As a restaurant chef with over a decade of experience at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I have tested and compared numerous pizza ovens in my kitchen. Today, I’ll share my insights on two excellent pizza ovens: the Ooni Koda 12 and the Alfa Futuro 2. My comparison covers aspects such as quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and a detailed pizza cooking test to evaluate how they perform under real-world conditions. For a thorough look at my testing methods, feel free to check out my separate article on how I test pizza ovens.
To quickly introduce the contenders: the Ooni Koda 12 is known for its compact design and gas-powered efficiency, making it a popular choice among home cooks and professionals alike. The Alfa Futuro 2, on the other hand, is a robust and versatile oven designed for those who seek a premium, traditional cooking experience with modern innovations.
This article offers a comprehensive comparison of the Ooni Koda 12 and the Alfa Futuro 2, based on my own testing experience.
|
Winner
|
Loser
|
|
Our Rating:
4.8
|
Our Rating:
4.7
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Good-quality materials like powder-coated carbon steel
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Compact design
- Strictly gas-powered
- 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
If you decide to purchase either oven, I’d greatly appreciate it if you use my referral links. They help support my blog and reviews at no additional cost to you.
Ooni Koda 12 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Quality and Materials
| The Ooni Koda 12 features a powder-coated carbon steel shell with ceramic insulation, ensuring durability and excellent heat retention. Its stainless steel undercarriage enhances its performance. Comparable to other gas ovens like the Gozney Roccbox, it offers a sturdy yet compact build perfect for everyday use. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 is crafted in Italy with a stainless steel arch, ceramic stone insulation, and a lacquered aluminum finish. It has a luxurious feel similar to high-end models like the Gozney Dome but is heavier and less portable.
|
Ooni Koda 12 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Temperature Control
| The Ooni Koda 12 achieves precise temperature control, reaching up to 950°F in just 15-20 minutes. Adjusting the temperature is simple and user-friendly, rivaling the control offered by wood-fired ovens like the Ooni Karu 12G. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 excels in temperature retention, reaching up to 1000°F in 30 minutes. Its Full Effect Flue System ensures even heat distribution, ideal for larger batches, though slower to heat compared to the Ooni Koda 12.
|
Ooni Koda 12 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Shape
| Its compact design is optimized for efficient heat flow, creating consistent results for Neapolitan-style pizzas. The sleek shape is comparable to the Ooni Fyra 12, but with gas as the primary fuel source, it’s easier to control. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 has a semi-round dome with a large glass door, enhancing heat circulation and visual monitoring. Its design supports dual-pizza cooking but feels oversized compared to portable ovens like the Ooni Karu 16.
|
Ooni Koda 12 VS Alfa Futuro 2: First-Time Usage Impressions
| The Ooni Koda 12 stands out for its simplicity. It’s ready to use almost immediately after setup, with clear controls and straightforward gas ignition. The experience is reminiscent of operating an Ooni Karu 12 but with less effort. |
The Alfa Futuro 2 feels professional and impressive upon first use. Its size and dual-pizza capacity cater to serious enthusiasts, though its weight and more involved setup might be daunting for new users.
|
Ooni Koda 12 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Power Source
| Powered by gas, the Ooni Koda 12 ensures clean and consistent heat. It’s efficient for cooking pizza quickly and is ideal for home chefs who prioritize speed and convenience. |
Powered by gas with an optional hybrid kit for wood-burning, the Alfa Futuro 2 caters to those who enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods, offering flexibility similar to the Ooni Karu 16’s dual-fuel capabilities.
|
Ooni Koda 12 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Size
| The Ooni Koda 12 is compact and portable, weighing just 20 pounds, perfect for small spaces or outdoor setups. Comparable to the Roccbox, it’s designed for versatility and ease of transport. |
With a large cooking surface (70 x 40 cm) and a hefty build, the Alfa Futuro 2 is better suited for stationary outdoor kitchens. Its ability to handle two pizzas at once matches models like the Cru Champion but sacrifices portability.
