Ooni Pizza Ovens – The Definitive Buying Guide (How to Choose the Best!)

Which Ooni Pizza Oven to Buy?

Which Ooni Pizza Oven to Buy?

Which Ooni should you buy?

That is the question. Don’t worry; this Ooni Pizza Ovens Definitive Buying Guide will help you decide!

The right ingredients are essential to making a great pizza—that much, you know. The same goes for pizza ovens; choosing the right one can be tricky.

Thankfully, Ooni offers many great outdoor pizza oven models from which to choose, including wood pellet ovens, gas-powered ovens, and multi-fuel ovens.

They are not much different in size, and some even look alike. 

However, some features are better than others that could make a difference in your pizza-making process. As a result, it will make you a better pizza maker!

In searching for the best Ooni pizza oven, which one is right for you?

Let’s find out!

What is Ooni?

If you’ve never had the pleasure of popping delicious pizzas into an Ooni oven before, you’re in for a treat.

Ooni is one of the leading names in the outdoor pizza ovens industry in the United States, and with good reason. Ooni is an outdoor pizza oven company based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

They’ve been making pizza ovens since 2012, specializing in high-temperature outdoor pizza ovens for residential customers.

Many of their ovens are among the best stone pizza ovens, especially considering how hot they can get and how quickly they can cook.

Of course, faster doesn’t mean better on its own – microwave pizzas won’t replace authentic Neapolitan pies as the preference of pizza aficionados any time soon.

It’s best to balance power, cooking time, portability, and flavor.

The best pizza ovens can offer just that, and Ooni has several that perfectly fit that recipe.

The Lineup of Ooni Pizza Ovens

Check the full range of products by Ooni Pizza Ovens to bring the pizzeria to your own backyard.

Whether you are passionate about pellets, wild about wood-flame cooking, crazy about charcoal, or geeky about gas, they got you covered to cook fantastic pizza at home.

Ooni Pizza Ovens

Who Should Get an Ooni Pizza Oven?

We’ll compare the different pizza ovens’ abilities in a second, but first, let’s delve into the “who” in this question.

If you love cooking pizza at home, these ovens are obviously for you.

However, how you like to cook can say a lot about who should get which oven.

Time Management

For example, if you like to get everything done as quickly and efficiently as possible, you might prefer a model that uses propane as a fuel source since that can be flicked on or off with ease.

Control

On the other hand, maybe you’re a pizza snob and proud of it!

You want absolute control over every last aspect of the cooking process.  Stone temperature can make all the difference, for better or worse, in how your pizza cooks.

In that case, you’ll need a pizza oven that allows for more cooking complexity, and those tend to be ovens that will enable you to turn and manage the pizza while it cooks.

Wood-fired pizzas are famous for not just allowing but requiring chefs to do just that. It, like charcoal, also has a very distinctive taste.

Fuel Consumption

You’ll also want to consider the fuel consumption to pizza-making ratio. Fuel efficiency isn’t just for cars – you want to look at how many pounds of fuel translates into roughly how many pizzas.

Here is a chart of how much fuel you will need with your Ooni oven, depending on the fuel source.

Ooni Oven Fuel Consumption Chart

Fuel Source	Consumption
Propane Gas	350 gallons/hour
Pellets	2 pounds/hour
Charcoal	1 pound will last 3 to 4 hrs
Wood	1 pound will last 2 to 3 hrs

Size

Then there’s the question of size.

If you’re looking to travel, you’ll need to find a model that is easy to take apart and reassemble but is compact to begin with.

That being said, a larger size can mean more cooking power, so you’ll want to strike a balance.

Ooni Ovens Sorted by Size from Small to Large

For example, those looking for a more compact oven will be pleased with the Ooni Koda 12 and its 15.7 x 11.6 x 24.8” frame.

This gas oven is by far the most compact model on the list, and given that it only weighs 20.4 lbs, it’s easily one of the best portable pizza oven options.

Contrast that with the Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Oven and its beastly 33 x 32 x 20″ (50 x 81.5 x 83.7 cm) 62.6-lb size.

It’s fair to say you probably won’t be hauling that one around to beach parties.

On the other hand, with that big-time size comes big-time cooking power in the form of 7.1 kW (24226.2 BTU), though this also comes at the cost of a fuel consumption rate of 1.04 lb/hr.

