Making pizza at home is a fun and delicious experience, but choosing the right oven can be challenging.
Two well-known names in home pizza ovens are Ooni and Bertello. These brands are popular because they have loyal fans and great reviews from pizza lovers.
Here, I will compare Ooni and Bertello ovens to help you decide which is right. This comparison will cover everything you need to know to pick the stove that best fits your style, needs, and budget.
So, do not go away, and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Is Bertello or Ooni Better
Ooni is sleek, quick to preheat, and beginner-friendly. From my experience using the Karu 16, its ability to switch seamlessly between gas and wood made hosting weekend pizza nights fun and effortless.
I remember how quickly it preheated, allowing me to make multiple pizzas for friends without delay. For instance, the Karu 16, with its gas and wood options, offers flexibility and convenience. Cashback offers through credit cards like Amex make it an even better deal.
In contrast, Bertello is a more affordable option and also great for beginners, but it requires wood with gas to achieve proper fire in the dome, which can be less convenient. It is simple, durable, and budget-friendly but takes a bit more effort to use.
Bertello Pizza Oven- Budget-Friendly Option
The Bertello Pizza Oven is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable and versatile option for homemade pizza. It is highly known for durability and offers both gas and wood options for cooking.
However, pizza lovers often mention that you must use wood with gas to generate the proper heat, as the dome does not produce enough fire with just gas. Thus, it sometimes results in temperature fluctuations, making it slightly challenging to manage, especially for beginners.
Pros & Cons of Bertello Pizza Oven
Pros
- Wood and Gas Option
- Cost Effective Choice
- Build Quality
- User Friendly
- Tasty Pizza Every Time
Cons
- Limited Cooking Space
- Takes time to Master
- Bulky Design
Ooni Pizza Oven-Best for Outdoor Events
Ooni Pizza Oven is a well-known choice for making homemade pizza. It has a sleek design, quick preheating, and simple operation. In my experience, the setup process was intuitive, and I appreciated how the preheat time allowed me to prepare toppings without feeling rushed.
Ooni offers different models, like the Karu 16 with a gas burner and the Ooni Fyra 12, which uses wood as its primary fuel source. Both are versatile and efficient options. I found the Fyra 12 perfect for creating a smoky flavor, especially when experimenting with wood types like oak and cherry during a weekend cookout.
Ooni has gained a strong following due to its performance, active user community, and reliable customer support, making it a trusted choice for pizza lovers. Testimonials from the Ooni community frequently highlight its reliability and ease of use.
Pros & Cons of Ooni Pizza Oven
Pros
- Quick Preheating
- Versatile Cooking Options
- Compact & Portable
- Fast Heating
Cons
- Costly
- Takes Time to Learn
- Not Great for Everyone
Bertello vs Ooni: A Comparison
When comparing Bertello and Ooni pizza ovens, each has its advantages. Ooni is known for its modern design, versatility, and ease of use, whereas Bertello is more affordable.
Choosing the best one depends on your needs and preferences.
I will compare these two ovens based on quality, design, heat, cooking speed, pizza quality and taste, ease of use, and price. The guide explains these points in detail so you can decide which is the right choice.
I. Oven Models Overview
Ooni and Bertello are popular pizza oven brands and suit different needs and cooking preferences. Ooni provides many models, including the Fyra 12, Karu 16, Karu 12G, Karu 12, Koda 12, Koda 16, and Volt 12.
Each design has unique features and fuel options like wood, gas, charcoal, or electric. Bertello, on the other hand, has two main models: the Bertello Grande 16 and the Bertello 12. These ovens have multiple fuel options, such as wood, gas, and charcoal.
