Last Updated on August 12, 2023
In terms of outdoor cooking equipment, the Ooni Pizza Oven and Solo Stove Pi are two prominent contenders.
The Ooni Pizza Oven, while not recommended for rain-soaked settings, triumphs as a safe and effective choice for balcony setups.
On the flip side, the Solo Stove Pi showcases remarkable versatility by withstanding rain while offering a canvas for culinary creativity that extends beyond traditional pizza-making.
This article aims to compare these two products, examining their features, performance, and suitability for various circumstances.
By juxtaposing the Ooni Pizza Oven and the Solo Stove Pi, readers will understand their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Without personal biases or subjective opinions, this objective analysis will assist individuals in making an informed decision when selecting a pizza oven for their outdoor cooking endeavors.
A comparison of Ooni Pizza Oven and Solo Stove Pi: Which is the superior product?
In this analysis, we delve into the intricate details of the Ooni Pizza Oven and the Solo Stove Pi, examining how they measure up against each other in these key aspects.
By evaluating their strengths and limitations, we aim to help you make an informed decision and uncover the superior option that best aligns with your outdoor cooking aspirations.
Fueling the Fire: Versatility in Fuel Options
Ooni offers diverse fuel options, including wood pellets, gas, and multi-fuel.
This allows users to choose the fuel type that best suits their preferences and needs.
In contrast, Solo Stove Pi offers a more limited selection, with wood and propane as the main fuel sources.
While this may be seen as a drawback for those looking for more variety, Solo Stove Pi makes up for it with its efficient burn technology and minimalist design.
To further illustrate the differences in fuel options, a comparison table is provided below:
| Ooni Pizza Oven | Solo Stove Pi |
| Wood Pellet | Wood |
| Gas | Propane |
| Multi-fuel | |
Materials that Matter: The Foundation of Quality
Ooni models utilize a combination of cordierite ceramic stone, stainless steel, and 430 stainless steel to cater to different needs.
The cordierite ceramic stone provides excellent heat retention and distribution, resulting in a crispy and evenly cooked pizza crust.
The stainless steel construction offers durability and resistance to high temperatures, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Alternatively, the Solo Stove Pi is insulated with ceramic and stainless steel, contributing to its durability and ability to retain heat.
The 304 stainless steel provides strength and longevity to the oven, while the ceramic insulation helps to retain heat, allowing for efficient cooking.
Size and Portability: A Travel-Friendly Duo
The Ooni and Solo Stove Pi both offer compact designs that make them ideal for on-the-go cooking.
The Ooni measures 15.7 x 11.6 x 24.8 inches and weighs 24.25 pounds, while the Solo Stove Pi is slightly smaller at 12.7 x 12.7 x 8.3 inches and weighs 20 pounds.
These dimensions make both ovens highly portable and convenient for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
Additionally, both ovens are designed with sturdy handles and detachable components, further enhancing their portability.
The table below compares the size and weight of the Ooni and Solo Stove Pi, highlighting their travel-friendly features.
| Oven Model | Dimensions (inches) | Weight (pounds) |
| Ooni | 15.7 x 11.6 x 24.8 | 24.25 |
| Solo Stove Pi | 12.7 x 12.7 x 8.3 | 20 |
Cooking Performance: A Battle of the Pizzas
The Ooni Pizza Oven boasts exceptional cooking performance that is truly impressive in the world of pizza preparation.
With its rapid cooking times spanning from a mere 60 seconds to a few minutes, Ooni guarantees the creation of pizzas with perfectly crispy crusts and delightfully melty cheese centers.
Beyond its exceptional pizza-cooking capabilities, what sets Ooni apart is its versatility in the culinary domain.
While excelling at pizza, it also extends its prowess to a wider array of dishes, making it a versatile and indispensable outdoor kitchen companion.
Conversely, the Solo Stove Pi demonstrates remarkable cooking performance, particularly in the realm of crafting mouthwatering pizzas.
Its swift cooking times, ranging from around 60 seconds to a couple of minutes, ensure that each pizza emerges with a delectably crispy crust and a gooey, melted cheese center.
However, unlike its counterpart, the Solo Stove Pi’s culinary focus remains primarily on pizzas.
While it masters the art of pizza-making, it doesn’t offer the same breadth of culinary versatility as the Ooni Pizza Oven, making it a dedicated choice for pizza enthusiasts.
Value for Money: Investing Wisely
The Ooni pizza oven boasts premium features such as a variety of fuel options and versatile cooking capabilities, which contribute to its value for money.
In comparison, the Solo Stove Pi stands out as a budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent cooking performance.
To provide a clearer comparison, the table below showcases the key features and prices of both contenders:
| Contender | Features | Price |
| Ooni Pizza Oven | Premium features, versatile cooking capabilities, range of fuel options | Higher |
| Solo Stove Pi | Budget-friendly, good cooking performance | Lower |
Specialization and Versatility: From Pizza Perfection to Culinary Creativity
The Ooni specializes in creating perfect pizzas with its quick cooking times and wood-fired flavor, making it a true delight for pizza enthusiasts.
On the flip side, the Solo Stove Pi goes beyond pizzas and caters to those seeking diverse culinary experiences.
It offers a broader range of cooking options, allowing users to explore various dishes beyond the realm of pies.
