In the world of outdoor pizza ovens, the Blackstone Pizza Oven has gained popularity for its ability to deliver wood-fired flavors in a convenient package.
However, in this comprehensive Blackstone Pizza Oven review, we’ll examine its drawbacks and explore a superior alternative: the Ooni Karu 16.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of the limitations of the Blackstone attachment and why the Ooni Karu 16 is a better choice for pizza enthusiasts.
Check out the Ooni Karu 16 here.
The Bottom Line: Should You Buy the Blackstone Pizza Oven Attachment?
No, I don’t recommend the Blackstone Pizza Oven.
Simply:
- I don’t like the design
- The oven gets too hot
- It’s not priced very well
- The oven + the stand are very heavy
- There is inconsistent heat distribution
I was incredibly disappointed with Blackstone’s attempt at a pizza oven, especially considering how good their other products are (I have a regular Blackstone and LOVE it). Unfortunately, their pizza oven is going to hurt the brand’s reputation for quality and great outdoor cooking.
If you’re in the market for a pizza oven, I’d highly recommend the Ooni Karu 16 instead:
Ooni pizza ovens are typically much cheaper on the Ooni official site. Check out the price of the Ooni Karu 16 here.
Now, for the actual Blackstone Pizza Oven review…
Understanding the Limitations of the Blackstone Pizza Oven Attachment
The Blackstone Pizza Oven attachment, designed for use with Blackstone griddles, promises an easy and affordable way to transform your existing grilling setup into a pizza-making machine. While it may seem like a convenient option, it’s important to address the limitations of this attachment:
1. Inconsistent Heat Distribution
The Blackstone attachment struggles to evenly distribute heat across the cooking surface. This can result in unevenly cooked pizzas with hot spots and undercooked areas.
2. Limited Temperature Control
The attachment lacks precise temperature control, making it challenging to achieve the high heat levels necessary for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. This limitation hinders your ability to create perfectly charred crusts and well-melted toppings.
3. Durability and Longevity Concerns
Some users have reported issues with the durability of the Blackstone attachment, particularly with regards to its construction and overall lifespan.
4. Other Issues
In my opinion, the Blackstone Pizza Oven also just looks bad:
Plus, I’ve read several reviews that the 140 lb oven & stand arrive in the same box, leading to dents and scratches during transportation. The setup process has been reported as difficult, and once it’s up and running the results have been mediocre at best.
The main problem is the oven gets too hot – the crust burns before anything actually cooks. I haven’t seen this issue with any other pizza oven.
Overall, the Blackstone Pizza Oven is a major flop.
For $900+, you may as well get a good pizza oven.
Enter the Ooni Karu 16: The Best Pizza Oven in 2023
For those seeking a truly exceptional outdoor pizza oven, the Ooni Karu 16 stands out as a superior alternative to the Blackstone attachment.
Key Features
Here are the reasons why the Ooni Karu 16 is worth considering:
a) Outstanding Heat Retention
The Ooni Karu 16 is built with high-quality materials, including a ceramic fiber-insulated body and a cordierite stone baking board. This construction ensures excellent heat retention, resulting in consistent and even cooking throughout your pizzas.
b) Versatile Temperature Control
Unlike the limited temperature control of the Blackstone attachment, the Ooni Karu 16 offers precise control over heat intensity. It can reach temperatures up to 932°F (500°C) within just 15 minutes, allowing you to achieve authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas with ease.
c) Portable and Efficient
The Ooni Karu 16 is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a compact and lightweight build that makes it easy to transport. Its fuel-efficient design also enables you to get the most out of your fuel.
d) Fuel Choices
Speaking of fuel, you can use Wood, Charcoal, Propane, or Natural Gas as your fuel source. Depending on your input, you can get a wildly different tasting pizza. For the adventurous cooks out there, this makes the Ooni Karu the best pizza oven on the market.
Unparalleled Performance of the Ooni Karu 16
When it comes to performance, the Ooni Karu 16 surpasses expectations and delivers exceptional results:
a) Perfectly Crisp and Charred Crusts
The intense heat generated by the Ooni Karu 16, combined with its efficient airflow system, creates an ideal cooking environment for achieving crispy, charred crusts that rival those from traditional wood-fired ovens.
b) Rapid Cooking Times
With its ability to reach high temperatures rapidly, the Ooni Karu 16 can cook pizzas in just 60-90 seconds. This quick cooking time ensures that you can serve up multiple delicious pizzas in a short period, making it perfect for gatherings and parties.
c) Versatile Cooking Experience
The Ooni Karu 16’s design accommodates different cooking styles and dishes beyond pizzas. You can use it to bake bread, roast meats, and even cook vegetables, expanding your culinary possibilities.
Positive User Feedback and Reviews
To gain further insights, we explored user feedback and reviews regarding the Ooni Karu 16.
The overwhelming majority of users praised its performance, versatility, and ease of use. Many highlighted the ability to achieve authentic wood-fired flavors and the joy of creating perfect pizzas at home.
Users also commended the durability and long-term reliability of the Ooni Karu 16, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier pizza oven.
Final Word: The Ooni Karu 16 as the Superior Choice vs The Blackstone Pizza Oven
While the Blackstone Pizza Oven attachment may offer convenience, it falls short in terms of consistent heat distribution and precise temperature control. In contrast, the Ooni Karu 16 stands out as the ultimate outdoor pizza oven, providing outstanding performance, versatility, and superior results.
Whether you’re a passionate pizza enthusiast or simply love the flavors of wood-fired cooking, the Ooni Karu 16 is a worthy investment. Its exceptional heat retention, versatile temperature control, and rave reviews from satisfied customers make it the go-to choice for anyone seeking the ultimate pizza oven experience. Don’t settle for mediocrity—upgrade to the Ooni Karu 16 and elevate your pizza-making game to new heights.
FAQs
What happened to the Blackstone pizza oven?
The Blackstone pizza oven is still available on the market and remains a popular choice among outdoor cooking enthusiasts, though I much prefer the Ooni Karu 16.
Is Blackstone going to make a pizza oven?
Blackstone already manufactures and offers a pizza oven attachment that can be used with their griddles.
How big of a pizza can you make in the Blackstone pizza oven?
The Blackstone pizza oven can accommodate pizzas up to 16 inches in diameter, allowing you to cook a substantial-sized pizza.
How do you turn a griddle into a pizza oven?
To turn a griddle into a pizza oven, you can use a pizza oven attachment specifically designed for the griddle. This attachment typically includes a dome-shaped cover and a stone baking surface to create the necessary heat and cooking environment for pizzas.
