This review delves into the Ooni Koda 2 Pro pizza oven, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. We unpack the oven, explore its assembly, and assess its key features, including the innovative G2 gas technology and the substantial 20mm pizza stone. This detailed examination covers setup, heat-up time, and cooking performance, using both Margherita and pepperoni pizzas as test subjects. We scrutinize the evenness of heat distribution, the quality of the crust achieved, and the overall cooking experience.The review highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the Ooni Koda 2 Pro, providing a balanced perspective on its performance. We discuss the oven's size, weight, portability, and ease of use, offering insights into its suitability for various users and cooking styles. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Ooni Koda 2 Pro, helping readers determine if it's the right outdoor pizza oven for their needs.
Pros And Cons
- Second generation of the Ooni Koda 16
- Slightly bigger at 18 inches
- New gas technology with a tapered flame for even heat distribution
- More versatile for cooking items other than pizza (steaks, chicken)
- Thick (20mm) tapered pizza stones that hold more heat and have quicker recharge time
- Wide aperture at the front for easier pizza turning
- Pizza ledge for placing pizzas after removal
- Removable glass visor for heat retention and option to cook larger items
- Electronic ignition for easier lighting
- Precision dial for versatile flame control
- Heavy (30kg, not easily portable)
- Large dimensions (68cm wide x 65cm deep x ~40cm high); requires ample storage space
- Single dial controls both flame sides; cannot control each side independently
- 20mm thick stone may take longer to heat than thinner stones
Read more: 5 Best Pizza Stones for Enhancing Your Green Egg Magic
Unboxing and Initial Setup
The Ooni Koda 2 Pro arrived in typical Ooni packaging – sturdy cardboard boxes. Inside, I found the oven itself, along with a quick start guide, registration information, and the digital temperature hub with its components (temperature probe, connector, and batteries).
The oven itself felt surprisingly heavy. The assembly was straightforward; simply unfolding the legs and securing them in place was all it took. The temperature hub easily connected to the oven, and I was ready to start testing.
I was immediately impressed by the size; this 18-inch oven dwarfs its 16-inch predecessor. The black color looks sleek, although it's also available in blue.
Oven Features and Design
The Koda 2 Pro boasts Ooni's G2 gas technology, featuring a tapered flame that's more intense at the front, providing even heat distribution across the pizza stone. This enhances versatility, allowing for cooking more than just pizzas.
The 20mm pizza stones are notably thick and tapered, improving heat retention and reducing recharge time between pizzas. They also slide in easily, thanks to a clever design that accommodates placement.
Additional features include a removable glass visor for better heat retention and a built-in pizza ledge. This shelf provides a convenient spot to rest cooked pizzas, ensuring they stay warm while examining their base.
Heat Up Test and First Pizza Cook
Ooni claims a 30-minute heat-up time. My test confirmed this to be reasonably accurate, reaching a stone temperature of approximately 438°C after 30 minutes, though the ambient temperature was slightly lower than ideal.
For my first pizza, I opted for a classic Margherita. I started with a lower flame to ensure proper base cooking, then adjusted as needed. While the toppings cooked perfectly, the base needed a bit more browning, suggesting the initial stone temperature wasn't quite hot enough.
A subsequent pepperoni pizza after adding 10 more minutes of heat time resulted in a much better crust, with excellent browning and a good puffy texture. The even heat distribution from the dual burners was very noticeable.
Conclusion and Overall Impression
The Ooni Koda 2 Pro is a substantial and well-designed pizza oven. The G2 gas technology produces consistent heat, resulting in evenly cooked pizzas, although a longer initial heat up time than expected for optimal base cooking is required. The larger size is perfect for larger families or frequent entertaining.
I particularly appreciate the precise temperature control and dual burners, which provide even heat distribution. The thick pizza stones are a significant upgrade and hold heat well, making for a quicker cook time and less frequent preheating.
While the weight makes it less portable, its performance and features more than compensate, and it's a worthy contender in the outdoor pizza oven market. It's well worth considering for those seeking superior cooking and a high-quality, feature-rich oven.