As a restaurant chef with over 10 years of experience at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of pizza ovens, each with its own unique features and performance. Today, I’ll be comparing the Halo Versa 16 and the Alfa Futuro 2 pizza ovens, both of which I’ve used extensively in my kitchen. This comparison will cover key aspects such as quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and the results of a real pizza cooking test to see how long it takes to make a perfect Margherita pizza. For a detailed breakdown of my testing process, you can check out my separate article.
The Halo Versa 16 is a compact, propane-powered pizza oven known for its thoughtful design and versatile cooking capabilities.
The Alfa Futuro 2, a premium wood-fired pizza oven, combines old-world charm with cutting-edge technology for high-performance cooking.
In this article, I’ve provided a detailed comparison of the Halo Versa 16 and the Alfa Futuro 2 based on my hands-on tests.
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Winner
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Loser
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Our Rating:
4.7
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Our Rating:
4.7
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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- Durable stainless steel build and a Cordierite stone
- Reached about 900°F
- More spacious interior and can handle larger pizzas up to 16 inches
- Lighter at 43.2 pounds
- Runs solely on propane gas
- Stone may require more effort to maintain due to occasional residue build-up
- Handcrafted Italian design and stainless steel arch
- Heats up to 1000°F but takes closer to 30 minutes
- Sleek and spacious shape
- Runs on gas by default but includes an optional Hybrid Kit for wood-fired cooking
- Its size makes it more suited for permanent outdoor installations than Portability
- Requires more effort to clean
At the end of this article, I’ll include referral links for both pizza ovens. These links allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps keep this blog alive and thriving. Thank you for your support!
Halo Versa 16 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Quality and Materials
| The Halo Versa 16 is built with durable, robust materials, ensuring long-lasting use in both casual and professional settings. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 impresses with Italian craftsmanship, featuring stainless steel and ceramic components for premium durability.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Temperature Control
| The Halo Versa 16 heats up to 950°F in just 12 minutes (732°F in real-world tests), providing excellent temperature consistency for quick cooking. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 can reach up to 1000°F in 30 minutes, offering precise control for high-heat cooking needs.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Shape
| The Halo Versa 16‘s compact and functional design accommodates pizzas up to 16 inches, with excellent heat distribution for even cooking. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 features a sleek, spacious design capable of cooking two pizzas simultaneously, with even heat dispersion.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Alfa Futuro 2: First-Time Usage Impressions
| The Halo Versa 16 has a slight learning curve but delivers consistent, high-quality results once mastered. Ideal for beginners and experienced users. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 offers seamless first-time use, producing evenly cooked pizzas thanks to its spacious interior and balanced heat.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Power Source
| Runs on propane, with options for a 20 lb. LP gas tank or portable 1 lb. canister, offering unmatched flexibility for outdoor cooking. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 uses a gas-based system with an optional hybrid kit for wood-burning, adding versatility but requiring separate accessories.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Size
| Compact and portable, the Halo Versa 16 weighs 43.21 lbs with a 16″ cooking surface, perfect for smaller spaces and gatherings. |
Larger and heavier, the Alfa Futuro 2 has a 70 x 40 cm cooking area, capable of cooking two pizzas or 2kg of bread at once, ideal for larger groups.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Ease of Cleaning
| The Halo Versa 16 is simple to clean, featuring a hinged access top and removable cooking stone for easy maintenance. |
Cleaning the Alfa Futuro 2 requires more effort due to its size, but its high-quality materials allow for thorough and effective cleaning.
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Pizza Cooking Test
The Halo Versa 16 preheated in about 20 minutes, reaching a solid 732°F—slightly below the manufacturer’s claimed 950°F. Once ready, it took just under 2 minutes to bake a classic Margherita pizza. The crust came out perfectly crisp on the outside with a slight chewiness, while the toppings were evenly cooked. The cheese melted into a velvety consistency, and the flavors were well-balanced, delivering an authentic Neapolitan-style taste.
The Alfa Futuro 2 took about 30 minutes to preheat, hitting its optimal temperature of 1000°F as advertised. Impressively, it cooked two Margherita pizzas simultaneously in just 90 seconds each. The pizzas had a beautifully blistered crust with leopard spotting, and the flavors were vibrant and rich. The wood-fired element added a smoky depth to the pizza, elevating its overall taste and authenticity.
Both ovens performed exceptionally well, but the Halo Versa 16 stood out for its quick cooking time relative to its size and convenience, while the Alfa Futuro 2 impressed with its efficiency in cooking multiple pizzas with an authentic wood-fired flavor.
How We Tested
To provide a fair and comprehensive comparison between the Halo Versa 16 and the Alfa Futuro 2, we conducted side-by-side tests in a controlled environment. Both ovens were set up outdoors on level surfaces and preheated according to their respective manufacturer instructions. We used the same dough recipe and fresh ingredients to prepare classic Margherita pizzas, ensuring consistency in the testing process.
We monitored preheating times using an infrared thermometer, measuring the temperature of the cooking stones at regular intervals. During the cooking phase, we observed how evenly each oven distributed heat, rotating the pizzas only when necessary. The goal was to replicate typical user conditions and assess how each oven performed with minimal intervention.
Each pizza was evaluated on its crust texture, the melt and browning of the cheese, and the overall balance of flavors. In addition to speed and taste, we considered how efficiently each oven retained heat for consecutive batches, ensuring the results reflected real-world use for home cooks and professionals alike.
Conclusion
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Winner
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Loser
|
|
Our Rating:
4.7
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Our Rating:
4.7
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Durable stainless steel build and a Cordierite stone
- Reached about 900°F
- More spacious interior and can handle larger pizzas up to 16 inches
- Lighter at 43.2 pounds
- Runs solely on propane gas
- Stone may require more effort to maintain due to occasional residue build-up
- Handcrafted Italian design and stainless steel arch
- Heats up to 1000°F but takes closer to 30 minutes
- Sleek and spacious shape
- Runs on gas by default but includes an optional Hybrid Kit for wood-fired cooking
- Its size makes it more suited for permanent outdoor installations than Portability
- Requires more effort to clean
Ultimately, the choice between the Halo Versa 16 and the Alfa Futuro 2 depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both ovens deliver exceptional results, but they cater to different styles of cooking and usage scenarios. If you’re looking for a versatile, portable, and user-friendly option, the Halo Versa 16 stands out. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a premium, large-capacity oven with a professional-grade feel, the Alfa Futuro 2 is an excellent investment.
If you decide to purchase either oven, I’d greatly appreciate it if you use my referral links. It helps keep my blog alive, and I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Here are the links: Halo Versa 16 and Alfa Futuro 2. Thank you for your support!