What Does Ooni Mean? (Everything You Ought to Know)

By: the PROs

What Does Ooni Mean? (Everything You Ought to Know)

What Does Ooni Mean?

Picture this: you’re sitting in your backyard, a warm summer breeze tousling your hair as the sun dips below the horizon. Your friends and family have gathered around, anticipating the mouthwatering aroma of pizza cooking to perfection.

And there, at the heart of it all, is your trusty Ooni pizza oven – the centerpiece of your alfresco dining experience. But have you ever stopped to wonder what “Ooni” actually means? Or what lies behind the intriguing model names like “Koda” and “Karu”?

Well, dear pizza aficionados, you’re in for a treat! As experts on pizza ovens, we are delighted to take you on a delicious journey through the fascinating world of Ooni pizza ovens. Together, we’ll uncover the meaning behind the brand name and its company and delve into the stories that inspired the unique monikers of their most popular models.

So grab a slice, get comfy, and let’s embark on this flavorful adventure to discover the essence of Ooni, Koda, Karu, and more!

Let’s get started!

Ooni Definition

Ooni Meaning

“Ooni” comes from the word “uuni” which means “oven” in Finnish.

The company Ooni Pizza Ovens makes outdoor portable pizza ovens. The organization’s main office is in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Ooni Pizza Ovens Logo
Ooni Pizza Ovens Logo

Ooni invented and designed these portable pizza ovens in Scotland made the ovens, but they were made in China.

In 2012, Ooni made the first portable pizza oven, which could be used almost anywhere, and wood pellets powered it. 

Ooni was one of the first companies to make high-temperature outdoor pizza ovens for homes, so they are the clear market leader in this area. 

On July 17, 2018, the company changed its name from Uuni and started doing business under its new brand name, Ooni. 

Ooni Glossary
What Does Ooni Mean?

How Do You Pronounce Ooni?

Both Ooni and Uuni are said “oo-nee,” which is the same way to say both words.

In Finnish, ovens are called Uuni. The public paid for the first Ooni through Kickstarter in 2012. 

Since then, the company has used several other ways to crowdfund several new products release successfully. 

The company has made many versions of the original Ooni oven throughout history.

The Ooni 3 is the first version Ooni launched, and the Ooni Karu 16 is the latest version of this popular portable pizza oven.

Ooni 3
Ooni 3 – Discontinued

A Short Background of Ooni

Kristian Tapaninaho and Darina Garland, husband and wife, developed the world’s first portable wood-fired pizza oven.

In 2012, they started a business that they called “Uuni” which means “oven” in Finnish, and a couple of years later, they changed into “Ooni”, when everybody started asking what ooni means.

The Ooni ovens can cook a pizza in just one minute, and it only takes twenty minutes to reach temperatures twice as high as those of a regular home oven.

After starting in London, the company moved to Scotland four years ago. Now, it wants to grow not only in Europe but also in the United States.

In an interview, they were asked why they set up this business. Kristian told them that they were very passionate about making pizzas. 

Additionally, they decided to get a wood-fired oven in 2010 after realizing they were getting better at pizza baking. Before making Ooni, the portable oven, they lived in a rented house in London and couldn’t build an oven in their garden. 

After much thought, they decided to make a portable oven instead and offer it in the market since nobody was making one. 

Soon enough, the couple was already making a living out of it, and the product attracted many people to buy it. 

Ooni Lineup

Ooni pizza ovens are a game-changer in the world of outdoor cooking and pizza lovers, bringing the authentic taste of wood-fired, stone-baked pizzas straight to your backyard.

These innovative and portable ovens are designed for domestic use and reach the high temperatures required to cook Neapolitan-style pizzas perfectly in just a few minutes. With a focus on ease of use, speed, and exceptional quality, Ooni has revolutionized the art of cooking pizzas at home.

