PYY Electric Pizza Oven Review Best Countertop Pizza Maker for Home Use

Description

A Surprisingly Handy Countertop Pizza Oven for Home Use

I recently got my hands on the PYY Electric Pizza Oven with the model number PYYPSHP-01ABKUS, and as someone who loves pizza more than they probably should, I was pretty excited to try it out. It’s marketed as a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance, and honestly, I was curious if it could live up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it does, but not without a few quirks.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about this stainless steel pizza cooker was its compact and sleek design. Measuring 14″D x 17.9″W x 7.5″H and weighing just over 20 pounds, it fits comfortably on my countertop without hogging too much space. The black wrinkle paint finish gives it a modern look while being oil stain and fingerprint resistant, which is a blessing for someone like me who tends to make a mess while cooking.

The side-swing door feels sturdy, and the removable crumb tray is a thoughtful addition that makes cleaning up a breeze. I’ve used ovens before that made me regret every crumb that fell inside, but this one? A quick pull of the tray, and you’re done. The durable construction genuinely feels like it’s built to last, though the weight might be a bit hefty if you plan to move it often.

Performance and Heating

What really stood out to me was the dual heating system. The oven is equipped with upper and lower heating tubes, ensuring that your pizza gets evenly baked. I’ve tested it with both frozen pizzas and homemade dough, and the results were impressive. The pizzas came out with a perfectly golden crust and evenly melted cheese, which isn’t something I can say about every oven I’ve tried.

The temperature range of 50 to 300 degrees Celsius (0 to 572°F) is pretty generous, and the manual knobs make it easy to fine-tune the settings. I appreciated the built-in timer that acts as an alarm—it’s saved me from accidentally incinerating my food more than once. That said, the knobs lack a slightly smoother rotation for precision, which could be a minor annoyance for perfectionists.

Wide Application and Versatility

This isn’t just for pizza, and that’s what I love about it. I’ve baked bread, pies, pretzels, pastries, chicken wings, and even baguettes in this oven, and every time, it delivered consistent results. The 12-inch pizza capacity is perfect for small families or even just for a solo foodie like me who doesn’t mind hoarding leftovers. Its versatility has made it a go-to appliance in my kitchen, though I wish it came with more accessories, like a pizza stone or a peel.

Key Benefits

• Even Heating: Thanks to the upper and lower heating tubes, food comes out evenly cooked.
• Compact Design: Fits well on a countertop without taking up too much space.
• Easy Cleaning: The oil-resistant coating and crumb tray simplify maintenance.
• Wide Temperature Range: Allows you to bake more than just pizza.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited Accessories: Including a pizza stone or peel would add tremendous value.
• Knobs Could Be Smoother: Fine-tuning the temperature and timer isn’t as seamless as it could be.
• Heavy Build: While sturdy, it’s not the easiest to move around if needed.

Competing Products

When comparing this pizza oven to other popular options, a few things stood out. For instance, the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is a direct competitor, offering a similar temperature range and precision heating controls, but it comes with a much heftier price tag. While the Breville might have the edge when it comes to premium features like preset cooking modes, the PYY Electric Pizza Oven holds its ground as a more budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent results.

Other alternatives like the Ooni Koda gas-powered pizza oven excel in outdoor cooking but lack the indoor convenience offered by this countertop model. For someone like me who prefers cooking in the comfort of their kitchen, this oven feels like a better fit.

Cost Efficiency

When it comes to value for money, this pizza maker strikes a solid balance. While it doesn’t boast advanced features like digital controls or pre-programmed settings, it offers dependable performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end models. The durable stainless steel construction, combined with its versatility, makes it a worthy investment for anyone who loves homemade pizza or baked goods.

I’d recommend this to anyone who’s looking for an efficient and reliable pizza oven without breaking the bank. It’s not perfect, but it delivers where it matters most—cooking delicious food with minimal hassle.

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