When it comes to outdoor cooking, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you invest in a pizza oven for authentic Italian pies? A traditional grill for classic BBQ? Or perhaps a griddle for versatile cooking? Each outdoor cooker brings unique advantages to your backyard setup, and the best choice depends on your cooking style, space, and budget.
At Best Kitchen Picks Daily, we've spent countless hours researching and comparing the top outdoor cooking equipment available today. One brand that consistently stands out is Big Horn Outdoors, known for manufacturing premium-quality pizza ovens, grills, griddles, and camping stoves that deliver professional results in your own backyard.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the differences between these three popular outdoor cookers, explore their unique benefits, and help you decide which one is right for your summer entertaining.
Average order value: $250+
Shop Big Horn Outdoors — See PricesA pizza oven is the crown jewel of outdoor cooking spaces. These specialized cookers use high heat—often reaching 800°F or higher—to create perfectly charred, crispy pizzas with minimal cooking time. But pizza ovens aren't just for pizza; they're incredibly versatile for roasting vegetables, baking bread, and even cooking meats.
Big Horn Outdoors offers several pizza oven models that combine traditional Italian design with modern durability. Their outdoor pizza ovens feature premium insulation, stainless steel components, and weather-resistant materials built to last for decades. Whether you're looking for a portable option or a permanent installation, Big Horn has solutions that fit various spaces and budgets.
The main drawback? Pizza ovens require significant space, take time to preheat, and involve ongoing maintenance of the wood-burning system. They're also a larger investment upfront compared to grills or griddles.
Grills are the most popular outdoor cooking choice for good reason. Whether you prefer gas, charcoal, or pellet fuel, grills excel at cooking burgers, steaks, chicken, and vegetables with those coveted grill marks. They heat up quickly, offer precise temperature control (especially gas models), and are relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Big Horn Outdoors manufactures high-performance grills designed for serious outdoor cooks. From compact portable models perfect for camping trips to full-featured backyard grills with side burners and rotisserie capabilities, their grill collection offers something for everyone. Gas and charcoal options provide flexibility depending on your cooking preferences and flavor priorities.
Grills do have limitations—they're not ideal for flat cooking tasks like pancakes or fajitas, and charcoal grills require more hands-on management than gas alternatives.
Griddles have surged in popularity among outdoor cooking enthusiasts, and for good reason. These flat-cooking surfaces are perfect for breakfast foods like pancakes, bacon, and eggs, plus they're excellent for stir-frying, cooking fajitas, and sautéing vegetables. Griddles offer maximum surface area and even heat distribution across the entire cooking space.
Big Horn Outdoors' griddle line combines commercial-grade construction with home-friendly features. Many models feature dual-zone heating, which allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. Stainless steel surfaces are easy to clean, and the large cooking area means you can prepare meals for a crowd efficiently.
The trade-off is that griddles aren't ideal for items that benefit from direct flame exposure or grill marks, and some models require more careful seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust.
So which outdoor cooker should you choose? The answer depends on your cooking priorities and lifestyle. If you're a pizza enthusiast with ample space, a Big Horn Outdoors pizza oven is an investment that pays dividends for years. For traditional BBQ lovers and those seeking versatility, a Big Horn grill is the perfect workhorse. And if breakfast cooking, fajita nights, and large-scale meal prep are priorities, a Big Horn griddle delivers unmatched performance.
For most homeowners, we recommend starting with a quality Big Horn Outdoors grill for its versatility and year-round usability. You can always add a pizza oven or griddle later as your outdoor cooking collection grows. Visit Big Horn Outdoors today to explore their full range of premium outdoor cooking equipment and find the perfect fit for your summer entertaining.
Average order value: $250+
Shop Big Horn Outdoors — See PricesYes, but results differ. Gas grills can cook pizza adequately, though you won't achieve the same char as a dedicated pizza oven. Griddles aren't ideal for pizza due to lack of direct heat and airflow. A true wood-fired pizza oven produces superior results.
Griddles and entry-level gas grills are typically the most budget-friendly options. Big Horn Outdoors offers quality models at various price points to fit different budgets.
Gas grills are the lowest-maintenance option since they don't require charcoal cleanup or wood management. However, Big Horn Outdoors models across all categories are engineered for durability and easy care.
Yes, pizza ovens can be used in most climates year-round, though cold weather extends preheat times. Many Big Horn Outdoors pizza ovens feature weather-resistant construction designed to withstand the elements.
Grills need 3-4 feet of clearance on all sides. Griddles require similar space. Pizza ovens need more room—at least 4-6 feet in diameter plus surrounding clearance. Check Big Horn Outdoors' specifications for specific models.
Found this helpful? Share it!
Our team reviews cookware, appliances, and kitchen gadgets for home chefs so you don't have to. Every recommendation is based on real research: customer reviews, expert opinions, and value for money. Learn more about us →
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.
← Back to Best Kitchen Picks Daily| Retailer | Price Range | Shipping | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Check Current Price | Free (Prime) | View on Amazon → |
| Walmart | Check Site | Free over $35 | Search → |
| Target | Check Site | Free over $35 | Search → |
Prices may vary. Click through to each retailer for current pricing.