Ooni gas vs wood pizza ovens| Comparing, choosing & using

Are you looking for a way to bring the outdoor flavor of wood-fire cooking into your kitchen or backyard? Look no further than Ooni gas and wood fired pizza ovens! Whether you’re an experienced home chef, a budding pizza enthusiast, or just someone who loves the smoky taste of wood-fired pizzas, Ooni has something that’s right for you. We’ll explain the differences between Ooni gas vs wood fired ovens so that you can find an option that suits your needs.

What is the Ooni gas pizza oven?

The Ooni gas pizza oven is fueled by clean-burning propane (or natural gas) to give you the convenience of a quick heat-up time and adjustable temperature control. It reaches up to 932°F (500°C) in just 15 minutes, so you can start cooking delicious pizzas quickly and easily! The Ooni gas pizza oven comes with a durable stainless steel body and cast iron burners, making it an ideal choice for heavy-duty use. Plus, its portability makes it perfect for outdoor cooking or even indoor use.

What is the Ooni wood-fired pizza oven?

The Ooni wood-fired pizza oven is powered by wood logs to give you that authentic smoky flavor. This classic pizza oven option is perfect for creating delicious pizzas with a unique outdoor taste. It’s made from durable stainless steel and also comes with its own stand so you can easily move it around when needed.

Comparison of the Ooni gas vs wood pizza ovens

Here’s a quick comparison of the two Ooni gas vs wood pizza ovens:

The size and design

The size of both Ooni pizza ovens is similar, with the wood-fired model being a bit bigger due to its stand. Both can fit a 12″ pizza and are easy to transport for outdoor cooking. For design, the Ooni gas pizza oven has a sleek look while the wood-fired model is more classic in its appearance.

The cooking temperatures and time

The Ooni gas pizza oven can reach temperatures of up to 932°F (500°C) in just 15 minutes, while the wood-fired oven takes longer, about 30-45 minutes. The cooking time for a 12″ pizza will also be slightly shorter with the gas model than with the wood-fired one.

The features and efficiency

The Ooni gas model has adjustable temperature control, allowing you to cook at different temperatures depending on the type of pizza you are making. It also features a drip tray and flame diffuser for better heat distribution. The wood-fired oven requires manual feeding of wood logs throughout the cooking process, and its efficiency depends on how well it is managed.

The portability of both models

Both the Ooni gas and wood-fired pizza ovens are portable enough to be moved around for outdoor cooking. The gas model is more suitable for indoor use due to its cleaner burning fuel, while the wood-fired option will require an external source of ventilation when used indoors.

The price of each type

The Ooni gas pizza oven is more expensive than the wood-fired model, retailing at around $500-$600. The wood-fired version is cheaper, usually starting from around $400.

Which is Ooni gas or Ooni wood pizza oven better?

The choice between Ooni gas vs wood pizza ovens really depends on your own preferences and needs. If you’re looking for convenience and quick heat-up times, the Ooni gas pizza oven is an ideal option. On the other hand, if you want that classic smoky flavor of wood-fired pizzas, then the wood-fired model is definitely worth considering. Both ovens are of high quality and efficient, so the choice is ultimately yours.

Advantages and disadvantages of Ooni gas or wood pizza oven

Advantages and disadvantages of Ooni gas pizza oven

• Advantages: Quick heat-up time, adjustable temperature control, cleaner burning fuel, portability for indoor and outdoor use.
• Disadvantages: More expensive than the wood-fired oven and requires external ventilation when used indoors.

Advantages and disadvantages of Ooni wood pizza oven

• Advantages: Authentic smoky flavor, cheaper than the gas model, portability for outdoor use.
• Disadvantages: Longer heat-up time, manual feeding of logs required for better heat regulation, external ventilation must be provided when used indoors.

Guide to choose the Ooni gas or wood pizza oven

Choosing between an Ooni gas vs wood pizza oven comes down to your cooking preferences and budget. If you want the convenience of a quick heat-up time and adjustable temperature control, then go for the Ooni gas model. However, if you prefer the smoky flavor of wood-fired pizzas or prefer manual feeding of logs for better heat regulation, then opt for the wood-fired oven. Whichever option you choose, it won’t disappoint.

Ways to use the Ooni gas or wood pizza oven

How to use the Ooni gas pizza oven?