Ooni Pizza Oven Product Description

Ooni Outdoor Pizza Ovens

Comparison Chart

Technical Features	Ooni Fyra 12	Ooni Koda 12	Ooni Koda 16	Ooni Karu 12	Ooni Karu 16
Overall Size (Unboxed) W x D x H	22.7 x 15.5 x 28.6″ (57 x 39 x 72cm)	23.2 x 15.5 x 11.7″ (59 x 39 x 29cm)	25 x 23.2 x 14.7″ (63 x 58 x 37cm)	28.7 x 15.7 x 26.6″ (73 x 40 x 67cm)	33 x 32 x 20″ (50 x 81.5 x 83.7 cm)
Baking Stone Size (Cordierite)	13.2″ (33cm)	13.2″ (33cm)	16.7″ (42cm)	13.2″ (33cm)	16.7 x 16.7″ (42.42 x 42.42 cm)
Pizza Size	12″	12″	16″	12″	16″
Weight	22lbs (10kg)	20.2lbs (9.2kg)	40.1lbs (18.2kg)	26.4lbs (12kg)	62.6 lbs (28.4 kg)
Fuel Source	Wood Pellets	Propane Gas	Propane Gas or Natural Gas (With Conversion Kit)	Multi-Fuel (Wood or Charcoal)	Multi-Fuel (Wood or Charcoal) Optional gas burner
Pre-Heating Time	15 minutes	15 minutes	20 minutes	15 minutes	15 min
Max Temperature	950°F (500°C)	950°F (500°C	950°F (500°C)	950°F (500°C)	950°F (500°C)
Flavor Profile	Wood-Fired Pellet Flavor (Oak, Mesquite, Chery, etc)	No Added Flavor	No Added Flavor	Wood-Fired, Smokey	Wood-Fired, Smokey

Benefits of Owning an Ooni Pizza Oven

Are Ooni Pizza Ovens Worth It?

A few quick observations about each model:

The Fyra 12 is one of the most affordable portable pizza ovens out there, so it’s one to consider if you’re on a budget. That’s doubly interesting, given the fact that it makes use of wood pellets. You might think that the furnace necessary to handle wood-burning would make this model heavy, but you’d be wrong, as it can retain a nice lightweight frame. The wood pellets are also easy to load, making them that much easier to cook.

The Koda 12 is the more compact of the two Koda gas-powered ovens, making it a superior choice if portability is what counts for you. It offers turn-dial convenience for its gas setting.

The Koda 16 is the bigger of the two Koda gas-powered outdoor pizza ovens and likewise has turn-dial convenience. Both models have an easily accessible tray area, making it much easier to bake large pizzas on the stone (Propane and natural gas).

The Karu 12 is the smaller of the two multi-fuel powered outdoor pizza oven options on this list at just 26.5 lbs and is thus the more portable option.

The Karu 16 is also much heavier, but it does have an integrated digital thermometer, making it one of the best Ooni pizza ovens. An infrared thermometer is the only way to know when your pizza stone baking board is hot enough to launch pizzas.

Don’t underestimate the ease of use as a prime benefit for several of these models, especially the Frya and Koda 12.

There is something to be said for streamlining the cooking process to eliminate hassle, and that’s exactly what these models do.

The Koda 16 also scores massive versatility points for being the only one compatible with natural gas, though you’ll need a US compatibility kit.

Considerations in Choosing the Right Oven

Design

First and foremost, you want to consider what you think of the different designs on display with each of these models.

The Fyra 12, Koda 12, and Koda 16 all feature powder-coated carbon steel outer shells, whereas the Karu 12 has stainless steel casings instead.

While all have a nice sheen to them and are reasonably durable, that kind of difference in design can make a big difference in determining which one is right for you.

Then there are the chimneys. The Fyra 12 and Karu 12 all have them, whereas the Koda 12 and 16 lack them. It’s your choice whether you want an oven with one or not, but note that an oven makes it much harder to transport a model or cover it up.

Ease of Assembly

Another reason to consider the options without chimneys?

They’re easier to assemble. None of the options on this list are challenging, but adding a chimney gives you an extra piece to worry about and a pretty significant one.

Size

We’ve already talked a bit about these models’ sizes, so let’s look at things another way.

We often think about size in terms of portability, and that’s important. However, differences in size can also determine what you can cook in the oven. If you want to cook larger meals, you will need a larger oven with a larger cooking surface.

The Koda 16 is a perfect example of all of this at play to perfection. It is the most extensive oven on this list and offers the most interior cooking space for restaurant-quality pizzas, perfect for a pizza party.

If you want to cook many things at once or are hungry for huge pizzas, this is the pizza oven you want. It has the size, shape, and overall capacity to handle larger orders like few other ovens on the market.

Fuel Source

This consideration is one of the most important aspects to consider, in no small part, because it can make an immense difference in how your pizza tastes.

Wood, Charcoal, and Pellets

Wood-fired charcoal pizzas are famed for the distinctive flavor those fuel sources imbue them with.

Those pizzas have a smoky richness that can be hard to replicate. On the other hand, there’s no denying they can leave a mess, which isn’t always the case with wood pellets.

