Ooni vs Bertello: Which Pizza Oven Brand Is Best?

Introduction

If you’ve clicked on this article, it’s safe to assume that you’re considering stepping up your home pizza game, and why not? Homemade pizza is one of life’s greatest pleasures, if you ask me. But, when it comes to choosing a pizza oven, it can be tricky to navigate through all the options available. Well, don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Today, we’re diving into the world of at-home pizza ovens, specifically focusing on two popular contenders: Ooni and Bertello. You might have seen these names popping up quite frequently when you’re doing your research. There’s a reason for that – both these brands have garnered significant attention, praise, and, not to forget, a devoted following of pizza enthusiasts.

In this article, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about Ooni vs Bertello pizza ovens. We’re talking design, performance, usability, versatility, price, customer reviews – you name it. By the end, my aim is to help you make an informed decision that suits your needs, preferences, and budget.

Ooni vs Bertello Comparison 

Design

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the design and build quality of Ooni and Bertello pizza ovens.

What’s cool about Ooni ovens is the sleek, modern design. They are visually striking with their brushed stainless steel exterior – they’re sure to stand out in any backyard setup.

The Fyra is lightweight and portable. The powder-coated carbon steel shell is both stylish and durable. Plus, the pellet hopper at the back is designed to feed fuel efficiently and add a unique element to the overall design.

The Karu has a stainless steel body and a ceramic fiber-insulated interior, which means it retains heat extremely well. Its glass-reinforced nylon handle also stays cool, which is a thoughtful safety feature.

The Koda has a powder-coated, cold-rolled carbon steel shell and a cordierite stone baking board inside. It’s compact, and the minimalist design is both sleek and modern.

Bertello ovens have a more traditional design, taking inspiration from classic wood-fired ovens. The black exterior gives it a distinctive look that’s attractive and timeless.

The Bertello 12 is crafted from stainless steel and cordierite stone. The steel shell makes it robust and capable of withstanding high temperatures, while the cordierite stone baking surface ensures even heat distribution for a perfectly cooked crust.

Its size is more compact than some of the larger Ooni models, which may be a plus or minus, depending on your needs. It’s worth noting that the gas attachment does stick out a bit when installed, which might disrupt the aesthetic for some.

In summary, both Ooni and Bertello pizza ovens have solid construction and thoughtful design elements. Ooni stands out for its modern, sleek aesthetics, while Bertello offers a more traditional look. The choice between the two may come down to personal preference and your particular needs when it comes to size and fuel type.

Performance 

Now let’s explore how these pizza ovens stack up in terms of performance and efficiency.

Ooni’s ovens are well-known for their ability to reach extremely high temperatures in a short amount of time, which is a must for creating authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas.

All of their models can reach temperatures up to 950°F and cook pizzas in just 60-90 seconds once it’s heated up. That said, the ovens will take longer to reheat between pizzas if you are using wood pellets as your fuel.

The Bertello Oven also reaches high temperatures, ensuring a well-cooked pizza with a delightful, slightly charred crust.

The Bertello 12 can reach over 900°F when using gas, and somewhat lower when using wood or charcoal. The oven takes about 10-15 minutes to heat up, depending on the fuel source.

The temperature control on the Bertello can be a bit tricky, as it doesn’t have an in-built thermometer. However, with a bit of practice, you can master the art of maintaining the perfect temperature. Also, the option to use either wood, charcoal, or gas allows you to experiment with different flavors and heat control methods.

In terms of performance and efficiency, both Ooni and Bertello pizza ovens stand out with their ability to reach high temperatures quickly. Ooni offers a bit more versatility in their range with various fuel options across different models, while Bertello combines multiple fuel choices in two models.

Ease of Use

Let’s delve into how user-friendly these pizza ovens are.

One of Ooni’s selling points is their focus on ease of use, right from assembly to cooking.

The Fyra is easy to assemble, and its pellet hopper system makes maintaining the heat pretty straightforward. However, some users report that it can be tricky to master the feed rate of the pellets to maintain the perfect temperature.

The Karu needs some assembly but comes with clear instructions. The choice of fuel can make a difference in ease of use. While gas offers straightforward heat control, using wood or charcoal might require more practice.

The Koda is the most plug-and-play model from Ooni. It comes fully assembled and is easy to ignite thanks to its gas power source. Managing the temperature is as simple as turning a dial.

