Ooni Koda 16 Review: The Best Portable Pizza Oven for Outdoor Cooking 2023

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5/5 - (7 votes)

If you’re a fan of outdoor cooking, you’ll love the Ooni Koda 16 gas-powered outdoor pizza oven. Not only does it produce delicious homemade stone-baked pizzas, but it’s also portable, which means you can take it with you wherever you go.

For years, we’ve been grilling pizzas on our gas grill, but we always dreamed of having an outdoor pizza oven. When we got our hands on the Ooni Koda 16, we were blown away by how easy it was to use and how delicious the pizzas turned out.

If you are considering purchasing the Ooni Koda 16, read our in-depth Ooni Koda 16 review to determine if it fits your outdoor cooking needs.

What Size Pizzas Can the Ooni Koda Make?

The Ooni Koda portable gas pizza oven comes in two sizes: the Ooni Koda 12 and the Ooni Koda 16.

The Ooni Koda 12 makes 12-inch pizzas on a 13×13″ pizza stone, while the Ooni Koda 16 can make anything up to 16″ pizzas on a 16.5 x 16.5″ stone baking board. If you like to cook larger pizzas, the Ooni Koda 16 gas pizza oven is definitely the one you’ll want.

The Ooni Koda 12 has an opening height of 3.22″, while the Ooni Koda 16 has an opening height of 4.37″. This means the Ooni Koda 16 can accommodate larger pizzas and other foods requiring more space.

Besides stone-baked pizza, these Ooni pizza ovens can cook other foods as long as the space allows.

Dry baked goods like bread can be baked directly on the cordierite stone baking board, and other foods like flame-cooked steaks and vegetables can be cooked in a cast-iron pan placed in the outdoor pizza oven.

Unfortunately, the Ooni Koda 12 is too small to accommodate Ooni’s dual-sided Grizzler plate. Still, smaller options like the Sizzler and Grizzler pan can fit in the smaller Ooni pizza oven.

In summary, the Ooni Koda 12 makes 12-inch pizzas while the Ooni Koda 16 can make anything up to 16″ pizzas. If you’re looking to cook larger pizzas or other foods that require more space, the Ooni Koda 16 is the better option.

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Specifications of the Ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven

Fuel Options for the Ooni Koda 16

The Ooni Koda 16-gas pizza oven is designed to be used with either natural gas or propane. If you plan to use natural gas, you will need to purchase a conversion kit separately.

The oven features an L-shaped burner that runs along the left side and back of the oven, heating the pizza stone to the hottest temperature in the back left quadrant.

The heat control dial allows you to adjust the temperature throughout the cooking, making it easier to control than a wood-fired oven.

If you experience difficulty getting the oven to light or stay lit, it may be due to pressure build-up inside the gas regulator. To fix this, simply remove the regulator from the propane tank and leave it off for about 30 seconds before screwing it back on. This should solve the problem.

Fuel Options for the Ooni Koda 16

Dimensions of the Ooni Koda 16

The Ooni Koda 16 gas pizza oven stands about 14.5 inches tall with the legs extended. It measures approximately 25 inches from front to back and 23 inches from side to side.

The oven weighs around 40 pounds, making it easy to move around. The cooking area inside the oven is about 16.5 inches square, with an entrance height of approximately 5 inches.

While the oven can fit a 16-inch pizza, sticking to 12-14 inch pizzas is recommended to allow for easy rotation.

Operating Temperatures of the Ooni Koda 16

The Ooni Koda 16 gas pizza oven can reach temperatures up to 932°F, which takes about 20 minutes to achieve depending on the outside temperature.

To ensure that your pizza is cooked thoroughly, it is recommended to use the Ooni infrared thermometer, which is the only way to accurately measure the temperature of the cordierite stone baking board.

Ooni suggests waiting for the stone temperature to reach 752°F before beginning to cook your pizzas. After each pizza, the stone will need time to recover its temperature before cooking the next pizza.

To prevent burning the toppings, it is recommended to preheat the oven to high and then turn the temperature down slightly before launching your first pizza. Once the pizza is removed, adjust the temperature back to high until it’s time to launch the next pizza.

