If you're here it can only mean one thing; you're in the market for an Ooni pizza oven - or you at least want to know what all the fuss is about. Pizza ovens have grown in popularity over the past few years, bringing together love and appreciation for home cooking and garden time. And thanks to pizza oven brands like Ooni, we can enjoy freshly baked wood-fired pizza in the comfort of our home as a beginner, akin to what you might expect from your local restaurant.
The growing search for pizza ovens aligns with the rise of Ooni, which happens to be more than 2,200 per cent in the last 12 months. And we can see why; Ooni is currently the master of the portable, affordable pizza oven market with prices ranging from £299 to £799. Perfect for anyone who plans to make pizza on the regular, these dedicated ovens are reliable, simple to use and fast. It takes far less time for the oven to heat up, and you can whip out a crisped pizza after only a minute of cooking.
Best Ooni pizza ovens at a glance:
• Best entry-level Ooni pizza oven: Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Pellet Pizza Oven - view on Amazon UK
• Best on a budget: Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven - view on Amazon UK
• Best for compact size: Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven - view on Amazon UK
• Editor's choice: Ooni Karu 12G Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven - view on Ooni
Pizza ovens can also be used to bake and roast other foods, so if you like to experiment in the kitchen and fancy yourself a Pizzaiolo (master pizza maker), this option lets you take your culinary creativity into the garden. They’re small and portable compared to some other pizza ovens on the market with foldable legs, making them easy to store and take round to friends’ gardens, if you don’t mind sharing.
But while all Ooni pizza ovens will deliver delicious results, there are some key differences between each. We've broken down all the different Ooni pizza ovens below, ordered from lowest price to highest. And, we've shared a more detailed buyer's guide, with help from Francesca Fay, Senior Brand Manager at Ooni Pizza Ovens, so you can find the right one to suit your budget and pizza-loving lifestyle. With the right Ooni for you, look forward to a summer of margheritas, the envious smell of dough-baking and garden get-togethers with family and friends.
Ooni pizza ovens: Quick comparison guide
Before we dive into what makes each Ooni so unique, here's a quick guide to the differences between each to get a quick overview of the pizza ovens on offer. We've broken down all the Ooni pizza ovens into their key specs, so you can instantly see the similarities and differences. So, if you're after a particular fuel type or pizza size, you can hone into the right one for to impress.
Best Ooni pizza ovens: Explained
Best entry-level Ooni pizza oven
OoniOne of the most affordable Ooni pizza ovens, the Fyra 12 is an ideal entry-level option due to its price point and ease of use. The Fyra uses wood pellets that are almost like an in-between of gas and wood; like gas, pellets are low maintenance and maintain consistent heat and like with wood you get the delicious smoky flavours. Other bonuses include how lightweight the pizza oven is at 10kg (some customers mentioned that they took it with them on holiday!) and the pellets are cost-effective, compared to other fuel options.
And we're not alone, reviewers agreed it made a great starter option and while it took a bit of getting used to with a few initial pizza casualties, it delivered an authentic taste and was easy to understand how to use. The only thing worth mentioning we found during testing, is to keep an eye on the pellet hopper so it doesn't run out.
Pros
- Best of both worlds - low maintenance and an authentic taste
- Only weighs 10kg so a good portable option
- Good value for money - low cost fuel and pizza oven
Cons
- Takes a bit of getting used to at first
| Dimensions | 74 x 39 x 72cm |
| Weight | 10kg |
| Pizza size | 12-inch (30cm) |
| Fuel type | Wood pellets |
| Fuel consumption | 1.13kg for 10 pizzas |
| Material | Powder-coated carbon steel |
Best Ooni pizza oven on a budget
OoniWhile the Ooni Karu 12 is the same price as the Ooni Fyra, you do get the perk of being able to use multi-fuel which is why we think it warrants winning the title for the best on a budget. You can cook with wood, charcoal or gas making it a versatile option; cook with gas one day for a low-maintenance cook when entertaining guests, and wood or charcoal the next for wood-fired flavours. And while the thought of more fuels may sound more complicated, our tester found the "ease of use made it accessible for everyone to join in".