The Ooni lineup boasts a range of models, each with its own distinct features and capabilities, catering to various cooking preferences. These include wood-fired, gas-powered, and multi-fuel options, ensuring there’s an Ooni for every pizza lover. Crafted from high-quality, durable materials, these ovens are built to last, providing you with countless memorable pizza nights for years to come.

Aesthetically, Ooni pizza ovens feature sleek and modern designs combining form and function. Their compact and portable nature makes them perfect for outdoor gatherings in your backyard, picnic, or beach. The rapid heat-up time of these ovens means you won’t be left waiting, and their superb heat retention ensures consistent and evenly cooked pizzas every time.

Ooni’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop at their ovens. The company also offers an extensive range of accessories, such as pizza peels, infrared thermometers, and cooking utensils, to make your pizza-making experience even more enjoyable and efficient.

Ooni pizza ovens are a wise investment for your money, as they provide exceptional value by elevating your home dining experience with mouthwatering, restaurant-quality pizzas while creating lasting memories with friends and family.

Ooni pizza ovens are the ultimate solution for those seeking to recreate the magic of wood-fired pizzas at home. Their unique blend of performance, design, and versatility makes them the perfect addition to any outdoor culinary setup.

So hurry, fire up your Ooni, and get ready to savor the delectable flavors of homemade pizza like never before!

ooni karu 16

Ooni
Karu 16
Multi-Fuel

Ooni koda 16

Ooni
Koda 16
Gas

Ooni Karu 12

Ooni
Karu 12
Multi-Fuel

Ooni Fyra 12

Ooni
Fyra 12
Pellets

Ooni Koda 12 Front View

Ooni
Koda 12
Gas

What Does Ooni Koda Mean

Ooni Koda Meaning

In Finnish “Koda” means “Code”.

Ooni Koda 12 and Ooni Koda 16

In February 2019, Ooni released the Ooni Koda, a portable gas-powered pizza oven that can heat up to 500C (932F) and cook pizzas in less than 60 seconds. 

Even though Ooni’s main office is in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the pizza ovens are designed there, they are made in China.

With their Koda model, in our opinion, the King of the Ooni ovens, they made a pizza oven and a helpful conversation piece that anyone would be happy to have on their deck or patio.

The front is decorated with silver aluminum and has a black carbon steel shell with a powder-coated finish. This will remind you of a sports car. Even the shape of the oven is made to help it move through the air.

The Koda is the name of Ooni’s first pizza oven that runs only on gas. If you use gas, you can sit back, relax, and put all of your attention on making great pizza. 

The “rapid ignition” knob makes it easy to turn the oven on. You only need to switch the propane tank and turn the knob on the control panel to turn on the oven. 

The dial gives you more control over the temperature inside the oven.

Ooni says the best temperature for cooking pizza is around 752 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you have an infrared thermometer, you can start cooking your pizza when the temperature in the middle of the baking board reaches 755 degrees Fahrenheit.

Selling Fast!
Ooni Koda 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven

Your time is precious, so make it count. Ooni Koda 12 fires out jaw-dropping pizzas in 60 seconds flat. No assembly, no mess, no fuss. Cooking outdoors with gas has never been so simple (or so beautiful). Ready right out of the box, the super compact Ooni Koda 12is good to go in seconds. Simply flip open the foldable legs, insert the stone baking board, and connect to a gas tank.

Pros:
  • Portability: The Ooni Koda 12 is lightweight and easy to transport.
  • Rapid heat-up time: The oven reaches high temperatures quickly.
  • Gas-powered convenience: The efficient gas burner provides precise heat control and consistency for optimal cooking results.
  • Easy ignition: The simple, no-fuss ignition system makes lighting the oven a breeze.
  • Minimal maintenance: The sleek design allows for easy cleaning and hassle-free maintenance.
Cons:
  • Limited cooking space: The 13.25-inch cordierite stone baking board might be restrictive for larger groups.
  • Gas-only fuel source: Unlike some other models, the Ooni Koda 12 only supports gas as a fuel source, which may be a consideration for those who prefer wood or charcoal.
  • Outdoor use only: Due to its design, the Ooni Koda 12 is not suitable for indoor use, limiting its versatility.
  • Learning curve: As with any specialty cooking appliance, there may be a learning curve for novice users.
  • Price: The Ooni Koda 12 might be more expensive than some other portable pizza ovens on the market.
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Our Top Pick
Ooni Koda 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven
5.0

