There I was, standing in my backyard, staring at my Solo Stove Bonfire, thinking about the many nights it had kept me warm with that mesmerizing flame. Then I heard the buzz—Solo Stove had just released a pizza oven. Could they really pull it off? Could the same company that makes nearly smokeless fire pits make a portable pizza oven worthy of wood-fired perfection?
After a few test runs (and maybe a few burned crusts), I’ve got a complete breakdown of what this thing can do and how it stacks up against other options.
The First Impression
Size and Portability
Solo Stove’s pizza oven, called the Pi, is compact but hefty enough to feel like a real piece of equipment. At around 30 pounds, it’s portable, but not the kind of portable you’d want to lug around often. It’s more like a “carry it from the garage to the patio” situation. The sleek, stainless steel design definitely lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality, and it’s aesthetically similar to their fire pits, keeping everything cohesive if you already own one.
Unboxing
Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need to get started, minus the fuel. The oven includes the cordierite pizza stone, an adapter for both gas and wood, and an optional propane burner. The design is simple—no unnecessary bells or whistles. Just straight-up pizza goodness.
Cooking with the Pi: Performance
The Solo Stove Pi is designed to run on both wood and gas, and that’s where things get interesting. You can go traditional with a wood-fired pizza or use the optional gas burner for a more controlled cook.
Wood-Fired Experience
Using wood gives you that authentic, smoky flavor and an artisanal feel. But I’ll be honest—getting the right temperature is tricky. You need to start the fire ahead of time and wait until it settles into that perfect zone (around 800°F) before throwing in your dough. The initial trials with wood had me either undercooking or nearly charring my pizzas, so practice makes perfect.
Here’s what you’ll need to keep in mind:
- Preheating: 30 minutes minimum to reach the ideal temperature.
- Wood Type: Use hardwoods like oak or hickory for the best results.
- Heat Management: Learn to move the pizza around quickly, as wood-fired ovens have hot spots.
Gas-Fired Option
Now, with gas, things get a whole lot easier. The Pi’s propane attachment takes the guesswork out of temperature control, and in about 15 minutes, you’re good to go. For those who want fast, consistent pizzas without the hassle, the gas option is a dream.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- Temperature Control: You can easily dial the heat between 600°F to 900°F.
- Quick Setup: Just attach the burner and you’re cooking within 15 minutes.
- Less Mess: No ash cleanup like the wood-fired method.
The Pizza: How Does It Taste?
Here’s where the rubber meets the road—or rather, where the dough hits the stone. Once you get the hang of the Pi’s heat management, you’ll be cranking out pizzas with that golden, crispy crust and soft, bubbly center. But it all depends on your cooking method:
- Wood-Fired Flavor: Adds a smoky richness that’s hard to replicate. It’s perfect for Neapolitan-style pizzas.
- Gas-Fired: Provides more even cooking and consistent results. You can still get some charring if you crank up the heat.
If you’re a fan of wood-fired pizzas but don’t want the hassle of a full-size brick oven, the Pi can scratch that itch.
Design Features That Stand Out
Here’s where Solo Stove really shines: attention to detail.
- Dual-Fuel Capability: Easily switch between wood and gas, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.
- Cordierite Pizza Stone: This stone can absorb and retain heat evenly, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Sleek Stainless Steel Build: The design isn’t just for looks; it retains heat incredibly well and is easy to clean.
- Removable Ash Tray: Makes clean-up after wood firing much easier.
Drawbacks
No product is perfect, and the Solo Stove Pi has its share of quirks.
- Wood-Fired Learning Curve: Getting that perfect wood-fired pizza isn’t as easy as it looks. Expect to ruin a few pies before you nail the process.
- Price: Starting at around $624 (without the gas burner), it’s not the cheapest option out there.
- Size Limits: The pizza stone only accommodates up to 12-inch pizzas. If you’re hoping for party-sized pies, this may not be your go-to oven.
How Does It Compare?
There are plenty of pizza ovens out there, so how does the Solo Stove Pi hold up?
| Feature | Solo Stove Pi | Ooni Koda 16 | Gozney Roccbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Wood & Gas | Gas | Wood & Gas |
| Max Temperature | 900°F | 950°F | 932°F |
| Pizza Size | 12-inch | 16-inch | 12-inch |
| Preheat Time (Gas) | 15-20 minutes | 20 minutes | 20-25 minutes |
| Price | ~$624 (base model) | ~$599 | ~$499 |
| Portability | Semi-portable, 30 pounds | Lightweight, 40 pounds | Ultra-portable, 44 pounds |
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Solo Stove Pi delivers in areas where it matters most—versatility, design, and that undeniable wood-fired flavor. If you’re serious about making pizza at home and want the option to experiment with both wood and gas, the Pi is an excellent option. However, if you’re just starting your pizza-making journey, it might feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially on the wood-fired side.
For those looking for an aesthetically pleasing, functional pizza oven that pairs well with your Solo Stove fire pit—this is it. For everyone else, if you can afford the learning curve (and the price), you’ll be rewarded with some of the best homemade pizza you’ve ever had.
Quick Tips for First-Time Users
- Start with Gas: If you’re new to pizza ovens, try the gas burner first. It’s less fussy and lets you get used to cooking without managing the fire.
- Monitor the Heat: With wood, the Pi gets HOT—keep an eye on that temp and move your pizza around for even cooking.
- Invest in a Good Peel: A pizza peel with a thin edge will help you smoothly transfer your pizzas without ruining the crust.
So, is the Solo Stove Pi worth the investment? If you love pizza and enjoy tinkering with temperature and fire, absolutely.