Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven: Is It Worth It?

Hey pizza lovers! Are you thinking about getting the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven? You've come to the right place! In this comprehensive review, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about this countertop pizza oven. We'll explore its features, performance, ease of use, and, most importantly, whether it's worth the investment for your home pizza-making adventures. So, grab a slice and let's get started!

First Impressions: Unboxing and Design

Okay, guys, let’s talk about what you get when you order the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven. The packaging is pretty sleek and the oven itself looks impressive right out of the box. It has a modern, stainless steel design that will look great on your countertop. It doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. The build quality seems really solid, which is always a good sign. Inside the box, you'll find the oven itself, a pizza stone, a pizza peel, and a recipe guide to get you started. The pizza peel is aluminum and feels sturdy, making it easy to slide your pizzas in and out of the oven without any major mishaps. The recipe guide is a nice touch. It gives you some basic recipes to try out and help you get comfortable with using the oven. The overall impression is that Ninja put a lot of thought into the design and included everything you need to start making pizzas right away. Now, let's get into the details. The controls are straightforward, with a digital display and intuitive buttons. You can easily select different cooking modes, adjust the temperature, and set the timer. The oven heats up surprisingly quickly, which is a huge plus when you're craving pizza. The interior is spacious enough to accommodate a 12-inch pizza, which is perfect for feeding a small family or a group of friends. It's important to mention the footprint of this oven; it is a countertop appliance, so make sure you have enough space in your kitchen. It's not overly large, but you will need to clear some room for it. It also has a reasonably lengthy power cord, offering some flexibility in placement near outlets. Overall, the initial impression is very positive. The Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven looks and feels like a premium appliance, and the included accessories are a great bonus. But the real test is how it performs when it comes to making pizza, so let's move on to the next section!

Performance and Features: Does It Deliver?

Alright, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how well does the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven actually cook pizza? The answer, in short, is pretty darn well. This oven boasts a high-heat capability, reaching temperatures up to 700°F (370°C), which is essential for achieving that perfect Neapolitan-style crust with those beautiful leopard spots. The high heat ensures that your pizza cooks quickly and evenly, giving you a crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings. One of the standout features is the various cooking modes it offers. You can choose from modes like Neapolitan, New York, Pan Pizza, Thin Crust, and even Bake. This versatility allows you to experiment with different pizza styles and find your favorite. Each mode is pre-programmed with specific temperature and time settings to optimize the cooking process for that particular style. For example, the Neapolitan mode cranks up the heat to the max for a quick, high-temperature bake, while the New York mode uses a slightly lower temperature for a longer cooking time. In our testing, we found that the Neapolitan mode produced fantastic results. The crust was light, airy, and slightly charred, just like you'd expect from a traditional wood-fired oven. The New York mode also performed admirably, creating a crispy yet chewy crust that held up well to toppings. The pan pizza mode is great for those who prefer a thicker, more doughy crust. It bakes the pizza evenly from the bottom up, resulting in a golden-brown crust with a soft interior. Beyond pizza, the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven can also be used for baking other dishes. The bake mode is perfect for roasting vegetables, baking bread, or even cooking desserts. We tried roasting some vegetables, and they came out perfectly caramelized and tender. The oven heats up quickly, typically reaching its target temperature in about 15-20 minutes, which is much faster than a conventional oven. This is a huge time-saver, especially on busy weeknights. The temperature is also very consistent, thanks to the even heat distribution inside the oven. The Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven features a built-in timer that you can set for up to 60 minutes. The oven will automatically shut off when the timer expires, preventing overcooking. It also has a keep-warm function that keeps your pizza at a serving temperature for up to two hours. Overall, the performance and features of the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven are impressive. It delivers consistent results, offers a variety of cooking modes, and heats up quickly. Whether you're a pizza purist or just looking for a versatile countertop oven, this appliance has a lot to offer.

Ease of Use and Cleaning: How User-Friendly Is It?

Now, let's talk about how easy it is to use and clean the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven. After all, nobody wants a kitchen appliance that's a pain to operate or requires hours of cleanup. Fortunately, this oven scores high marks in both categories. From the moment you unbox it, the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven is designed to be user-friendly. The control panel is straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons and a digital display that's easy to read. Setting the cooking mode, temperature, and timer is a breeze. The included recipe guide is also a great resource, especially for beginners. It provides step-by-step instructions for making various types of pizzas, as well as tips and tricks for achieving the best results. One of the standout features is the pre-programmed cooking modes. These modes take the guesswork out of pizza making by automatically setting the optimal temperature and time for each style. Whether you're making Neapolitan, New York, or pan pizza, simply select the corresponding mode and let the oven do its thing. The pizza peel that comes with the oven is also a great addition. It makes it easy to slide your pizzas in and out of the oven without burning yourself. The peel is made of aluminum and has a smooth surface that prevents the pizza from sticking. Cleaning the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven is also relatively simple. The interior of the oven has a non-stick coating that makes it easy to wipe away spills and splatters. The pizza stone is removable and can be washed with soap and water. However, it's important to let the stone cool completely before washing it to prevent it from cracking. The exterior of the oven can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can damage the finish. One thing to keep in mind is that the oven can get quite hot during use, so it's important to exercise caution when handling it. Always use oven mitts or gloves when removing pizzas or other dishes from the oven. Overall, the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven is very easy to use and clean. Its intuitive controls, pre-programmed cooking modes, and non-stick interior make it a pleasure to operate. Whether you're a seasoned pizza maker or a complete beginner, you'll find this oven to be a valuable addition to your kitchen. I would say this is beginner-friendly, guys, which is always a plus for most people.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Before we give our final verdict, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven. This will help you make an informed decision about whether this oven is right for you.

