Outdoor cooking has grown in popularity, especially in baking pizza. Pizza ovens have become a favourite among enthusiasts because of the irresistible aroma of freshly made pizza and the thrill of customizing their favourite toppings. The Ooni Pizza OveÂn is a fantastic option for pizza lovers. We will present a comprehensive review of this outdoor pizza oven in this post to assist you in making an informed purchase decision.
What is the Ooni Pizza Oven?
The Ooni Pizza OveÂn is a small, portable outdoor oven that creates tasty pizzas. Its elegant style and long-lasting stainless-steel construction set it out from the crowd. The Pizza Oven Ooni has several variants, each with features and capabilities.
The Ooni Pizza Oven‘s impreÂssive rapidity in reaching high temperatures is a distinguishing feature. The oven can get over 900°F (482°C) in minutes, making it ideal for baking excellent Neapolitan-style pizzas in under 90 seconds. Because of the combination of high heat and a stone baking surface, this intense heat ensures flawlessly crispy crusts and properly cooked toppings.
Pros And Cons of Ooni Pizza Ovens
There are numerous advantages to owning an outdoor pizza oven. These unique ovens provide expert pizza-making to your house, from quick cooking to crafting a restaurant-quality pie.
Delectable Crust
With the Ooni pizza oven, you can achieve the perfect crust – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Every Ooni’s high heat and cordierite stone work together to offer the optimal atmosphere for fast and even cooking.
The hot stone instantly cooks the dough on contact from the bottom. Because the stone is porous, it sucks moisture out of the dough, leaving the crust dry and crispy, just like pizza cooked in a large brick outdoor pizza oven in a restaurant. The flame cooks the topping and top layer of pizza dough.
Quick Cook
Ooni claims that its ovens can reach temperatures of up to 950°F, comparable to or higher than the heat output of a commercial pizza oven or brick oven. Pizza cooks quickly due to the intense heat and the pizza stone.
Ooni claims to be able to cook a pizza in as little as 60 seconds.
Some competitors claim to create pizza quickly, but not as soon as Ooni:
- A pizza takes 2 minutes to cook in a Solo Stove pizza oven.
- BakerStone gas pizza ovens cook pizzas in under 2 minutes.
- The countertop Pizzazz pizza oven from Presto takes 11-13 minutes.
However, Ooni’s main competitor, the Gozney Roccbox, offers a cook time of 60 seconds.
Most homemade pizza recipes with fresh dough require 10-18 minutes in a typical oven set to 400-450°F. So, having a cooked, heated pizza in 60 seconds appeals to me.
Even though the Ooni pizza oven can cook a pizza in 60 seconds, I discovered that the sweet spot is between 2 and 3 minutes. The length of time will be determined by numerous factors, including:
- How long did you heat the stone
- Ingredients and thickness of the dough
- Your char preference
- the number of toppings
Nonetheless, an outdoor pizza oven is much faster than a traditional indoor oven.
Crispy ToppingsÂ
By rotating a dial, you can easily modify the flames and control how quickly or slowly the toppings cook if you’re using gas or propane as the fuel source. Increase the fire using wood or charcoal by adding more fuel and opening the hood or vents to let more oxygen into the oven. Lifting the pizza with a turning peel closer to the flames, regardless of the fuel source, will produce crispier toppings (if that’s what you like).
In contrast to a regular oven, open flames in an Ooni generate browned cheese, crispy toppings, scorched veggies, and seared meats. Reduce the heat to ensure your toppings cook evenly but with less browning and char.
Excellent For Entertaining
If you have a large family or enjoy hosting, the Ooni is a fantastic choice for a joyful gathering. In your garden, family and party attendees may watch as you cook pizzas to order. You can also encourage folks to select their toppings and assemble pies. It’s a terrific opportunity to interact with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun.
Make Pizza Like A Pro
If you prefer a challenge as a home chef, the Ooni is a fantastic choice. In a conventional oven, you set your pizza on a stone, baking sheet, or rack and wait for it to finish cooking. While you’re cooking, pay close attention to the Ooni. Throughout the procedure, you’ll need to rotate and check the pizza.
You’ll discover what it takes to cook like an expert. If you already enjoy making pizza, learning how to make a restaurant-worthy pie can bring you a lot of delight and satisfaction.
Simple To Install
The propane gas models from Ooni are the easiest to set up. All you have to do is unfold the oven legs, insert the pizza stone, and securely connect the gas supply because they arrive entirely constructed.
You’ll also need to connect the provided pipe to vent the smoke while burning wood, charcoal, or natural gas if it’s a multi-fuel model (propane gas, wood, or charcoal). (On the Karu 16, natural gas is only available as an option.)