|
Ooni Koda 12 VS Alfa Futuro 2: Ease of Cleaning
| Cleaning the Ooni Koda 12 is hassle-free. The powder-coated exterior and removable stone make maintenance simple. Its straightforward design mirrors the ease of models like the Ooni Fyra 12. |
Cleaning the Alfa Futuro 2 requires more effort due to its size. Removing ash and debris is straightforward, but the larger surface area demands more time, akin to maintaining a larger oven like the Gozney Dome.
|
Pizza Cooking Test
The Ooni Koda 12 proved its efficiency during our test. It reached its optimal temperature of 950°F in just 15-20 minutes, a quick preheating time that makes it ideal for fast-paced cooking. When it came to baking a Margherita pizza, the Ooni Koda 12 completed the task in 2-3 minutes. The result was a perfectly crispy crust with evenly melted mozzarella and vibrant tomato sauce, delivering a classic Neapolitan-style taste. The pizza had a delightful smoky aroma, thanks to the high heat retention, and each bite balanced a crunchy base with gooey cheese and fresh basil.
The Alfa Futuro 2 took longer to preheat, reaching its peak temperature of 1000°F in about 30 minutes. However, its capacity to bake two pizzas simultaneously was a significant advantage for larger gatherings. In our test, the Alfa Futuro 2 cooked a Margherita pizza in just 90 seconds. The crust was evenly browned, with leopard spotting typical of authentic wood-fired pizzas, while the toppings were perfectly cooked. The taste was exquisite, combining a subtle charred flavor with the freshness of premium ingredients, making it a great choice for those who prioritize authenticity in their pizzas.
Both ovens excelled in delivering delicious pizzas, but the Ooni Koda 12 stands out for its speed and ease of use, while the Alfa Futuro 2 shines in its ability to handle multiple pizzas at once with precision.
How We Tested
To compare the Ooni Koda 12 and the Alfa Futuro 2, we conducted a thorough hands-on test to evaluate their performance under real-world conditions. As a chef with over a decade of experience, I followed a standardized process to ensure fairness and consistency in the evaluation.
We started by preheating both ovens to their maximum recommended temperatures, using built-in thermometers to track the heating time and infrared thermometers to confirm the accuracy of the pizza stone temperatures. For the Ooni Koda 12, we used its gas-powered burner, while for the Alfa Futuro 2, we relied on its full-effect circulation system.
Next, we prepared classic Margherita pizzas with the same dough, sauce, and toppings to maintain consistency. Each pizza was stretched to the same size and thickness, ensuring that any differences in cooking performance were due to the ovens themselves.
During the cooking process, we observed how well each oven maintained its temperature, the evenness of heat distribution, and the ease of rotating the pizzas for uniform cooking. We noted the total cooking time and assessed the crust, toppings, and overall texture of the pizzas.
Finally, we tested each oven’s ability to handle additional dishes, like roasted vegetables and flatbreads, to gauge their versatility. Cleanup procedures were also evaluated to determine the practicality of each oven in a busy kitchen environment. This comprehensive approach allowed us to assess every aspect of the Ooni Koda 12 and Alfa Futuro 2, providing a detailed understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
|
Winner
|
Loser
|
|
Our Rating:
4.8
|
Our Rating:
4.7
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Good-quality materials like powder-coated carbon steel
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Compact design
- Strictly gas-powered
- 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 Ooni Koda 12 and the Alfa Futuro 2 comes down to your personal preferences and cooking needs. Both ovens deliver excellent results, but they cater to slightly different audiences. If you value portability, simplicity, and efficiency, the Ooni Koda 12 might be the better fit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a larger, high-performance oven with premium craftsmanship, the Alfa Futuro 2 is an outstanding option.
If you decide to purchase one, I’d greatly appreciate it if you used my referral links. I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep my blog alive. Here are the links:
Thank you for your support, and happy pizza-making!