As a restaurant chef with over a decade of experience at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of pizza ovens in my kitchen. In this article, I’ll be comparing the Halo Versa 16 and the Cru Oven Model 32. Both ovens bring unique features to the table, and I’ll assess them across several critical factors: quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and how they performed during a real pizza cooking test. For those interested in the full details of my testing methodology, feel free to check out my separate article dedicated to the process.
The Halo Versa 16 is a propane-powered oven known for its reliability and versatility, while the Cru Oven Model 32 is a wood-fired powerhouse designed to replicate traditional Italian-style cooking. Each oven has its strengths, making them both excellent choices depending on your needs and preferences.
I’ve conducted thorough tests to compare the Halo Versa 16 and the Cru Oven Model 32, detailed in this article.
If you decide to purchase one of these ovens, I’d be incredibly grateful if you used my referral links. These small commissions help keep my blog alive at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Halo Versa 16 VS Cru Oven Model 32: Quality and Materials
| The Halo Versa 16 boasts a sturdy build with high-quality stainless steel, designed for durability and longevity. Ideal for both home and commercial use. |
The Cru Oven Model 32 features a dual-layer stainless steel construction with ceramic fiber insulation and Cordierite stones, built for durability but more prone to heat loss.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Cru Oven Model 32: Temperature Control
| Heats up to 900°F in approximately 20 minutes, although slightly below the manufacturer’s claim of 950°F. Easy temperature adjustments make it suitable for consistent results. |
Reaches up to 900°F but takes closer to 40 minutes to fully preheat. Requires careful monitoring and extended preheating for consistent performance.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Cru Oven Model 32: Shape
| The Halo Versa 16’s design ensures even heat distribution and allows for larger pizzas up to 16 inches. Its rectangular shape is highly functional for pizza preparation. |
The Cru Oven Model 32’s barrel-shaped design promotes airflow and even cooking. Its wide opening supports larger food items but may cause heat loss during cooking.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Cru Oven Model 32: First-Time Usage Impressions
| Easy to set up and use. The rear burner needed adjustment to achieve perfect results, but the learning curve was manageable for consistent Neapolitan-style pizzas. |
Straightforward assembly but took longer than expected to preheat. Heat loss during cooking required frequent temperature adjustments for even results.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Cru Oven Model 32: Power Source
| Operates on propane gas with the option of using a 20 lb. tank or a portable 1 lb. canister. The quick-connect regulator adds convenience. |
Fueled by wood or charcoal, adding flexibility and a smoky flavor to dishes. However, wood management requires a learning curve and more effort to maintain consistent heat.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Cru Oven Model 32: Size
| Compact yet spacious, with a 16-inch cooking surface on a Cordierite stone. At 43.21 lbs, it balances portability and functionality. |
Larger interior accommodates versatile cooking, with a 16-inch wide and 11.8-inch tall opening. At 70 lbs, it’s less portable but ideal for multi-dish cooking.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Cru Oven Model 32: Ease of Cleaning
| Hinged access top and removable Cordierite stone make cleaning effortless. Crumbs collect in an easy-to-access tray for quick maintenance. |
Removable dome simplifies cleaning. Ash and soot can be easily swept out, but frequent maintenance is necessary to avoid buildup in the cooking chamber.
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Pizza Cooking Test
The Halo Versa 16 took approximately 20 minutes to preheat, reaching a temperature of 732°F, slightly below the manufacturer’s claim of 950°F. Once preheated, the Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza cooked in under 2 minutes. The result was a perfectly crispy crust with a delightful char, evenly melted cheese, and balanced toppings. The cooking process was straightforward, and the even heat distribution ensured consistent results throughout.
The Cru Oven Model 32 required a longer preheating time of about 40 minutes to achieve the optimal temperature range of 800°F to 900°F. Once ready, it cooked a classic Margherita pizza in 90 seconds to 2 minutes. The wood-fired setup added a smoky flavor to the pizza, enhancing its authenticity. However, the heat loss during cooking required constant rotation and monitoring of the pizza for even results. Despite the added effort, the final pizza had a deliciously smoky crust and well-cooked toppings.
Both ovens produced excellent pizzas, but the Halo Versa 16 stood out for its efficiency and consistency, while the Cru Oven Model 32 excelled in delivering an authentic wood-fired taste.
How We Tested
To fairly compare the Halo Versa 16 and the Cru Oven Model 32, we followed a structured testing process in a controlled outdoor environment. Each oven was set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions and preheated to its recommended operating temperature. We used the same batch of homemade Neapolitan-style pizza dough and identical ingredients for consistency: fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil leaves, and olive oil.
Both ovens were tested with Margherita pizzas, a simple recipe that highlights the crust, cheese melt, and overall cooking performance. We measured preheating times using an infrared thermometer to track when the pizza stones reached optimal temperatures. For the cooking process, we timed how long it took to bake each pizza and rotated them to ensure even cooking.
In addition to observing cooking times, we assessed the taste and texture of each pizza. This included evaluating the crust’s crispness, the evenness of the cheese melt, and the balance of flavors. Post-cooking, we also examined how quickly the ovens reheated between pizzas, which is crucial for preparing multiple dishes during one session.
Finally, ease of cleanup was factored into the testing, as a user-friendly cleaning process is essential for both home cooks and professional chefs. Through these tests, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and challenges of both the Halo Versa 16 and the Cru Oven Model 32.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Halo Versa 16 and the Cru Oven Model 32 depends on your specific needs and cooking preferences. Both ovens deliver excellent performance and bring unique features to the table. The Halo Versa 16 stands out for its propane-powered convenience, quick preheating, and ease of use, making it a great choice for both home cooks and professionals. On the other hand, the Cru Oven Model 32 impresses with its versatility, larger cooking capacity, and the authentic flavor imparted by its wood-fired design, ideal for those who enjoy traditional outdoor cooking.
If you decide to purchase one, I’d highly appreciate it if you use my referral links. It helps support my blog, and I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Check out the Halo Versa 16 and the Cru Oven Model 32. Thank you for your support, and happy pizza making!