ConsFirst / Pizza ovens / Compare
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven vs Solo Stove Pi Prime Propane Pizza Oven
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on pizza results, heat-up & recovery, ease of use (turning, learning curve). Solo Stove Pi Prime Propane Pizza Oven wins on size & portability, build & durability.
The biggest complaint about the Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven is stone can crack; for the Solo Stove Pi Prime Propane Pizza Oven it's cramped opening and stone. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven | Solo Stove Pi Prime Propane Pizza Oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in pizza ovens | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Gas | Gas |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 7% | 6% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Pizza results | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Heat-up & recovery | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Ease of use (turning, learning curve) | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Size & portability | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Build & durability | 3.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $300 · $$ $300–600 · $$$ over $600. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven
- Stone can crack
Amazon's review summary lists durability as a concern, saying multiple customers report the stone cracking after just a few uses.
- Very hot, little fine control
Wirecutter's stone hit 950°F in 30 minutes, which scorched pizza bottoms, so it had to turn the dial down. Amazon's summary calls heat output mixed: it heats quickly, but owners say there is very little temperature control.
- No accessories, no thermometer, side knob
Wirecutter says nothing is included (you buy a peel, cover, infrared thermometer and propane separately). There is no built-in thermometer, and the ignition knob sits on the side, which it found a little inconvenient.
Source: Wirecutter
Solo Stove Pi Prime Propane Pizza Oven
- Cramped opening and stone
Wirecutter found the 13 x 3.5 inch opening and small baking surface made turning harder, and it bumped dough into the rear burner a few times, scorching it immediately. Serious Eats notes your peel must be under 13 inches wide.
Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats review - Tops burn before the crust is done
Several 1-star Walmart reviews say the top burns before the crust cooks, or the middle stays doughy while the edges overcook, and that pies must be rotated or the back burns. Tom's Guide also had a crust turn to ash when left a bit too long.
- Slower preheat than claimed; short hose
Serious Eats needed 40-45 minutes to pass 800°F on a cold, windy day, versus the 15 minutes claimed, and the left side ran cooler. Tom's Guide's only listed con is a propane hose that could be longer.
Source: Serious Eats review, Tom's Guide review
Who should pick which
Pick the Ooni Koda 16 Gas Powered Pizza Oven if
First outdoor pizza oven with room to maneuver
12- to 16-inch pies for family pizza nights
Propane convenience (a natural-gas version is sold too)
Skip it if: You want wood-fired flavor; You want a built-in thermometer and accessories in the box; You need something light for hiking or tiny balconies
Pick the Solo Stove Pi Prime Propane Pizza Oven if
Beginners who want one knob and no fuel fiddling
Small patios, tailgating and car camping
10- to 12-inch pizzas
Skip it if: You want 14- to 16-inch pies or to roast in a skillet; You want wood or charcoal flavor; You need natural gas (it can't be converted)
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.