After you’ve set up your oven, you’ll need to run it for 30 minutes before the first use. Allow it to cool completely before wiping the interior with dry paper towels. This phase prepares the oven for use by burning off any residual oils from manufacturing.
Multi-Fuel Sources
Ooni offers three variants from which to choose your fuel source:
Propane and gas are the most convenient, but wood and charcoal give a smoky flavour that can only be found in a pizza oven.
You’ll need to buy a gas burner adaptor if you want to utilize gas or propane on any of the models that include those options.
The Ooni Koda 12 can only run on propane, while the Ooni Fyra 12 can only run on wood pellets.
Construction Of High Quality
Ooni pizza ovens are well-made and long-lasting. Stainless steel, carbon steel, or both are used in the construction:
- The Karu 16 comprises powder-coated carbon steel and brushed stainless steel 304, 409, and 430.
- The Karu 12 is constructed of brushed 430 stainless steel.
- The powder-coated carbon steel Koda 12, Koda 16, and Fyra 12 are all available.
Cordierite stone is used to make the pizza stones. It can withstand extremely high temperatures, conducts heat efficiently, and is resistant to thermal stress.
Portable
Some Ooni pizza ovens are pretty portable. Unlike standard indoor or built-in outdoor ovens, they are portable. Fabric carrying coverings are available from Ooni for the Karu 12 (26.5 lbs. ), Koda 12 (20.4 lbs. ), and Fyra 12 (22 lbs.). The other variants (Karu 16 and Karu 16) are too hefty to transport, weighing 40 pounds or more.
More Than Just Pizza
The Ooni pizza oven is adaptable. Aside from pizza, Ooni advises several recipes, including fresh-baked bread and meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. You can also experiment with different flavours that arise when you use gas, charcoal, or wood if you have a multi-fuel model.
Strong Warranty
Ooni provides a one-year warranty, but if you register your product within 60 days, it will be extended for another two years. A three-year guarantee is required for Breville’s Smart Oven Pizzaiolo. A Cru wood-fired oven comes with a one-year warranty.
Cons Of Ooni Pizza Ovens
Expensive
outdoor pizza oven is not cheap. The most affordable model costs $350 Higher-end, multi-fuel options, such as the Karu 16, will set you back roughly $800. On Ooni.com, you can compare the pricing of all models on one page.
But, in addition to the oven, you’ll need a pizza peel, a flipping peel, and an infrared thermometer. A heat-resistant stand and an oven cover are also required. You’ll need a carrying case if you have a portable model and intend to take it with you.
While purchasing an Ooni is less expensive than building and maintaining a fixed outdoor pizza oven, it is still a significant commitment for most people.
Curve Learning
It takes time to master the oven. You’ll probably destroy a few pizzas before you get it. Instead of setting a timer and walking away, you must turn the pizza every 30 seconds. A tiny error margin exists when cooking at high heat.
Ooni offers beginner tips:
- Use two pizza peels—wide, flat tools that grip the pizza. Because new pizza dough sticks to a heated peel, bake it on a room-temperature peel. Keep a second peel near the oven to turn and remove the pizza.
- Use flour on the peel and your hands before contacting the dough to prevent sticking. The best results are using semolina flour or cornmeal.
- Check dough for holes— Remove holes before topping. Pinch any holes to preserve the dough.
- Before topping, shake the stretched dough on the peel to ensure it glides freely. Add flour to your hands, pick up the dough, and dust the peel if it sticks. Sticky dough prevents the pizza from sliding into the oven.
- Top it less—less is more. Weightless toppings make pizza easier to glide off the peel and into the oven.
- Keep moving—Prepare everything. If your pizza lies on the peel too long before baking, the sauce might infiltrate the dough and make it sticky.
- To avoid sticking, lift one side of the pizza dough on the peel and gently blow under it with a greased hand.
Peel-sticky pizza
Pizza dough often sticks to the peel when slid into the oven, spilling and burning the toppings.
Pizza typically sticks because there isn’t enough flour on the peel or you’re taking too long to create it.
Prepare your toppings for optimum results to assemble and bake your pizza rapidly.
Have trouble with dough sticking? Try a pan. Pan-baking pizza yields a distinct crust than stone-baking.
Tips from Ooni to reduce sticking:
- Apply enough flour, semolina, or cornmeal to your peel and dough ball before flattening. Shake the flattened dough on your peel to ensure it moves freely.
- Dry your peel.
- Do not use wet dough or toppings. Choose low-moisture mozzarella and rich tomato sauce.
