Ooni Fyra 12 Pizza Oven Review: Portable Wood Pellet Perfection?
The Ooni Fyra 12 is a portable, highly-compact, wood-fired pizza oven that’s ideal for Neapolitan style and California style pizza. With a 13 inch baking surface, a gravity-fed pellet hopper, and a fully functional chimney, this is one of Ooni’s best pizza ovens with everything you need to get started making authentic, smoke-infused pizza at home.
Unlike some other Ooni pizza ovens, the Fyra 12 is highly specialized and not multi-fuel capable, meaning it can only cook with one type of fuel (in this case, wood pellets). But in many ways, this is actually a feature of the oven rather than a drawback. The Ooni Fyra 12 is made for those who want to cook with wood—and it’s specifically designed to do it as easily and efficiently as possible.
With great expectations for this pizza oven, does the Ooni Fyra 12 live up to the hype? Does it actually provide any advantages over traditional wood? Also, why would anyone want to use a messy, wood-fired pizza oven over an easier to use (and cleaner) propane powered one?
In this review, I’m going to walk you through all of these questions and more.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Wood-fired cooking infuses pizza with smoky flavor | Limited size, maximum 12 inch pizza |
High temperatures (up to 950°F) in 15 mins | More maintenance required than gas-powered ovens—you’ll need to brush or scrub away any ash, soot, or smoke residue between uses to ensure a clean tasting pizza. |
Portable, lightweight (22lbs) | Limited fuel options, only wood pellets |
Gravity-fed pellet hopper for easy flame management | Not suitable for larger pizza styles (New York, American, etc.) |
Chimney and vents for intuitive airflow control | Peel not included (you’ll need one) |
Perfect for small styles of pizza (Neapolitan, California, etc) | |
Least expensive Ooni oven ($349) |
Bottom Line: The Ooni Fyra 12 is an amazing option for those wanting one of the easiest to use wood-fired pizza ovens on the market. This pizza oven is perfect for making Neapolitan or California style pizza, but keep in mind that’s it’s limited to only 12 inches (US medium size). I recommend the Ooni Fyra 12 for those who specifically want to cook with wood and who don’t mind the extra maintenance that comes with it—just make sure you have enough space between yourself and your neighbors since wood produces smoke (unlike propane).
Ooni Fyra 12 Background
The Ooni Fyra 12 is designed to make wood-fired cooking easy, which is actually more difficult than you’d think. It’s not simply a matter of laying out some wood, adding a fire starter, and lighting a match.
Feature | Ooni Fyra 12 |
---|---|
Fuel Type | Wood Pellets |
Baking Surface Size | 13 x 13 inches |
Max Temperature | 950°F (510°C) |
Unboxed Weight | 22lbs |
Ideal Pizza Styles | Any pizza style 12 inches or under (Neapolitan, California, etc.) |
Best Standout Feature | Gravity-fed Pellet Hopper makes wood-fired pizza as easy as possible |
Price | $349 |
In fact, when using traditional wood, many first-time pizza cooks struggle to keep the flame lit and bring the oven to an appropriately high temperature. This is because tending a wood-fired flame is actually a skill that takes some time to master—somewhat similar to managing a campfire or a barbecue, but with more precision.
This is where the Ooni Fyra 12 comes in. Not only does it use wood pellets instead of traditional wood logs (which burn more easily and efficiently), it also has a gravity-fed pellet hopper. Instead of refilling the fuel tray every time the flame gets low, a gravity-fed pellet hopper automatically draws more pellets from the hopper whenever its needed.
What does this mean? Basically, if you keep the hopper filled with wood pellets, the Ooni Fyra 12 will take care of flame management itself. This is a major advantage over many traditional wood-fired pizza ovens.
Note: Despite being easier than using traditional wood logs, it’s still more complicated than using propane. Prospective buyers will need to keep this in mind before making their purchase. Consider the Ooni Koda 12 if you’d like to work with propane only.
Related Post: Ooni Volt 12 Indoor Pizza Oven Review
Who is the Ooni Fyra 12 Ideal For?
While the Ooni Fyra 12 will have broad appeal to many different kinds of pizza makers, there are some things you should keep in mind when buying it for yourself or as a gift for someone else.
The following is a list of qualities that I think describe the “ideal” user of the Ooni Fyra 12:
- Someone who is specifically interested in wood-fired pizza. Wood-fired pizza comes with lots of benefits (such as smoke-infusion), but it can be a lot of extra work too. If you’re just looking to make pizza at home with minimal hassle, you might want to consider a propane oven instead.
- Someone who has enough outdoor space to accommodate the oven itself as well as the smoke it produces. In a close-knit environment, smoke can easily travel into a neighbors’ window, yard, etc. Make sure there is at least 20 feet (depending on wind strength and direction) between the pizza oven and any neighboring property to avoid any conflincts.
- Someone who is willing to put in the time to learn how to manage a wood-fired flame. Starting and managing a wood-fired flame is not as easy as lighting a match—in fact, there can be quite a learning curve. Thankfully, the Ooni Fyra 12 is about as easy as it gets due to its gravity-fed pellet hopper, but it may still take several tries before getting the process exactly right.
