Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven review

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The gas-powered Ooni Koda 16 is a portable pizza oven, designed to create authentic-tasting pizzas in just 60 seconds. It is the latest design on the market from Ooni, who boast a range of wood-, coal- and gas-powered pizza ovens, the original gas-powered Koda being slightly smaller than this new version which can cook a 16-inch pizza.

With its innovative L-shaped flame creating a waterfall effect on the heat transfer, you get a lovely flame-cooked flavour and great heat retention.

The sleek design not only looks great in an outdoor kitchen, it’s easy to assemble and clean. At £399, it’s middle of the range on the market and good value for such a durable, top-quality pizza oven.

What were your first impressions of the Ooni Koda 16?

While the oven arrives in a large box (74 x 70 x 42cm), it has minimal non-recyclable packaging (just one polythene bag). The packaging is of good quality and would protect the oven from any bumps en route to your house. Inside the box is the oven, a pizza stone, a manual (containing tips and recipes), a propane gas tank regulator and hose.

How easy is the Ooni Koda 16 to build?

The oven is ready-built and ready to use. The manual comes with clear instructions for assembly (which aren’t really needed) and advice on the type of surface you’ll need for your set up. Once you’ve popped out its feet, positioned it on a stable surface (you may need to invest in a sturdy outdoor kitchen table for this) and attached the hose to your gas source, you're ready to fire up the oven. This took no more than five minutes.

How easy is the Ooni Koda 16 to use?

We barely needed to refer to the manual. Once you’ve attached the hose to your gas supply (which you’ll know how to do if you have a gas-powered barbecue, but very simple in any case), you can ignite the flame. The ignition is similar to that on a gas hob and extremely easy to use.

How hot does the Ooni Koda 16 get?

The instruction manual advises waiting 20 mins once you’ve lit the oven before cooking, to allow the stone to reach its maximum temperature. There’s no heat gauge on the pizza oven itself; we used a heat gun which was really helpful. The oven can reach 500C.

How many pizzas does it fit?

One 16-inch pizza.

How long does it take to make a pizza?

A simple margherita took 60 seconds on full heat.

How easy is it to add a pizza?

There’s a technique which you'll get the hang of after a few attempts, and then it’s easy. However, you do need a pizza peel, which doesn’t come with the oven.

How hot does the outside get?

The opening gets hot, but you can stand near it without feeling uncomfortable. We would definitely keep children away as it’s not fixed in place and could fall off the table if you pulled the hose.

Does it come with additional pizza tools?

No.

Can you cook anything other than pizza in the Ooni Koda 16?

It’s a relatively shallow opening, but you could cook a spatchcock chicken. Ooni says you can cook steak, pork chops, veggies and more. The space would fit a large roasting tray.

Can it be stored outside?

Its makers say online that it’s weather resistant, but it would need to be covered or stored inside when not in use. It doesn’t come with a cover but you can buy one on the Ooni website.

How easy is the Ooni Koda 16 to store?

It’s a fairly large oven (60 x 60 x 35cm) but the legs fold away, so if you have a large enough shed or garage, it would be easy to store or transport. It’s fairly heavy at 18.2kg but easy to move. If you had space in the car it would be great for a camping holiday.

How was the finished pizza?

It created the best homemade pizza I’ve ever made with lovely charred bubbles in the dough around the crust, a crisp base and lovely melted oozy mozzarella.

How many people does it serve?

A 16-inch pizza would be enough to serve two people – although they were so good, we ate one each!

How long does it take to cool down?

It was cool enough to pack away within an hour and a half, but it would take about two hours to get completely cold.

What utensils did you need to make the pizza?

A bowl for the dough, a pan, knife and chopping board for the sauce. You need a pizza peel, board and pizza cutter (or knife) for serving.

Who would the Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven be most useful for?

It would be great for families or parties/gathering as it makes quite a large pizza and they’re so quick to cook.

What's your favourite thing about the Ooni Koda 16?

The ease of use and the quality of the pizza.

Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven star ratings

Ease of assembly 5/5
Overall build quality 5/5
Ease of use 5/5
Packaging 5/5
Value for money 4/5
Cooking results 5/5
Ease of storage 3/5

Overall star rating: 4.5/5

Available from Ooni (£499 for the newest version)

Available from Lakeland (£499 for the newest version)

Pizza recipes and tips

Best pizza ovens
Basic pizza dough recipe
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Pizza sauce recipe
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Video: How to make pizza
What else can you make in a pizza oven?

This review was last updated in May 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.