Ooni Brings the Heat With Three New Gas-Powered Pizza Ovens

Portable pizza ovens have been with us for almost a decade, but if there was ever a time to get one – it’s now. Ooni has just launched the next generation of its gas-powered Koda series, including a 14-inch starter model ($749), the 18-inch Koda 2 pro ($1099) and the 24-inch Koda 2 Max ($1499). From upgraded burners to clever app integration, there’s plenty to like about all three.

While Ooni helped spark the portable pizza oven boom (and claims to be the best-selling pizza oven of all time), it’s also true that plenty of brands now deliver restaurant-quality ’za to the home. But if you’re serious about picking up a peel for the first time or need a gift for the aspiring pizzaiolo in your life, Ooni is a hot contender for your dollar. Here are four reasons why, plus another Ooni innovation to look out for.

The Koda 2 is Ooni’s most consistent oven yet
Ooni has re-engineered its flame burners to distribute heat more evenly – up to 400 percent better, according to the brand. In effect, that means fewer cold pockets and – perhaps more importantly – hot spots that might scorch your crust. As ever, Ooni ovens still take about 20 minutes to reach 500 degrees Celsius and take you to leopard-crust heaven in 60 seconds. But the improved heat distribution also means the Koda’s new, thicker pizza stone “recovers” back to optimum temperature more quickly between cooks when compared with the previous generation.

It’s also the most precise
The entire Koda 2 range is compatible with Ooni’s new Connect Hub – an attachable Bluetooth display that provides air temps in real time and includes a digital food probe for checking internal temperatures of roast meats. You can track those temps on your phone via the Ooni app – as well as dial in a dough recipe (New York or Neapolitan?), log cooking sessions and even set alerts. This is especially helpful if you’re working on the 24-inch Koda Max, which is the first Ooni oven to feature dual cooking zones.

The Koda 2 Max | Photography: courtesy of Ooni

Ooni ovens still look hotter than most
Despite the burner upgrade, the Koda 2 maintains Ooni’s unmistakable UFO shape and signature cast iron nose and rear fascia. These ovens are minimalist yet stylish enough to blend into any space no matter where you put them. Weighing in at just 16 kilograms unboxed, the 14-inch model in particular is excellent for renters or those with small balconies. Ditto for those who want to chuck it in the boot for a weekend away.

The Halo Pro spiral mixer
Ooni has entered the home baking chat with the sleek Halo Pro spiral mixer. And, like the ovens, they’re about more than just looks. A rotating bowl and spiral hook work against a removable breaker bar to build stronger gluten networks without overheating. Plus, that seven-litre bowl handles up to five kilos of dough (around 20 balls) in one go. And it’s not just for pizza – with 58 speeds, a digital dial, built-in timer and interchangeable attachments, the Halo also powers through bread and pastries with ease.

The previous-gen Ooni ovens are now on sale
Whether it’s a car, a phone or a pizza oven, the beauty of a new product line means the previous one goes on sale. Ooni is currently slashing prices on its Ooni Koda 12 oven and accessory bundle.

au.ooni.com

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