With over a decade of experience as a chef, I’ve perfected countless pizzas at my restaurant, Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston. Having worked with various pizza ovens over the years, I recently spent several months testing the Halo Versa 16. This review reflects my firsthand experience and insights into its capabilities.
While reviewing the Big Horn Pizza Oven, I assessed its quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and conducted a real pizza cooking test to determine the cooking time. To fully understand my testing process and expertise, check out my article: “How I Test Pizza Ovens.”
Disclaimer: This review includes affiliate links to the Halo Versa 16 Pizza Oven. If you purchase through these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. My review, however, is entirely based on my genuine, hands-on experience as a professional chef with over ten years in the restaurant industry. The affiliate links have not influenced my opinions or the honest feedback provided here.
How To Use Halo Versa 16 and How It Works
When I opened the Halo Versa 16, I was initially overwhelmed with a complicated setup. However, it was made incredibly simple by their Quick Start Guide. It took me around 20 minutes to assemble all the components, including the pizza oven body, stone rotator assembly, propane adapters, and more.
One standout feature is the patent-pending dual burner system. It has an infrared burner at the bottom and a back-oven burner for convection heating. This design ensures both the crust and toppings receive the high heat necessary for a perfect pizza.
The Halo Versa 16 also includes a turning pizza stone, which is powered by a battery or plug-in. This innovation removes the need for manual rotation, leading to more even cooking and fewer burnt edges.
Unboxing Halo Versa 16 and First Impression
The Halo Versa 16 arrived securely packaged, with all components intact and well-constructed. I was impressed with the thoughtful design that can accommodate large peels and offers versatility for various pizza styles. The build quality is genuinely exceptional as it is evident that the oven is made with high-quality materials.
Quality and Materials
The build quality of the Halo Versa 16 is top-notch. The materials used are robust and durable. I can see that this pizza oven is reliable in a commercial kitchen setting and made to last for years.
Shape of Halo Versa 16
The shape of a pizza oven plays a crucial role in ensuring even cooking. The Versa 16’s design not only facilitates easy maneuvering of pizzas up to 16 inches in diameter but also allows for the preparation of pan pizzas.
Temperature Control
Halo claims the Versa 16 can reach 950°F in 12 minutes, but as with many ovens, real-world performance may differ.
During my tests, the built-in thermometer reached around 900°F within minutes, rendering it somewhat unreliable for precise temperature monitoring. I recommend using an infrared thermometer to gauge the stone temperature accurately.
Using Halo Versa 16 For The First Time
Halo recommends seasoning the oven at least 30 minutes before the first use. Gladly, I followed this recommendation because I observed a light smoke emission from the oven when I started to warm it up.
Like my previous tests, I made a Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza. At first, I noticed that the bottom of the pizza cooks faster than the top. The rear burner was not hot enough to cook the pizza in under 2 minutes. Nonetheless, I was still able to make a good pizza by lifting it with my rotating peel and holding it higher in the oven, closer to the back flame.
Power Source
The Halo Versa 16 operates on propane gas. You have the option to use either a standard 20 lb. LP gas tank or a more portable 1 lb. canister. I like this flexibility as it allows users to choose the most convenient setup for their needs.
What adds to the convenience is the inclusion of quick disconnect regulators. Compared to other pizza ovens, connecting and removing the fuel source from Halo Versa is a hassle-free experience.
Size
The Halo Versa 16 offers a cooking surface with a 16″ diameter on a Cordierite Cooking Stone. The oven opening provides ample space for maneuvering pizzas. The overall product dimensions of 24.3″ x 21.64″ x 14.82″ and a weight of 43.21 lbs. make it a manageable pizza oven option for your outdoor gatherings.
How To Clean Halo Versa 16
The Halo Versa 16 is simple to maintain. After allowing the oven to cool completely, I can easily open the hinged access top and remove the Cordierite Cooking Stone.
Cleaning up any leftovers or crumbs that fall into the catching tray underneath is simple. I use a nylon pan scraper or spatula to clean the Cordierite stone without using soap or detergent.
Halo recommends soaking the stone in hot water only if there’s something stubbornly stuck.