That being said, there are a few things we think you should consider. First, the gas burner doesn't come included so if you want the option to cook with gas, you have to buy it separately which adds to the overall cost. Also, this is the only Ooni that comes without a powder-coated carbon steel body. While some prefer the look of brushed stainless steel, it may make it more prone to rust over time.
You can read our full Karu 12 review here.
Pros
- Versatile cooking options - cook with wood, charcoal or gas
- Speedy cooking with each fuel type
- Fairly easy to transport and store at 12kg
Cons
- You'll need to buy the gas burner separately
| Dimensions | 80 x 40 x 77cm |
| Weight | 12kg |
| Pizza size | 12-inch (30cm) |
| Fuel type | Propane gas, wood and charcoal |
| Fuel consumption | 1.5kg for 10 pizzas; Gas 0.34kg/hr |
| Material | Brushed 430 stainless steel |
Best Ooni pizza oven for compact size
OoniThis is the first gas-powered pizza oven on our list - the Ooni Koda 12 - which also happens to be the most compact option. It doesn't have a chimney which makes it the smallest and most lightweight pizza oven across the range. It's ideal for those looking to take it on the move or with limited storage space, but don't forget you'll need to account for a gas bottle too.
Not only can you bring your pizza oven to the masses (one reviewer said she used it at a music festival), but you can do it with minimal hassle. Described by reviewers as being simple, convenient and easy to control, once you've hooked up your gas bottle, you can control the flame with the heat control dial and that's all the fuel maintenance you need to know. Because of this simplicity, this is another option we (and Ooni) recommend for beginners. The only real complaint we found during research is that as it is smaller, the flame feels closer to the pizza, so there have been a few cases of burnt pizzas, but practice makes perfect!
Pros
- Gas-powered so low maintenance
- Easy flame control
- Very portable - most compact and lightweight option
Cons
- Some felt the compact size resulted in the flame being closer to the pizza - so be wary not to burn
| Dimensions | 62 x 39 x 29cm |
| Weight | 9.25kg |
| Pizza size | 12-inch (30cm) |
| Fuel type | Propane gas |
| Fuel consumption | 0.4kg for 10 pizzas; Gas 0.28kg/hr |
| Material | Powder-coated carbon steel |
Editor's choice
Ooniuk.ooni.com
We think the Ooni Karu 12G is the full package. It's an upgrade on the Karu 12 but still an affordable investment under £400. While it still has versatile fueling options, with a choice of gas, wood and charcoal, Ooni has made adaptations and from our experience testing it, those changes make all the difference.
Such adaptations like the stainless steel body is replaced with powder-coated steel to help make it more weather-resistant, but still keeping the same overall design. The door, now hinged, has a window so you can check on your pizza without releasing heat - great for heat retention and a speedy cook. We also loved the built-in thermometer which made monitoring the internal heat much easier and took out a lot of guesswork. What we think you should keep in mind, however, is that again, you need to buy the gas burner separately, and it is heavier at 15.5kg. Our reviewer personally found it tricky to carry without a carry case.
You can read our full Ooni Karu 12G review here.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Flexible cooking with multi-fuel capabilities - can cook with wood, charcoal or gas
- Better control: thermometer helpful for monitoring internal temperature
Cons
- To cook with gas, you'll need to buy the gas burner separately
| Dimensions | 74.5 x 72.8 x 42.7cm |
| Weight | 15.5kg |
| Pizza size | 12-inch (30cm) |
| Fuel type | Propane gas, wood and charcoal |
| Fuel consumption | 1.1kg for 10 pizzas; Gas 0.34 kg/hr |
| Material | Powder-coated carbon steel |
Best Ooni pizza oven for design
OoniIf you love the idea of the Koda 12 but want larger pizzas, the Ooni Koda 16 can accommodate 16-inch pizzas on its 15mm cordierite stone - perfect for those looking to have a pizza party. It's just as easy to operate and control, but it does come with one change to accommodate the larger space. With the Koda 16, you have an L-shaped flame instead that wraps further around the body on one side, meaning you can get a good cook on your pizza with fewer rotations.
Like some of the other Ooni pizza ovens, it takes a little playing around to get used to but reviewers still felt it was simple to use and set up. They also felt this one looked particularly sleek and we'd have to agree - it's the one that would fit seamlessly into an outdoor kitchen set-up. Similar to the Koda 12, reviewers felt the height could have been a bit higher inside but ultimately found it more forgiving. Its larger size does make it heavier too, and potentially an issue when it comes to storage, but it is still manageable.
