The Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16: Finding the Best Pizza Oven for You
The delicious flavors of fresh pizza are hard to beat, and they're only bested when the dough is homemade and baked right in your backyard. That's why Ooni was created. What started as a couple looking for a way to make these tasty pies at home turned into a brand that strives to make portable and cost-effective ovens for every family. The Ooni Koda 12 and 16 are some of the brand's most popular models. Both options offer impressive performance and durability, making it a challenging decision to pick the best one for you and your outdoor space. Join us as we compare the Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16 pizza oven and discover what you can expect from each model.
Choosing Between Ooni Pizza Ovens
Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven - UU-P06A00
The Common Features Between These Models
Before we dive into our Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16 comparison, we want to discuss the features included with both models. To start, the installation for these appliances is designed with simplicity in mind. After unboxing, fold down the legs and set the oven onto a flat, stable surface. Then, attach a tank of liquid propane and you’re ready to begin baking. Speaking of gas power, this energy source makes the process a breeze, guaranteeing performance, ease and consistency every time you fire up the appliance. Once your pie is placed in the oven, these Ooni models need just 60 seconds to bake your flatbread to perfection. Plus, it’s easy to keep the food coming, as after three and a half minutes, your oven will be ready to cook another pie.
The brand's patented Flame Keeper technology is included in both pizza ovens, ensuring fuel efficiency and maximum temperature retention. The powder-coated carbon steel shell further preserves essential heat while adding to the sleek, stylish appearance. The final similarity to note before we begin our Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16 comparison is the clean-up process. Both models require little effort to keep them in tip-top shape. Once the final pie is pulled, wait till the appliance has cooled before using the Ooni pizza Oven Brush to remove any lingering burnt bits and ash. If the pizza stone has more stubborn or baked-on residue, gently flip the slab, as it will clean itself during your next cooking session. For the exterior, grab a non-abrasive cloth and wipe down the surface.
Understanding the Key Differences
While these models have their similarities, there are several qualities that set them apart. The Koda 12 is the more affordable choice and a great option for smaller households or balcony spaces. The Koda 16 is slightly more expensive, but also has more to offer. So what exactly are the main differences between the Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16?
The Available Cooking Space
The first distinction that you’ll notice between the Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16 is the cooking space. The size of each model not only affects the maximum crust size but also plays a key role in portability and heating time, which we will be discussing later. The Koda 12 pizza oven's stone measures 176 square inches. This size fits pies up to 12 inches wide, which creates about six to eight slices. Meanwhile, the Koda 16 model has a 292-square-inch stone. This spacious surface lets you prepare 16-inch flatbreads, which typically create about 8-12 slices depending on how you cut them.
Temperature Range and Heating Efficiency
Next up in our Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16 comparison is cooking performance. The Koda 12 preheats as low as 390°F and up to 950°F. The higher temperatures are what allow this model to bake restaurant-quality pizza in just 60 seconds. Once the desired temperature is set, you'll only need to wait 15 minutes before the first pie can go in, giving you plenty of time to personalize your toppings for the ideal flavor combinations. While you let the dough bake and cheese melt, you'll want to rotate the pie about four times, or about every 20 seconds. This helps ensure even results due to the single-bar burner.
Rotating a pizza four times can be difficult for some, and that's where the performance of the Koda 16 takes a step up. The unique L-shaped burner of this model directly heats half of the flatbread at a time, meaning only one rotation is needed for a 100% even bake. This Ooni pizza oven also lets you cook as low as 310°F, making it a more versatile option when preparing side dishes and desserts. Since the Koda 16 is larger, you'll need to wait an extra five minutes for the oven to preheat before the first pie can go in.
Other Considerations Before Deciding
Before you pick between the Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16, there are a few other factors that play a role in your baking experience that could affect your decision. First, who are you planning on cooking for? If summer bashes and group pizza nights are common in your household, then you'll love the extra space provided by the Koda 16. For smaller gatherings or solo dinners, the Koda 12 will suit you best. Next, think about what you plan on using the pizza oven for. The larger capacity of the Koda 16 makes it easier to prepare additional recipes, such as roasts and baked desserts. Finally, will you want to travel with your pizza oven? Though the Koda 12 is smaller, it's much easier to move from one place to another. This makes it a great option for families looking to add an extra layer of fun to camping or road trips.
Which Oven is Best for You?
At the end of the day, the decision between the Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16 mostly comes down to how much cooking space you need for your homemade pies. The Koda 12 is smaller, making it perfect for personal pizzas. The more compact build also means quicker heating times and increased portability. For larger families and bigger pizzas, you'll want to go with the Koda 16. While the wider size requires more time to preheat, you'll also have more freedom when cooking for larger groups. Order online today if you already know which model is best for you or give our team of experts a call at 800-860-3577 for more help choosing between the Ooni Koda 12 and 16. Our guide to pizza ovens is another great resource to learn more about these outdoor kitchen upgrades.
The Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16 FAQs
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No, the Ooni Koda 12 pizza oven should not be used indoors.
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The Ooni Koda 12 pizza oven preheats in as little as 15 minutes.
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Once you’ve unboxed the Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven, unfold the legs and place the oven onto a sturdy, flat surface outdoors. Then, attach the liquid propane gas tank and you’re ready to start cooking homemade pizzas.
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A 16-inch pizza peel is the largest size that can be used with the Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven.
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To clean the Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven, use the Ooni Pizza Oven Brush to wipe away lingering burnt bits and ash. If needed, flip the pizza stone to remove baked-on residue, as it will clean itself during your next cooking session. Finally, wipe the exterior with a non-abrasive cloth.