Take charge of your outdoor cooking experience with the dynamic Ooni Koda 16 to create epic stone-baked 16-inch pizzas and so much more. Blending the convenience of gas power with a showstopping, modern design, the innovative L-shaped flame and large cooking surface mean ultimate cooking control and versatility.

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What Does Ooni Fyra Mean?

Ooni Fyra Meaning

In Swedish, “Fyra” means four and represents the four essential cities the new trains intended to serve — Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Brussels.

Fyra” also means “to fire”.

Ooni Fyra

The Ooni Fyra is the proud successor to the Ooni 3 and is the world’s first wood pellet-powered portable pizza oven.

The company’s first oven, funded on Kickstarter in 2012, has now been improved with the Ooni 3, a natural step forward from that oven. 

Since then, the firm has implemented what it has learned, considered what consumers have said and recommended, and spent a lot of time developing, constructing, and testing Ooni Fyra to give customers a world-class pellet-fired experience.

So far, Ooni Fyra is the lightest and most portable wood-fired oven people have. It doesn’t weigh more than 10 kilograms.

It has separate bags for the chimney and the hopper to stay clean. The chimney has two parts that you can take off separately, and the hopper can be put inside the oven.

If you have the Ooni Fyra Carry Cover, you can take Ooni Fyra wherever you go.

Ooni Fyra 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven
3.5

The Ooni Fyra 12 Pizza Oven is a must-have for pizza lovers who want to bring restaurant-quality pizza to their backyard. Its ultra-compact size and sleek design make it easy to store and transport, while its fuel source - wood pellets - adds a delicious smoky flavor to your pizzas.

Pros:
  • Quick heating time (can reach up to 932°F in just 20 minutes)
  • Can cook a 12-inch pizza in just 60 seconds
  • Wood pellets are a sustainable fuel source
  • Versatile - can also be used for roasting, baking, and grilling
Cons:
  • Requires a constant supply of wood pellets to operate
  • Not as efficient as propane or gas ovens
  • The initial investment is relatively high compared to other pizza ovens.
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What Does Ooni Karu Mean?

Ooni Karu Meaning

In Finnish, “karu” means “rugged.”

Ooni Karu 12 and Ooni Karu 16

The Ooni Karu design is a change from traditional versions. The Ooni Karu, heated with wood and charcoal, means “rough.” Wood, pellets, and gas once fueled Ooni.

Ooni’s latest concept is charcoal fuel. The oven will still work if you choose the Ooni Gas Burner adaptor.

The Karu’s blistering flames should reach 932 degrees Fahrenheit after 15 minutes. Moreover, the oven’s stainless steel grade 430 construction resists severe temperatures and the elements. It also has non-hot glass-reinforced nylon grips.

The stone baking board is constructed of cordierite, a firm stone that is considered the industry standard for producing pizza bases that are flawlessly cooked.

Super Popular!
Ooni Karu 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven
3.5

The Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven is a portable and versatile outdoor oven that uses wood and charcoal as its fuel source. The oven can reach up to 932°F in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for cooking up crispy and delicious pizzas in minutes. 


Ooni Karu’s custom-designed fuel tray maximizes airflow and delivers a powerful blast of searing flame - load it up with real wood or charcoal with no excess ash to clean. Gas option with additional burner.

