What To Know
- The Pi Pizza Oven and Ooni are two of the most popular options on the market, but which one is right for you.
- The Pi Pizza Oven features a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel exterior and a ceramic cooking surface.
- The Pi Pizza Oven is a compact and affordable option that delivers consistent results, while Ooni ovens offer a wider range of features and fuel source options.
Are you ready to elevate your pizza game with a high-quality outdoor pizza oven? The Pi Pizza Oven and Ooni are two of the most popular options on the market, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the features, performance, and user experience of both ovens to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Construction
Pi Pizza Oven: The Pi Pizza Oven features a sleek and modern design with a stainless steel exterior and a ceramic cooking surface. It’s compact enough to fit on a small patio or balcony, and its lightweight design makes it easy to transport.
Ooni: Ooni offers a range of pizza ovens with different designs and materials. The Ooni Koda 12 and Ooni Fyra 12 models are portable and lightweight, while the Ooni Pro 16 and Ooni Karu 16 models are larger and more permanent fixtures. Ooni ovens are made from a combination of stainless steel, ceramic, and powder-coated steel.
Fuel Source
Pi Pizza Oven: The Pi Pizza Oven uses propane gas as its fuel source. This provides consistent and even heat, making it easy to achieve the perfect crust.
Ooni: Ooni ovens offer a choice of fuel sources, including propane gas, wood pellets, and charcoal. This versatility allows you to customize your cooking experience and experiment with different flavors.
Temperature Range and Cooking Time
Pi Pizza Oven: The Pi Pizza Oven can reach temperatures up to 800°F (427°C). It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to cook a pizza.
Ooni: Ooni ovens vary in temperature range and cooking time depending on the model. The Ooni Koda 12 can reach temperatures up to 932°F (495°C) and cooks pizzas in 60-90 seconds, while the Ooni Karu 16 can reach temperatures up to 950°F (510°C) and cooks pizzas in 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Surface
Pi Pizza Oven: The Pi Pizza Oven has a 13-inch ceramic cooking surface. The ceramic material provides excellent heat retention and evenly distributes heat across the entire surface.
Ooni: Ooni ovens also have ceramic cooking surfaces, ranging in size from 12 inches to 16 inches. The ceramic material ensures that pizzas cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
Ease of Use
Pi Pizza Oven: The Pi Pizza Oven is easy to set up and use. It comes with clear instructions and a built-in temperature gauge to help you monitor the heat.
Ooni: Ooni ovens are also user-friendly. The portable models are easy to assemble and transport, while the larger models offer more advanced features such as temperature control and fuel management.
Price
Pi Pizza Oven: The Pi Pizza Oven is priced at $399.
Ooni: Ooni ovens range in price from $299 for the Ooni Koda 12 to $799 for the Ooni Karu 16.
Which Pizza Oven is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best pizza oven for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Pi Pizza Oven if:
- You want a compact and portable oven
- You prefer propane gas as a fuel source
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option
Choose an Ooni pizza oven if:
- You want a range of fuel source options
- You’re looking for a larger cooking surface
- You’re willing to invest in a more premium oven
Final Thoughts: Pi Pizza Oven vs Ooni
Both the Pi Pizza Oven and Ooni are excellent choices for home pizza enthusiasts. The Pi Pizza Oven is a compact and affordable option that delivers consistent results, while Ooni ovens offer a wider range of features and fuel source options. Consider your individual needs and preferences to determine which oven is the best fit for your pizza-making adventures.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which pizza oven cooks pizzas faster?
A: Ooni ovens, particularly the Koda 12 and Karu 16 models, can cook pizzas in less than 2 minutes due to their higher temperature range.
Q: Can I use wood pellets in the Pi Pizza Oven?
A: No, the Pi Pizza Oven is designed for propane gas only.
Q: How do I clean the ceramic cooking surface of my pizza oven?
A: Allow the oven to cool completely. Use a stiff brush to remove any debris, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Q: Which pizza oven is more durable?
A: Both Pi Pizza Oven and Ooni ovens are made from durable materials, but Ooni ovens generally have a more robust construction, especially the larger models.
Q: Can I use a pizza stone in the Pi Pizza Oven or Ooni ovens?
A: No, the ceramic cooking surfaces of these ovens are designed to provide optimal heat retention and cooking performance. Using a pizza stone may interfere with the heat distribution.