Ooni vs Bertello
| Model | Fuel Options | Weight | Max Temp | Pizza Siza |
| Ooni Fyra 12 | Wood | 22 lbs | 950°F | Up to 12″ |
| Ooni Karu 16 | Wood, Gas, Charcoal | 62.6 lbs | 950°F | Up to 16″ |
| Ooni Karu 12G | Wood, Gas, Charcoal | 34.17 lbs | 950°F | Up to 12″ |
| Ooni Karu 12 | Wood, Gas, Charcoal | 26.5 lbs | 950°F | Up to 12″ |
| Ooni Koda 12 | Propane gas | 20.4 lbs | 950°F | Up to 12″ |
| Ooni Koda 16 | Propane & Natural gas | 40.1 lbs | 950°F | Up to 16″ |
| Ooni Volt 12 | Electric | 39.2 lbs | 850°F | Up to 12″ |
| Bertello Grande 16 | Propane gas & Wood | 62.9 lbs | 900°F | Up to 16″ |
| Bertello 12 | Wood, Charcoal, Gas | 30.8 lbs | 900°F | Up to 12″ |
II. Build Quality and Design
Ooni pizza ovens are known for their sleek, modern look with brushed stainless steel exteriors that stand out in any outdoor setting. Models like the Fyra are lightweight and feature a durable, powder-coated carbon steel shell.
In contrast, the Karu and Koda ovens combine stainless steel bodies with more details like heat retention insulation and cool-touch handles.
Bertello, on the other hand, is similar to traditional wood-fired ovens. With a classic black exterior and robust stainless steel construction, Bertello ovens are built for durability.
The cordierite stone baking surface ensures even heat distribution for well-cooked pizzas. While Ooni offers a modern aesthetic, Bertello’s design appeals to those who prefer a timeless, classic style.
| Feature | Ooni Pizza Ovens | Bertello Pizza Ovens |
| Design Style | Sleek, modern, brushed stainless steel | Traditional, black exterior with a classic outlook |
| Material | Stainless, steel, powder-coated carbon steel | stainless steel with cordierite stone |
| Insulation | Ceramic fiber insulation for heat retention | Even heat distribution with cordierite stone |
| Portability | Lightweight and compact (e.g., Fyra) | Compact but heavier overall |
| Additional Features | Cool-touch handles, minimalist aesthetics | Gas attachment may disrupt the visual design |
III. Fuel Options
Ooni ovens are incredibly versatile and can use different fuel types wood, propane gas, natural gas, or even a mix of wood, charcoal, and gas.
This gives you plenty of options to match your cooking style. During one of my trials with the Ooni Karu 16, I switched between wood and gas, and it made a real difference wood gave me that smoky crust, while gas came in handy for faster cooking when hosting a bigger group.
Bertello ovens are also flexible, allowing for multiple fuel types like wood, charcoal, and gas. However, when comparing the Bertello pizza oven vs Ooni, Ooni has a slight edge with its electric model, which is a great option for indoor cooking.
| Model | Fuel Options |
| Ooni Fyra 12 | Wood |
| Ooni Karu 16 | Wood, Gas, Charcoal |
| Ooni Karu 12G | Wood, Gas, Charcoal |
| Ooni Karu 12 | Wood, Gas, Charcoal |
| Ooni Koda 12 | Propane gas |
| Ooni Koda 16 | Propane & Natural gas |
| Ooni Volt 12 | Electric |
| Bertello Grande 16 | Propane gas & Wood |
| Bertello 12 | Wood, Charcoal, Gas |
IV. Heat and Cooking Speed
Ooni ovens are famous for reaching up to 950°F quickly and cooking pizzas in 60-90 seconds. However, if you’re using wood, the oven may take longer to reheat between pizzas. Bertello ovens also deliver high temperatures, with the Bertello 12 reaching over 900°F using gas.
Their heating takes 10-15 minutes, but depends on the fuel type. Both Ooni and Bertello are good at reaching high temperatures fast, but Ooni is best with more model options and fuel versatility.
| Model | Max Temp | Heat-Up Time |
| Ooni Ovens | 950°F | 15-20 Minutes |
| Bertello 12 | 900°F | 10-15 Minutes |
| Bertello Grande 16 | 900°F | 10-15 Minutes |
V. Pizza Quality and Taste
Ooni ovens are famous for their high heat cooking power, which allows them to create delicious Neapolitan style pizzas. The Ooni Fyra, for example, gives your pizza a thin, crispy crust with a smoky flavor from its wood fuel.
The Karu takes things up a notch with its flexibility it lets you use multiple fuel options to tweak the taste and texture to your liking. Meanwhile, the gas-powered Ooni Koda delivers even cooking and that signature charred crust, though it skips the smoky, wood-fired flavor.
