You’ve spent years perfecting your dough recipe, watching countless videos of Neapolitan pizzas emerging blistered and leopard-spotted from wood-fired ovens. But your backyard setup just isn’t cutting it. Your oven doesn’t get hot enough, the stone stays cold, and your pizzas come out pale and soggy. If you’re serious about making authentic, wood-fired-style pizza at home, you need a dedicated pizza oven. This guide dives deep into the Gozney Arc XL Propane Outdoor Pizza Oven, a top contender for the title of best Gozney pizza oven. We’ll explore its features, performance, and whether it’s the right investment for your outdoor kitchen.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pizza purist, the Arc XL promises to deliver professional results. In this review, we’ll examine everything from heat retention to flame control, so you can decide if this is the oven that will finally let you ditch the takeout menu. For a broader look at your options, check out our guide to the best propane pizza oven to see how it stacks up against the competition.
Pros
- Versatile 5-in-1 function replaces multiple countertop appliances
- Compact footprint with generous 18-quart interior for small kitchens
- Turbo convection ensures consistent heat and faster cooking results
- Healthier air frying uses 99.5% less oil than deep fryers
- Easy cleanup with removable crumb tray and included accessories
Cons
- Manual controls provide less precision than digital touchscreens
- Larger capacity may still take up noticeable counter space despite compact design
- Limited to 60-minute timer, which may require manual re-setting for longer cooks
The Oster Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a clever all-in-one solution for anyone who wants to maximize cooking flexibility without sacrificing valuable countertop space. Designed for busy home cooks, small households, and anyone looking to simplify meal prep, this appliance brings together the functionality of an air fryer, toaster oven, pizza oven, and more in one 18-quart package.
Where this unit truly shines is its Turbo Convection Heat Technology, which powers fast, even cooking and gives foods a delicious crispy finish. The five cooking functions (air fry, bake, broil, toast, and warm) cover nearly every everyday cooking need. The air fry mode delivers the perfect crunch with 99.5% less oil than a traditional deep fryer, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks who still want that satisfying texture.
With an interior large enough to fit a 9-inch pizza or a whole chicken, you’re not stuck with a tiny toaster oven. The three adjustable rack positions add to the flexibility, letting you cook multiple dishes simultaneously or handle taller items with ease. The removable crumb tray keeps cleanup effortless, and the included baking pan, wire rack, and air fryer mesh rack ensure you can get started right away.
One thing to keep in mind is that this model uses manual controls with a 60-minute timer, so it doesn’t offer the same level of precision as a digital touchscreen unit. And while the design is more compact than a full-size oven, it still requires a decent amount of countertop space. That said, for the versatility it provides, the trade-off is well worth it for most kitchens.
Overall, the Oster Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a dependable, versatile countertop performer that delivers great results across all its cooking modes. If you’re looking to replace multiple single-purpose appliances with one efficient machine that air fries, bakes, toasts, broils, and warms, this Oster model deserves your consideration.
Capacity: 18 Quarts (17 Liters), fits a 9-inch pizza or whole chicken
Cooking Functions: Air Fry, Bake, Toast, Broil, Warm
Heating Technology: Turbo Convection Heat Technology
Rack Positions: Three adjustable levels
Controls: Manual controls with timer up to 60 minutes
Accessories Included: Baking pan, crumb tray, wire rack, air fryer mesh rack
Color: Black
Dimensions: 16.9 x 18.5 x 12.3 inches
Pros
- Excellent value with five cooking functions at an affordable price point
- Air fry technology produces crispy, delicious results without excessive oil or mess
- EvenToast technology delivers consistent, professional-quality toast without burned or cold spots
- Compact footprint saves counter space while offering generous interior capacity
- Intuitive controls and included accessories make it accessible for all cooking skill levels
Cons
- Limited capacity compared to full-size ovens, not ideal for large batch cooking or entertaining
- 30-minute timer maximum may require resetting for longer cooking tasks
- Some users report learning curve needed to optimize cooking times across different functions
The BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven is a practical, multi-function countertop appliance designed for home cooks seeking healthier cooking methods and versatile meal preparation. This unit combines air frying, baking, broiling, toasting, and warming functions into one compact device, making it perfect for small families, individuals, or anyone with limited kitchen space who wants to expand their cooking capabilities.