For all models, pizza placement and turning need a bit of practice, and Ooni’s thin-crust focus means care must be taken to avoid ripping the dough. Cleanup is relatively easy – just remove the stone and brush out the ashes.

The Bertello Oven is designed to be simple and straightforward to use.

Assembly is minimal, and while it doesn’t have an ignition system for wood or charcoal, the optional gas burner does. Controlling the temperature can take some practice, especially since there’s no built-in thermometer.

Managing the pizza in the oven is simple due to its design, but it does require turning the pizza for even cooking. One point to note is the smaller opening of the oven, which may require some maneuvering.

Cleanup is not too complicated. Remove the cooking stone and brush out the interior once it has cooled down. However, the lack of an ash collection system could make cleaning a bit messier than with the Ooni models.

In terms of ease of use, both brands offer user-friendly features with a few potential hiccups. As with any cooking appliance, there may be a bit of a learning curve before you get the hang of using these ovens to their full potential.

Results

Let’s talk about the most exciting part – the quality of pizzas produced by these fantastic ovens.

Ooni’s ovens are known for their ability to cook Neapolitan-style pizzas to perfection, thanks to their high-heat cooking capability.

The Fyra delivers a great thin crust pizza with a perfectly charred bottom and a well-cooked top. The wood pellets add a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the overall taste.

With the Karu, you have the flexibility to experiment with different flavors based on your choice of fuel. Regardless of what you choose, the Karu’s high heat results in a pizza with a delightful crispy crust and well-melted toppings.

Ooni Koda: The Koda, being gas-powered, provides a consistent heat that cooks pizzas evenly and quickly. The result is a well-cooked pizza with a slightly charred and crispy crust, however it does lack the authentic wood fired aroma.

The Bertello Oven, with its high temperatures and multi-fuel capability, also produces excellent pizzas.

The Bertello Wood Fire and Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven can produce authentic, wood-fired pizzas when using wood or charcoal as fuel. The high heat ensures a well-cooked, crispy crust with a slightly charred bottom. If you choose to use gas, you can still get great results, although you might miss out on the smoky flavor that comes with wood or charcoal.

In conclusion, both Ooni and Bertello ovens are capable of producing restaurant-quality pizzas right in your backyard. The choice between the two may depend on your preference for size, fuel type, and whether you favor a modern or traditional aesthetic.

If you are unsure about what fuel to choose from you can check out this page which compares wood vs gas ovens and decide which is best for you.

Versatility 

Pizza ovens aren’t just for pizza anymore. Both Ooni and Bertello offer versatile options for a variety of cooking needs.

Both brands allow you to cook a range of delicious food such as veggies, meats, fish and even bread.

However, due to its smaller size and somewhat limited heat control, the Bertello may not offer the same range of cooking possibilities as some of the larger Ooni models.

In terms of versatility, both Ooni and Bertello offer the capability to cook a variety of dishes, not just pizza. The choice between the two may depend on your specific cooking preferences, desired fuel type, and how much you’re willing to experiment with different recipes and cooking methods.

Portability 

Portability is also an important factor to consider, especially if you want to take your pizza-making skills on the road. Let’s see how both brands compare.

Ooni’s pizza ovens are designed with portability in mind. They’re lightweight and feature carry handles for easy transport.

The Koda 12 weighs 20.4 lbs, making it Ooni’s most lightweight and easy to transport model. Plus, its streamlined design without a chimney makes it even more compact for travel.

The Fyra weighs just 22 lbs. Its compact size and the ability to remove the chimney and hopper for transport make it perfect for taking to picnics or camping trips.

The Karu is a bit heavier, at 26.5 lbs, but it’s still portable. Its foldable legs and detachable chimney make it relatively easy to carry and set up wherever you want.

The Pro is the heaviest of the lineup, weighing 48.5 lbs. Although it has carry handles, its size makes it less ideal for frequent travel.

The Bertello Wood Fire and Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven weighs about 34 lbs without any attachments, which makes it reasonably portable. However, it’s a bit heavier than some of the Ooni models. It does not have any built-in handles, so it might be a bit more challenging to carry around. But once it’s set up, it doesn’t require a lot of space, making it suitable for small patios or balconies.

In conclusion, when it comes to portability, Ooni has a clear edge, especially with models like the Fyra and Koda. Their designs cater to easy transportation, making them perfect for those who like to cook outdoors on the go. Bertello, while not as portable, is still compact enough for various outdoor settings, and its slightly heavier weight can be manageable for short distances.

