Which Ooni Pizza Oven Can Meet Your Needs for Delicious Crispy Pizza

Ooni outdoor pizza ovens have been a hit with pizza lovers around the world, and for good reason. Can you imagine anything more satisfying than making a delicious, crispy crust, slightly charred pizza, just like you would get from a brick oven pizzeria, at your home? With the Ooni pizza oven you can do it!

What is Ooni?

Ooni is an outdoor pizza oven company that design, make and sell one of the most popular lines of outdoor pizza ovens for home. It was founded with the idea to make it possible for pizza lovers and amateur pizzaiolos around the world to make authentic flame-cooked pizzas in their own backyards.

The company started with the Uuni pizza oven, which was the world’s first portable wood-fired pizza oven. The company has since expanded its product line to include the Fyra, Koda and Karu pizza ovens, which all run on either wood, wood pellets or natural gas.

Ooni Pizza Ovens Review

Ooni is a game changer when it comes to pizza ovens. It has completely changed the game by making wood-fired and gas-fired pizza ovens that are portable, easy to use and affordable. The Ooni Karu 16 is the first and only home pizza oven recommended by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the acclaimed international authority on true Neapolitan pizza.

Fyra vs. Karu vs. Koda Comparison

There are several Ooni models that vary in size, price and fuel source. The three main models are the Fyra, Koda and Karu.

Ooni Fyra

The Ooni Fyra is a wood-fired pizza oven that is designed for use with either wood or charcoal. It has a stainless steel body and a stone baking board, which ensures even heat distribution and helps to create a crispy crust. It is the smallest and the cheapest of all ovens.

Ooni Koda

The Koda is a gas-powered pizza oven that can be used with either propane or natural gas. It has a similar design to the Fyra, but it is slightly larger and more expensive. It comes in two sizes, the 12″ and the 16″.

Ooni Karu

The Karu is a multi-fuel pizza oven that can be used with wood, charcoal, wood pellets, propane or natural gas. It has a large stone baking board and a stainless steel body. It is the largest and the most advanced in the Ooni pizza oven line-up. The Karu 16 even comes with a thermometer and a hinged glass door, so you can keep an eye on the pizza, without cooling down the cooking chamber by opening the door.

Assembly: What comes in the box

Ooni ovens require almost no assembly. With gas-fired ovens, you just need to unfold the legs and insert the pizza stone. Putting together a wood-fired or a multi-fuel pizza oven is a bit more complicated, as there are more parts like the chimney, fuel tray and fuel hopper. The Karu 16 also comes with the thermometer.

One of the best things about the Ooni products is how well they are packaged. All of the parts are protected inside the box and there is very little chance of anything arriving damaged.

Design and Build Quality

All of the ovens have a similar design, with a few differences between the models. The main difference is in the size and the fuel-burning elements. All of the ovens have a stainless steel body and a cordite baking stone. The gas-fired ovens also have a heat diffuser plate, which helps to distribute the heat evenly.

The build quality is very good, with all of the parts fitting together snugly.

Ease of Use

Pizza ovens are never the easiest ones to use, but Ooni has made them as easy to use as possible. The gas-fired ovens have push-button ignition, so you don’t need to worry about lighting a fire. The wood-fired ovens require a little bit more tinkering and patience to get going, but once they are lit, they maintain a consistent temperature very well.

Baking Surface

All ovens have a baking stone made from cordierite, which is a type of ceramic. This material is ideal for baking pizzas, as it conducts heat evenly and won’t crack under high temperatures.

The size of the baking surface will depend on the model of the oven you have. The Fyra 12, for example, has a 13-inch (33 cm) stone, while the Koda 16 has a 16-inch (40.6 cm) stone.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Ooni Pizza Oven is fairly easy, as long as you do it regularly. The stone baking board can be cleaned with a stiff brush and some water. You should also scrape off any build-up of cheese or pizza sauce that might be sticking to the stone. The stainless steel parts can be wiped down with a damp cloth. If there is any tough residue, you can use a bit of baking soda on a sponge to clean it off.

