If you’re wondering what the difference is between the Ooni Koda 12 vs 16 pizza ovens, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll compare all aspects of these two pizza ovens to decide which is the best fit for you. It’s really not that hard of a decision once you know what factors to consider – the Ooni Koda pizza ovens are extremely similar.
There are, however, some pros and cons to each that you would only know if you used both of them side by side and made a comparison. Fortunately for you, I have.
Without further ado, let’s compare the Ooni Koda 12 vs 16.
Overview Comparison
| Ooni Koda 12 | Ooni Koda 16 | |
 |  | |
| Overall Rating | âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸ | âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸âï¸ |
| Best For | Portability | Best Overall |
| Pizza Size (max) | 12 inches | 16 inches |
| Fuel Type(s) | Propane | Propane, Natural Gas |
| Max Temperature | 950°F | 950°F |
| Weight | 20.4 lbs | 40.1 lbs |
| Price | ~$400 | ~$600 |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Yes, I prefer the Ooni Koda 16.
While the Ooni Koda 12 is definitely more portable, the vast majority of my cooking happens at home, and even if I decide to take the Koda 16 camping I don’t find it overly difficult to move around and set up – it’s still plenty portable.
For me, the more even cooking, larger baking service, and easier maneuverability of the bigger Ooni Koda 16 make it the obvious winner. I’ll break down each of these factors in more detail below.
My Choice: Ooni Koda 16
I’m not going to bury the lead. I choose the Ooni Koda 16:
If you look at the table above, you’ll clearly see I prefer the Ooni Koda 16 vs 12. Personally, the size of the Ooni Koda 16 makes it the obvious choice. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than its little brother, but I want to make bigger pizzas for company and have them come out great every time – to me, that’s worth paying for the bigger size.
Size Matters: Ooni Koda 12 vs 16
When it comes to pizza ovens, size matters, especially if you’re cooking for a larger group or seeking versatility in your cooking endeavors.
The Ooni Koda 12 boasts a compact and portable design, making it ideal for outdoor adventures, picnics, and camping trips.
However, if you prioritize cooking larger pizzas or hosting gatherings, the Ooni Koda 16 takes the lead. Its larger cooking surface accommodates 16-inch pizzas, allowing you to satisfy the appetites of more guests in a single bake. The increased size of the Ooni Koda 16 undoubtedly provides more convenience and flexibility.
The winner is: Ooni Koda 16
Fuel Type Options: Ooni Koda 12 vs 16
Another vital aspect to consider when choosing a pizza oven is the available fuel type options.
The Ooni Koda 12 and 16 both offer the convenience of propane-powered cooking. However, the Ooni Koda 16 takes it a step further by providing the flexibility to cook with natural gas.
I almost always just use propane, but cooking with a different fuel source does result in slightly results. The ability to cook with natural gas allows users to experiment with different cooking techniques and create different flavors, giving their pizzas a unique touch.
The Ooni Koda 16’s ability to accommodate multiple fuel types makes it a versatile choice for those who crave diversity in their culinary adventures.
The winner is: Ooni Koda 16
Baking Results: Ooni Koda 16 vs 12
Don’t forget the most important part of your new pizza oven: Making great pizzas.
Achieving perfect pizza baking results hinges on even heat distribution within the oven. This is where the Ooni Koda 16 truly shines.
Equipped with a larger burner and a broader cooking surface, the Ooni Koda 16 ensures superior heat distribution. The larger size allows for better airflow and heat retention, resulting in consistent and even cooking throughout the pizza. On the other hand, while the Ooni Koda 12 also delivers excellent baking results, its smaller size and burner limit the even distribution of heat, leading to potential hotspots.
The Koda 12 still makes great pizzas, but I can’t achieve the same consistently great results as I can with the Koda 16. The Ooni Koda 16’s superior heat management capability undoubtedly sets it apart.
The winner is: Ooni Koda 16
Portability: Ooni Koda 16 vs 12
While the Ooni Koda 12 takes the crown for portability, weighing just under 20 pounds and easily fitting into a backpack, the Ooni Koda 16 is not far behind.
Despite its larger size, the Ooni Koda 16 remains reasonably portable, making it suitable for occasional outings. Its robust construction, foldable legs, and compatibility with portable gas canisters make it a viable option for those rare occasions when cooking away from home.
The slight compromise in portability is well worth it when considering the larger cooking surface and enhanced baking performance.
That said, if you’re never cooking at home and are planning to take your pizza oven on countless adventures, you may opt for the smaller Koda 12 and be extremely happy with your decision.
