Upgrade Pizza Oven
Courant Countertop Pizza Maker
So you’re thinking about making restaurant-quality pizza at home—without the hassle of a wood-fired oven or waiting hours for dough to rise. You’ve probably seen those viral TikTok videos of golden, bubbly pizzas sliding out of compact countertop ovens, and now you’re ready to join the home-pizza revolution. But with so many options on Amazon, how do you pick the right one?
Enter two popular contenders: the Upgrade Pizza Oven and the Courant Countertop Pizza Maker. Both promise fast, crispy results and claim to bring authentic pizza vibes into your kitchen—but they take very different approaches. One mimics a high-heat brick oven with intense temperatures and precise controls, while the other functions more like a hybrid grill-griddle with top and bottom heating plates. Choosing between them isn’t just about price or brand—it’s about your cooking style, kitchen space, and how seriously you want to treat your pizza game.
In this head-to-head showdown, we’ll break down every detail: performance, design, ease of use, versatility, safety, and real customer feedback. By the end, you’ll know exactly which machine fits your lifestyle—whether you’re a weekend warrior chef or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution.
In-Depth Look: Upgrade Pizza Oven
The Upgrade Pizza Oven isn’t just another countertop gadget—it’s built like a mini commercial oven for your kitchen. With a max temperature of 800°F, it aims to replicate the intense heat of a traditional brick oven, which is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy-yet-chewy crust. The 1200W heating system kicks in fast, and thanks to its upgraded internal components and sensitive temperature sensor, it maintains consistent heat without hot spots.
One standout feature is the transparent viewing window. If you’ve ever pulled out a pizza only to find the bottom burnt or the cheese undercooked, this solves that problem. You can watch your creation bubble and brown in real time—no guessing, no opening the door and losing heat. Combined with a 5-speed thermostat and built-in timer, you get precise control over cooking time and intensity. Whether you’re making a thin-crust Margherita or a deep-dish personal pie, you can tweak the settings to match.
The included 12-inch natural ceramic tray ensures even heat distribution, and it’s detachable for easy cleaning—just wipe or rinse after use. Plus, the package comes with a full toolkit: pizza cutter, spatula, two wooden paddles, and a scraper. That’s a nice touch if you’re new to homemade pizza and don’t already own these basics.
But it’s not all perfect. Some users report durability concerns. One reviewer mentioned their unit started smoking after a year of light use, citing a faulty timer as the culprit. While this seems isolated, it’s worth noting that high-heat appliances can be sensitive to long-term wear—especially if used frequently at max temp.
Pros:
– Reaches 800°F for authentic crust texture
– Viewing window + timer for precision cooking
– Comes with useful accessories
– Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons:Customer Reviews Spotlight:
“It perfectly cooks a pizza—the crust was crispy and the cheese was nicely melted. It’s a great little home pizza oven.”
“That is an amazing product, must buy if you want to make a brick oven pizza. Makes homemade pizza better than V-Pizza!”
However, one cautionary note: “I bought it a year ago… now it’s started to smoke. I think it’s a low-quality product and potentially unsafe.”
Best for: Home cooks who prioritize authenticity, enjoy experimenting with dough, and want restaurant-style results. Ideal for pizza nights, entertaining, or anyone serious about mastering the craft.
In-Depth Look: Courant Countertop Pizza Maker
The Courant Countertop Pizza Maker takes a radically different approach. Instead of enclosing your pizza in a hot chamber, it uses top and bottom non-stick heating plates—like a panini press meets griddle. This design means your pizza cooks from both sides simultaneously, cutting down cook time significantly. Most users report perfectly done pizzas in about 9 minutes, with a crisp bottom and melted toppings.
At 1440W, it actually draws more power than the Upgrade model, but because it’s not trying to heat a large air cavity, the energy goes directly into cooking your food. The non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze—many users simply wipe it down or use parchment paper to avoid any mess altogether. And with its compact, upright storage design, it tucks neatly into a cabinet or corner when not in use.
Safety is a highlight here: the newly improved cool-touch handle prevents burns, and it’s ETL certified for peace of mind. There’s no timer or temperature dial—just plug it in, wait for the indicator light, and go. While this simplicity is great for beginners, it does mean less control over doneness. You’ll need to watch your pizza closely, especially if you like it extra crispy or lightly baked.
Where the Courant truly shines is versatility. Customers rave about using it for far more than pizza: quesadillas, grilled sandwiches, nachos, mini frittatas, even giant cookies. It essentially functions as a compact electric griddle, making it a multi-tasker in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs.
