Quick Answer
For the crispiest, most evenly cooked frozen pizza, a dedicated pizza oven is the winner. But a Blackstone griddle can produce a surprisingly good pie with a chewy, pan-fried crust—especially if you don't want to invest in another appliance. Choose based on your priority: crust texture and speed vs. versatility and minimal extra gear.
pizza oven
Frozen pizza is a weeknight lifesaver, but cooking it outdoors adds a fun twist. The question is: should you use your Blackstone griddle or invest in a pizza oven? Both can deliver a better result than your kitchen oven, but they do it in very different ways.
In this comparison, we'll break down how each method affects crust, cook time, and convenience. We'll also look at specific Blackstone griddle models and accessories to help you decide which route fits your outdoor cooking setup.
Crust Texture: Crispy vs. Chewy
The biggest difference between griddle and pizza oven results is crust texture. A pizza oven blasts heat from all sides, mimicking a professional brick oven. This creates a crisp, airy crust with charred spots on the bottom and a perfectly melted top. The high heat also helps the cheese bubble and brown quickly, giving you that classic pizzeria look.
A griddle, on the other hand, heats from below only. This means the bottom of the crust gets direct contact with the hot surface, producing a golden, crispy bottom—almost like a pan-fried pizza. The top of the pizza relies on the ambient heat inside the hood (if your griddle has one) to melt the cheese and cook the toppings. The result is a chewier, more substantial crust that some people actually prefer.
The tradeoff is clear: pizza oven for a light, airy, restaurant-style crust; griddle for a dense, crispy-bottomed, pan-style crust. Neither is 'wrong'—it's about what you crave.
- Tip: Preheat your griddle for at least 10 minutes on medium-high to get a good sear on the crust bottom.
Cook Time and Convenience
Frozen pizzas typically take 12–18 minutes in a conventional oven. A pizza oven can cut that down to 6–8 minutes because it runs at much higher temperatures (often 700°F+). You'll need to watch it closely to avoid burning the edges, but the payoff is a faster, more authentic result.
On a griddle, you're working with a lower, more controlled heat. Expect a similar cook time to a conventional oven—around 10–15 minutes—but with the benefit of being outside and not heating up your kitchen. You also have the option to cover the pizza with a dome or use the griddle's hood to trap heat and help melt the cheese.
Convenience-wise, the griddle wins if you already own one. You don't need any extra equipment—just a spatula and a little oil. A pizza oven is a dedicated appliance that takes up space and costs more, but it's purpose-built for the job.
- Tip: If using a griddle, rotate the pizza halfway through to ensure even browning.
Versatility: One Tool, Many Meals
The griddle's biggest advantage is versatility. With a 28" or 36" cooking surface, you can cook breakfast, stir-fry, burgers, and yes, pizza—all on the same surface. The 28" Omnivore Griddle, for example, offers a 28-inch cooking surface that can handle multiple items at once, making it a true outdoor kitchen workhorse.
A pizza oven is a specialist. It does one thing exceptionally well, but it can't scramble eggs or sear a steak. If you're short on space or budget, a griddle that you already own is the more practical choice. You can still make excellent pizza on it, as long as you adjust your expectations for the crust.
The tradeoff is specialization vs. flexibility. If pizza is a weekly staple and you want the best possible result, a pizza oven is worth the investment. If you want one tool that does everything, stick with your griddle.
- Tip: Use a cast-iron pan on your griddle to mimic a pizza oven's heat distribution.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Crust Texture: Pizza oven gives a crisp, airy crust with char; griddle produces a chewy, pan-fried bottom. Choose pizza oven for classic crust, griddle for a unique twist.
- Cook Time: Pizza oven cooks in 6–8 minutes; griddle takes 10–15 minutes. Pizza oven wins on speed, but griddle is close enough for most.
- Versatility: Griddle cooks everything; pizza oven is a one-trick pony. If you already own a griddle, try pizza on it before buying a new appliance.
Key Products to Consider
- 28" Omnivore Griddle: 28-inch cooking surface provides ample space for preparing multiple items simultaneously. Part of the Original Griddles Collection, known for robust construction and consistent heat distribution. The large surface gives you room to cook a 12-inch pizza with space to spare for sides or to cook multiple pizzas at once.
- 36" Omnivore Griddle with Hood: Four independent heat zones allow for maximum control when cooking your meals. This flat top grill features dual folding side shelves that give you extra prep space while cooking and fold for easier storage. Independent heat zones let you create a direct-heat zone for the crust and a lower-heat zone for the toppings, giving you more control over the final result.
- Bulk tank adapter w/ regulator: 3-Feet in length Propane adapter hose comes with regulator, so no need to buy additional parts. Hose connects 1-pound propane griddles to bulk (20-pound) propane tanks. Weather-proof construction. If you're using a tabletop griddle for pizza, this adapter lets you connect to a bulk tank, so you won't run out of fuel mid-cook.
Which Should You Choose?
Best For
- Home cooks who already own a Blackstone griddle and want to experiment without extra gear.
- Those who prioritize a crispy-bottomed, pan-style crust and enjoy multitasking on one surface.
Not For
- Pizza purists who demand a charred, wood-fired-style crust and are willing to invest in a dedicated pizza oven.
In the end, both methods can turn a frozen pizza into a satisfying outdoor meal. If you want the fastest, most authentic result and don't mind the extra equipment, a pizza oven is the way to go. But if you're looking to get more mileage out of your Blackstone griddle, you can absolutely make a delicious, crispy-bottomed pizza that will impress your family and friends. Try it both ways and see which crust wins you over.