Value for Money

Let’s talk about how much these ovens will set you back and what you’re getting for your investment.

Ooni Fyra: Priced at $349, the Fyra offers exceptional value for those seeking an entry-level but high-performing wood pellet pizza oven.

Ooni Karu: The Karu is a step up in terms of flexibility, offering multi-fuel capabilities. Its construction and design justify the cost, providing excellent value for money. The Karu 12 and 16 will set you back $349 and $799 respectively.

Ooni Koda: The gas-powered Koda comes in two sizes – 12” and 16”. The smaller model is priced at$399, while the larger one is $599. They offer great value for the convenience and consistency of gas cooking.

All Ooni ovens come with a 1-year warranty, but you can extend it to 3 years by registering your oven with Ooni.

The Bertello Wood Fire and Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven is priced at $365 for the oven itself where as the Bertello Grande is $560. The gas attachment is sold separately and costs about $100. Considering its multi-fuel capabilities and quality construction, it offers good value for the price. However, it’s worth noting that the gas attachment being an additional purchase could be a downside for some.

As for warranty, Bertello provides a 1-year warranty for their oven, ensuring you’re covered if any issues arise.

In conclusion, both Ooni and Bertello offer good value for their prices, each with their unique features and capabilities. Your choice will likely depend on your budget, the type of fuel you prefer to use, and the specific features that matter most to you.

Customer Reviews 

Overall, Ooni pizza ovens have received highly favorable reviews across various platforms. Users appreciate the fast heat-up times, the crisp pizzas they can achieve, and the general ease of use.

Ooni Fyra: Customers have rated the Fyra highly for its portability and efficiency. Some users mentioned that it could take some time to get used to managing the temperature with the wood pellets.

Ooni Karu: The Karu receives praise for its multi-fuel capability. However, some users have mentioned that switching between fuel types can be a bit cumbersome.

Ooni Koda: Users love the Koda for its simplicity and performance. Its gas-powered operation makes it very user-friendly, though the lack of a wood-fired option could be a downside for some.

Bertello pizza ovens have also received positive reviews from customers. Users appreciate its solid construction and the ability to use both wood and gas as fuel sources.

The Bertello Wood Fire and Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven has received high ratings for the quality of the pizzas it produces, as well as its overall value for the price. Some users have noted that the lack of a built-in thermometer makes temperature control a bit tricky. Others mentioned that the need to buy the gas attachment separately is a downside.

In conclusion, both Ooni and Bertello pizza ovens have been well-received by customers. Each brand has its strengths, and the choice between the two may come down to your specific needs and preferences.

Ooni Pros and Cons

Pros

Heating Power: These babies really pack a punch when it comes to heat. They heat up fast and can reach some pretty high temperatures, perfect for that crisp, Neapolitan-style pizza crust.

Versatility: You’re not just limited to pizzas with Ooni. I’ve tried roasting meats, vegetables, fish, and they’ve all come out top-notch.

Portability: Ooni ovens are pretty compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to move around, great for backyard cookouts or even camping.

Cons

Learning Curve: Here’s the thing – Ooni ovens are high-powered, which means they can be a bit challenging for beginners. You might end up with a couple of burnt pizzas before you get the hang of it.

Price: Compared to some other options on the market, Ooni can feel a bit pricey. But hey, in my opinion, the quality and performance are worth the investment.

Bertello Pros and Cons

Pros

Ease of Use: Bertello ovens are straightforward to use, making them great for beginners. Trust me, your pizzas will turn out well even if you’re new to this.

Wood and Gas Option: I love the fact that you can use both wood and gas fuels. It’s all about what flavor you’re chasing!

Build Quality: Bertello ovens are robust and durable, and they definitely feel like they are built to last.

Cons

Size: These ovens are a bit on the bulkier side, so they’re not as easy to move around as the Ooni. You might want to pick a spot and leave it there.

Cooking Space: I found that the cooking space is somewhat limited, especially if you’re hoping to cook more than one pizza at a time.

Overall, both ovens have their strengths and weaknesses. It really comes down to what you’re looking for in a pizza oven. So, happy cooking, and let me know how it goes!

Conclusion

In wrapping up our comparison, it’s clear that both Ooni and Bertello offer excellent options for those seeking a high-quality outdoor pizza oven. Each brand brings its unique strengths to the table.

