Ooni Koda 12 and 16 pizza ovens are two of the most popular and versatile pizza ovens from the Ooni series. While both offer excellent results, still they have some key differences in terms of size, performance, and price.
However, I have already used both at home and tasted their performance, build quality, and crust quality. While both were good, the Ooni Koda 12 was lightweight, affordable, and heated up fast.
But when it comes to versatility and size, the Ooni Koda 16 would be the best choice. So, let’s compare them more precisely so you can decide which one would be the best fit for your outdoor cooking setup.
Contents
A Quick Comparison Table
| Criteria | Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| Pizza Size | 12” | 16” |
| Item Dimensions | 15.7 x 11.6 x 24.8 inches | 25.2 x 23.23 x 14.57 inches |
| Weight | 20.4 lbs | 39.2 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Propane gas | Propane gas or Natural gas (both options are available) |
| Maximum Temperature | 950° F | 950° F |
| Heating Time | 15 minutes | 20-25 minutes |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
Ooni Koda 12 pizza oven Review
Check The price Ooni Koda12 pizza oven on Amazon
As a pizza lover, I have always wanted easier and more affordable ways to make restaurant-quality pizzas at home. and fortuantely I found the Ooni Koda 12, a compact, budget-friendly and gas-powered pizza oven.
So when I first unboxed this little one, I was impressed by its sleek, modern design. It has a matte black, powder-coated finish with stainless steel accents, making it look premium. Most importantly, setting up the oven was effortless. It was incredibly portable and easy to move.
But what I loved the most about this oven was its built-in gas ignition switch. It works instantly, and within just 15 minutes, it reaches its maximum temperature, scoring 950° F. So, for the first time with this oven, I cooked an 11″ pizza and just witnessed the magic happening.
The pizza was ready within just 60 seconds. The result was incredibly fast and perfect. Unlike a traditional pizza oven that struggles to reach 500 F, the result was night and day!
What I like
- Compact size and lightweight
- Gas-powered, no need for wood or charcoal pellets
- Heats up quickly
- Cooks pizzas within just 60 minutes
- Easy cleanup
What I don’t like
- Limited cooking surface
- No natural gas compatibility
Recommendation
- Who It’s For: If you have a small outdoor space and want a portable, gas-powered pizza oven, the Ooni Koda 12 is a fantastic choice.
- Who Should Consider Other Options: If you need more cooking space, the Ooni Koda 16 would be a better option than this.
- Pro Tips: Preheat the oven for at least 15 minutes before cooking. Also, rotate the pizza more often, as it has a single burner at the back, which will cause the back of the pizza to cook faster.
Final Thoughts
The Ooni Koda 12 is an excellent entry-level pizza oven that delivers fast, high-heat cooking at a relatively low cost. But if you need a larger cooking surface and versatility, you might want to consider the Koda 16.
Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven Review
Check the price Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven on amazon
Ooni Koda 16 is another great production from Ooni. It is similar to Ooni Koda 12 but with a few differences. It has quite a large cooking space. I’ve been using the Ooni Koda 16 for a while now, and I must say it lives up to the hype!
With its sleek, modern, and gas-powered design, it seems like a perfect fit for anyone’s outyard. Not only the look but also the performance is excellent. One of the most significant plus points is the high heat power. It can reach up to 950° F within 20-25 minutes. That high temperature gives pizzas the perfect leopard-spotted crust within 60-90 seconds.
But what I appreciate the most is its L-shaped burner. It ensures that the flame wraps around the pizza instead of just hitting it from the same direction. However, I did notice that it’s still better to rotate the pizza every 20-30 seconds to get even cooking.
Therefore, it is huge. You can cook 16″ pizzas, enough to feed a crowd. I’ve also used it for some side dishes, including veggies and steaks. The extra space makes it more versatile than its smaller counterpart, the Ooni Koda 12.
What I like
- L-shaped burner for better cooking consistency
- Natural gas compatibility
- Extra cooking surface
- Easy-to-use and long-lasting
What I don’t like
- Slightly expensive
- Less portable
Recommendation
- Who It’s For: If you often cook for crowds and prefer an authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, Ooni 16 would be the best choice. It’s also great for pizza fans who like to cook outdoor and people who want more flexibility in pizza size and fuel options.