On the other hand, Bertello ovens also shine when making authentic, wood-fired pizzas. Wood or charcoal with a Bertello oven creates that irresistible smoky flavor and crispy crust. Plus, its gas option is no slouch and quickly produces flavorful pizzas.
If you’re debating Bertello outdoor pizza oven vs Ooni, the choice comes down to what you value most smoky flavors, fuel flexibility, or sheer convenience. Either way, you’re set to level up your pizza game!
VI. Ease of Use
Ooni pizza ovens are built to make cooking as straightforward as possible. Take the Ooni Fyra, for example it’s easy to set up and features a pellet hopper for steady heat. That said, managing the pellet feed might take a bit of practice.
The Karu offers multiple fuel options, making it versatile. Using gas is simple, but if you go for wood or charcoal, you will need to put in a little extra effort to get the hang of it. The Ooni Koda, however, is the star in terms of convenience.
It’s gas-powered, arrives fully assembled, and has an intuitive temperature dial for seamless operation. No matter which Ooni model you choose, turning the pizza inside the oven is key for even cooking. Cleanup? Just a quick brush, and you’re good to go.
Now, let’s look at the Bertello ovens. They’re also user-friendly, with minimal assembly needed. While wood or charcoal requires manual ignition, adding the optional gas burner simplifies things significantly.
Temperature control does take some practice since there’s no built-in thermometer, but the compact design makes handling pizzas relatively easy. However, the smaller oven opening might require a bit of maneuvering. Cleanup is straightforward but can be messier due to the lack of an ash collection system.
So, both brands have their strengths regarding the Ooni pizza oven vs Bertello. Ooni ovens prioritize convenience and versatility, while Bertello balances compactness with multi-fuel options. It comes down to what fits your style of cooking!
VII. Price Comparison
When choosing between Ooni and Bertello pizza ovens, price is an important factor. Both brands offer a range of models at different price points, which depend on features, size, and fuel options.
| Model | Price | Features | Warranty |
| Ooni Fyra | $349 | Wood Pellet Oven, entry-level option | 1-year (extendable to 3 years with registration) |
| Ooni Karu 12 | $349 | Multi-fuel (wood/gas/charcoal) | 1-year (extendable to 3 years with registration) |
| Ooni Karu 16 | $799 | Multi-fuel (wood/gas/charcoal) | 1-year (extendable to 3 years with registration) |
| Ooni Koda 12 | $399 | Gas-powered, 12” size | 1-year (extendable to 3 years with registration) |
| Ooni Koda 16 | $599 | Gas-powered, 16” size | 1-year (extendable to 3 years with registration) |
| Bertello 12 | $365 | Multi-fuel options available | 1-year |
| Bertello Grande 16 | $560 | Multi-fuel options available | 1-year |
| Gas Attachment | $100 | Additional cost for gas option(only for Bertello) | N/A |
VIII. Pizza Sizes
With the Bertello 1 oven, you can only cook up to 12” pizzas in one go, while with Bertello Grande review, you can cook 16″ pizza in one go.
You can cut a larger pizza into multiple pieces to cook in Bertello 1, but that isn’t the best experience.The number at the end of the Ooni oven’s model indicates the maximum pizza size that can be cooked in the oven.
Which One Should You Choose
Choosing between Ooni and Bertello depends on your needs, skills, and budget. Consider factors like how experienced you are with pizza ovens, how often you will use them, and how much you’re willing to spend before deciding.
I. Your Expertise
Your experience with pizza ovens is important when choosing the right one. If you are new to pizza ovens, a simple, easy-to-use model like the Ooni Koda is a great choice due to its convenience and user-friendly gas operation.
On the other hand, if you have experience and are comfortable experimenting, the Ooni Karu or Bertello models are ideal because they offer versatility with multi-fuel options like wood, gas, or charcoal.
If you are considering a pizza oven for commercial use, the Bertello Grande 16 is ideal. It is versatile with multi-fuel options and has enough space to cook large pizzas.
II. Your Usage
Your usage is another essential factor to consider when choosing a pizza oven. If you plan to use your oven for casual weekend gatherings or family pizza nights, the Ooni Koda 12 or Ooni Fyra 12 are fantastic options.