Pros
- The L-shaped burner heats up quickly and requires fewer pizza rotations in the process as a result
- Easy to operate, control and set up
- Sleek-looking design - will fit nicely into an outdoor kitchen set-up
Cons
- The larger design does make it heavier, but it's still manageable. It could also be awkward to store if you have limited storage.
| Dimensions | 63 x 58 x 37cm |
| Weight | 18.2kg |
| Pizza size | 16-inch (40cm) |
| Fuel type | Propane gas |
| Fuel consumption | 0.6kg for 10 pizzas; Gas 0.59kg/hr |
| Material | Powder-coated carbon steel |
Best Ooni for home chefs
Ooniuk.ooni.com
We think the Ooni Karu 16 is a great choice for home chefs or Pizzaiolos because not only do you get the versatility that the Karu oven brings but you also get a larger oven space for cooking all sorts. All Ooni ovens have the potential to cook everything from steaks to desserts, but the Karu 16's wide opening and internal height sets it up well for cooking the absolute most without issue.
We also love that even though the Karu 16 name suggests it is a larger version of the Karu 12, it's the same as the Karu 12G with all its helpful upgrades. The Karu 16 has one extra addition, a mounted digital thermometer instead of the in-built version, so you get a precise reading of the internal temperature. While all Ooni pizza ovens are high-quality, this one, in particular, had reviewers remarking on its craftmanship and how it was built to last.
Pros
- Large internal size - easier for cooking pizzas and more
- More precise temperature readings for easier monitoring
- Flexible cooking with multi-fuel capabilities - can cook with wood, charcoal or gas
- Described by reviewers as being of excellent quality
Cons
- Least energy-efficient - consumes the most fuel for 10 pizzas
- Need to buy the gas burner separately
| Dimensions | 81 x 50 x 83cm |
| Weight | 28.4kg |
| Pizza size | 16-inch (40cm) |
| Fuel type | Propane gas, charcoal and wood |
| Fuel consumption | 2.2kg for 10 pizzas; Gas 0.5 kg/hr |
| Material | Powder-coated carbon steel and brushed 304, 409, 430 stainless steel |
Best Ooni for indoor and outdoor use
Ooniuk.ooni.com
All Ooni ovens can only be used outdoors, except the Ooni Volt 12 - Ooni's only current foray into the world of electric pizza ovens. Fueled by electricity (so you will need to be near a plug), the lack of fumes makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making it a versatile choice for all year round. And, with the built-in handles, it's easy to move between kitchen and garden. Another great option for beginners.
Designed with a heating element above and below the pizza stone, you can achieve the same high temperatures you can expect from other Ooni ovens and a crispy pizza base that you can't control in a regular oven. Plus you don't need to rotate the pizza. You can have complete control; you can use the dials to set a timer, manually adjust the temperature or use the automatic settings to suit your pizza type. Reviewers were seriously impressed by how easy it was to bake brilliant pizzas thanks to the intuitive controls and while it is quite large for a kitchen appliance, they found it will fit on a countertop.
Pros
- Versatile usability - can be used indoors and out, even on balconies
- Intuitive controls for precise settings
- No need to rotate during the cook thanks to heating elements above and below
Cons
- Some reviewers felt it was better for convenience rather than taste - they felt it tasted more authentic on other Ooni ovens
| Dimensions | 61.7 x 52.9 x 27.9cm |
| Weight | 17.8kg |
| Pizza size | 12-inch (30cm) |
| Fuel type | Electric |
| Fuel consumption | 1.02kWh for 10 pizzas |
| Material | Powder-coated carbon steel |
Best Ooni for pizza parties
Ooniuk.ooni.com
Brand new for Ooni comes the Ooni Koda 2 Max which was made for entertaining the masses. If you're often playing host to friends and family in the summer or looking to start a side hustle as a pizzaiolo, the Koda 2 Max is designed to cook extra large or multiple pizzas/dishes side by side. But it's not just the supersize that makes it an upgrade; it also features a digital temperature hub for precise monitoring like the Karu 16 and Ooni's new G2 Gas Technology that helps improve temperature consistency and fuel efficiency. In fact, for 10 pizzas, the Koda 2 Max is the most efficient in this respect.
