Making pizza at home is a good idea! Not only that you can save money, but it also gives you better control over the ingredients and quality. To do so, you need the right pizza oven. And if you have no idea what to buy, this comparison of Breville Pizzaiolo vs Ooni looks at two models worth considering.
Both Breville and Ooni are reliable brands, although Breville is arguably more recognizable. They’re quite different in many ways, such as in terms of their power source and mechanism of cooking pizza.
So, are you ready to start comparing the two? Keep on reading and let me walk you through some of their key differences.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick look at the two pizza ovens:
Breville Pizzaiolo: An electric pizza oven with a capacity of 12 inches, offering different cooking presets, including timer, type of pizza, and darkness.
Ooni Koda: A gas-powered pizza oven that reaches a high temperature of up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit and cooks pizza in 60 seconds.
Comparing the Breville Pizzaiolo vs Ooni Koda
Pros and Cons of the Two Pizza Ovens
If you are still undecided about what to buy, here is a quick look at some of the pros and cons that can help you weigh the two products.
Breville Pizzaiolo Pizza Oven
The Smart Oven Pizzaiolo is the first domestic countertop oven to replicate the performance of a brick oven at a fraction of the cost. With Element iQ system, it replicates the three types of heat generated by a brick oven and comes with preset cooking functions for different pizza styles. Limited supply available.
What I Like:
- Convenient electric operation
- Offers several presets
- Space-saving design
- Intelligent Element IQ system
Limitations:
- Preheating can be quite slow
- Not for people on a budget
Ooni Koda Pizza Oven
Experience authentic stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds with the Ooni Koda 16 gas pizza oven, reaching temperatures up to 950°F. Ready to use straight out of the box, with instant gas ignition and ultra-efficient powder-coated carbon steel shell. Join the pizza party with Ooni ovens in over 50 countries.
What I Like:
- Heats up quickly
- Extremely cool design
- Large capacity
- Reaches a higher temperature
- Generates flames when cooking a pizza
Limitations:
- Connecting to a gas source can be quite tricky
- No presets
Differences between the Breville Pizzaiolo vs Ooni Koda
I personally love using an air fryer for making pizza. However using a pizza oven like these two is a totally different ball game. If you are a serious pizza lover an maker, you came to the right place. So, let’s see the differences of these 2 pizza ovens:
- Power Source
One of the most notable differences between the two is their power source. Breville Pizzaiolo is an electric pizza oven. On the other hand, Ooni Koda is a gas-powered pizza oven.
Now, which one is better? Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. I would say that it depends on your needs and preferences. Each type has its respective pros and cons.
One of the best things about gas-powered pizza ovens is that they are often more affordable. This is because they lack complex electrical components. To add, they heat up quickly. More so, they are often less prone to problems and will require minimal maintenance.
On the other hand, the biggest benefit of an electric pizza oven is that it is easy and convenient to use. You don’t need to babysit. You can set the desired temperature and leave. There is also less guessing as it tends to have a more accurate temperature.
- Construction
As with buying any other kitchen appliance, it is a must to look at construction. It is indicative of durability and value for money. Not to mention, it can also impact aesthetics and even ease of cleaning or maintenance.
The Breville Pizzaiolo is made of brushed stainless steel. It is different from polished stainless steel in a way that the surface is a bit rougher, which also seems to give it more character. It has very fine lines in the direction of brushing.
Meanwhile, Ooni Koda is made using carbon steel. It is powder-coated carbon steel. According to the manufacturer, it has incredible heat retention while offering efficiency.
- Baking Board
While the two models differ in terms of their body construction, they share a similar feature – the baking board is made of cordierite stone. The latter can help in quick heating while also effectively maintaining the desired cooking temperature throughout the process. Not to mention, it helps in achieving a wood-fired finish.
- Maximum Temperature
Between the two models, Ooni Koda has a higher maximum temperature. It can reach up to 950 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, the Breville Pizzaiolo reaches only a maximum heat of 750 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cooking Time
In the Breville Pizzaiola, the average cooking time takes two minutes if you’re making wood-fired pizza. On the other hand, it is only 60 seconds or one minute if you are using Ooni Koda.
However, take note that these are only cooking times. That does not include pre-heating. In the same way that you preheat an air fryer, pizza ovens need preheating to get them ready to cook. On average, preheating can take 15 to 20 minutes.
- Functions
Breville Pizzaiolo is for people who are looking for versatility. It offers various cooking presets, eliminating the need to manually input the desired temperature. Although, if you prefer, so you can also set the heat level manually. In front of the unit, there is a dial knob that will let you set the timer. You can also choose a style, which includes New York, Thin & Crispy, and Wood Fired. Lastly, you can choose the level of darkness.
With Ooni Koda, on the other hand, there are no baking presets. It has a gas ignition knob on the side, which is what you will use for controlling the heat.
- Capacity
Another significant difference between the two is their capacity. The Breville Pizzaiolo is smaller and can accommodate only 12-inch pizzas. On the other hand, Ooni Koda is a bit larger and will let you cook pizza that is up to 16 inches.
- Heating Mechanism
Another good way to compare the two is in terms of their heating mechanism. The Breville Pizzaiolo comes with an L-shaped burner. It produces actual flames, which you can see from the opening as your pizza bakes.
On the other hand, Ooni Koda comes with an Element IQ System. It produces different kinds of heat. For instance, radiant heat is for a spotted crust. On the other hand, convective heat is for perfectly charred toppings without burning the crust. Lastly, conductive heat is for charring the base.
- Weather Resistance
If you’re looking for a pizza oven that you can leave on the patio, Ooni Koda is a better option. It has weather-resistant construction. The matte body of the oven provides the protection it needs against external factors. Nonetheless, the Breville Pizzaiolo is not weather-resistant. It is meant for indoor use, and weather penetration can damage its electrical components.
- Price
The two pizza ovens are quite expensive. Nonetheless, the Ooni Koda is a bit more affordable. The Breville Pizzaiolo is high-end, so it is best for people who do not mind a bit of a splurge.
Final Verdict
After reading this comparison of Breville Pizzaiolo vs Ooni, I hope it is now easier for you to decide. Those looking for a more affordable option that can cook a larger pizza and achieve higher temperatures might want to consider the Ooni Koda. On the other hand, if you have a smaller space to spare and you want versatile cooking functions, including the ability to choose pizza type and darkness, the Breville Pizzaiolo is an option to consider.