The gas-fired ovens have a heat diffuser plate, which can be removed and cleaned with soapy water. The wood-fired and the multi-fuel ovens have a few more parts that need to be cleaned, like the chimney, fuel tray and fuel hopper. This does not have to be done after every use, but you need to make sure that the ashtray is emptied after every use.

Storage

When you are not using the oven, you should store it in a dry place. The ovens are made from stainless steel, so they can rust if they are left out in the rain. The ovens do not come with a cover, but you can buy one separately. The pizza ovens are not the most compact ones on the market, but they are not too large either, and to make the organization of the pizza making space, there is a modular table available for the oven and everything else you might need.

Sizes

The Karu and the Koda come in two sizes, 12″ and 16″. The Fyra is only available in the 12″ size.

Prices

The prices for the Ooni pizza ovens start at $299 for the Fyra 12 and go up to $799 for the Karu 16 with the glass door.

Ooni Accessories

There are a few accessories that you can buy to go with your Ooni Pizza Oven. The most important one is the pizza peel, which is used to slide the pizza in and out of the oven. You can also buy a cover for the oven, to protect it from the elements when you are not using it. If you want to use the oven for baking, there are also baking stone plates that you can buy.

There is also a slew of cookware from OOni that is designed to be used with their pizza ovens, like skillets, pans, and pots.

Ooni Ovens Baking Performance

All of the ovens perform exceptionally well. They can reach very high temperatures, so you can get that perfect Neapolitan pizza in just 60 seconds. The stone baking board ensures even heat distribution and a crispy crust.

Temperature range and preheat time

This ovens can reach temperatures up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit (500 degrees Celsius), which is hot enough to cook a pizza in just 60 seconds. Some models, like Karu, have a built-in thermometer so you can keep an eye on the temperature. Just be aware that the thermometer shows the ambient temperature and not the actual temperature of the stone.

The time it takes to preheat will depend on the fuel you are using. Wood-fired ovens will take about 20-30 minutes to preheat, while gas-fired ovens will be ready to go in just 10-15 minutes.

How much time does it take to cook a pizza?

If you let the oven preheat properly, it will take about 60 seconds to cook a pizza. It’s important to keep in mind that cooking times will vary depending on several factors, such as the thickness of your dough, the amount of toppings, and the type of fuel you are using. We have made several different pizza variations and it has never taken more than 90 seconds to be thoroughly cooked. Make sure to crank the temperature all the way up in-between two pizzas.

Consistency

Just like any open-flame pizza oven, Ooni ovens have a learning curve. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to churn out delicious, perfectly bakes pizzas with ease.

Gas pizza ovens, like Koda, or Karu, provide a bit more consistency when it comes to keeping the temperature high. When making pizza in a wood-fired oven, like the Fyra, you need to make sure to add fuel continuously to keep the flame steady. You also need to rotate the pizza while it cooks, to ensure that it’s evenly done.

Taste

The pizza from the Ooni oven tastes very different from the ones you would get from your kitchen oven. The main reason for this is the high temperature that these ovens can reach. This allows the pizza dough to cook quickly, while still being crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. It is the best pizza that you can make at home and it rivals authentic pizzerias.

The taste will also depend on the type of fuel you use. Wood-fired pizzas have a more authentic flavor, while gas-fired pizzas are a bit easier to achieve that perfect balance of crispy and chewy.

Some people have complained about the burnt taste, especially on the underside of pizza. If you are getting a burnt taste, it’s most likely because you are flouring the pizza peel too much, or you are using the wrong kind of flour. We recommend using a wooden peel and using Semolina instead of the regular flour.

How to use Ooni Pizza Oven: Pro Tips

• Always check the temperature of the stone using the infrared thermometer.
• Never overfill the fuel basket, it’s just going to stifle the fire and create much smoke, but not much heat. Add the fuel little and often.
• You don’t have to make 16″ inch pizzas. Even if the oven can hold a 16″ pizza, you can still be making 10-12 inches pies in it. Smaller pizzas are easier to manage.
• If you want to achieve a crispy base, make sure that the oven is at full temperature before you start cooking the pizza.
• Don’t put too much flour on the peel. A dusting of Semolina is all you need.
• Make sure to rotate the pizza while it cooks. This will ensure an even cook.