Another new feature is Ooni Connect via the app that provides oven and food probe temperature readings, so you'll feel more in control of your cook. Of course, the supersize does make it the largest and heaviest Ooni so we'd recommend this as a stay-at-home pizza oven. As it's brand new for 2024, we're yet to learn what reviewers think but if your garden is the place to be for summertime soirees, it might be one to consider.
Pros
- Most fuel efficient of the Koda and Karu ranges
- Large size to cook multiple pizzas at once - great for outdoor entertaining
- More precise temperature monitoring - digital hub and app/probe provide air and food readings
Cons
- Supersize makes it the largest and heaviest - not a portable option and may be difficult to store
| Dimensions | 80 x 74 x 42.8cm |
| Weight | 43kg |
| Pizza size | 1 x 20-inch, 2 x 12-inch, 3 x 10-inch |
| Fuel type | Propane gas |
| Fuel consumption | 0.22kg for 10 pizzas; Gas 0.74kg/hr |
| Material | Powder-coated carbon steel |
Ooni pizza oven buyer's guide
So you've seen how each of these Ooni pizza ovens compare, but alongside the price, finding the right one for your next magical pizza night will come down to these factors:
Size and weight
The size and weight of a chosen Ooni become important when you're considering storage, portability, and pizza size.
While a pizza aficionado may have a dedicated cooking station undercover to stay out all year, the majority will get their pizza oven out in warmer weather and pop it away come winter. In which case, depending on how much storage space you have in your garage or shed, you may need to consider how big the oven is. The Ooni Koda 12 is the most compact option, but you'll also need to consider your fuel storage.
The overall size of your pizza oven will most likely also correlate to pizza size. Fortunately, Ooni has handily included the pizza size in its pizza oven names, with 12-inch and 16-inch pizzas. The only exception is the new Ooni Koda 2 Max which will be larger again to allow for its large pizza base.
You will need to consider whether you plan to station your pizza oven in your garden or move it between friends. The Ooni Koda 2 is the most lightweight, making it easier to carry (as well as move between your garden and storage). Meanwhile, the Ooni Karu 16 is the heaviest making it still portable, but more difficult to move about.
Pizza oven fuel
1. Propane gas
Although a wood-fired pizza oven brings atmosphere and authenticity, gas-fuelled pizza ovens promise a quick heat-up and a more constant heat that's easier to control.
"Cooking with gas is super convenient — you turn a dial, flick the ignition, and you're good to go," says Francesca. "Gas provides precise control and a cleaner burn with no ash or soot to contend with after cooking. The Ooni Koda 16 also has an L-shaped burner, providing more flame area for less pizza turning and a more even cook.
"Some find gas easier to avoid wood smoke drifting into their neighbours' properties, and you can cut the flame off immediately with the turn of a dial. The key consideration is allowing enough space around the hot oven, so it's not too close to walls or balcony fronts."
Gas-fuelled ovens also consume less fuel per cook when compared to wood or charcoal. The cost of all this convenience is the missing smoky taste of a wood-fired pizza but, if you’re already a fan of gas barbecues over charcoal, that might be a price you’re happy to pay.
The Ooni Koda range is powered by propane gas exclusively. The multi-fuel Ooni Karu range can also be powered by gas, but you'll need to buy the gas burner separately from the Ooni website to introduce this as an option.
2. Wood pellets
Unique to the Ooni Fyra, wood pellets are essentially compressed wood byproducts and perform almost as an ideal combo of gas and wood.
"Cooking with wood pellets offers a no-nonsense live-fire experience and intense flavours," explains Francesca. "The pellets burn hot and fast for consistently high heat and low maintenance, and provide that smoky scent you associate with the great outdoors. There’s also the convenience of being able to use real hardwood in a compact way.
"Wood pellets are a cost-efficient option with a large bag providing up to 12 hours of cooking."
You can use hardwood or softwood pellets; softwood burns quicker and hotter, while hardwood produces a high heat density with a longer burn.
3. Multi-fuel
The Ooni Karu range is multi-fuel, which means you can use wood, charcoal or gas (burner sold separately) to power up your pizzas. The Karu is ideal for cooking enthusiasts who want to cook by various means and reap the benefits of each.
