Ooni Koda 12 vs Koda 2

Burner design and even baking

The Koda 12 has a single burner across the back of the oven. Flame rises from the back, rolls over the dome and heats the stone. The crust nearest the back cooks fastest, so you turn the pizza every 20 to 30 seconds. With practice that gives a very good bake, but it needs attention.

Ooni says the Koda 2 uses a redesigned burner meant to spread the flame and heat more evenly across the oven. In principle, more even heat means less frantic turning and fewer scorched edges. You will still turn the pizza, as with almost every portable oven, but the window between pale and burnt should be wider. Our launch and turn steps help with either oven.

Side by side

This table compares the two in general terms. We have not quoted weights or burner outputs, which differ by version; check Ooni's spec pages.

Thermometer and opening

The Koda 12 has no built-in thermometer, so most owners use an infrared thermometer pointed at the stone. That works well and is cheap. Ooni lists a built-in temperature reading on some Koda 2 versions, which is convenient, but it usually reads air or a sensor point rather than the exact stone surface. Keep an infrared thermometer either way; the pizza oven temperature guide gives target heats.

The Koda 2 has a wider body and opening to suit larger pizzas. A wider mouth makes launching easier, but lets in a little more cold air on a windy day. Place either oven with its back to the wind.

Weight and where it will live

Weight is the Koda 12's big strength. It is easy to carry to a campsite or lift onto a shelf in the shed. The Koda 2 is bigger and heavier, which suits a patio more than a car boot, though it is still portable.

If you are buying for a small garden or balcony-sized patio where open flame is allowed, the Koda 12's small footprint helps. See our best pizza oven for a small garden and best 12 inch pizza ovens for other compact options.

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.

Which to choose

Choose the Koda 12 if you want the lightest, simplest gas oven and 12 inch pizzas are enough. A renewed unit can be a sensible way in; check what warranty comes with it and that the hose and regulator are suitable for UK bottles.

Choose the Koda 2 if you want more even heat, a bigger floor and a built-in temperature reading where included. If size is your real question, compare the Koda 2 and Koda 16 as well. The best gas pizza ovens guide covers wider choices.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ooni Koda 2 better than the Koda 12? It is newer, larger and has a redesigned burner that Ooni says gives more even heat. The Koda 12 is lighter and simpler. Better depends on whether you value portability or a larger, more even oven.

Does the Koda 2 cook 16 inch pizzas? The standard Koda 2 sits between the Koda 12 and Koda 16 in size, per Ooni's line-up. Check Ooni's spec page for the exact maximum pizza size of each Koda 2 version.

Do I still need to turn pizzas in a Koda 2? Yes. More even heat helps, but turning a pizza is normal in nearly all portable ovens.

What gas does a Koda use in the UK? Usually propane or butane with the right regulator. Read our what gas for a pizza oven guide and follow the manual.