Using the Ooni gas pizza oven is easy and straightforward. First, light up the burners with a match or lighter. Once the burners are lit, adjust your desired temperature using the dials on the control panel. You can then place your pizza dough onto the stone baking board and cook it for 12-15 minutes until it’s crispy and golden brown.

How to use the Ooni wood pizza oven?

Using the Ooni wood-fired pizza oven is a little bit different compared to the gas model. First, you’ll need to light your fire with dry kindling and logs before preheating for 30-45 minutes until it reaches your desired cooking temperature. Once heated up, add some more wood logs as needed to maintain the heat and then place your pizza dough onto the stone baking board. Cooking time for a 12″ pizza will be around 5-8 minutes.

Tips for using and storing the Ooni gas vs wood pizza oven

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Ooni pizza oven:

– For both models, make sure to warm up and preheat the oven before using. This will help prevent any sticking or burning.

– Always follow safety instructions when lighting a fire in the wood-fired model.

– Make sure to store both types of ovens away from rain and other elements to extend their lifespan.

– Clean the ovens after each use for better results and an easier cleaning process next time.

Conclusion: Ooni gas vs wood

Making a choice between an Ooni gas vs wood pizza oven ultimately comes down to your preferences and budget. The gas model is more convenient with its adjustable temperature control, while the wood-fired option gives you that smoky flavor that makes wood-fired pizzas so delicious. Both types are portable and perfect for outdoor cooking, so take some time to compare before deciding which one is right for you.

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FAQ: Ooni gas or Ooni wood

Is a gas Ooni worth it?

Absolutely. We were thoroughly impressed with every aspect of this appliance. The Ooni not only delivers superbly quick, crispy, and delicious results, but it also offers the added benefit of a potentially healthier alternative to traditional takeout pizza. The real joy comes from the endless possibilities of experimenting with cooking times, dough varieties, and toppings, making the Ooni a whole lot of fun to use. And even when our culinary endeavors didn’t completely hit the mark, the outcomes were still pretty darn tasty. After all, it’s pizza we’re talking about here.

Can gas Ooni be used indoors?

Ooni pizza ovens are specifically designed for outdoor use. Using them indoors can pose serious risks to your home, belongings, and most importantly, your safety. These high-performance ovens generate intense heat using wood or propane gas.

Can you burn wood in Ooni wood pizza oven?

Experience the versatility of the Ooni Karu wood-fired pizza oven. Designed to burn both real wood and charcoal, this powerful oven delivers exceptional cooking results. Upgrade your cooking options even further with the Gas Burner accessory, allowing you to use propane gas as well. Whichever fuel you prefer, the Ooni Karu is ready to create incredible dishes.

Can I use wood in Ooni gas pizza oven?

The Ooni Karu is designed to be compatible with solid fuels such as wood and charcoal, as well as propane gas when using the Gas Burner accessory. No matter the fuel option, the Ooni Karu will deliver outstanding cooking results.

Do Ooni gas pizza ovens rust?

Yes, it is normal for certain parts of the Ooni Karu 12, which are subjected to high temperatures, to exhibit rust, patina, or oxidation. Rest assured, this will not impact the performance of your oven. You can continue cooking with confidence for many years to come.

Who makes the Ooni gas oven?

Discover the mastermind behind the Ooni gas oven. Ooni, the renowned outdoor pizza oven company hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, crafts these innovative ovens. While the designs originate in Scotland, they are expertly manufactured in China.

Can I use charcoal in Ooni wood oven?

Enhance your Ooni wood oven experience by incorporating charcoal. Discover the optimal results with a powerful combination of wood and lumpwood charcoal, alongside kiln-dried hardwoods like beech, birch, oak, hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry.

Can you use softwood in Ooni wood oven?

Is softwood suitable for use in the Ooni wood oven? Softwood pellets burn hotter and faster, producing more energy. While both types of wood can be used as fuel, we suggest using hardwood pellets for Ooni ovens.

Can you use Ooni gas oven when windy?

When encountering gusty winds, it is not recommended to utilize your Ooni Karu gas 12. However, in unavoidable circumstances, there is a solution. Position your oven in a manner where the wind is directed towards the back, as it should never directly blow into the front of the oven. This ensures optimal performance and prevents any potential issues.

Does Ooni gas oven produce a lot of smoke?

Does the Ooni gas oven emit a significant amount of smoke? While preheating the Ooni Karu 12 with your gas burner, you may notice a minor level of smoke/soot. However, as your oven and stone reach their highest temperatures, this should dissipate.