The winner is: Ooni Koda 12
Pizza Sizes: Ooni Koda 12 vs Koda 16
The second most important factor for me was the size of pizzas I would be able to make in each oven.
One significant advantage of the Ooni Koda 16 over its smaller counterpart is its ability to accommodate larger pizzas. When it comes to feeding a crowd or hosting pizza parties, the size of the pizza oven becomes a crucial factor. With its generous cooking surface, the Ooni Koda 16 allows you to create and cook pizzas up to 16 inches in diameter.
The Ooni Koda 16 is also taller, opening up a world of possibilities when it comes to pizza toppings and creativity. You can now experiment with a wide range of ingredients, layer on extra cheese, or load up your favorite toppings without worrying about overcrowding the pizza. This means you can make pizzas that cater to various preferences and dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone gets a slice they love.
Plus, the Ooni Koda 16’s larger cooking surface enables you to bake multiple (albeit small’ish) pizzas simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful when you have a hungry crowd waiting to be fed. By cooking multiple pizzas at once, you can significantly reduce cooking time and ensure that everyone is served hot and delicious pizzas without long waits between each batch.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, a family reunion, or simply enjoying a pizza night with friends, the Ooni Koda 16’s capacity to create bigger pizzas makes it the ideal choice for feeding multiple people. It eliminates the need for multiple baking rounds or worrying about limited space, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company and the mouthwatering pizzas that this incredible oven can produce.
The winner is: Ooni Koda 16
Price: Ooni Koda 12 vs Ooni Koda 16
As with any purchasing decision, price plays a significant role in choosing between the Ooni Koda 12 and the Ooni Koda 16. While the Ooni Koda 16 does come with a higher price tag compared to the Ooni Koda 12, it offers several advantages that make it well worth the investment.
First and foremost, the larger size of the Ooni Koda 16 provides you with more cooking space, allowing you to cook bigger pizzas and cater to larger groups. This enhanced capacity opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to entertaining guests or hosting events. The ability to cook more pizzas simultaneously or create larger pizzas without compromising on quality is a significant advantage that the Ooni Koda 16 brings to the table.
In terms of performance, the Ooni Koda 16’s superior heat distribution, thanks to its larger burner and cooking surface, ensures more consistent and evenly cooked pizzas. The enhanced baking results, combined with the convenience of cooking larger quantities, make the Ooni Koda 16 an investment that guarantees exceptional pizza every time.
The Ooni Koda 16 strikes a balance between portability and functionality. While it may not be as compact and lightweight as the Ooni Koda 12, it remains reasonably portable. The foldable legs and compatibility with portable gas canisters make it easy to transport and set up for those occasional outdoor cooking adventures or gatherings away from home. The slight compromise in portability is outweighed by the significant advantages that the Ooni Koda 16 offers in terms of cooking capacity and performance.
Considering the larger size, versatile fuel options, superior baking results, and the ability to feed a crowd, the Ooni Koda 16 provides excellent value for its higher price. It is an investment that pays off in terms of convenience, versatility, and the ability to create unforgettable pizza experiences.
That said, if you’re on a budget and don’t plan on feeding crowds, you’ll still be very happy with the Ooni Koda 12.
Other Factors:
While we’ve covered all of the main decision-making factors, there are also a handful of other differences that are worth covering.
1. Baking Stones
Although the shapes are slightly different, the main difference between the 2 stones is the thickness.
Given the taller opening into the Koda 16, the baking stone is a bit thicker, allowing it to better hold its temperature and making it easier to cook multiple pizzas one after another.It has a curved structure where it goes in at the back, and then it comes out at the front to go with the shape of the burner.
Again, this is an important factor if you’re considering hosting a group of people. The faster your pizzas cook, the faster your crowd gets to eat.
2. The Hot Spot
This is one of those easily-overlooked differences you might not realize if you didn’t test the Ooni Koda 12 vs 16 in a side-by-side comparison.
Given the L burner shape of the Ooni Kodas, the hot spot is in the back left corner:
One of the biggest differences in my ability to make consistently great pizzas in the Ooni Koda 16 is that the extra space inside allows me to move the pizza away from the hottest spot in the oven. Plus, the extra height allows the heat to distribute more evenly. Overall, you’ll end up with much better (and easier to achieve) results.
Since the Ooni Koda 12 is smaller, the back left corner is disproportionately hotter, and the smaller opening makes it harder to maneuver pizzas around to make sure they cook evenly. It’s not impossible, it just requires more concerted effort.