Pros:
  • Quick heating time and high temperature for fast cooking
  • Versatile cooking options, not limited to just pizzas
  • Portable and compact design, perfect for outdoor cooking
  • Wood and charcoal fuel source provides an authentic and smoky flavor
Cons:
  • Limited to outdoor use only
  • Requirement for manual fuel management and ash removal
  • Potential for inconsistent temperature control without proper technique
  • Initial setup and maintenance may require time and effort.
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Trending! Get Yours Today!
Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
4.0

The Ooni Karu 16 is the perfect tool for aspiring pizzaiolos and backyard chefs. Its powerful wood-fired oven can cook delicious stone-baked pizzas in just 60 seconds, unlocking flavors that are impossible to achieve cooking with an electric oven. The insulated design means the exterior stays cool while reducing fuel consumption, meaning more bang for your buck!


It is the first and only pizza oven to be ‘Recommended for Domestic Use’ by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the acclaimed international authority on true Neapolitan pizza.


Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with the Ooni Karu 16. Its compact design makes it easy to take on the go, whether camping, tailgating, or simply relaxing in your own backyard.


So why wait? Embrace the art of wood-fired cooking and elevate your culinary skills with the Ooni Karu 16. The only limit is your imagination!


Pros:
  • Multi-fuel capability, with options for wood, charcoal, and gas.
  • Portable design for easy outdoor cooking.
  • Large 16" cooking surface for large pizzas.
  • Quick heating with a high temperature of up to 932°F.
Cons:
  • Gas options must be purchased separately.
  • Limited size – The small cooking surface makes it difficult to cook more than one dish at a time, or large meals that require multiple trays in the oven simultaneously.
  • Low heat control – The temperature range is limited, so it can be difficult to maintain precise temperatures while cooking different foods in succession.
  • Expensive
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What Does Ooni Pro Mean?

Ooni Pro Meaning

For both English and Finnish, “Pro” is short for “professional.”

Ooni Pro

The Ooni Pro may be powered by wood, charcoal, wood pellets*, or gas*. It’s the first outdoor pizza oven with four fuel options. It is also the only oven of its kind.

The Ooni Pro is bigger and more customizable than the Ooni Karu. It comes with wood and a charcoal burner to start a fire immediately.

It will reach 500 degrees Celsius in less than 20 minutes, so a 16-inch pizza with a crispy bottom will cook in one minute. In this setting, the Pro can heat with charcoal.

Before baking the pizza, add some wood to give it flavor and punch. This improves pizza’s taste.

Ooni Pro 16 Outdoor Pizza Oven

Outdoor cooking should be limited only by your imagination – not your grill. Phenomenal large pizzas, roasted joints of meat, seared vegetables, or even fresh bread. Flame-cook epic meals outdoors with wood, charcoal, pellets, or gas. Whatever you’re cooking, whatever your fuel, achieve the exceptional with Ooni Pro.

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Here’s What the PROs at Homemade Pizza Pro Use and Recommend

Our Top Pick
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven
4.5

The Ooni Koda 16 is an indispensable tool for any aspiring chef or grill lover. This sleek, cast-iron pizza oven quickly heats up to 932°F and cooks delicious pizza in just 60 seconds.


With its smart gas ignition system and advanced flame control knobs, it provides a unique cooking experience that's sure to turn heads. And because of its robust construction and corrosion-resistant powder coating, this oven is built to last through years of use outdoors.


And best of all, the Ooni Koda 16 is easy to use and clean, making outdoor cooking a breeze. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your outdoor cooking game!

Pros:
  • Fast heating time
  • Portable design
  • Large cooking area of 16 inches for increased dining capacity.
  • Gas-powered oven with adjustable temperature control up to 932°F for optimal cooking results.
  • 3yr warranty
  • Easy to clean enameled steel surface.
Cons:
  • The high initial cost of purchase may be prohibitive for some customers.
  • Fuel canisters must be purchased separately, increasing overall costs of operation.
  • Not suitable for indoor use due to the release of carbon monoxide from burning fuel canisters indoors.
  • Requires frequent monitoring when in use, as the oven has no built-in safety features to shut off automatically if left unattended for too long.
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More on Ooni

The Last Slice

There you have it!