Pros:

• High Heat: Reaches temperatures up to 700°F (370°C) for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
• Versatile Cooking Modes: Offers pre-programmed modes for Neapolitan, New York, Pan Pizza, Thin Crust, and Bake.
• Fast Heating: Heats up quickly, typically reaching its target temperature in 15-20 minutes.
• Consistent Results: Delivers even heat distribution for consistent cooking.
• Easy to Use: Intuitive controls and a user-friendly design make it easy to operate.
• Easy to Clean: Non-stick interior and removable pizza stone make cleaning a breeze.
• Included Accessories: Comes with a pizza stone, pizza peel, and recipe guide.
• Compact Design: Doesn't take up too much counter space.

Cons:

• Price: It is more expensive than some other countertop pizza ovens.
• Countertop Space: Requires some counter space, which may be an issue for those with small kitchens.
• Stone Cracking: The pizza stone can crack if not handled carefully or if washed while still hot.

Alternatives to the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven

If you're not entirely sold on the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven, or if it's not quite the right fit for your needs, don't worry! There are several other great pizza ovens on the market that you might want to consider. Here are a few alternatives to keep in mind:

1. Ooni Pizza Ovens: Ooni is a well-known brand in the pizza oven world, offering a range of ovens that use wood, gas, or electricity. Their ovens are known for reaching extremely high temperatures, making them ideal for cooking authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Some popular Ooni models include the Ooni Karu 16 (multi-fuel), Ooni Koda 16 (gas), and Ooni Fyra 12 (wood pellet). These ovens are a great choice if you're looking for a true outdoor pizza-making experience.
2. Roccbox by Gozney: The Roccbox is another excellent option for those who want a high-performance pizza oven. It reaches temperatures up to 932°F (500°C) and can cook a pizza in just 60 seconds. The Roccbox is fueled by gas or wood and is designed for outdoor use. It features a thick stone floor and a rolling flame that creates a perfectly cooked pizza every time.
3. Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo: If you prefer an indoor electric pizza oven, the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is a top contender. It's designed to replicate the performance of a traditional wood-fired oven, reaching temperatures up to 750°F (400°C). The Breville Pizzaiolo features a variety of pre-set cooking functions for different pizza styles, as well as manual controls for adjusting the temperature and time. It also has a built-in temperature probe that ensures your pizza is cooked to perfection.
4. Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto Stovetop Pizza Oven: For a more affordable option, consider the Pizzacraft Pizzeria Pronto. This stovetop pizza oven is designed to be used on your gas range and can reach temperatures up to 600°F (315°C). It features a ceramic pizza stone and a built-in thermometer. While it may not reach the same high temperatures as some of the other ovens on this list, it's a great choice for those who want to make delicious pizzas at home without breaking the bank.

Final Verdict: Is the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven Worth It?

So, after thoroughly testing and reviewing the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven, what's our final verdict? Is it worth the investment? In our opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. This countertop pizza oven delivers exceptional performance, offering a range of features that make it a standout in its category. The high-heat capability, versatile cooking modes, and consistent results make it easy to create delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas at home. The oven is also incredibly user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a non-stick interior that makes cleaning a breeze. While it may be more expensive than some other countertop pizza ovens, the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven offers a level of performance and convenience that justifies the price. The included accessories, such as the pizza stone, pizza peel, and recipe guide, are also a great bonus. However, it's essential to consider your needs and preferences before making a purchase. If you're a serious pizza enthusiast who wants to replicate the taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza at home, the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven is an excellent choice. But if you're on a tight budget or only plan to make pizza occasionally, there may be other options that are better suited for you. Ultimately, the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven is a high-quality appliance that delivers on its promises. It's a great investment for anyone who loves pizza and wants to enjoy delicious, homemade pies without the hassle of ordering takeout. So, if you're ready to elevate your pizza-making game, we highly recommend giving the Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven a try. You won't be disappointed! Thanks for reading, pizza fans! We hope this review has helped you make an informed decision. Now, go forth and create some amazing pizzas! Have fun, guys!