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My wife and I has mastered sourdough bread over the past 6 years (shoutout to her Sourdough instagram account), so I was elated when she started using her skills to master pizza dough.
We’ve been making pizza most Fridays, and I really wanted to provide my wife a unique gift that would be a fun experience to further her delicious pizza dough and pizza mastery.
So, I recently bought her a Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven, and I opted for the Koda 16 based on a friend’s recommendation.
Why I Chose Ooni Koda 16 Vs Ooni Karu 16
There’s word in the online communities that wood/charcoal doesn’t matter in terms of flavor because the pizza isn’t in the oven long enough to pick up the smoky flavor (source). Here are the other reasons:
1. Price
Ooni’s are not cheap, but I think it’s worth it. And, the 2023 Ooni Black Friday deal is smoking, which I’ll talk about later, but as you can see below, the Koda 16 is $150.00 cheaper than the Karu 16. In my eyes, that’s a huge difference for such a high ticket item.
2. Convenience
While I do appreciate both the wood/charcoal taste when grilling, it’s just so much less convenience. I have 4 young daughters, which makes me life so much more busy. I am much more in a season of life where I can just turn on and turn off with a switch of a knob, and that I can have a sense of control when getting to the right head.
2. My Friend Had Both
My friend started with the Karu 16, and then he opted for the Koda 16. So, personally, I took his recommendation into account considering he had both of them! Also, I had pizza from his Karu 16 and from the Koda 16, and frankly, I could not tell the difference.
One redditor argued that the door cuts the preheat time on the Karu 16, but my friend recommended this custom door for the Koda 16, so that’s not a pro for the Karu 16 in my opinion.
What I Really Like About Koda 16
1. Lightning-Fast Heating
One of the standout features of the Ooni is its remarkable speed in reaching cooking temperatures. In just 15-20 minutes, it can reach up to a scorching 932°F (500°C), ensuring that you can have a perfectly cooked pizza in under a minute. This rapid heating sets the Ooni apart from many conventional ovens.
2. Fuel Versatility
Flexibility is a hallmark of the Ooni. It can be powered by either propane gas or wood pellets, allowing users to choose the fuel source that best fits their cooking preferences. This adaptability makes the Ooni a versatile companion for various outdoor cooking adventures.
3. Portability
Crafted with lightweight materials and a sleek, compact design, the Ooni is built for portability. Whether you’re heading out for a camping trip, a beach day, or simply setting up in your backyard, this oven can easily come along, adding a touch of culinary magic to any outdoor gathering.
I wanted a cover, but I wasn’t about to drop $40.00-$60.00 for the official Ooni, so I purchase this Ooni Koda 16 cover on Amazon for under $20.
4. Cordierite Stone Baking Board
At the heart of the Ooni’s exceptional pizza-making prowess lies its cordierite stone baking board. This high-quality stone ensures even heat distribution, resulting in pizzas with crispy, golden-brown crusts and perfectly cooked toppings. It’s the secret behind achieving that sought-after pizzeria-quality pie.
5. Compact Design with a Spacious Cooking Area
Despite its compact size, the Ooni boasts a spacious cooking area. This ingenious design allows you to cook pizzas up to 16 inches in size, providing ample room for creativity and customization in your pizza-making endeavors.
6. Built-in Thermometer
The Ooni comes equipped with a built-in thermometer, giving you precise control over the cooking temperature. This feature is invaluable for achieving consistent and perfect results every time you fire up the oven.
7. Easy Assembly and Setup
Setting up the Ooni is a breeze. It comes with clear instructions and minimal components, allowing you to get it up and running in no time. This user-friendly setup ensures that you can focus on what matters most – creating mouthwatering pizzas.
8. Multi-Purpose Cooking
While the Ooni is designed with pizza in mind, its capabilities extend far beyond. From searing steaks and roasting vegetables to baking bread and desserts, this versatile oven opens up a world of culinary possibilities, making it a must-have for any outdoor cooking enthusiast.
9. Sturdy and Durable Construction
Crafted from high-quality materials, the Ooni is built to last. Its robust construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking adventures, providing you with years of delicious pizzas and culinary creativity.
10. Accessories and Add-Ons
The Ooni offers a range of accessories and add-ons to enhance your cooking experience. From pizza peels and covers to extra baking stones and gas attachments, these options allow you to customize your setup to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Ooni Black Friday Deal 2023
Ooni’s Black Friday deal came early this year, and started on Sunday, November 19th, and I found the deal quite ridiculous.
When you use the link below, you can find the Ooni Koda 16 and other Ooni pizza ovens for 20% off. Please note that you may be able to find this link elsewhere, but I have confirmed it works.
Also, one decision I made was whether to purchase on Ooni’s website vs Amazon where I have Prime or another retailer. Firstly, I really appreciated that the website stated that there was a 5 year warranty when registered at Ooni.com. I also loved that Ooni offered free shipping and returns!
Performance and Cooking Experience
1. Perfectly Crisped Crusts
The Ooni excels in producing pizza with crisp, golden-brown crusts. The high temperatures and even heat distribution ensure that the crust is cooked to perfection, achieving that sought-after balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
If useful, check out my favorite Ooni pizza dough recipe.
2. Cooking Versatility Beyond Pizza
While the Ooni is designed with pizza in mind, its versatility extends to other culinary creations. From searing steaks to baking bread, this oven opens up a world of outdoor cooking possibilities.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The Ooni is relatively low-maintenance. The cordierite stone baking board is durable and easy to clean, and the stainless steel exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Regular maintenance, such as brushing away ash or debris, will keep the oven performing at its best.
Ooni Oven Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Remarkable portability for on-the-go cooking adventures.
- Rapid heating, allowing for quick and efficient pizza-making.
- Fuel versatility, accommodating both propane gas and wood pellets.
- Exceptional performance in producing perfectly cooked pizzas with crisp crusts.
Cons:
- Limited cooking space, which may be a constraint for those planning to cook multiple pizzas simultaneously.
Conclusion
The Ooni is the best and stands as a testament to innovation in outdoor cooking. Its combination of portability, rapid heating, and versatility in fuel options make it a standout choice for pizza enthusiasts and outdoor cooking enthusiasts alike. While it may have a limited cooking space, its remarkable performance in crafting perfect pizzas more than makes up for it. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking game, the Ooni Pizza Oven is a must-have addition to your arsenal.
Also, once you decide on your Ooni pizza oven, check out my top 9 favorite Ooni pizza accessories.