Ooni Pizza Ovens impress with their range of models catering to various needs and budgets. From the portable Fyra and the multi-fuel Karu to the plug-and-play Koda and the versatile Pro, Ooni has an option for everyone. If you value versatility, portability, and have a specific preference for the type of fuel you’d like to use, Ooni could be your go-to brand. Their ovens consistently deliver restaurant-quality pizzas and can double as an all-around outdoor oven for a variety of foods.

Bertello Pizza Oven, on the other hand, provides a solid, simple, and well-built option. It may not offer as much variety as Ooni, but it excels in its performance. Its multi-fuel capability and the quality of pizzas it produces are highly appreciated by users. If you’re looking for a compact, straightforward, and effective pizza oven, Bertello is a brand worth considering.

It’s essential to remember that choosing a pizza oven is a personal decision. Your ideal oven depends on your cooking habits, space availability, budget, and how often you plan to use it. Both Ooni and Bertello offer exceptional quality and value, so you can’t really go wrong with either!

Ooni Product Overview

Ooni’s product lineup has evolved over the years, offering a range of pizza ovens each with their own unique features.

Released in 2020, the Ooni Fyra 12 is fuelled by wood pellets only. It’s designed to be super easy to use, and it can reach temperatures of up to 932°F.

Ooni Pizza Ovens Compared

	Fyra 12	Karu 16	Karu 12G	Karu 12	Koda 16	Koda 12	Volt 12
Fuel	Wood Pellets	Wood, Charcoal & Propane Gas (with adaptor)	Wood, Charcoal & Propane Gas (with adaptor)	Wood, Charcoal & Propane Gas (with adaptor)	Propane Gas	Propane Gas	Electric
Pizza size	Up to 12″	Up to 16″	Up to 12″	Up to 12″	Up to 16″	Up to 12″	Up to 12″
Unboxed size	29.2 x 15.1 x 28.6″	32 x 19.6 x 33″	29.7 x 28.7 x 16.5″	30 x 15 x 31″	24.96 x 23.2 x 14.65″	15.7 x 11.6 x 24.8″	24.2 x 20.8 x 10.9″
Weight	22lbs	62.6lbs	34.17lbs	26.5lbs	40.1lbs	20.4lbs	39.2lbs
Heat up time	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	20 mins	15 mins	20mins
Max. temperature	950°F	950°F	950°F	950°F	950°F	950°F	850°F
Gas	No	Yes, with gas burner	Yes, with gas burner	Yes, with gas burner	Yes	Yes	No
Material	Powder-coated carbon steel	Powder coated carbon steel & Brushed 304, 409, 430, Stainless steel	Powder-coated carbon steel	Brushed 430 stainless steel	Powder-coated carbon steel	Powder-coated carbon steel	Powder-coated carbon steel
Stone type	0,4″ cordierite stone	0,6″ cordierite stone	0,6″ cordierite stone	0,6″ cordierite stone	0,6″ cordierite stone	0,4″ cordierite stone	0,4″ cordierite stone
Stone size	13 x 13″	16.7 x 24.5″	13 x 13″	13 x 13″	16 x 16″	13 x 13″	13 x 13″
Opening height	3.34″	5.71″	3.86″	3.89″	4.37″	3.22″	3.58″
Fuel consumption	2.5lbs for 10 pizzas	4.9lbs for 10 pizzas	2.2lbs for 10 pizzas	3.3lbs for 10 pizzas	1.3lbs for 10 pizzas	0.9lbs for 10 pizzas	1.02kWh for 10 pizzas
Gas consumption		1.1 lb/hr	0.74 lb/hr	0.74 lb/hr	1.3 lb/hr	0.63 lb/hr
Outdoor/indoor	Outdoor	Outdoor	Outdoor	Outdoor	Outdoor	Outdoor	Indoor and Outdoor

Bertello Product Overview

Bertello keeps things simple with just two main products, the Bertello 12″ and the Bertello Grande 16″.

Bertello Pizza Ovens Compared

	Bertello 12	Bertello Grande 16
Fuel	Wood, Pellets, Charcoal & Propane Gas (with adaptor)	Wood & Propane Gas (with adaptor)
Pizza size	Up to 12″	Up to 16″
Unboxed size	‎22 x 14 x 10.5″	‎30 x 22 x 17″
Weight	30.8lbs	62.lbs
Max. temperature	900°F	900°F
Gas	Yes, with gas burner	Yes
Material	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Stone size	12.5 x 13.5″	16 x 16″
Outdoor/indoor	Outdoor	Outdoor

Ooni vs Bertello FAQs