3. Materials and Structure
Unsurprisingly, the structure and materials used to produce the 2 Koda models are extremely similar.
Both ovens keep their looks after many uses and are extremely easy to keep clean.
The legs are also very similar – they both have three legs that fold underneath the oven.
Further Reading:
Ooni Koda 12 Review: Is It Worth It?
Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven Review
FAQs
What size OONI pizza oven do I need?
The Ooni Koda 12 is perfect for cooking up to a 12-inch pizza, while the Ooni Koda 16 can cook pizzas up to 16 inches in size.
So, if you’re hosting a large party or want to enjoy a pizza night with your family, the Ooni Koda 16 is a perfect choice.
What else can you cook in Ooni Koda 12?
The Ooni Koda 12 is perfect for cooking pizzas, but it can also be used to roast meat, fish or vegetables. The Ooni Koda 12 is the perfect all-in-one outdoor oven with its compact size and easy-to-use design.
Can OONI Koda 16 be used indoors?
The Ooni Koda 16 can be used indoors, but it is not recommended for use in small spaces. If you have a large enough indoor space, the Ooni Koda 16 can be a great addition to your kitchen.
You may be interested in other ovens that can be used indoor, we provide detailed device information as well as consumer reviews.
What is the difference between the Ooni Koda 12 and 16?
The Ooni Koda 12 is perfect for cooking up to a 12-inch pizza, while the Ooni Koda 16 can cook pizzas up to 16 inches in size.
The Ooni Koda 16 also has a powerful gas engine that starts up quickly with just one click of an easy ignition button.
Is the 12 inch OONI big enough?
The Ooni Koda 12 is perfect for cooking up to a 12-inch pizza, so it’s the perfect size for small parties or family gatherings.
If you’re hosting a large party or want to enjoy a pizza night with your friends, the Ooni Koda 16 is the perfect choice.
How do you use a turning pizza peel?
A turning pizza peel is a tool that is used to transfer pizzas from the oven to the table.
To use a turning pizza peel, place the pizza on the peel, then use a quick motion to slide the peel under the pizza. Then, lift up the peel and move it to the table.
How much gas does OONI Koda 12 use?
The Ooni Koda 12 uses a standard propane gas tank, so you can easily find a refillable tank at your local hardware store.
What gas do you need for OONI pizza oven?
Ooni Koda 12 vs 16 both use a standard propane gas tank, so you can easily find a refillable tank at your local hardware store.
Final Word: Verdict on Ooni 12 vs 16
When comparing the Ooni Koda 12 and the Ooni Koda 16, it becomes evident that the latter reigns supreme in several aspects. While the Ooni Koda 12 offers portability and convenience, the Ooni Koda 16 surpasses it with its larger size, multiple fuel type options, superior heat distribution, and the ability to create bigger pizzas.
The Ooni Koda 16 proves to be the ultimate pizza oven for those who prioritize feeding larger groups, hosting gatherings, and exploring creative pizza combinations. Its versatility, performance, and ability to produce delicious, evenly cooked pizzas set it apart from its smaller counterpart.
If you’re passionate about pizza and enjoy the art of outdoor cooking, the Ooni Koda 16 is a worthy investment that will undoubtedly elevate your pizza-making experience and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Get ready to indulge in mouthwatering, restaurant-quality pizzas right in the comfort of your own backyard with the Ooni Koda 16.
Further Reading:
FAQs
Is the Ooni 16 better than the 12?
Yes, the Ooni Koda 16 is considered better due to its larger size, multiple fuel type options, and superior heat distribution, making it more versatile and capable of producing consistently excellent results.
Is the Ooni Koda 12 too small?
The Ooni Koda 12 is not necessarily too small, but it has a more compact size compared to the Ooni Koda 16, which limits the size of the pizzas you can cook and may not be suitable for larger gatherings or feeding a crowd.
What is the difference between 16 and 12 pizza?
The difference between a 16-inch pizza and a 12-inch pizza lies in the size of the pizza itself. A 16-inch pizza has a larger diameter and provides more surface area for toppings, making it ideal for feeding more people or experimenting with a variety of ingredients.
Which Ooni size is best?
The best Ooni size depends on individual preferences and needs. If portability is a priority and you cook for smaller groups, the Ooni Koda 12 may be a suitable choice. However, for those seeking larger cooking capacity, versatility, and the ability to feed more people, the Ooni Koda 16 is generally considered the better option.
