As a restaurant chef with over 10 years of experience at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I’ve worked with many pizza ovens in pursuit of the perfect pie. In this article, I’ll compare two exceptional models: the Ooni Koda 12 and the Halo Versa 16. Drawing on my firsthand experience using both ovens in my kitchen, I’ll evaluate them based on quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and a real pizza cooking test to see how they perform. For a more detailed look at my testing process, feel free to check out my separate article.
- Ooni Koda 12: Known for its compact design and gas-powered convenience, this oven delivers excellent results with high temperatures and consistent performance.
- Halo Versa 16: A versatile pizza oven offering innovative rotating stone technology for even cooking, perfect for anyone looking for a unique outdoor pizza-making experience.
I tested both the Ooni Koda 12 and Halo Versa 16 and shared a detailed comparison in this article.
Disclaimer: If you decide to buy one of these ovens, I’d highly appreciate it if you use my referral links. These help keep my blog alive and come at no extra cost to you! Stay tuned for the detailed comparison.
Ooni Koda 12 VS Halo Versa 16: Quality and Materials
| The Ooni Koda 12 stands out for its durable powder-coated carbon steel shell and ceramic insulation, ensuring exceptional heat retention and longevity. The build quality feels premium and reliable for frequent use. |
The Halo Versa 16 is constructed with durable materials and includes a Cordierite stone. While the build quality is excellent, the top thermometer feels slightly less reliable for precision temperature measurement.
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Ooni Koda 12 VS Halo Versa 16: Temperature Control
| Ooni Koda 12 allows precise temperature control with its gas-powered setup, quickly reaching up to 950°F for perfectly crispy crusts. Its simple heat adjustment is great for pizzas and other dishes. |
Halo Versa 16 offers a dual-burner system, including an infrared burner and back-oven burner, capable of reaching 900°F. However, real-world tests showed some variation in heat consistency.
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Ooni Koda 12 VS Halo Versa 16: Shape
| Compact and sleek, the Ooni Koda 12 is optimized for efficient heat distribution and portability. Its low profile might make turning pizzas slightly tricky but ensures excellent results with practice. |
The larger shape of the Halo Versa 16 accommodates pizzas up to 16 inches and is versatile for pan pizzas. The turntable mechanism is innovative but may require monitoring for consistent results.
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Ooni Koda 12 VS Halo Versa 16: First-Time Usage Impressions
| The Ooni Koda 12 was straightforward to set up and delivered great results right away. Its design makes it user-friendly, especially for beginners. The first pizza had an evenly cooked base and toppings. |
The Halo Versa 16 requires more setup and has a slight learning curve. The initial seasoning process is recommended, and the dual-burner system may take some adjustment to avoid uneven cooking.
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Ooni Koda 12 VS Halo Versa 16: Power Source
| Powered by propane gas, the Ooni Koda 12 offers consistent and reliable heat with an easy setup, perfect for quick outdoor cooking. |
Also propane-powered, the Halo Versa 16 allows for more flexibility with the option of using a large LP tank or a smaller canister. Its quick disconnect regulator makes fuel changes easy.
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Ooni Koda 12 VS Halo Versa 16: Size
| Compact and lightweight, the Ooni Koda 12 is easy to carry and store, ideal for small spaces and outdoor gatherings. |
The Halo Versa 16 is larger and heavier, providing more cooking space for large pizzas and other dishes. Its size is better suited for users with dedicated outdoor cooking setups.
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Ooni Koda 12 VS Halo Versa 16: Ease of Cleaning
| Cleaning the Ooni Koda 12 is simple, with its accessible baking stone and smooth exterior surface. A quick wipe-down keeps it looking pristine. |
The Halo Versa 16 offers a hinged top for easier cleaning. The removable stone and crumb tray make maintenance straightforward, though its larger size adds some effort.
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Pizza Cooking Test
The Ooni Koda 12 heated up impressively fast, reaching a temperature of 900°F in just under 20 minutes. When I slid in a classic Margherita pizza, it cooked to perfection in 2-3 minutes. The result was a crispy, golden-brown crust with a delightful crunch and a slightly charred flavor. The cheese melted evenly, and the fresh basil retained its aroma without wilting excessively. Overall, the pizza had a restaurant-quality taste, with a balance of texture and flavor that impressed me.
The Halo Versa 16 took slightly longer to warm up, reaching a temperature of around 732°F in about 20 minutes during testing, despite the manufacturer’s claim of 950°F in 12 minutes. The Margherita pizza cooked in under 2 minutes, but the initial attempt required manual adjustments to achieve an even bake. The second pizza, however, was a success, featuring a beautifully crisp crust and well-cooked toppings. The flavors were satisfying, but the process required more effort to achieve a balanced result.
Both ovens delivered excellent pizzas, but the Ooni Koda 12 stood out for its ease of use, consistent results, and balanced cooking experience.
How We Tested
To compare the Ooni Koda 12 and the Halo Versa 16, we set up both ovens in the same outdoor environment under similar conditions to ensure a fair evaluation. Using each oven, we prepared classic Margherita pizzas to assess their performance.
For preheating, we monitored the time each oven took to reach its optimal cooking temperature using an infrared thermometer. Both ovens were tested with fresh dough, homemade tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil to ensure consistent ingredients.
We observed how evenly the heat was distributed and how well the pizzas cooked, focusing on the crust’s texture, the cheese’s melt, and the topping’s overall balance. Throughout the test, we paid close attention to any adjustments needed, such as turning the pizza or tweaking the temperature, to gauge each oven’s usability.
The results gave us a clear understanding of the strengths and limitations of both ovens, providing a solid foundation for this comparison.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Ooni Koda 12 and the Halo Versa 16 depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Ooni Koda 12 excels in its sleek portability, rapid heating, and straightforward operation, making it ideal for quick and easy pizza-making. On the other hand, the Halo Versa 16 offers innovative features like the turning stone and dual burners, which provide added convenience and versatility for larger pizzas or pan-based recipes.
If you’ve decided which pizza oven suits you best, I’d greatly appreciate it if you used my referral links to make your purchase. It helps support my blog at no additional cost to you. You can find the Ooni Koda 12 here and the Halo Versa 16 here. Thank you for your support!