With its versatility, the Solo Stove Pi provides an opportunity for culinary creativity, making it an attractive choice for individuals who want to experiment with different flavors and cuisines.
Fuel Consumption: The Cost of Speed
The Ooni Pizza Oven is renowned for its swift cooking prowess, delivering delectable pizzas in record time. Yet, this speed comes at a price – a higher fuel consumption rate.
The Ooni heats up quickly to achieve crispy crusts and bubbling cheese, so it tends to consume more fuel.
The Solo Stove Pi, like its counterpart, offers efficient cooking with impressive speed. However, this velocity can translate to increased fuel usage.
The rapid cooking capabilities of the Solo Stove Pi ensure that meals are prepared promptly, but this efficiency comes with a trade-off.
Those who opt for this stove should bear in mind its higher fuel consumption, which is particularly relevant for outdoor cooks who prioritize both culinary excellence and budget management.
To highlight this point, the following table illustrates the average fuel consumption of the Ooni pizza oven and the Solo Stove Pi:
| Oven | Average Fuel Consumption |
| Ooni pizza oven | High |
| Solo Stove Pi | High |
Can you use Ooni in the rain?
Precipitation, such as rain, does not have any effect on the performance of the Ooni pizza oven.
This means that you can use your Ooni oven even in wet weather conditions without worrying about its functionality being compromised.
Here are three key reasons why the Ooni oven can withstand rain:
- Waterproof Design: The Ooni oven is designed to be weather-resistant, with features such as a waterproof exterior and sealed compartments, ensuring that no water infiltrates the oven and affects its performance.
- Stainless Steel Construction: The Ooni oven is made from high-quality stainless steel, which is known for its corrosion resistance. This material ensures that the oven remains unaffected by rain and other forms of precipitation.
- Quick Heating Time: The Ooni oven’s ability to reach high temperatures quickly means that any rain that falls onto the oven will likely evaporate before it has a chance to impact the cooking process. The heat generated by the oven helps to dry any moisture on the surface.
Is Ooni safe for a balcony?
The Ooni Koda 16 requires a minimum distance of 3.5′ / 90mm between the oven legs and the edge of the table surface.
This suggests that the oven may not be suitable for use on most balconies, as they often have limited space.
Therefore, it is important to consider the dimensions and layout of your balcony before using the Ooni pizza oven.
Additionally, when the oven is not in use, it is recommended to use the Ooni Koda 16 Carry Cover to protect it from the elements.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the safe usage of the Ooni pizza oven on your balcony.
What else can you cook in a solo pizza oven?
In addition to the classic pizza, a solo pizza oven can be used to cook various other delectable dishes.
For instance, a flame-cooked ribeye steak can be seared to perfection, producing a magnificent, restaurant-style steak in just a few minutes.
The refractory pizza oven can also be utilized to cook BBQ ribs, providing a smoky and succulent flavor. Moreover, the oven can be used to make fluffy and flavorful breads like focaccia and ciabatta.
It is also suitable for cooking naan bread, which can be enjoyed alongside a variety of curries.
Additionally, the solo pizza oven can be utilized for roasting vegetables, giving them a delicious charred taste. Corn on the cob can also be cooked in this oven, resulting in a tender and flavorsome treat.
Lastly, the oven can be used to make crispy and addictive homemade potato chips.
What kind of wood is used for Solo Pi?
Oak wood is the preferred choice of fuel for the Solo Pi cooking appliance. This type of wood is specifically selected for its qualities that make it ideal for cooking.
Oak is an ultra-dense hardwood, which means it burns efficiently and produces high heat. It also has a low-smoke burn, making it a cleaner option for cooking.
The Mini Oak Firewood, measuring approximately 5″ in length, is cut to the perfect size for the Solo Pi.
To further highlight the advantages of using oak wood, consider the following table:
| Advantages of Oak Wood for Solo Pi |
| Ultra-dense hardwood |
| Efficient and high-heat |
| Low-smoke burn |
| Perfect size for Solo Pi |
Can you use charcoal in Solo Stove Pi?
Charcoal is not recommended for use in the Solo Stove Pi due to the higher heat units it produces, which can potentially cause issues with the steel at the base of the fire pit.
While the Solo Stove technically allows for the use of charcoal, it is important to consider the potential consequences.
When charcoal is ignited, it produces intense heat that can surpass the temperature generated by wood embers. This elevated heat can lead to significant stress on the steel components of the fire pit, particularly at the base.
Over time, this increased heat can cause damage, such as warping or weakening of the steel.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using charcoal in the Solo Stove Pi to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of the fire pit.
Ooni Pizza Oven Vs Solo Stove Pi: The Definitive Winner for Outdoor Cooking Enthusiasts
The comparison highlights the unique strengths of the Ooni Pizza Oven and Solo Stove Pi. While Ooni offers varied fuel options but falters in the rain, suitable for balconies, Solo Stove Pi impresses with efficient burn tech and adaptable, rain-friendly design.
Both boast quick cooking with high fuel use.
However, Solo Stove Pi stands out, excelling in weather resilience and culinary versatility. It emerges as the prime choice for outdoor cooking, promising to elevate grilling, roasting, and baking experiences.
Whether rain or shine, Solo Stove Pi proves to be the ultimate companion for culinary adventures, promising remarkable flavor journeys for outdoor enthusiasts.