Pros:
– Cooks fast (under 10 minutes)
– Extremely easy to clean
– Compact and lightweight (5.5 lbs)
– Great for multiple food types beyond pizza
– Cool-touch handle and safety certifications
Cons:
– No viewing window or timer
– Fixed heat—no temperature adjustment
– Doesn’t replicate true oven-style baking
– No included accessories
Customer Reviews Spotlight:
“Already had one. Showed it to our daughter and granddaughters at Christmas. Left it with them and bought a second one for ourselves!! No hassle, no settings, just perfect pizza in 9 minutes flat.”
“I love this pizza maker; we not only use it for pizzas but also for sandwiches and other food. It works as a little oven so it can work for different foods. Easy to clean and convenient to store.”
“This pizza maker is being used for everything and anything. From fish to chicken to potatoes and veggies. Literally bakes it so well and crisps it!”
Best for: Busy families, college students, or anyone who wants a no-fuss appliance that handles pizza and much more. Perfect for quick dinners, small spaces, or casual cooks who value convenience over precision.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Cooking Performance & Authenticity
If you’re chasing that Neapolitan-style char and leopard-spotted crust, the Upgrade Pizza Oven wins hands down. Its 800°F capability and enclosed design mimic professional ovens far better than the Courant’s plate-based system. The Courant delivers speed and crispness but can’t replicate the radiant heat and air circulation that define true pizza baking.
Ease of Use & Convenience
The Courant Countertop Pizza Maker is simpler by design. Plug it in, wait for the light, and cook—no settings to adjust. The Upgrade model offers more control but requires a bit of learning to master the timer and temperature settings. For busy weeknights, the Courant’s “set and forget” approach is hard to beat.
Versatility
Here, the Courant dominates. While both handle pizza well, only the Courant doubles as a griddle for eggs, pancakes, grilled cheese, and more. The Upgrade is a single-purpose machine—great if pizza is your sole focus, but limiting if you want kitchen flexibility.
Safety & Durability
The Courant’s cool-touch handle and ETL certification give it an edge in safety, especially in homes with kids. The Upgrade’s high-heat operation demands more caution, and while generally safe, the reported smoking issue (though rare) raises mild concerns about long-term build quality.
Value for Money
The Courant offers exceptional value as a multi-use appliance under $60. The Upgrade costs more but justifies its price with premium features—if you’re a dedicated pizza enthusiast. Casual users may find the extra cost hard to justify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen pizza in either of these?
A: Yes! Both ovens handle frozen pizzas well. The Upgrade Pizza Oven may take slightly longer due to its enclosed design, but results in a crispier crust. The Courant Countertop Pizza Maker reheats frozen slices quickly—many users say it’s better than a microwave. Check the Upgrade model here or see the Courant here.
Q: Do I need special pans or tools?
A: The Upgrade Pizza Oven includes a ceramic tray and full accessory kit, so you’re ready to go. The Courant works best with parchment paper (included in some kits or sold separately) to protect the non-stick surface and simplify cleanup.
Q: Which one is better for small kitchens or apartments?
A: The Courant Countertop Pizza Maker wins for space-saving. It’s lighter, stores upright, and doubles as a griddle—ideal for tiny kitchens. The Upgrade is bulkier and best suited for dedicated counter space.
Q: Can I cook calzones or stromboli?
A: Absolutely! The Courant is especially good for folded items like calzones because the top plate presses down gently, sealing edges while crisping both sides. The Upgrade can handle them too, but requires more careful placement.
Q: Is either oven suitable for outdoor use?
A: The Upgrade Pizza Oven explicitly lists indoor/outdoor use, making it great for patios or camping (with a generator). The Courant is designed for indoor use only—its electrical components aren’t weather-rated.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no universal “best” pizza oven—only the right one for your needs.
If you’re passionate about pizza, love experimenting with dough, and want that authentic, blistering crust you’d get from a pizzeria, go with the Upgrade Pizza Oven. Its high heat, viewing window, and precision controls make it the clear choice for serious home chefs. Just be mindful of long-term care and avoid maxing out the temperature daily.
On the other hand, if you want speed, simplicity, and versatility—and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of “authenticity” for convenience—the Courant Countertop Pizza Maker is your winner. It’s affordable, easy to use, and doubles as a handy griddle for everything from breakfast to dinner.
Whichever you choose, both will upgrade your weeknight meals and impress your guests. Ready to start baking?