We've already covered gas-fuelled, but what you don't get with gas that you do with wood is the delicious, authentically infused scent and taste of wood smoke. It produces a large flame, but you'll need to keep it stoked to prevent the flame from dying out. The same applies to charcoal, which will burn slower for longer.
4. Electric
The Ooni Volt uses electricity to cook and while you might miss out on the smoky flavour, you are treated to the versatility of using it indoors and outside. "With the Volt 12, you can say goodbye to the need for fuel altogether," says Francesca. "Just plug it in, and you're ready to start baking pizzas with precision and consistency.
"Electric ovens like the Volt 12 require minimal setup and maintenance, making them ideal for anyone who wants to focus more on the cooking process than on managing fuel. Plus, with electric power, you can say goodbye to concerns about running out of fuel or dealing with the smoke and ash that can come with other types of ovens."
We see this type of fuel continuing to grow in popularity as it has with electric BBQs - they're easy to control, clean and great for balconies.
Handy features and extras
Not all pizza ovens are built the same, and that goes for Ooni. As you'll have found in the round-up above, some have helpful features that make pizza parties easier. From in-built thermometers to digital ones, glass doors to app technology, we'd encourage you to consider what you would find useful to determine whether it's worth paying that bit more.
It's also worth considering all the extras you'll need to buy, such as a carry cover, pizza peel, fuel and more. Ooni are stocked with all the goods so you can buy directly as and when, or you could consider buying them in a bundle with your initial purchase. You can also buy supplies from other retailers, such as Amazon.
Ooni pizza oven FAQs
Which Ooni pizza ovens are best for beginners?
As you can see from our list, we recommend the Ooni Fyra 12 as it's affordable and uses wood pellets which are low maintenance compared to wood/ charcoal but still packs a flavour punch. That being said, Francesca also recommends the Ooni Koda 12 and Ooni Volt 12.
"The Ooni Koda 12 is a great entry-level option from the range of Ooni ovens available," says Francesca. "Its lightweight and portable design makes it effortless to set up and use in various locations. Being a gas-powered pizza oven, the Koda 12 eliminates the need to deal with wood or charcoal, simplifying the cooking process, especially for beginners. Its compact size is ideal for those with limited outdoor space, facilitating easy storage and transportation." Plus, the fact is one of the more affordable options, it's an attractive choice for newcomers to the world of pizza ovens.
Then there's the Ooni Volt 12. "Ready to use right out of the box, eliminating the need for any hard fuels or gas bottles, the Ooni Volt 12 is another fantastic entry point oven," explains Francesca. "As an all-electric pizza oven, installation is effortless, simply plug your Volt 12 into an electrical socket and you’re good to go."
But ultimately, you'll also find all Ooni pizza ovens come with an essential guide to help you with setup and guide you through the process of making your first pizza. So no matter which option you choose, you'll be in safe hands.
What makes Ooni stand out against its competitors?
"Ooni is the creator of the world's first portable wood-pellet fired pizza oven and over the years, we’ve established ourselves as leaders in the pizza oven category," shares Francesca. "We’re continuously pushing boundaries and continue to define the category through innovative designs. Our latest launch is the Koda 2 Max, our largest and most advanced pizza oven to date.
"Alongside ovens, we also have a wide range of pizza making accessories and ingredients to help elevate the pizza making experience at home." You can find all this and more on the Ooni website.
Where is Ooni going next?
With the launch of the new Ooni Koda 2 Max introducing new features, such as Ooni Connect technology and a digital temperature hub, we're keen to know what could be next in store.
Francesca says, "While we love tradition, we're always innovating and developing new products to keep levelling up the outdoor cooking experience. Our goal is to continue creating products that elevate the joy of being together. I can’t give anything away, but make sure to follow us on @ooni.uk to stay up to date with the latest!"
Where can you buy Ooni pizza ovens?
Ooni pizza ovens are available to buy direct from the Ooni website, as well as via other retailers. These include Amazon, Lakeland, John Lewis and small, independent stores found through Ooni's store locator.
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Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Modern Gardens, specialising in outdoor furniture, décor, and tools. She's always looking out for inspiration online for stylish and affordable designs, and enjoys spending time in nature.