12 inch vs 16 inch pizza oven

Pizza area: bigger than it sounds

Pizza area grows with the square of the diameter, so four extra inches make a big difference. A 12 inch pizza has about 113 sq in of surface. A 16 inch pizza has about 201 sq in, roughly 78% more. Two 12 inch pizzas give about 226 sq in, slightly more than one 16 inch.

That last point matters. In a 12 inch oven each pizza takes around 90 seconds to a few minutes, so cooking two in a row is quick. You get more pizza overall than one 16 inch, and everyone can choose their own toppings. Try the pizza size comparer with your own numbers.

Room to turn and launch

Most portable ovens heat from the back or one side, so you turn the pizza during the bake. In a 12 inch oven, a 12 inch pizza fills the floor and the crust sits close to the flame. Many owners make 10 or 11 inch pizzas so there is space to turn without scorching.

A 16 inch oven gives room to spare with a 12 inch pizza, which makes turning easier and more forgiving for beginners. It also has room for a small roasting tray or skillet. The opening is usually wider, so launching is less fiddly. Our launch and turn guide covers technique.

Fuel, heat-up and weight

A bigger oven has more stone and air to heat, so it generally takes longer to get hot and uses more gas, wood or pellets per session. If you cook often, a 12 inch oven is cheaper to run and quicker to get going on a weeknight. Turning the flame down once the stone is hot saves fuel in any oven.

Weight rises with size too. Many 12 inch ovens are light enough for one person to carry and take camping. 16 inch ovens are usually bulkier, heavier and better left on a sturdy table. Check the maker's spec page for exact weights and dimensions before you buy.

Note:Gas pizza ovens are for outdoor use only. Never use one indoors, in a tent, awning, caravan or garage. Before each use check the hose and regulator and do a soapy-water leak test on the joints. Keep the bottle upright, outdoors and away from heat, and turn the gas off at the bottle when you finish. Follow the manual for your model. If you suspect a gas leak, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999, and use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any fixed gas work.

Space, storage and peels

Measure your table and your storage space. A 16 inch oven needs a larger, heat-resistant surface with clearance all round and room inside a shed or garage when not in use. A 12 inch oven fits a small patio or balcony table more easily; see the best pizza oven for a small garden.

Peel size follows oven size. For a 16 inch pizza you need a 16 inch launching peel, which is large and awkward in a small kitchen. Many people with 16 inch ovens still make 12 to 14 inch pizzas on a 14 inch peel. Read pizza peel sizes explained and check pizza dough ball sizes to match dough to pizza size.

Which size suits you

Choose 12 inch if you cook for one to three people, want a light oven you can move, have limited space or want quick weeknight pizza with little fuel. Choose 16 inch if you often feed groups, want large sharing pizzas or roast other food in the oven, and you have room for it.

A 13 or 14 inch oven is a sensible middle ground. Browse the best 12 inch pizza ovens and the best outdoor pizza ovens in the UK. If you are weighing two Ooni sizes, see Ooni Koda 2 vs Koda 16.

Frequently asked questions

What size outdoor pizza oven do I need? For most couples and small families, a 12 to 14 inch oven is plenty. A 16 inch oven suits frequent hosts and anyone who wants large sharing pizzas.

Ooni Koda 12 vs 16: what is the main difference? Size. The Koda 12 is lighter and takes 12 inch pizzas; the Koda 16 takes 16 inch pizzas and uses an L-shaped burner. Check Ooni's spec pages for weights and dimensions.

What peel do I need for a 16 inch pizza? A launching peel at least 16 inches wide. Many owners make slightly smaller pizzas so they can use a 14 inch peel.

Is one 16 inch pizza more than two 12 inch? No. Two 12 inch pizzas have about 226 sq in of surface, slightly more than one 16 inch at about 201 sq in.