As a restaurant chef with over 10 years of experience at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various pizza ovens in my kitchen. Today, I’ll be comparing the Halo Versa 16 and the Solo Stove Pi Prime pizza ovens, two exceptional products I’ve used extensively. I’ll evaluate them based on quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and, of course, a real pizza cooking test to determine how quickly they deliver that perfect pizza. For a more detailed look at my testing process, feel free to check out my separate article.
The Halo Versa 16 impresses with its versatility and thoughtful design for various pizza styles, making it a strong contender for both home and professional kitchens. On the other hand, the Solo Stove Pi Prime boasts a minimalist and efficient design with innovative features that cater to outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
In this write-up, I’ve compared the Halo Versa 16 and the Solo Stove Pi Prime in detail, using my testing data.
Finally, if you decide to purchase one of these ovens, I’d greatly appreciate it if you used my referral links. These links help keep my blog alive and allow me to continue sharing insights at no additional cost to you.
Halo Versa 16 VS Solo Stove Pi Prime: Quality and Materials
| The Halo Versa 16 boasts exceptional craftsmanship, featuring robust stainless steel that ensures durability for both personal and professional use. |
The Solo Stove Pi Prime is constructed from durable stainless steel, promising longevity and efficient heat retention, though its build feels slightly less substantial.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Solo Stove Pi Prime: Temperature Control
| The Halo Versa 16 claims to reach 950°F in 12 minutes, with real-world tests showing consistent heating around 900°F. The option to use an infrared thermometer enhances precision. |
The Solo Stove Pi Prime heats up to 900°F in 15 minutes. While effective, the lack of a built-in thermometer means users need external tools for precise control.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Solo Stove Pi Prime: Shape
| The Halo Versa 16 features a demi-dome shape that facilitates even heat distribution and accommodates pizzas up to 16 inches. This design also supports versatility, such as pan pizzas. |
The Solo Stove Pi Prime has a cylindrical shape designed for uniform heat distribution. Its 12-inch flared opening simplifies pizza placement but limits size capacity.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Solo Stove Pi Prime: First-Time Usage Impressions
| The Halo Versa 16 delivers a reliable experience, though some adjustment is needed to balance top and bottom cooking during initial use. Its large surface makes it versatile for various pizza styles. |
The Solo Stove Pi Prime is beginner-friendly, offering a straightforward experience with quick results, producing a Margherita pizza in just 90 seconds.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Solo Stove Pi Prime: Power Source
| The Halo Versa 16 operates on propane gas, with the flexibility of using a 20 lb. or 1 lb. tank. The quick-disconnect regulator adds convenience for setup and portability. |
The Solo Stove Pi Prime also uses propane gas, providing consistent heat. However, it does not offer additional fuel options, limiting flexibility.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Solo Stove Pi Prime: Size
| The Halo Versa 16 has a spacious 16-inch cooking surface and weighs 43 lbs., making it portable yet accommodating larger gatherings. |
The Solo Stove Pi Prime is compact with a 12-inch capacity, weighing 30 lbs., offering portability but less cooking space for larger pizzas.
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Halo Versa 16 VS Solo Stove Pi Prime: Ease of Cleaning
| The Halo Versa 16‘s hinged access top and catching tray make post-cooking cleanup quick and simple. The stone is easy to maintain with minimal tools. |
Cleaning the Solo Stove Pi Prime is manageable, with easy-to-remove stones and simple external maintenance. However, crumbs may accumulate in its smaller chamber.
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Pizza Cooking Test
The Halo Versa 16 took approximately 20 minutes to heat up, slightly longer than the manufacturer’s claim of 12 minutes to reach 950°F. Once preheated, the oven delivered a balanced and reliable cooking environment.
For the Margherita pizza test, the Halo Versa 16 cooked the pizza in under 2 minutes. The bottom crust was crisp without being overdone, and the toppings achieved a delightful balance of bubbling cheese and perfectly roasted tomatoes. The crust had an airy texture, and the overall flavor was exceptional, embodying the authentic Neapolitan-style pizza experience.
The Solo Stove Pi Prime warmed up slightly faster, taking about 15 minutes to reach an optimal temperature of 900°F. Its efficient heating was a highlight, though its smaller cooking surface required precise placement for even results.
The Margherita pizza was ready in 90 seconds. The crust had a satisfying crunch, with the base cooked evenly, thanks to the consistent heat distribution. However, the toppings, while adequately melted, could have benefited from slightly more browning. The flavor was excellent, delivering a wood-fired feel with propane’s convenience.
Both ovens excelled in delivering high-quality pizzas, but the Halo Versa 16 stood out for its larger cooking surface and slightly better balance of crust and topping textures. The Solo Stove Pi Prime was faster but required more careful placement to avoid uneven cooking.
How We Tested
To provide a fair and thorough comparison of the Halo Versa 16 and the Solo Stove Pi Prime, we used both ovens under similar conditions in an outdoor setup. We followed the manufacturers’ recommendations for assembly, preheating, and operation.
We tested these ovens using a classic Margherita pizza, a benchmark for evaluating pizza ovens due to its simplicity and reliance on high-quality cooking. Each pizza was prepared with fresh ingredients, ensuring consistency in flavor and texture for comparison.
Both ovens were preheated to their optimal cooking temperatures—approximately 900°F. We measured the preheating time using an infrared thermometer to ensure accuracy, as built-in thermometers can sometimes provide inconsistent readings.
During the cooking process, we monitored the heat retention, evenness of cooking, and overall performance of each oven. We observed the texture and flavor of the crust, the bubbling and browning of the cheese, and the integration of the toppings. The cooking times were recorded, and we tested the ovens’ ability to recover heat for successive pizzas.
Additionally, we considered the ease of use, such as maneuverability within the oven, accessibility of controls, and handling of accessories like pizza peels. This comprehensive approach allowed us to capture the strengths and limitations of both the Halo Versa 16 and the Solo Stove Pi Prime in a real-world scenario.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Halo Versa 16 and the Solo Stove Pi Prime depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both ovens deliver excellent results, but the Halo Versa 16 edges out slightly with its versatility and capacity for larger pizzas. If you prioritize portability and sleek design, the Solo Stove Pi Prime is a fantastic option.
If you decide to purchase either of these ovens, I’d greatly appreciate it if you use my referral links. It helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. Here’s the link for the Halo Versa 16 and the Solo Stove Pi Prime. Thank you for supporting my work!