Where can Ooni be used?

Ooni can be used anywhere outdoors, as long as there is an adequate supply of fuel. Wood-fired ovens are best used in a backyard or on a patio, while gas-fired ovens can be used on balconies or even at the beach.

One of the best features of Ooni ovens is their portability. The ovens are designed to be used outdoors and they come with a carry case, so you can take them with you on camping trips or picnics.

Is Ooni oven good for commercial use?

Ooni are not the best as commercial pizza ovens, as they are not designed to be used at a high capacity. However, if you are looking for a home pizza oven that can be used for parties or large gatherings, then Ooni is a great option.

Ooni vs. Bakebros Pizza Oven

Many people the Bakebros Outdoor pizza oven as a great alternative to the Koda, because it can do almost Ooni can, for the fraction of the price. While the Bakebros oven is not as well- insulated as the Koda, it can still reach high temperatures, making it ideal for cooking pizzas. The Bakebros oven is a great option for those who want to experiment with making pizza outdoors, without breaking the bank. It is portable, quick to set up and comes with lots of accessories.

What does it have that Ooni doesn’t?

• It’s super portable
• A lot of different accessories included, like the thermometer and a cutter

Ooni vs. Big Horn Outdoor

The Big Horn pizza oven is a great alternative for those who want a wood-fired pizza oven, without the high price tag. This oven can reach temperatures of up to 950F, making it ideal for cooking pizzas. The Big Horn pizza oven is made from stainless steel and comes with a carrying case, so it is easy to transport.

What does it have that Ooni doesn’t?

• It’s very budget-friendly
• Comes with a carrying case

Ooni vs. Roccbox Gozney

The Roccbox pizza oven is a great alternative for those who want a gas-fired pizza oven. The overall design of the Roccbox is very attractive, with its long, dome-shaped oven, perforated stainless-steel legs, and arched oven mouth. Both the Ooni Koda and the Gozney Roccbox make amazing pizzas, are easy to use and look great, so picking a winner comes down to the smallest of factors.

What does it have that Ooni doesn’t?

• Attractive design
• Better propane burner
• Excellent insulation

Finally: Is it worth it?

Ooni pizza ovens are not cheap, but they are well worth the money. If you love to cook pizza and want to make the best pizza possible, then an oven is a great investment. There is nothing like cooking authentic pizza in your backyard and with Ooni, you can do it anytime you want.

One of the great things about Ooni is their reputation and amazing customer support. They stand by their products. All products come with a 1-year warranty as standard, and they’ll extend that to a 3-year warranty on ovens when you register your pizza oven with them. If you ever have any problems with your oven or any questions, you can be sure that the team will be there to help you.

What we liked about Ooni

• All ovens are fairly portable and easy to move around, even the 16″ ones.
• The build quality is amazing and they really seem like they will last a lifetime.
• The accessories and cookware that Ooni offers are top quality and they make it easy to cook just about anything in your oven.

What we didn’t like about the Ooni oven

• It has a steep learning curve. Be aware that you probably won’t get it right on the first try, but don’t let that discourage you. With a little bit of practice, you will figure out how to make a perfect pizza every time.
• We found that it is really hard to get the stone to heat up to the advertised 900 degrees. It does reach the 800+ though, which is more than enough for a 12″ pizza to bake quickly. A 16″ inch pizza might take a bit more time and turning, depending on the dough thickness and the topping amount.

Should you buy an Ooni?

Overall, we think that the Ooni pizza oven is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook pizza. It is a high-quality pizza oven that is built to last and it will allow you to cook amazing pizzas in your own backyard. If you are willing to put in the time to learn how to use it, then we think it is definitely worth the purchase.

Bottom line: if you are looking for a versatile and reliable pizza oven, that can do so much more than just pizzas, then Ooni is the way to go.