Operating Temperatures of the Ooni Koda 16

How to Assemble the Ooni Koda 16

The Ooni Koda 16 gas pizza oven comes fully assembled in the box. All you need to do is unfold the legs and slide the cordierite stone baking board in place. It is recommended to run the oven for about 30 minutes for an initial burn-in before cooking your first pizza.

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Comparison between Ooni Koda 16 and Roccbox

When it comes to portable gas-powered outdoor pizza ovens, the Ooni Koda 16 and Roccbox are two of the most popular options on the market. Here’s a quick comparison of the two models.

Ooni Koda 16

Ooni Koda 16

If you’re looking for a portable-sized gas-powered outdoor pizza oven, the Ooni Koda 16 is a great option to consider. It is fuelled by gas only, but a conversion kit is available for natural gas.

The external dimensions of the oven are 25 x 23.2 x 14.7″, and the cooking floor dimensions are 16.5 x 16.5″. The oven weighs 40 lbs and has a 15 mm Cordierite stone cooking floor.

Unfortunately, no accessories are included, but the oven comes with a 3-year warranty on registered purchases. At the time of publishing, the price of the Ooni Koda 16 is $599.

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Roccbox

Roccbox

The Roccbox by Gozney is another portable-sized gas-powered outdoor pizza oven to consider. It is fuelled by gas only, but a dual-fuel option is available for an additional $100.

The external dimensions of the oven are 16.3 x 21 x 18.6″, and the cooking floor dimensions are 12.4 x 13.4″. The oven weighs 44 lbs and has a 19mm Cordierite stone cooking floor.

The Roccbox comes with a professional-grade pizza peel and a bottle opener and has a 5-year warranty on registered purchases. At the time of publishing, the price of the Roccbox is $499.

In terms of cooking space, the Ooni Koda 16 has a larger cooking floor compared to the Roccbox. However, the Roccbox is slightly heavier than the Ooni Koda 16.

Additionally, for the same price as the Ooni Koda 16, you could purchase the Roccbox with the dual fuel option. Ultimately, deciding between the two pizza ovens will depend on your preferences and needs.

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Advantages of the Ooni Koda 16

Less Mess

Cooking with gas is a less messy option than cooking with wood or charcoal. With the Ooni Koda 16, you won’t have to deal with ash after cooking. Simply turn off the burner and gas supply, and you’re done.

While there may be some burnt flour residue and occasional mess from a launch-gone-wrong, it’s still a lot less mess than other outdoor cooking methods.

Ease of Use and Convenience

Cooking with gas is more convenient than cooking with wood and coal. With the Ooni Koda 16, all it takes is a simple flip of the built-in gas ignition to start cooking your pizza in just 20 minutes.

That’s just enough time to pull together your supplies and ingredients and prepare your first pizza for launch.

Ease of Portability

At 40 pounds, the Ooni Koda 16 is still a reasonably portable option for an outdoor pizza oven. While it’s heavier than the smaller Ooni Koda 12, it’s still possible for one person to move it around.

Portability means you can enjoy delicious pizza anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Unforgettable Outdoor Cooking Experience

Having an Ooni pizza oven in your outdoor kitchen takes pizza parties to a whole new level. The innovative L-shaped flame creates a mesmerizing waterfall effect, and the oven cooks pizzas in just 60-90 seconds.

Your guests will be blown away by the experience and the delicious pizza that comes out of the Ooni Koda 16.

Unforgettable Outdoor Cooking Experience

Ease of Setup

Setting up the Ooni Koda 16 is incredibly easy. Just unfold the legs, place the pizza stone in position, and hook it up to your propane tank. It’s that simple! You’ll be ready to cook pizza in no time.

Pizza Satisfaction Guarantee

Ooni offers a 60-day guarantee that they’ll buy back your Ooni Koda 16 if you’re not satisfied with it. This gives you the peace of mind to try it out and make sure it’s the right oven for you.

With the guarantee, you can be confident that you’ll love your Ooni Koda 16 and the delicious pizza it produces.

