any kitchen because it can toast, bake, broil, roast, dehydrate, and air fry.
The Smart Oven’s huge capacity and sleek, contemporary style make it ideal for cooking for small families or groups. Additionally, it includes a variety of cutting-edge features, including a built-in timer, a keep warm mode, and several pre-set cooking programs.
Critics have commended the Smart Oven for its effectiveness and adaptability.
Pros:
- Versatile with a wide range of features
- Large capacity
- Sleek, modern design
- Innovative features, such as a built-in timer and a keep warm function
- High performance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some users have reported that the controls can be a bit confusin
Conclusion
The best convection oven for pizza depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable option, the BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven is a great choice. It’s easy to use and produces crispy, evenly cooked pizzas. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Cuisinart TOA-60W Convection AirFryer Toaster Oven is a great option. It has a larger capacity and more features than the BLACK+DECKER, making it a good choice for families or those who like to cook a variety of dishes.
The Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven is the way to go if you want the greatest pizza possible. It includes a strong convection fan that swiftly and evenly cooks pizza. Additionally, it contains a number of options that let you personalize the cooking process.
You can make delicious, crispy pizzas at home with whatever convection oven you choose.
Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of each oven:
| Oven | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven | Affordable, easy to use, produces crispy pizzas | Smaller capacity, fewer features |
| Cuisinart TOA-60W Convection AirFryer Toaster Oven | Larger capacity, more features, produces crispy pizzas | More expensive |
| Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven Convection Toaster Oven | Most powerful convection fan, cooks pizzas evenly and quickly, variety of features | Most expensive |
| Panasonic Toaster Oven FlashXpress | Compact, easy to use, produces crispy pizzas | Smaller capacity, fewer features |
| Ninja DT201 Foodi 10-in-1 XL | Large capacity, variety of features, produces crispy pizzas | More expensive |
FAQs
Do I need a convection oven for pizza?
Convection ovens are very useful for pizza as they produce optimal browning and crust results. However, a standard oven can also work fine if you use the proper settings and allow for longer cooking times. Convection just speeds up the process and provides more consistency.
What should I look for in a convection oven?
Key features include temperature range up to at least 450 F, spacious capacity for larger pizzas, multiple cooking functions like bake and broil, durable heating elements, a built-in timer and interior light, and a rotating fan to circulate the air. Extra accessories like a broiler pan or pizza stone are useful.
Is a convection toaster oven good for pizza?
Yes, a convection toaster oven has a smaller capacity than a full-size oven but can still reach high enough heat to cook pizza effectively. They are very convenient and energy efficient. Look for at least 4-6 slice capacity and wide enough to fit at least a 12 inch pizza.
Do I need special cookware for a convection oven?
Using cookware specifically meant for high heat helps, such as broiler pans, ceramic or cast iron pizza stones, and high-quality baking sheets. These can withstand very high heat better without warping. Standard cookware may work too but check the specifications.
How does a convection oven differ from an air fryer?
An air fryer primarily ‘air fries’ by circulating hot air, while a convection oven has more broad functionality including baking, broiling, toasting and dehydrating. Convection ovens also typically have a larger capacity, while most air fryers are more compact. Either can be used to cook pizza.
Since a young age, my love for pizza has only grown stronger. As a writer, I am dedicated my career to exploring the art behind a perfect pie. From the crisp crunch of the crust to the perfect blend of savory sauce and gooey cheese, I dedicated to captures the essence of what makes pizza so beloved. With each article, I hopes to inspire others to share in my passion for this timeless dish.