- Who Should Consider Other Options: If you’re on a tight budget or prefer an electric oven, consider other affordable options from Ooni.
- Pro Tips: Don’t forget to preheat the oven before baking pizza. Also, rotate your pizza halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
The Ooni Koda 16 is a premium choice for those looking for the best in design, performance, space, and versatility. Cooking quality whole pizzas within a minute is incredible. However, if budget and portability are your concerns, Ooni Koda 12 will still be the best alternative.
Ooni koda 12 vs 16 pizza ovens: Key Comparison
Design and Build
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| Both Ooni Koda models are stylish and visually appealing. However, the Ooni 12 is slightly more compact and designed for greater portability. The oven weighs just 20.4 lbs, which is almost half of the Koda 16. | It is larger, heavier, and bulkier compared to the Koda 12. This Ooni Koda 16 oven is specifically designed for serious outdoor cooking setups, so it is heavier, weighing 39.2 lbs, almost double the weight of the Koda 12 model. |
Lighting
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| The Ooni Koda 12 has a gas ignition at the back of the oven with an easy propane connection. Additionally, it has a linear burner at the rear of the interior. | Unlike the Ooni Koda 12, this Ooni Koda 16 model features the ignition at the side with the propane and natural gas connection. In contrast, it has a L-shaped burner for a more robust flame system. |
Heating Time
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| This Koda 12 pizza oven requires a minimal preheating time of about 15 minutes. | Due to its additional size, the Ooni Koda 16 model takes slightly more time to preheat. It takes around 20-25 minutes to reach optimal temperature. |
Fuel Options
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| It supports propane gas only. | On the other hand, the Ooni Koda 16 supports both propane and natural gas, including a conversion kit. |
Performance
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| Both of these Ooni Koda ovens offer excellent performance. But while cooking in the Koda 12, you may need to flip the pizza frequently due to the linear-shaped burner. | The Ooni Koda 16 is designed for one-turn cooking with an L-shaped burner. And after all, there’s no big difference in the final result of pizzas cooked in the Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16. |
Size & Weight
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| Comparatively smaller in size and weight than the Koda 16. The Ooni Koda 12 has a dimension of 15.7 x 11.6 x 24.8 inches. | Slightly larger than the Ooni Koda 12 with a dimension of 25.2 x 23.23 x 14.57 inches. |
Portability
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| For being smaller in size, the Ooni Koda 12 is more portable and great for small patios or solo traveling. | This Koda 16 pizza oven is slightly less portable because of its bulkier size and weight. But it is ideal for permanent setup and easily transportable between two people. |
Ease of Use
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| The Ooni Koda 12 is undoubtedly a beginner-friendly option with a straightforward setup. | The Ooni Koda 16 is slightly more advanced, but it still requires a straightforward setup and no learning curve. |
Cleaning
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| Both the Ooni Koda 12 vs. 16 pizza ovens are easier to clean compared to the wood-fired ovens. Unlike wood burning, the gas-only ignition system causes minimal smoke and no build-up of smut. However, due to the smaller size, it may seem easier to maintain. | Cleaning is a breeze for the Koda pizza ovens, including this Ooni Koda 16 model. Like the Ooni Koda 12, it also requires a minimal cleaning process. Even heating the pizza stone for more than 30 minutes after you finish cooking will be enough to clean the pizza stone, and no use of water will help it to remain dirty. |
Value for Money
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| The Ooni Koda 12 is slightly less expensive due to its smaller size. | This Ooni Koda 16 is more expensive but worth the money as it offers more versatility and performance. |
Final verdict
Ooni Koda 12 vs 16 pizza ovens, both ovens are excellent, but the best choice will depend on your space, your needs, and your budget. If portability and affordability are your priorities, choose the Koda 12 Pizza oven.
On the other hand, if performance is more important to you and you can afford to be larger, go for the Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven. But there is no doubt that whichever you choose, the two will let you bake mouthwatering wood-fired-style pizzas in your backyard!