Few culinary experiences compare to the indulgence of a crispy wood-fired pizza. For years, making a restaurant-quality Neapolitan pizza at home seemed impossible—until brands like Ooni stepped in. With sleek, portable pizza ovens that promise 60-second pizzas and professional results, Ooni has built a cult following among home cooks, foodies, and hobby gardeners.
But the question remains: Is an Ooni pizza oven really worth it? or is it just another trendy (and expensive) gadget? Let’s dive into a detailed review for 2025.
Ooni is a brand specializing in portable outdoor pizza ovens powered by wood, gas, or both. Founded in 2012, the company quickly became a household name for pizza lovers seeking to recreate the authentic, crispy crust of Italian pizzerias.
By 2025, Ooni will offer several models, from entry-level options for casual cooks to high-performance ovens for serious enthusiasts.
Ooni ovens reach up to 500°C (950°F)—the magic temperature for Neapolitan pizza. Unlike your oven (which typically reaches a maximum of 260°C), the Ooni’s heat creates the signature leopard-print crust in just 60 seconds.
Depending on the model, you can cook with the following fuels:
• Wood pellets (traditional flavor)
• Charcoal (smoky, rustic flavor)
• Gas (convenient and quick to use)
• Some models even allow the use of two fuels for maximum flexibility.
Despite their power, Ooni ovens are compact and lightweight—many weigh less than 13.6 kg. This makes them easy to set up in the garden, on the balcony, or even for a picnic.
Ooni isn’t just for pizza. With its cast iron accessories, you can cook steaks, roasted vegetables, flatbreads, fish, and much more. Essentially, it’s a mini outdoor kitchen.
Fuel options: Wood, charcoal, or gas (with burner).
Cooking surface: 16″—ideal for larger pizzas or meals.
Why it stands out: Maximum versatility and size for serious outdoor cooks.
Fuel flexibility: Similar multi-fuel capabilities in a more compact 12″ design.
Best for: Those seeking high heat with lighter portability.
Fuel type: Gas-only with dual burners.
Size: Expansive 24″ × 20″ cooking area—perfect for New York–style or multiple pizzas.
Pro advantage: Expand capacity without bolting on fuel types.
Fuel: Gas-powered.
Capacity: Designed for 16″ pizzas and other flame-cooked dishes.
Ideal for: Traditionalists seeking simplicity and performance.
Fuel: Electric.
Specialty: Indoor/Outdoor use with 90-second Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Great for: Apartment dwellers or those restricted from open flames.
Here’s the bottom line:
• For occasional pizza eaters, the Ooni may be an expensive appliance. Anyone who only bakes pizza once a month probably won’t get the most out of it.
• For passionate foodies and guests, the Ooni is absolutely worth it. The quality, speed, and fun of baking pizza outdoors justify the price. It also turns backyard gatherings into unforgettable culinary experiences.
Think of it less as a “pizza gadget” and more as an investment in restaurant-quality cooking at home.
• Versatile performance from experienced users – wood-fired oven flavor with multi-fuel models, and speed and precision with gas/electric options.
• Compact yet powerful models deliver restaurant-quality results without taking up much space in the garden.
• Requires some training, especially with multi-fuel ovens that need to be adapted to high temperatures.
• Free shipping on orders over $49.99 in the US.
• Branded packaging without price tags—ideal for gifting. Tracking links are provided to intercept shipments if needed.
• 60-day return policy for unused items in original packaging. Returns are free for mainland addresses.
• Great Pizza Guarantee: If your pizza doesn’t turn out as good as it should after at least five attempts within 28+ days, Ooni will buy it back. You must notify us within 60 days.
• Basic coverage: 1 year manufacturer’s warranty for all products.
• Extended insurance coverage (Ooni.com only, if registered within 60 days):
• Karu and Koda stoves: 5 years
• Volt 12: 2 years
• Selected accessories and spare parts: up to 25 years
• You can cancel or change orders within certain limits. Refunds, delivery delays, and rights in the event of defects are clearly regulated. Returns are free of charge if Ooni has made a mistake.
• To assert warranty claims, you will need a receipt, serial number, and photos of the defect. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
| Model | Fuel Type | Cooking Size | Best For | Extended Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karu 2 Pro | Multi-fuel | 16″ | Flexibility, larger meals | 5 yrs |
| Karu 2 | Multi-fuel | 12″ | Portability + flavor | 5 yrs |
| Koda 2 Max | Gas | 24″×20″ | Big pizzas / entertaining | 5 yrs |
| Koda 16 | Gas | 16″ | Classic gas simplicity | 5 yrs |
| Volt 12 | Electric | 12″ | Urban, indoor-friendly | 2 yrs |
After testing and reviewing Ooni in 2025, the verdict is clear:
Ultimately, Ooni offers more than just pizza—it creates experiences, brings people together, and makes you the star of any garden party. And for many foodies, that’s priceless.