Can I Use Halo Versa 16 Indoors?
No, the Halo Versa 16 is designed for outdoor use only. Its propane fuel source and the potential for high temperatures make it unsuitable for indoor use.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Pizza in Halo Versa 16?
Making a Margherita pizza with the Halo Versa 16 is a simple process, yet like any new equipment, there’s a slight learning curve to master for that perfect pizza. In my initial test, I made some adjustments when the first pizza appeared unevenly cooked, with the bottom cooking faster than the top.
However, with a bit of experimentation, I successfully achieved a flawless pizza on my second attempt. The Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza was cooked to perfection in under 2 minutes. Once you get the hang of it, this pizza oven can deliver swift and consistent results.
How Long Does It Take For Halo Versa 16 To Warm Up?
The Halo Versa 16 took about 20 minutes to warm up during our test, reaching a temperature of 732°F. This falls slightly below the manufacturer’s claim of 950°F in 12 minutes. Nonetheless, the pizza oven is still efficient and produces nice pizza.
Can I Cook Something Else Besides Pizza In It?
Yes, you can use the Halo Versa 16 beyond making pizzas. In our experiments, we successfully used it for deep-pan pizzas and cooking vegetables.
Downsides
While the Halo Versa 16 impresses with its features and performance, it’s essential to acknowledge a few downsides.
One notable aspect is the slight learning curve for beginners. Achieving the perfect cook may take a trial or two, as the oven’s heat distribution requires some adjustment to avoid uneven cooking.
Price of Halo Versa 16
Currently, the Halo Versa 16 is available for $399.99. It is a reasonable cost considering its impressive quality and capabilities. While this price point reflects the innovation and durability of the oven, there are alternative pizza ovens in the market offering comparable or even superior quality for a similar or slightly higher price. View the current price on Amazon.
How Does It Compare to Other Outdoor Pizza Ovens?
Compared to other outdoor pizza ovens, the Halo Versa 16 has unique strengths. Its patent-pending dual burner system, with both an infrared burner at the bottom and a back-oven burner, sets it apart. The turning pizza stone powered by a battery or plug-in further enhances its appeal.
What Others Say
Reviews from various platforms shed light on the diverse experiences users have had with the Halo Versa 16.
According to an Amazon review, they were delighted with the oven’s functionality. While acknowledging a learning curve, the reviewer praised Halo’s customer service for promptly addressing a motor issue.
On Reddit, a user shared their experience, noting a challenge where the top of the pizza didn’t cook as evenly as the bottom. This reviewer mentioned that lifting the pizza during cooking addressed the issue, albeit with a compromise on the convenience of the spinning stone.
Meanwhile, a YouTube reviewer emphasized the game-changing nature of the burner under the stone, hailing the Halo Versa 16 as the best purchase ever. They appreciated the convenience of not having to manually rotate the pizza, even if the oven didn’t reach the same high temperatures as some competitors.
My Cooking Tips for This Oven
When preparing a 15-16″ pizza in the Halo Versa 16, consider using a screen. Launching a large pizza onto a 16.5″ stone can be challenging. The screen helps prevent the bottom of the pizza from burning before the top is fully cooked.
After a few bakes, I found that removing the screen a couple of minutes into the cook and launching the pizza back onto the stone contributes to a perfectly balanced result. This technique ensures both the top and bottom of your pizza receive the ideal amount of heat.
Additionally, it’s crucial to optimize the stone temperature to achieve the perfect crust. Invest in an infrared thermometer to accurately gauge the stone’s heat, as the built-in thermometer may not be as reliable for precise measurements.
Conclusion
The Halo Versa 16 is worth the cost depending on your needs and preferences. While it is not the cheapest option, its distinctive features and innovative design add to its overall value.
As a chef, I appreciate the features of the Halo Versa 16. The dual burner system and turning pizza stone produce well-cooked pizzas, once you navigate the initial learning curve. The build quality aligns with my standards for durability in a commercial kitchen setting.
However, it’s essential to note that the outdoor pizza oven landscape is competitive.
Should you purchase it, I’d appreciate it if you use my referral link.