PYY Indoor Pizza Oven CPO-160 review best countertop electric oven with pizza stone

Description

Outstanding Design and Build Quality

The PYY Indoor Pizza Oven CPO-160 immediately caught my attention with its sleek wrinkle black finish. This coating isn’t just about looks—it’s abrasion-proof and fingerprint-resistant, which is fantastic when you’re dealing with floury hands or greasy fingerprints during cooking sessions. The oven’s compact dimensions, 20.8″D x 22.4″W x 10.8″H, make it easy to place on a countertop without dominating the kitchen. Despite its size, it’s hefty at 44 pounds, which speaks to its solid construction. I appreciated the dropdown tempered glass door that feels durable and provides a good view inside without needing to open it.

Performance That Delivers Authentic Results

I’ve used many countertop pizza ovens, but the PYY Indoor Pizza Oven stood out with its ability to reach a wide temperature range, from 122°F to 662°F. This flexibility meant I could bake everything from a soft, chewy pizza to crispy, thin-crust perfection. The pizza stone included is a game-changer—it ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for that perfect crust. The separate temperature controls for the upper and lower heating tubes were a real advantage; I could customize the heat exactly how I wanted it. Whether it was a pizza or a tray of pastries, the results were consistently impressive.

Ease of Use and Monitoring

One of the standout features for me was the built-in light combined with a heat-resistant tempered glass window. It’s such a relief to monitor the progress of my pizza without constantly opening the door and losing heat. The knob control system is straightforward, and while it might not be as modern as touchscreen options, it’s reliable and intuitive. This is the kind of oven that doesn’t require a steep learning curve, which I appreciated.

Key Benefits

• Wrinkle black coating prevents fingerprints and scratches, ideal for heavy use.
• Wide temperature range supports various recipes beyond just pizza.
• Separate heating controls allow precise baking adjustments.
• Tempered glass door and interior light make monitoring hassle-free.

Areas for Improvement

• The weight of 44 pounds makes it challenging to move around frequently.
• The wrinkle black paint, while durable, might not match all modern kitchen aesthetics.
• Some users, as per other reviews, reported the baking stone arriving broken, though the company does replace it promptly.

Wide Applications Beyond Pizza

I didn’t restrict myself to pizza while testing this oven. Its design and temperature control made it perfect for bread, pastries, and even chicken wings. The fact that it can bake pizzas up to 14 inches is hugely convenient, especially for families or small gatherings. I even gave pretzels and pies a try, and they turned out fantastic. This oven is versatile enough for both commercial use and enthusiastic home chefs.

Competing Products

When compared to other countertop pizza ovens, such as the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo or the Ooni Koda, the PYY Indoor Pizza Oven has its own set of advantages. For instance, the separate heating controls are a feature not commonly found in other models at this price point. On the other hand, the Breville and Ooni options offer portability and sleeker aesthetics. However, they often lack the robust build quality and wide temperature range of this oven. If you’re aiming for durability and larger cooking capacity, this oven has a clear edge.

Value for Money

When I look at the features this product offers—like the durable pizza stone, adjustable temperature range, and separate heating controls—it’s clear that you’re getting excellent bang for the buck. Sure, there are lighter or more portable models, but they often compromise on versatility or build quality. For anyone serious about their pizza game or looking for a multi-purpose countertop oven, this one is definitely worth every penny.

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