If you are all about frequent backyard pizza parties or outdoor cooking, the Ooni Karu 16 might be your best bet. Its flexibility with multiple fuel options and ability to handle large pizzas make it a crowd favorite. A friend of mine, who loves hosting outdoor events, swears by the Karu 16.
He talks about how it cooks pizza after pizza with no downtime, thanks to its spacious design and versatile fuel system. But if your goal is commercial use, the Bertello Grande 16 stands out. It offers excellent multi-fuel options, faster cooking times, and a spacious interior.
III. Your Budget
Your budget is also a key factor when choosing the right pizza oven. The Ooni Fyra 12 at $349 is a great option if you want affordability.
On the other hand, for those willing to invest, the Ooni Karu 16 at $799 offers advanced features like multi-fuel compatibility and versatility for pizza lovers.
Bertello Vs Ooni FAQs
Which oven is more portable Bertello or Ooni?
Ooni ovens are generally more portable due to their lightweight design. For example, the Ooni Fyra 12 weighs 22 lbs, making it easy to move. Bertello ovens are heavier, like Bertello Grande 16, which weighs 62.9 lbs.
Is it easier to clean Bertello or Ooni pizza ovens?
Ooni ovens are easier to clean because they have efficient ash collection systems. Cleanup involves removing the stone and brushing out the ashes. Bertello ovens lack a built-in ash collection system.
Which oven requires less maintenance Bertello or Ooni?
Ooni pizza ovens are easier to maintain due to their efficient design and features like ash collection systems. They are built for convenience and require minimal cleaning. Bertello ovens, on the other hand, lack some of these features, which require more attention and effort for cleaning and maintenance.
Are replacement parts easily available for both Bertello and Ooni?
Ooni ovens have readily available replacement parts through their official website and authorized sellers, which ensure quick access when needed. Bertello’s replacement parts are also available, though they are less widespread than Ooni’s.
Conclusion
Ooni and Bertello pizza ovens are excellent choices for making delicious homemade pizzas.
Ooni Ovens have a modern design, multiple fuel options, and the ability to reach high temperatures quickly. It is versatile, beginner-friendly, and offers a variety of models to suit different needs.
On the other hand, Bertello comes with a more traditional design with multi-fuel options, which is great for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors. It is simple to use and has solid build quality.
Great detailed review. Will you be updating to include the Bertello Grande 16”?
Thanks for the feedback. Means a lot. Yes, I will be reviewing Bertello Grande 16 soon!
Post has now been updated incorporating detailed comparison of Ooni and Bertllo pizza ovens including Bertello Grande 16.
Great review but honestly in my experience it’s not even close… the Ooni products are far superior.
Definitely max, Ooni is an old player in the game of outdoor pizza ovens and knows how and what to deliver at their best.
Why is the Bertello Grande price so far off? They are listed on the website with a normal price of $549.99 and a current sale price of $494.99. Which puts them under any of the Ooni 16″ options even at regular price.
Hello Indie! Bertello is currently running August 2022 sale and is offering 10% off for all their products. Firstly, this is the reason that you have seen reduced prices on their site. Secondly, Ooni is a big player when it comes to outdoor pizza ovens and they spend a good time and resources in research and development to come out with a product that is cherished by pizza lovers and keeping the quality their top priority. So, a brand name plays a significant role here and also, you get to pay extra for the quality of the product.
Curious about the difference in flavor between wood and gas (natural or propane). With either gas fuel, you won’t get the wood fired smoke in the pizza. If someone is looking for flavor and ease, would Bertello win (once you master the learning curve) due to the duel option??? Heat fast, add wood, reduce gas flame… I havent’ pulled the trigger yet. I do want the wood flavor, but not sure if it’s worth it. Do I start with Ooni propane and lose flavor or work on my skills with Bertello Grande? Thoughts?? Thank you
Yes, there is surely a difference in the flavor if we compare the two sources. But, this difference in flavor is more noticed by those who are extreme food critics. pizza cooked from gas as a source is also good and most people don’t feel any difference. So, if you want to get that extra bit of flavor that counts for you and as you mentioned that you are looking for flavor and ease, i would definitely say that go for Bertello. Exploit that simultaneous dual fuel option and get the best of the both worlds.