Preheat Takes Long
Preheating the Ooni takes at least 15 minutes, frequently 25 or 30. It cooks pizza in 1–3 minutes, although it takes 30–35 minutes.
Hard to Make Thin Crust
Due to high temperatures, Ooni thin-crust pizza is difficult to manufacture. Pizza dough expands out when it touches the hot stone and flames.
You can produce thin-crust pizza in an Ooni, but you must roll the dough thinner and experiment with the dough mix and cooking temperatures.
Flame Dies in Wind
On a breezy day, cooking with gas or propane requires patience. Wind can extinguish the flame, affecting your pizza. The quick loss of heat affects doneness and cooking time. In windy areas, you may need to move the oven to prevent the wind.
Pizza Stones Crack
People complain about shattered pizza stones. Ooni pizza stones are cordierite. Cracking can occur despite high temperatures and thermal shock. Dropping or slamming something heavy on top can break it.
Avoid cracking with these tips:
- Before using, preheat and chill your stone before storing it in a more excellent place.
- Never put a heated pizza stone in cold water.
- Keep your pizza stone dry to avoid weakening.
Not Frozen Pizza Friendly
Due to the high temperature and speed, I don’t advocate cooking frozen pizza in the Ooni. The outside cooks faster than the inside, creating an inconsistent result. Pre-made frozen pizzas cook best in a standard oven. The Ooni works if you defrost the pizza first.
Door Sticks
The movable oven door on the Ooni Karu 16 prevents heat loss. It opens readily while off but locks up when the oven is hot, perhaps due to steel expansion. Pulling the handle hard opens it. Ensure your table or stand is solid to avoid pulling the stove off. Adjusting the latch screws fixes this, but be careful of it the first few times you cook.
Essential Accessories Of Pizza Oven Ooni
Modular Table Ooni
Ooni Modular Tables provide the ideal platform for your outdoor pizza oven and accessories. The stainless steel worktop precisely fits all Ooni pizza oven models.
Our tables are constructed of powder-coated solid carbon steel. They also have two height-adjustable shelves and built-in hooks for Ooni peels and other accessories. Furthermore, the two lockable castors will keep your table stable when cooking.
Infrared Thermometer Ooni
You’ll know when your pizza stone is ready. The Ooni Infrared Thermometer immediately measures the surface temperature of your Ooni pizza oven.
Topping Station and Ooni Stack
The Ooni Stack can proof pizza dough balls individually, or the three sturdy, borosilicate glass bowls may hold pizza toppings without taking up counter space.
Increase prep versatility with the Ooni Topping Station. The two 1.6L and four 0.8L Ooni Topping containers provide enough toppings for the pizza party. The topping station is lightweight and portable, fitting nicely on our Ooni Modular Tables. The powder-coated frame and stainless steel cover make switching between indoor and outdoor kitchens easy.
Pizza Peels Ooni
Pizza makers use peels, a unique tool. You can launch, rotate, and retrieve hot pizzas from ovens. Ooni has peels in different sizes to suit your taste. The classic Ooni Pizza Peel is versatile. The Ooni Perforated Peel’s small perforations let extra flour slip through, making pizza bases crisper and tastier.
The Ooni Bamboo Peel is perfect for stretching, launching dough, and presenting pizzas on a stylish board. The small, spherical Ooni Turning Peel lets you flip pizza without taking it out of the oven, making it cook faster and more evenly.
Grizzler, Ooni
The Ooni Grizzler is for those rare occasions when you want anything other than pizza. We designed this premium cast iron pan to sear meats and vegetables flawlessly with spectacular, eye-catching grill markings. The Grizzler also includes a custom-designed cast iron handle and a serving board made from sustainably produced Beech Wood.
Pizza Oven Brush Ooni
Keep your Ooni oven functioning smoothly by cleaning it with our 2-in-1 Pizza Oven Brush. It has a comfortable wooden handle, bristles for removing extra flour, and a scraper for more challenging, stuck-on parts on your pizza stone.
Ooni Oven Cover
Your Ooni oven is your home’s portal to hot, fresh, restaurant-quality pizza. Use one of our waterproof Ooni oven covers to protect it from the weather. Each oven model has its oven cover, which is made of superior quality, breathable polyester to keep your Ooni protected from the elements.
You can bake excellent, mouth-watering pizza in the comfort of your own home with an Ooni oven and a few tools and accessories. At ooni.com, you may begin assembling your pizza toolset.
Models Of Ooni Pizza Ovens
There are three models of outdoor pizza ovens: Karu, Koda, and Fyra. While they all cook pizza, they each have unique qualities to meet the wants of their customers.