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Disadvantages of the Ooni Koda 16

Sole Fuel Option

The Ooni Koda 16 is a gas-powered outdoor pizza oven with no other fuel options. This means that if you run out of propane, you won’t be able to cook pizza until you can refill it.

Additionally, if you want to use natural gas, you’ll need to purchase an additional conversion kit.

Uneven Heat Distribution

The Ooni Koda 16’s heat distribution is not as even as the Ooni Karu 16. The L-shaped burner on the left and back sides can cause one half of the pizza to cook faster than the other half.

This requires constant attention to ensure that the pizza is cooked evenly; otherwise, you risk burning one side of the pizza.

Suitable for Outdoor Use Only

The Ooni Koda 16 is an outdoor pizza oven, and it’s unsafe to use indoors. Even if it’s too cold to cook outside, you shouldn’t fire up the oven indoors. It’s important to remember that this pizza oven is for outdoor use only, with no exceptions.

Tips for creating a delicious pizza with Ooni Koda 16

Making pizza with the Ooni Koda 16 is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it does take some practice to get the hang of it.

In the beginning, you may find it challenging to transfer the pizza from the peel to the hot stone without losing some of the toppings or burning the crust. However, with a little bit of patience and practice, you will soon be able to make delicious pizzas easily.

Tips for creating a delicious pizza with Ooni Koda 16

Here’s what we’ve discovered during our initial pizza-making journey with Ooni Koda 16:

Initially, we made the mistake of using excessive flour on our bamboo pizza peel. We place our pre-stretched dough on the peel and proceed to decorate the pizza while nervously jiggling it to prevent sticking before launching it into the oven.

Unfortunately, this approach resulted in a significant amount of excess flour being sent into the oven, which would burn and leave an undesirable layer of burnt flour on the underside of the crust, affecting the pizza flavor.

Now, our improved technique involves lightly dusting a wooden cutting board with flour and assembling the pizza there.

When it’s ready for baking, we gently lift a corner of the assembled pizza and slide it onto the unfloured pizza peel.

Surprisingly, with a bit of practice, transferring an assembled pizza onto the peel isn’t nearly as challenging as we initially feared.

This transfer onto the pizza peel significantly reduces the excess flour that used to affect the quality of our pizzas.

Furthermore, the crust is adequately dusted from the cutting board, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the peel during its brief journey from the cutting board to the portable pizza oven.

What Dough to Use in the Ooni Koda 16?

When it comes to choosing the right dough for your Ooni Koda 16, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, if you are making your own dough, it is recommended that you use the classic pizza dough recipe provided by Ooni.

However, you should be aware that Ooni recipes favor the metric system, so you may need to invest in a digital kitchen scale if you are not used to working with metric measurements.

Another critical factor to consider when making pizza with the Ooni Koda 16 is the type of flour you use. For the best results, it is recommended that you use “00” flour, which is the secret ingredient to a good Neapolitan pizza crust.

In addition to using the right flour, it is also important to have a dough-proofing tray that can fit in the fridge. This will help you to separate your dough into individual balls and prevent them from sticking together.

In conclusion, making pizza with the Ooni Koda 16 is a fun and rewarding experience, but it does take some practice to get the hang of it.

When choosing the right dough for your pizza, it is important to use the classic pizza dough recipe provided by Ooni and to use “00” flour if possible.

With a bit of patience and practice, you will soon be able to make delicious pizzas that will impress your friends and family.

What Dough to Use in the Ooni Koda 16

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Top Ooni Accessories We Recommend:

When it comes to accessories for your Ooni pizza oven, the options can seem endless.

We’ve tried and tested many of them and have compiled a list of our favorites to help you make the most of your Ooni experience. Here are some of the accessories we recommend:

  • Ooni Pizza Peel: Available in a variety of sizes and styles, this essential tool helps you easily slide your pizza in and out of the oven.
  •  Ooni Infrared Thermometer: This handy tool helps you accurately measure the temperature of your oven, ensuring your pizza is cooked to perfection every time.
  •  Ooni Cover: Protect your pizza oven with a durable cover from the elements.
  •  Ooni Cast Iron Skillet: Expand your cooking options with this versatile skillet, perfect for cooking meats, vegetables, and more.
  •  Ooni Pizza Cutter: Slice your pizza with ease using this sharp and sturdy cutter.
  •  Ooni Pizza Oven Cart: This convenient cart makes your pizza oven portable and easy to move.