Gas

Finally, you’ll want to consider propane gas or natural gas pizza ovens.

Interestingly, you may not have to choose at all.

Some gas ovens, such as the Ooni Karu 12 and Ooni Karu 16, work with multiple fuel sources, allowing you to decide whether you want the tradeoff of cleaning up after a wood-fired or charcoal-flamed pizza in exchange for the smoky, toasty taste of other pizza ovens.

On the contrary, go clean-burning with a gas-powered pizza oven. Sometimes you might want one, and sometimes the other.

These are gas-powered pizza ovens and are only gas-powered. These Ooni pizza ovens have a built-in gas ignition and adjustable heat control dial. The Ooni Karu ovens (available in 12 and 16″) are wood-fired and charcoal-fueled out of the box but can be powered by a propane tank with an optional adaptor, purchased separately.

With a model like this, you don’t have to choose one or the other – “you can have your cake” (or, in this case, pizza) “and eat it too.”

In the below article, we dive deep into the specifics of fuel sources for your Ooni oven.  Check it out and find which is the best fuel source.

Fuel Sources that Will Unleash the Mighty Power of Your Ooni Pizza Oven

Performance

A pizza oven that can get hot but doesn’t have a good temperature range and control can quickly burn a pizza or even allow you to undercook one for fear of doing so accidentally.

The Karu 16’s superior temperature management is big, giving you power and control in one all-star unit.

That isn’t the only ability this model has to help recommend it performance-wise, either. It also features L-shaped gas distribution, making it easier to bake things more evenly and efficiently.

Speaking of efficiency, the models with dual fuel options also deserve mention. These units offer solid performance with both gas and wood burning.

Portability

Portability is a dilemma faced by many Neapolitan pizza bakers and pizza lovers.

On the one hand, you want to take your love of pizzas on the road, but you don’t feel like busting your backhauling a heavy pizza oven around.

Let’s rank these outdoor portable pizza ovens models:

1. The Koda 12, as mentioned, is by far the most portable pizza oven with the most lightweight and compact design.
2. The Fyra 12 is right behind it and just a couple of pounds heavier; however, as mentioned, chimneys can make things harder regarding portability, and the Frya has one, whereas the Koda does not.
3. The Karu 12 wood-fired oven isn’t as lightweight as the others but still manageable despite the chimney.
4. The Ooni Koda 16 is at the top with 40 lbs, making it hard to take along the road.

Price

If you want a great pizza oven that ticks several of the above boxes but doesn’t break the bank, you’ll want to consider the Frya 12. It is easily the most affordable at just around $350.

The Karu 12 and Koda 12 are also quite reasonable, at only about $400 for a gas-powered oven.

The Koda 16, a gas-powered pizza oven, is around $600, but given how big it is, how much power it brings to bear, how easy it is to control, and its overall quality, investing in it is just that – an investment.

The Ooni Karu 16 is at the top of the line, with a price tag of around $800, but is the only one to have a glass door that you can watch the pizza cook!

Is it worth paying the extra $100 to $200? It’s up to you.

You’re spending a little more today for a model that can perform at a high-level tomorrow while cooking bigger pizzas, and there’s every indication that the Koda can do just that.

Ooni’s Price List as of the Date of this Article

Which Ooni Should You Buy?

How to Choose the Right Ooni Pizza Oven for You

All of the pizzas on this list have their charm.

If you are looking for a portable model, there is no question that the Frya 12 is a great choice.

The Karu 12 and Karu 16 are excellent multi-fuel choices.

But for the ultimate crown of the best Ooni outdoor pizza ovens, you just can’t beat is the Koda 16.

The Ooni Koda 16 offers the best overall value under being the biggest and thus offering you the most space in which to make the biggest pizzas, not having a chimney and thus featuring the most streamlined and efficient overall design, and the combination of power, control, and that L-shaped baking is a clincher.

These pizza ovens are fantastic, but the Koda 16 is the one true pizza oven king.

How to Take Care of Your Ooni Pizza Oven

To avoid the worst cleaning apocalypse, you’ll want to do it every day, or at least every time you cook with it.

Yes, that sounds like a hassle, but you know what’s even worse than ending your cooking session with a little cleaning and elbow grease? Spending hours trying to cut through crumbs caked into months-old grease.

On that same topic, you’ll also want to sweep the chimney occasionally, to prevent a buildup of particles, which can be both odiferous and dangerous. A large brass wire brush should do the trick, or you can use the back of a metal pizza peel.

How to Take Care of the Ooni Pizza Stone

One of the first and most important steps to ensuring that your pizza oven and stone are in good shape is to ensure they’re actually in one piece.

Cracks are always unpleasant on an expensive item, but when you combine those cracks with heat, you could find yourself in serious trouble.