Ooni Karu 16
Karu comes in two sizes: Karu 12 and Karu 16. The number represents the most giant-diameter pizza yo
u can prepare. Karu 12, for example, can cook pizzas up to 12 inches wide. Both types are multi-fuel, with the option of burning wood, charcoal, or propane gas. The Karu 16 may, however, run on natural gas with an adaptor. The Karu 16 is Ooni’s heaviest oven, weighing 62.6 lbs. It is also the most costly.
Ooni Koda
The Koda comes in two models: the Koda 12 and the Koda 16. Pizzas up to 16 inches wide can be cooked on the Koda 16. Both run on propane gas; however, the Koda 16 may be converted to natural gas with an optional converter kit. The Koda 12 is Ooni’s lightest oven, weighing only 20.4 pounds. To travel safely, you can purchase an optional carrying case.
Ooni Fyra
Pizzas up to 12 inches wide can be cooked on the Fyra 12. It uses only wood pellets as fuel. With a weight of 22 pounds, you may also transfer it with a carrying case if you wish to host a pizza party somewhere other than your home.
Advantages of the Ooni Pizza Stove
The Ooni Pizza Oven provides numerous benefits for pizza lovers and outdoor cooks. Its quick heat-up time enables spontaneous pizza parties without needing a long wait. Furthermore, the capacity to achieve high temperatures is required for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
Furthermore, the Ooni Pizza Oven does not limit itself to a particular pizza; it can accept various styles and recipes. The outdoor Pizza Oven allows you to experiment with numerous pizza recipes, from thin-crust classics to deep-dish treats. This oven’s adaptability extends to other foods, such as baking bread, roasting vegetables, and searing steaks.
How To Use An Ooni Pizza Oven
- Allow your oven to preheat for around 30 minutes for the stone to reach 900°F. You want that stone to be hot to cook the bottom of the crust immediately.
- Try our recipes for authentic Italian pizza dough and sauce.
- Allow the dough and toppings to come to room temperature before using.
- Roll or stretch your dough as thinly as possible to let it cook with the heat of the stone.
- A pizza peel will be required to move the pizza into and out of the oven and turn it.
- Begin with little pizzas. I use half of a conventional pizza dough for each pizza I cook in this oven. I’d use a third or fourth of the dough for each in a 12-inch oven.
- Reduce the heat or turn it off entirely before cooking if you have burnt edges.
- Closely monitor (but not so closely that you burn your face) and turn the pizza regularly to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides without burning.
What Else Can Be Cooked In An Ooni?
You can use your Ooni for more than simply pizza. Bread, flatbread, vegetables, and other items can be made. Cast iron skillets are an excellent choice for cooking nearly anything in your pizza oven.
Storage And Cleaning
Allow about an hour and a half for the pizza oven to cool completely before touching it. You can leave the Koda model outside unprotected for a few days during fine weather, but it’s preferable to cover it to keep it clean and safe from harm. Other types can be stored outside. Ooni has various accessories, including a convenient brush and scraper for removing charged particles from the stone.
Conclusion
Finally, the Ooni Pizza Oven is a lovely option for anyone seeking a superior outdoor pizza-making experience. It is famous among pizza lovers due to its short heat-up time, high cooking temperatures, and portability. Whether holding a pizza party, camping, or simply enjoying outdoor cooking, the Ooni pizza stove offers fantastic results.
FAQs
Is it possible to use the Ooni pizza oven indoors?
No, Ooni pizza ovens can only be used outside.
Is it possible to get the Ooni pizza oven wet?
Yes, it is designed to be used outside and to survive the elements. Ooni suggests utilizing a cover for added security. Keep the oven indoors if you anticipate severe weather (hurricane, blizzard, or torrential rain).
How do you clean an Ooni pizza oven?
To burn off food particles, set your Ooni oven to the maximum setting for 30 minutes. After completely cooling, use the Ooni pizza oven brush to remove any remaining debris and ash. You can also wipe the insides with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Why isn’t my Ooni pizza oven heating up?
If your model has a vent pipe, check that it is clear and unobstructed. Wood, charcoal, and wood pellets cannot burn efficiently without adequate ventilation. Also, keep the fuel close in case the fire goes out. You may need to tighten the connection to get the full flame while using natural gas or propane.
Is a pizza peel included with the Ooni pizza oven?
No, however, you can get an oven package with a peel.
Can I cook anything else in my Ooni pizza oven?
An Ooni can make much more than a pizza. You can cook veggies, seafood, and meat and create bread and sweets. On its website, Ooni offers meal suggestions and recipes.
Where can I buy an Ooni pizza oven?
Ooni pizza ovens are available through Ooni.com, Amazon, and eBay.