The standout feature is the air fry technology, which circulates high-intensity hot air to crisp foods with little to no oil, delivering that coveted fried texture without the guilt or mess. The EvenToast technology is equally impressive, using infrared energy distribution to eliminate hot spots and deliver consistently golden toast every time. The included mesh air fry tray, bake pan, wire rack, and drip tray provide flexibility for different cooking tasks, while the two-knob interface keeps operation refreshingly simple and straightforward.
Build quality reflects BLACK+DECKER's reputation as the leading toaster oven brand. The unit feels durable and well-engineered, with a spacious interior that accommodates up to 9-inch pizzas or four bread slices. The removable crumb and drip tray simplifies cleanup, and the 2-year limited warranty provides peace of mind for your investment.
The main limitations are the 30-minute timer maximum, which requires resetting for longer cooking sessions, and the compact size that makes it unsuitable for large-scale meal prep or entertaining. Some users report a modest learning curve when optimizing cooking times across different functions, though the intuitive controls help minimize this issue.
Overall, this air fry toaster oven delivers excellent value for health-conscious cooks and busy households. It successfully combines multiple cooking functions, reliable performance, and user-friendly design in an affordable, space-saving package. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a dependable multi-function kitchen appliance.
Small families and individuals: The 4-slice capacity and 9-inch pizza size are perfect for cooking for 1-4 people without wasting energy or space.
Health-conscious cooks: Air fry technology lets you enjoy crispy foods with minimal oil, making it ideal for those reducing fat intake without sacrificing flavor.
Apartment dwellers and kitchens with limited counter space: Compact design saves valuable real estate while delivering the functionality of multiple appliances.
Busy home cooks: Five cooking functions eliminate the need for multiple single-purpose appliances, streamlining meal preparation and cleanup.
Anyone seeking affordable versatility: This unit offers excellent value for those wanting to explore air frying and multiple cooking methods without a major investment.
Pros
- Extremely fast cooking times deliver restaurant-quality pizzas in just 2 minutes
- Multiple cooking presets and functions make this a true all-in-one kitchen appliance
- Dual heating element control provides professional-level precision for consistent results
- Compact footprint makes it ideal for kitchens with limited counter space
- User-friendly touch controls and glass window simplify operation and monitoring
Cons
- Limited online reviews available may make it harder to validate long-term durability and real-world performance
- Countertop space requirements and heat output may require adequate ventilation planning
- Pizza stone requires hand-washing which adds minor maintenance compared to dishwasher-safe components
The Gourmia Electric Indoor Pizza Oven is a countertop appliance designed for pizza lovers and home cooks who want authentic pizzeria results without installing a permanent outdoor oven. This compact unit combines a dedicated pizza oven with a full-featured air fryer and toaster oven, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
The standout feature is its rapid heating capability, reaching 800°F to cook 12-inch pizzas in as little as 2 minutes. With six dedicated pizza presets covering Neapolitan, New York, thin crust, pan, frozen, and manual styles, users can experiment with different pizza techniques. Beyond pizza, the seven cooking functions including air fry, bake, roast, broil, toast, bagel, and dehydrate provide everyday versatility that justifies the countertop real estate.
Build quality appears solid with its stainless steel construction and 1800-watt power output. The dual independent heating elements for upper and lower burners demonstrate thoughtful engineering, allowing simultaneous control of crust browning and cheese melting. Practical touches like the interior light, glass viewing window, and mostly dishwasher-safe components make operation intuitive and cleanup manageable.
The main consideration is the limited number of verified customer reviews, which makes it difficult to assess long-term reliability and durability claims. Additionally, the high operating temperature may require proper kitchen ventilation planning, and the cordierite pizza stone requires hand-washing rather than machine cleaning.
Overall, this Gourmia model represents solid value for home cooks seeking a multifunctional kitchen appliance that prioritizes pizza quality without the space demands of traditional ovens. Its combination of speed, preset options, and cooking versatility makes it worth considering for those willing to invest in countertop cooking performance.
Dimensions: 17.5 inches deep x 21 inches wide x 11 inches high
Power Output: 1800 watts
Maximum Temperature: 800°F
Pizza Capacity: Up to 12 inches
Pizza Presets: Neapolitan, New York, thin crust, pan, frozen, manual
Cooking Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, toast, bagel, dehydrate
Heating: Dual independent upper and lower burners
Included Accessories: Cordierite pizza stone, air fry basket, oven rack, baking and drip tray
Controls: Touch controls with interior light and glass viewing window
Dishwasher Safe Parts: Air fry basket, oven rack, baking and drip tray
Who Should Buy This? Home cooks passionate about pizza who want authentic results without a permanent outdoor installation. Also ideal for those seeking a versatile countertop appliance that handles everyday cooking tasks beyond pizza making.
