The Ooni Koda 2 pizza oven promises a significant upgrade over its predecessor, and this review delves into whether that promise is fulfilled. We unpack the oven's arrival, setup, and initial impressions, examining its design, features, and ease of use. From the sleek slate blue finish to the surprisingly lightweight construction, we explore the practical aspects of this portable pizza-making marvel. Particular attention is paid to the new G2 gas technology and its impact on cooking performance.This in-depth review assesses the Koda 2's cooking capabilities, focusing on heat distribution, temperature control, and overall cooking time. We detail the experience of baking Neapolitan-style pizzas, highlighting the performance of the thicker pizza stone and the effectiveness of the enhanced gas system. Ultimately, we determine if the improvements justify the upgrade cost and whether the Ooni Koda 2 earns its place as a top contender in the portable pizza oven market.
Pros And Cons
- Slate blue color option (in addition to black)
- 14-inch size, offering 20% more cooking space than the Koda 12
- Thicker (15mm) pizza stone for better heat retention and reduced reheat times
- Tapered pizza stone for easier pizza turning
- G2 gas technology for even heating
- Side-mounted gas dial (improvement over the Koda 12's rear-mounted dial)
- Electronic clicker ignition (battery-powered) for easier lighting
- Portable design (15kg, 70cm deep, 50cm wide, 30cm high)
- Includes a carry case with handles
- Stainless steel pizza lip for resting pizzas
- Improved reheat time between pizzas due to thicker stone (based on reviewer's experience)
- Gas dial is on the side, not the front (making flame control visibility less convenient)
- Requires a battery for the electronic ignition
- Takes around 30 minutes to heat up (longer than the advertised 20 minutes)
- No built-in thermometer; an infrared thermometer is needed for temperature checking
- Not large enough for cooking items other than pizzas (e.g., whole chicken, large loaves of bread)
- The oven does not sit completely flat when the legs are folded.
Read more: 5 Best Pizza Stones for Enhancing Your Green Egg Magic
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Ooni Koda 2 arrived in a straightforward cardboard box, easy to recycle. Inside, I found the oven itself, a pizza stone, and the gas attachment. The slate blue color is a welcome change from the standard black, offering a fresh, modern look. The oven felt surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver.
Initial impressions were positive. The oven's size seemed ample and the slate blue color was visually appealing. The overall packaging and setup felt streamlined and efficient, suggesting a user-friendly experience. The included instructions were clear and concise.
Key Features and Improvements
The Koda 2 is larger than its predecessor, the Koda 12, offering a 14-inch cooking surface for bigger pizzas. The thicker, tapered pizza stone (approximately 15mm thick) promises improved heat retention and faster cooking times between pizzas. The new G2 gas technology creates a more even flame distribution for consistent cooking.
The gas dial is now conveniently located on the side of the oven, improving accessibility. The electronic ignition system, powered by a battery, makes lighting the oven effortless. The inclusion of a stainless steel pizza lip helps with removing hot pizzas safely and without burning hands.
Performance and Cooking Experience
Heating the oven took approximately 30 minutes to reach 443°C (829°F), slightly longer than the advertised 20 minutes. The oven's temperature control was precise and responsive, allowing for fine adjustments to the flame size. The G2 technology did, in fact, help maintain heat exceptionally well throughout cooking.
Cooking a Neapolitan-style pizza was straightforward. The tapered stone made pizza rotation easy. The oven maintained consistent heat between pizzas, minimizing reheating time; after eight pizzas, the cooking surface still performed admirably. The result was a pizza with a perfectly cooked base and melted cheese, highlighting the even heat distribution.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Ooni Koda 2 is a significant upgrade from the Koda 12. The larger cooking surface, improved heat retention, enhanced gas technology, and convenient features make it a worthwhile investment for pizza enthusiasts. The electronic ignition, redesigned gas dial and the stainless steel pizza lip are thoughtful improvements that greatly enhance usability.
While the initial heating time is slightly longer than advertised, the superior heat retention more than compensates. The consistent cooking performance and ease of use make the Ooni Koda 2 a top contender in the portable pizza oven market. Its portability and overall performance make this a highly recommended product.