Our Verdict
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12" Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven Wins
This oven triumphs with its superior maximum temperature of 887°F, which allows for significantly faster 75-second pizza cook times compared to Deco Chef's 750°F and 120-second cook time. At $129.99, it also offers better initial value and true multi-fuel adaptability. The Deco Chef Electric Pizza Oven is the better pick for those prioritizing electric-only simplicity, indoor use, and the added functionality of a BBQ grill, despite its higher $149.99 price and slower cooking speed.
Bottom Line: BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12" Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven is the better choice. This oven triumphs with its superior maximum temperature of 887°F, which allows for significantly faster 75-second pizza cook times compared to Deco Chef's 750°F and 120-second cook time.
In-Depth Analysis
How they compare in practice
When comparing the BIG HORN OUTDOORS Multi-Fuel and Deco Chef Electric pizza ovens, the most impactful difference lies in their maximum temperature capabilities and fuel philosophies. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven can reach an impressive 887°F, significantly higher than the Deco Chef's 750°F. In practical terms, this 137°F delta translates to a dramatic reduction in cook time: the BIG HORN can churn out a 12-inch pizza in as little as 75 seconds, delivering that desired crisp-chewy Neapolitan-style crust, while the Deco Chef takes 120 seconds. This difference might seem small, but for entertaining or making multiple pizzas, the speed advantage of the BIG HORN is substantial, preventing bottlenecks.
The fuel types present a core trade-off. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS is a truly versatile multi-fuel system, designed to operate with wood/pellets right out of the box, and offering compatibility with gas and electric burners sold separately. This flexibility means users can choose wood for authentic smoky flavor, or gas/electric for convenience, making it adaptable to various outdoor environments like camping, tailgating, or backyard use. Conversely, the Deco Chef prioritizes electric simplicity. It's a plug-and-play unit, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use without the need for gas tanks or managing pellets, though it does require a specific high-gauge extension cord and direct outlet access.
In terms of value, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven is more affordable at $129.99, despite its higher performance metrics. Its portability, weighing just 25 lbs with folding legs, also contributes to its versatility. The Deco Chef, priced at $149.99, offers a slightly higher initial cost but includes the complete electric setup and an appealing dual function as a BBQ grill. This added functionality could be a key deciding factor for those looking for a multi-purpose outdoor cooking appliance, sacrificing some pizza-specific performance for broader utility. Both ovens feature a 12-inch cooking surface, ensuring comparable pizza sizing.
Key Differences
The most significant spec differences at a glance
Max Temp F
18% moreHeat Up Time Minutes
27% moreCook Time Seconds
38% lessPizza Size Inches
8% lessAdvantages
Where each product wins
BIG HORN OUTDOORS
- Max Temp F: 18% higher (887.0 vs 750.0)
- Heat Up Time Minutes: 27% higher (19.0 vs 15.0)
Deco Chef
- Cook Time Seconds: 38% higher (75.0 vs 120.0)
- Pizza Size Inches: 8% higher (12.0 vs 13.0)
Which to Pick for Your Situation
Concrete scenarios with a clear recommendation
For aspiring pizzaiolos seeking true Neapolitan crusts
BIG HORN OUTDOORSThe BIG HORN OUTDOORS reaches 887°F, enabling an authentic 75-second cook time for a perfectly blistered crust, superior to the Deco Chef's 750°F.
For convenient indoor pizza nights
Deco ChefThe Deco Chef is an all-electric unit, making it safe and easy to use indoors without the need for gas tanks or wood pellets, unlike the BIG HORN's primary wood-fired setup.
For versatile outdoor cooking and entertaining
BIG HORN OUTDOORSThe BIG HORN's multi-fuel compatibility (wood-fired, gas, or electric with optional burners) and 25 lbs portability offer maximum flexibility for any outdoor gathering, from backyards to tailgates.
For multi-purpose grilling beyond pizza
Deco ChefThe Deco Chef uniquely functions as both a pizza oven and a BBQ grill, adding valuable versatility for those who want more than just pizza from their appliance.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy BIG HORN OUTDOORS if...