Kitchen Space Considerations: At 21 inches wide, this appliance requires dedicated counter space. Measure your countertop and ensure adequate clearance above for proper ventilation, especially given the 800°F operating temperature.
Cooking Style Compatibility: Perfect for pizza enthusiasts wanting to explore different styles from Neapolitan to New York. The multiple preset options reduce guesswork and learning curve compared to manual-only models.
Maintenance and Cleaning: Plan for regular hand-washing of the cordierite pizza stone, which requires proper care to maintain its performance. Other components are dishwasher-safe for convenient cleanup.
Value Assessment: Compare this against dedicated pizza ovens and traditional toaster ovens separately. The combination of specialized pizza presets with full cooking versatility offers compelling value if you'll use both functions regularly.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Pizza Oven
Choosing the right pizza oven can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve broken down the key factors to consider. Keep these criteria in mind as you evaluate the Gozney Arc XL and other models.
Heat Output and Temperature Range
The heart of any pizza oven is its ability to generate and maintain high temperatures. For a true Neapolitan-style pizza, you need an oven that can reach at least 800°F (425°C). The Gozney Arc XL boasts an impressive maximum temperature of 950°F (500°C), which is hot enough to cook a pizza in just 60 seconds. This high heat creates the signature char and airy, chewy crust that pizza enthusiasts crave.
But it’s not just about the maximum temperature; it’s about how well the oven holds that heat. The Arc XL features a 20mm thick stone floor and dense 2-layer insulation, which ensures consistent heat even after multiple bakes. This means you can cook pizza after pizza without worrying about a drop in temperature.
Fuel Type and Ease of Use
Pizza ovens come in a few different fuel options: wood, gas, or a multi-fuel design. Gas ovens, like the Gozney Arc XL, offer unparalleled convenience. They light instantly, heat up quickly, and give you precise control over the flame. This makes them an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or for those who don’t want to fuss with managing a wood fire. If you’re torn between gas and wood, you might want to read about the best multi-fuel pizza ovens for a versatile option.
The Arc XL is powered by standard propane, which is easy to find and hook up. Its intuitive controls make it simple to adjust the heat, and the built-in igniter ensures a reliable start every time. For beginners, this ease of use is a huge advantage.
Cooking Capacity and Versatility
Consider how many pizzas you plan to make at once. The Gozney Arc XL can accommodate a 16-inch pizza, which is a generous size for a home oven. This makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or for making larger pizzas to share. The oven’s spacious interior also allows you to turn the pizza easily, ensuring even cooking.
Beyond pizza, the Arc XL is surprisingly versatile. You can use it to cook steak, fish, vegetables, and even bake bread. The high heat is perfect for searing and roasting, expanding your outdoor cooking repertoire. If you’re interested in other options, check out the best wood fired pizza oven for a more traditional approach.
Final Thoughts
For home cooks who demand the best, the Gozney Arc XL Propane Outdoor Pizza Oven is an exceptional choice, offering a perfect blend of power, precision, and convenience. If you’re looking for a more compact option or want to explore other top-rated models, be sure to check out our guide to the best gas pizza ovens for more ideas. For a comprehensive look at all our top picks, don’t miss our outdoor cooking category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does the Gozney Arc XL heat up?
The Gozney Arc XL can reach its maximum temperature of 950°F in about 20 minutes. This is relatively fast for a high-performance oven, allowing you to get cooking quickly. The precise time can vary based on ambient temperature and wind conditions.
Is the Gozney Arc XL portable?
While the Arc XL is not as lightweight as some smaller models, it is designed with portability in mind. It features sturdy side handles that make it easier to move, though it’s best suited for a semi-permanent spot on a patio or deck. For true portability, you might consider a smaller Gozney model.
Can I use the Gozney Arc XL indoors?
No, the Gozney Arc XL is designed for outdoor use only. It produces high heat and open flames, so it must be used in a well-ventilated outdoor space. Never use it indoors, in a garage, or under a covered area that is not open to the sky.
What is the best way to clean the Gozney Arc XL?
Cleaning the Arc XL is straightforward. After it cools, simply brush off any leftover ash or food debris from the stone. The stone floor is removable, making it easier to clean. For the exterior, use a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
If you’re still comparing your options, our guide to the best pellet pizza oven might be helpful. But for most people, the Gozney Arc XL represents the pinnacle of home pizza-making technology in 2026.
