When it comes to outdoor pizza ovens, the market has seen a surge in innovation and variety, making it challenging for enthusiasts to pick the right one. Two heavyweights that stand out are the Ooni Koda 2 Max and the Gozney Ark XL. Both ovens promise to deliver pizzeria-quality pizza at home, but how do they compare? Is the price difference justified? And which one suits your cooking style better?
I’m Gordon Ramsay from Cooking For Profit, and today, I’ll walk you through the key differences between the Ooni Koda 2 Max and the Gozney Ark XL, helping you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a pizza-making novice or a seasoned pro, this comprehensive comparison will cover everything you need to know.
Page Contents
- 1 1. Stone Surface: The Foundation of Great Pizza
- 2 2. Burner Configuration: Heating Efficiency
- 3 3. Cooking Capacity: Size Matters
- 4 4. Ease of Use: Practicality in Design
- 5 5. Fuel Options: Flexibility for Your Setup
- 6 6. Price and Value: Is the Extra Space Worth It?
- 7 7. Tech Features: Modern Conveniences
- 8 8. Cooking Performance: The Ultimate Test
- 9 Conclusion: Which Oven Should You Choose?
1. Stone Surface: The Foundation of Great Pizza
One of the most critical components of a pizza oven is the stone surface. The Ooni Koda 2 Max features a split stone design, with a seam running down the middle. This seam might raise questions about its impact on cooking, but after extensive testing, I can assure you it doesn’t affect the quality of the pizza. The stone is about 8 inches thick, providing excellent heat retention, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust.
On the other hand, the Gozney Ark XL boasts a single, solid stone with a depth of 20mm—almost identical to the Ooni. Removing the stone in the Gozney is less practical due to its tight fit, but its solid construction ensures durability and even heat distribution. The absence of a seam means there’s no potential weak point, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a seamless surface.
2. Burner Configuration: Heating Efficiency
The number of burners in an oven significantly influences its performance. The Ooni Koda 2 Max is equipped with two burners—one on each side. This dual-burner system creates an even cooking environment, with flames climbing up the sides and meeting in the middle. This design ensures that the pizza cooks evenly from all sides, reducing the need for constant turning.
In contrast, the Gozney Ark XL has a single circular burner on the left side. While it still delivers powerful heat, the single-burner setup requires more attention during cooking, as you’ll need to rotate the pizza more frequently to ensure even cooking. This makes the Gozney slightly more challenging for those new to pizza ovens.
3. Cooking Capacity: Size Matters
The size of your pizza oven dictates what you can cook and how much you can cook at once. The Ooni Koda 2 Max has a generous cooking surface, allowing you to cook pizzas up to 24 inches wide. This extra space is perfect for cooking multiple items simultaneously, such as pizza on one side and grilled vegetables on the other. The versatility here is unmatched, especially if you enjoy cooking a variety of dishes.
The Gozney Ark XL, while smaller with a 16.5-inch width, is still ample for most home cooks. However, its size limits the oven to single-pizza cooks or smaller items. If you’re planning to cook for a crowd or enjoy experimenting with different dishes at the same time, the Ooni’s larger capacity will serve you better.
4. Ease of Use: Practicality in Design
Both ovens are designed with user-friendliness in mind, but they cater to different needs. The Ooni Koda 2 Max, despite its size, is relatively easy to manage. It weighs 84 pounds, making it a bit hefty, but the extra weight adds stability—important if you’re using it outdoors where wind might be an issue. The controls are straightforward, with dials conveniently located on the right-hand side.
The Gozney Ark XL, on the other hand, is lighter at 58.5 pounds, making it easier to move around. Its compact size makes it a good choice for those with limited space. However, its single burner and smaller cooking surface mean you’ll need to pay closer attention during cooking.
5. Fuel Options: Flexibility for Your Setup
Fuel type is another crucial factor to consider. Both ovens run on propane, but the Ooni Koda 2 Max has the added advantage of being compatible with natural gas. If you’re planning to integrate your oven into a built-in outdoor kitchen, this flexibility could be a significant plus. The Gozney Ark XL, however, is limited to propane, which might be a limitation depending on your setup.
6. Price and Value: Is the Extra Space Worth It?
Price is always a factor, and the Ooni Koda 2 Max comes in at $999, while the Gozney Ark XL is priced at $799. The Ooni’s higher price reflects its larger size and additional features, such as the dual-burner system and natural gas compatibility. If you’re looking for versatility and plan to cook more than just pizza, the Ooni justifies the extra cost.
However, if your primary focus is on pizza, and you don’t need the additional cooking space, the Gozney Ark XL offers excellent value at a lower price point. It’s a solid choice for pizza enthusiasts who want a high-quality oven without breaking the bank.
7. Tech Features: Modern Conveniences
Both ovens come equipped with modern technology to enhance your cooking experience. The Ooni Koda 2 Max features an LCD display that shows the ambient temperature of the oven. You can also control the brightness of the display and monitor the temperature from both sides of the oven. Additionally, the Ooni’s app allows you to set alerts for when the oven reaches a certain temperature, ensuring precise cooking every time.
The Gozney Ark XL also has a temperature display, though it’s simpler in design. It shows the ambient temperature and allows you to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. While it doesn’t have the same level of tech integration as the Ooni, it’s still more than capable of delivering consistent results.
8. Cooking Performance: The Ultimate Test
When it comes to the actual cooking performance, both ovens shine but in different ways. The Ooni Koda 2 Max’s dual-burner system allows for even cooking with minimal rotation. Pizzas come out perfectly cooked, with a crispy bottom and evenly melted toppings. The larger cooking surface also means you can cook more at once, making it ideal for gatherings.
The Gozney Ark XL, while requiring more attention to rotation, delivers equally delicious pizzas. Its single burner still provides sufficient heat for a crispy crust and well-cooked toppings. The smaller size might mean you cook fewer pizzas at once, but the quality remains top-notch.
Conclusion: Which Oven Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Ooni Koda 2 Max and the Gozney Ark XL depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for versatility, extra cooking space, and modern tech features, the Ooni Koda 2 Max is worth the investment. Its ability to cook multiple items at once and its dual-burner system make it a standout choice for serious cooks.
On the other hand, if you’re focused on making great pizza without the need for extra space or tech bells and whistles, the Gozney Ark XL offers excellent value at a lower price. It’s a reliable, high-quality oven that’s perfect for pizza enthusiasts who want a straightforward, no-fuss cooking experience.
Whichever oven you choose, both the Ooni Koda 2 Max and the Gozney Ark XL will elevate your outdoor cooking game, delivering delicious, restaurant-quality pizza from the comfort of your home.