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12"
The ideal buyer for the BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12" Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven is the pizza enthusiast who prioritizes authenticity, speed, and fuel flexibility. This individual wants to experiment with traditional wood-fired flavors but also appreciates the option to switch to gas or electric for convenience, even if it means purchasing additional burners. They envision using their pizza oven for backyard parties, camping trips, or tailgating events, valuing its 25 lbs portability and quick setup. Their priorities are achieving a true Neapolitan-style pizza with a perfectly charred crust and gooey interior, which the oven's 887°F max temperature and 75-second cook time expertly deliver for a 12-inch pizza. They are budget-conscious, recognizing the $129.99 price point offers exceptional performance for the initial investment. While they might forgo the immediate plug-and-play simplicity and BBQ grill function of an electric-only oven, they gain superior temperature performance and fuel choice, making it a powerful and adaptable outdoor cooking tool.
Buy Deco Chef if...
Deco Chef Electric Pizza
The Deco Chef Electric Pizza Oven is perfect for the home cook seeking maximum convenience, simplicity, and multi-functional value in a pizza oven. This buyer values a 'plug-and-play' experience, preferring to avoid managing gas tanks, wood pellets, or charcoal. Their priority is an easy-to-use appliance for regular indoor or outdoor use, capable of producing delicious artisan-style pizzas with minimal fuss. The purely electric operation, reaching 750°F and heating up in 15 minutes, provides consistent results for 12-inch pizzas in about 120 seconds. A significant draw for this buyer is the oven's dual capability as a pizza oven and a BBQ grill, offering enhanced utility for their cooking needs without requiring separate appliances. They are willing to invest slightly more at $149.99 for a self-contained unit that offers both portability and versatility, even if it means slightly slower pizza cooking compared to higher-heat models. They happily trade the extreme temperatures and wood-fired flavor potential of multi-fuel ovens for the effortless operation and added grilling functionality of an electric unit.
Spec Comparison
10 specs compared
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $170 | $150 |
| Rating | 4.4(2.5k) | 4.1(218) |
| Max Temp F | 887 | 750 |
| Fuel Type | Multi-Fuel | Multi-Fuel |
| Cooking Surface Inches | 12" | 12" |
| Heat Up Time Minutes | 19 min | 15 min |
| Weight | 25 lbs | — |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | SRPG18003 | EPZ03BLK |
| Cook Time Seconds | 75 | 120 |
| Dimensions | 14" × 28" × 21.6" | — |
| Pizza Size Inches | 12" | 13" |
Swipe horizontally to see all columns
Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
BIG HORN OUTDOORS 12" Multi-Fuel
- Heats to 887°F in 19 minutes for fast cooking.
- Cooks 12-inch pizza in 60-90 seconds.
- Accepts wood, gas, or electric fuel sources.
- Weighs 25 lbs with folding legs for transport.
- Gas and electric burners must be purchased separately.
- Pellet fuel requires specific storage to prevent moisture.
- Optimal pizza size limited to 12 inches.
- Minimal toppings recommended for consistent results.
Deco Chef Electric Pizza
- Electric power; no fuel tanks or wood pellets
- Achieves 750°F maximum cooking temperature
- Bakes 12-inch pizza in 120 seconds
- Operates as a pizza oven and BBQ grill
- Requires specific 10-14 AWG extension cord
- Cooking surface limited to 12-inch items
- Needs direct access to an electrical outlet
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
What is the maximum pizza size these ovens can accommodate?
Both the BIG HORN OUTDOORS and Deco Chef ovens are designed to cook pizzas up to 12 inches in diameter, providing ample space for personal or small-group servings. This ensures even heating and consistent results.
Which oven heats up faster to its optimal temperature?
The Deco Chef heats up slightly faster, reaching its 750°F maximum temperature in 15 minutes. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS, however, achieves a higher 887°F max temperature in 19 minutes.
Can the BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven be used with gas?
Yes, the BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven is multi-fuel compatible, meaning it can use wood/pellets, gas, or electric. However, the gas and electric burners are sold separately and are not included in the base price.
Does the Deco Chef oven have any other cooking functions?
Yes, a key feature of the Deco Chef Electric Pizza Oven is its dual functionality. Besides baking artisan-style pizzas, it also operates as a BBQ grill, adding versatility for various cooking tasks.
What is the benefit of the BIG HORN OUTDOORS' 887°F maximum temperature?
The higher 887°F temperature allows the BIG HORN OUTDOORS oven to cook a 12-inch pizza in just 75 seconds. This extreme heat creates a perfectly crispy crust and quickly melts toppings, mimicking professional brick ovens.
Are these ovens portable for travel or camping?
Both ovens are portable. The BIG HORN OUTDOORS weighs 25 lbs and has folding legs for easy transport. The Deco Chef is also designed for portable use, suitable for both indoor and outdoor setups.
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