Ninja Artisan Electric Pizza Oven: A Comprehensive Review
As a journalist with a passion for outdoor living, I spend countless summer evenings barbecuing on my roof terrace, making the most of the British sunshine. However, one outdoor cooking gadget I had yet to explore was a pizza oven. When the opportunity arose to test the Ninja Artisan Electric Pizza Oven, I eagerly accepted, curious to see how it would perform.
First Impressions and Setup
This pizza oven stands out from traditional wood or gas models, offering a modern electric alternative. I set it up on a sunny spring afternoon, excited to try it as soon as the weather permitted. The setup was quick and straightforward, with sturdy legs that allow placement on any heat-safe surface. Weighing 11.9kg, it is relatively lightweight and compact, measuring 32cm x 59cm x 42cm, yet it can easily feed a large group.
Performance and Cooking Capabilities
The Ninja Artisan Electric Pizza Oven boasts four cooking settings: pizza, bake, air fry, and prove. This versatility makes its £299.99 price tag appealing, especially compared to competitors like the Ooni Koda 2 or Gozney Arc Lite. It can cook pizzas up to 12 inches wide in just three minutes, with settings for artisan, thin crust, New York, and pan styles, plus custom options.
During testing, I used a homemade pizza dough with tomato base, pepperoni, and red onion. The result was a sizzling, perfectly baked pizza that looked restaurant-quality in mere minutes. The only minor issue was sliding the pizza off the peel into the oven, which may require practice or better flouring. Preheating to 375 degrees took about 18 minutes, slightly longer than some gas ovens, but this was quickly forgotten given the rapid cooking time.
I also tested the air fryer setting, which is surprisingly handy outdoors, and the crust setting for premade pizzas. The performance genuinely impressed me, and I have been recommending it to others ever since.
Design and Usability
The oven comes with clear instructions and minimal buttons, making it user-friendly despite its multiple functions. Cleaning is relatively simple; the pizza stone must not get wet, so I brushed it down with a dry cloth after cooling. The only downside was the electric cable length, which felt slightly short for my setup, though this won't be an issue with a nearby plug socket.
Value for Money and Comparisons
At £299.99, the Ninja Artisan pizza oven offers excellent value. It includes accessories like a pizza peel, air fry basket, baking tray, and pizza stone—items often sold separately by other brands. In contrast, the gas-powered Ooni Koda 2 costs £399.99 and comes with fewer accessories. While electric models like this don't produce a traditional flame, they still deliver high-quality stone-baked pizzas with a nice crust in about three minutes, compared to 60 seconds for some gas ovens.
Online Ratings and Trustworthiness
This pizza oven has over 100 reviews on Ninja's site, with an average rating of 4.7 out of five. Users praise the pizza quality, speed, and ease of use. As a travel reporter, I have tested various products, ensuring this review is based on thorough evaluation, including heat-up times, cooking performance, and overall value.
Final Verdict
The Ninja Artisan Electric Pizza Oven is a real gem for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Its compact size, easy setup, and versatile functions make it ideal for couples or families seeking the benefits of a pizza oven without the hassle of wood or gas bottles. Despite minor quirks like cable length, it delivers exceptional performance and value, earning a top recommendation for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor culinary experiences.