In terms of specialized caretaking for your pizza stone, you’ll want to follow a few essential tips:

• As with other parts of the oven, you want to avoid using detergent, as the stone will soak it up and give your pizza a soapy aftertaste.
• Avoid submerging your cooking stone in water instead of scraping away loose particles first and then going over it with a damp cloth.
• For heavy-duty particle cleaning power, use medium-grit sandpaper for stubborn, raised, caked-on food particles.

How to Clean Your Ooni Pizza Oven

You’d be surprised to find that the Ooni pizza ovens are self-cleaning.  Yes, it is as easy as heating it up, letting it cool, and wiping it off. 

Now, if you are interested in how to clean your Ooni oven or maintain it so it will last years to come, check the article below.

The Secrets for Keeping Your Ooni Like New

Where to Buy Ooni Pizza Ovens

Our US Readers Get Free US (Mainland) Shipping on Orders Over $35 from Ooni.

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Ooni pizza ovens are readily available on online retailers like Amazon, or you can get them directly from Ooni. 

Here is the Ooni Pizza Oven the PROs at

Homemade Pizza Pro Use and Recommend

Why the Ooni Koda 16 is Top Our Pick

• It’s big enough to cook a personal pizza or pizza for two.
• You can control the temperature from low temperatures of 485˚F (250˚C) to high temperatures of 950˚F (500˚C).
• We love the “L” shape fuel/heat distribution; it cooks the pizza 180 degrees, one turn, and you are done.
• No chimney, portable, and easy to store
• Gas is readily available
• The black powder coat keeps better than stainless steel

Accessories for the Ooni Pizza Ovens

You will need the following accessories for your Ooni pizza oven.

Pizza Baking Tips

Best Flour for Pizza Dough to Bake in an Ooni Pizza Oven

The best flour to use with an Ooni Pizza Oven is Caputo Pizzeria Flour, also known as the Blue Bag. This flour is specifically made for ovens that reach temperatures higher than 700F.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Ooni Pizza Oven?

Because the Ooni ovens cook the pizza so fast, you may want to use low-hydration pizza dough. The low water content will help to get a crispy but bready crust.  Hydration of 55% will work best for this kind of oven; however, you can constantly adjust it to your taste.

If you want to experiment with different hydration percentages, check our Pizza Dough Calculator and download your recipe.

Related Questions

What is the best temperature to cook pizza?

The Ooni oven will reach a temperature of 950F (500C) which means it will cook your pizza for an average of 90 seconds.

The only Ooni you can control the temperature will be the Ooni Koda or the Pro if you use the gas adapter.  With these ovens, you can decrease the temperature and cook your pizza for a more extended period. 

Check our article on the best temperature to cook pizzas, depending on your oven and the kind of pizza you are baking.

Dominate Temperature and Time: A Scorching Guide to Flawless Pizza

FAQs

Can you use Ooni pizza ovens indoors?

The Ooni Pizza Ovens are for outdoor use only.

Can you cook frozen pizza in an Ooni oven?

Yes, you can!  However, it is best to completely thaw frozen pizzas before you bake them in an Ooni pizza oven. 

Since the Ooni ovens reach so high temperatures, the pizza will brown a lot quicker than in a standard oven, and if it is not thawed, it will stay cold in the center. 

For best results, let the frozen pizza thaw, preheat your oven while it gets to temperature, and place it in the Ooni oven, turning it around every 15 seconds. Enjoy!

What can you cook in an Ooni pizza oven?

Elevate your outdoor cooking! You can cook anything in an Ooni pizza oven, from steaks to chicken and vegetables. 

You should be okay if they are in a container that fits the oven. Just turn your dish around several times during cooking to ensure your food cook evenly.

Does the warranty cover the Ooni Pizza Ovens?

Ooni will honor a 1-year warranty on all pizza ovens.  However, the warranty is extended to 3 years if you register your oven with them.

Where do Ooni pizza ovens ship from?

If you are in the US, your order will be shipped from Ooni’s warehouses in the US located in Nevada for those on the West Coast and New Jersey for those on the East Coast.

Additional Resources

If you are still undecided about getting a pizza oven, don’t forget to check your Guide on How to Buy a Pizza Oven.

Unlock the Complete Guide to Buying a Pizza Oven

Ooni Additional Resources

The Last Slice

We hope this article serves as a guide to your Ooni shopping experience.  Most importantly, it helps you decide which Ooni pizza oven is best for You!   

If you have any questions, contact us; we will be more than glad to help. On the other hand, if you have already bought an Ooni oven, let us know your experience with it. 

How did your pizzas turn out?  We would love to know.  Do you have any tips that could make us better pizza bakers? Let us know; we would love to know.

Enjoy!

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