We hope you have learned what does Ooni mean and discovered something new about pizza ovens, especially the brand Ooni.

If the couple who invented Ooni has inspired you to become better at pizza baking, we’d love to hear your story soon.

See you again in the next post! 

Ooni Accessories You Must Have

Ooni Perforated Pizza Peel

Designed for cooking pizzas up to 12 inches wide, our perforated aluminum Ooni 12″ Perforated Pizza Peel is a high-quality, lightweight peel for sliding, turning and retrieving pizzas from your oven with ease.

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Our Top Pick
Ooni Topping Station

The two Ooni Pizza Topping containers ensure you have plenty of toppings to keep the pizza flowing. The custom-fit clear lids for each container means they can be easily stacked and stored in the fridge. The weather-resistant, powder-coated frame and stainless steel cover fit perfectly on our Ooni Modular Tables and it is easy to transport for cleaning and storage. Build your outdoor kitchen and level-up your pizza prep with the Ooni Pizza Topping Station.

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Ooni Stack

We’re proud to reintroduce the Ooni Stack, originally funded on Kickstarter by you, the Ooni community, and now back by popular demand — and better than ever, thanks to some key design tweaks.

Now, it’s time to take your pizza prep game to the next level with our space-saving storage solution. Stuck-together dough balls stop here when you proof them individually in each of the Stack’s three durable, borosilicate glass bowls.

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Ooni Dual-Sided Grizzler Plate

This cast iron pan is the perfect size for use with all your Ooni ovens!

Is it a Griddle? Is it a Sizzler? It's both! Say hello to the Ooni Dual-Sided Grizzler Plate.

Use the versatile smooth Sizzler side for fajitas or frying eggs, or flip and use the Ooni Grizzler ribs for those picture-perfect seared grill marks on the meats. 

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Ooni: Cooking with Fire Cookbook

The new and first-ever cookbook, Ooni: Cooking with Fire, is written by Ooni co-founders Kristian Tapaninaho and Darina Garland to share our story, recipes, and inspiration for great outdoor cooking. Experience the beauty of cooking with fire and our favorite Ooni dishes inspired by their time spent living and working in Finland, London, and Scotland.

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Ooni Dual Platform Digital Scale

Streamline your pizza prep and make the perfect dough every time with our Ooni Dual Platform Digital Scales. Measure out all your ingredients to a tenth of a gram - yes, even those tiny amounts of salt and yeast - using the brushed stainless steel platforms, a dual LCD display to see both platform measurements simultaneously, and a custom-fit measuring dish for yeast or herbs.

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Our Top Pick
Ooni Brass Brush

The Ooni Pizza Oven Brush is a 2-in-1 stone baking board brush and scraper tool featuring a comfortable wooden handle, plus a durable stainless steel scraper and bristles.

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Ooni Fyra 12 Cover

Protect your Ooni Fyra 12 come rain or shine with the Ooni Fyra 12 Carry Cover, one of the best-selling pizza oven accessories.


The Ooni Fyra 12 Carry Cover is a waterproof outdoor cover and features aluminum buckles for maximum toughness meaning it’s one of our most popular Ooni pizza oven accessories!


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Ooni Infrared Thermometer

Know exactly when your pizza stone is ready to cook the perfect base. The Ooni Infrared Thermometer with a laser pointer will allow you to accurately measure the surface temperature of your Ooni pizza oven instantly.

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Ooni Koda Carry Cover

Protect your Ooni Koda from the elements and easily take it on the go with our 100% waterproof Ooni Koda Carry Cover. Featuring durable straps with a cushioned carry handle, cast aluminum harness buckles, and a loop for securing your gas regulator when on the move.



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