While many other accessories are available, these are the ones we’ve found to be the most useful and worth the investment. Happy pizza-making!

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Explore Other Ooni Pizza Ovens

If you’re considering buying an Ooni pizza oven, there are plenty of options to choose from. In addition to the Ooni Koda 16 gas-powered outdoor pizza oven, Ooni offers four other pizza ovens in various sizes and fuel types to suit your cooking preferences.

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Is the Ooni Koda 16 Outdoor Gas-Powered Pizza Oven Worth the Investment?

If you’re in the market for a portable outdoor pizza oven, the Ooni Koda 16 is definitely worth considering. This gas-powered oven is an excellent addition to any outdoor space and allows you to cook delicious pizzas without having to rely on a wood-fired oven.

One of the biggest advantages of the Ooni Koda 16 is its portability. You can easily take it with you to a friend’s house, camping, or any outdoor gathering. It’s also a great option if you don’t have the space for a permanent outdoor oven.

Once you get the hang of the technique, the Ooni Koda 16 produces delicious pizzas with a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. However, getting the cooking technique just right may take some practice.

Overall, if you’re looking for a portable outdoor pizza oven that produces great results, the Ooni Koda 16 is definitely worth considering.

Is the Ooni Koda 16 Outdoor Gas Powered Pizza Oven Worth the Investment

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Where to Buy the Ooni Koda 16?

You can purchase the Ooni Koda 16 directly from the Ooni website or on Amazon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Ooni Koda 16 according to Reddit users?

According to Reddit users, the Ooni Koda 16 has several pros and cons. Some of the advantages include its portability, ease of use, and quick preheating time.

On the other hand, some users have reported issues with temperature control and difficulty in cleaning the pizza oven.

What are the differences between the Ooni Koda 16 and the Ooni Karu 16?

The Ooni Koda 16 and the Ooni Karu 16 are both outdoor pizza ovens from Ooni, but they have some differences.

The Ooni Koda 16 is a gas-powered pizza oven, while the Ooni Karu 16 is a wood and charcoal-fired pizza oven. The Ooni Karu 16 also has a higher temperature range compared to the Ooni Koda 16.

Is the Ooni Koda 16 worth the investment?

The Ooni Koda 16 is a high-quality pizza oven that can deliver restaurant-quality pizza in your backyard. While it may be a bit expensive, it is definitely worth the investment if you are a pizza lover who wants to enjoy delicious homemade pizza.

Where can I find the best deals for the Ooni Koda 16?

You can find the best deals for the Ooni Koda 16 on the official Ooni website or on Amazon. You can also check other online retailers for discounts and promotions.

How much does the Ooni Koda 16 weigh?

The Ooni Koda 16 weighs only 40 pounds, making it easy to move around and store.

Why doesn’t the Ooni Koda 16 have a door?

The Ooni Koda 16 does not have a door because it is designed to be a quick and easy pizza oven that can reach high temperatures in a short amount of time. The absence of a door also allows for better airflow and even cooking of the pizza.

Ooni Koda 16 Review: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ooni Koda 16 is a fantastic addition to any outdoor cooking setup. With its sleek design and powerful heating capabilities, it is perfect for cooking up a variety of dishes, from pizzas to steaks and more.

Its portability and ease of use make it an excellent option for those who love to cook outdoors, whether at home or on the go. Additionally, its durable construction ensures that it will last many years.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality outdoor cooking solution, the Ooni Koda 16 is definitely worth considering.

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Janie

Janie is a pizza enthusiast who loves everything about pizza, from the crust to the toppings. With years of experience in the pizza industry, Janie has developed a deep knowledge of the art of pizza-making, and she's excited to share that knowledge with others. Her passion for pizza is matched only by her desire to help others learn more about this delicious food. Whether you're a pizza novice or an experienced home cook, Janie's articles will provide you with the information and tips you need to make the perfect pizza every time. Join her on this pizza journey and discover all the useful things she has to share about this beloved food.

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