- Someone who is looking for a portable and relatively inexpensive option compared to larger wood-fired ovens. The Ooni Fyra 12 is a small, portable pizza oven, so if you’re looking for something more substantial, have a look at the much bigger Ooni Karu 16 or the Gozney Dome.
- Someone who is okay just making small pizzas. The majority of pizzas I make are 12 inches or under, but then again I’m a huge fan of Neapolitan style pizza. If you or someone else in your family is more into New York sized pizza, the Ooni Fyra 12 will simply be too small for you.
- Someone who is willing to put in the extra maintenance required for a wood-fired oven. Wood-fired pizza ovens produce a lot of smoke, ash, and soot, in addition to whatever debris is left behind by the pizza itself. Make sure you’re willing to put in the extra work keeping it clean before purchasing.
What I Like About the Ooni Fyra 12
There’s a lot to like about the Ooni Fyra 12, including its gravity-fed pellet hopper and fuel-efficient design. Here is a quick breakdown of all of my favorite features of this oven.
- The Ooni Fyra 12 uses wood pellets, which burn more easily and efficiently than traditional wood logs.
- I love how the the gravity-fed pellet hopper automatically draws wood pellets from the hopper whenever needed, making flame management as easy as possible. This truly sets the Fyra 12 apart from other wood-fired pizza oven.
- The Ooni Fyra 12 is compact and portable, making it just as easy to use at home as it is to pack up and bring to a friends’ house or on a camping trip.
- The Ooni Fyra 12 can reach high temperatures very quickly (15 mins), making it perfect for high-temperature pizza styles like Neapolitan and California.
- The Ooni Fyra 12 is the least expensive Ooni pizza oven (only $349), making it affordable for anyone to own a premium-quality pizza oven. This is an amazing deal for anyone interested in wood-fired cooking.
- Unlike many other wood-fired pizza ovens, the Ooni Fyra 12 has a fully functional chimney with adjustable vents. This helps to ensure an even temperature and well managed flame throughout every cook.
- The Ooni Fyra 12 is is easy to set up and maintain. Simply unfold the legs, attach the chimney, preheat, and you’re ready to go. Optionally, you may want to wipe down the baking surface before using it to remove any residue or debris from the manufacturing process.
What I Don’t Like About the Ooni Fyra 12
Fortunately there are no glaring design flaws when it comes to the Ooni Fyra 12, but there are some limitations you should be aware of before making a purchase.
- The oven is limited to a maximum pizza size of 12 inches, making it unsuitable for larger styles of pizza (like New York style).
- Wood pellets are significantly more convenient to use than traditional wood logs, but propane is still easier to master—especially if you’re a beginner to wood-fired cooking.
- The ash and soot generated by a wood-fired pizza oven means more maintenance than propane.
- The Ooni Fyra 12 can only run on wood pellets, meaning no option for other fuel types in the future, even with additional adapters.
- Like any wood-fired pizza oven, the Ooni Fyra 12 produces smoke. This may not be an option if you live in a high-density environment like an apartment of condo building.
Ooni Fyra 12 Features Compared
When buying a pizza oven, it’s useful to know how its features compare to other similar pizza ovens on the market. For the purposes of this review, I’m going to compare the Ooni Fyra 12 with two other Ooni pizza ovens (the Ooni Karu 12 and Ooni Koda 16) as well as the very popular Gozney Roccbox.
Ooni Fyra 12 | Ooni Koda 16 | Ooni Karu 12 | Gozney Roccbox | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fuel | Wood Pellets | Propane/Gas | Multi-Fuel | Gas/Wood |
Baking Surface | 13 x 13 inches | 16 x 16 inches | 13 x 13 inches inches | 13 x 12.6 inches |
Weight | 22lbs | 40.1lbs | 26.5lbs | 20kg |
Max Temperature | 950°F | 950°F | 950°F | 932°F |
Standout Feature | Gravity-fed | Huge baking surface | Supports 3 fuel types | Amazing insulation |
Ideal Pizza Type | Neapolitan | Any | Any | Any |
Price | $349 | $599 | $399 | $499 |
Ooni Fyra 12 vs Ooni Karu 12
The Ooni Fyra 12 and Ooni Karu 12 are both compact, wood-fired pizza ovens that fit a pizza up to 12 inches. However, there are some important differences between the two to be aware of before making a your purchase.
Perhaps most importantly, the Ooni Karu 12 is a multi-fuel pizza oven while the Ooni Fyra 12 is only capable of burning wood-pellets. This makes the Karu 12 ideal for those looking to experiment with different types of fuel (wood, charcoal, and gas) in different situations while still wanting the smaller form factor.
On the other hand, the Ooni Fyra 12 burns wood pellets while the Ooni Karu 12 burns traditional wood logs. So, while both are technically wood-fired pizza ovens, the Fyra 12 is more efficient at burning wood—not surprising for such a specialized device.
Verdict: If you have your heart set on wood-fired pizza, the Ooni Fyra 12 is a no-brainer. However, it’s worth noting that for an extra $50 the Ooni Karu 12 will give you the convenience of a propane-fueled pizza oven as well. It really depends on what you’re looking for.
Ooni Fyra 12 vs Ooni Koda 16
Compared to the Ooni Fyra 12, the Ooni Koda 16 is actually quite different in terms of features and price. I’ve included it here because they’re both Ooni pizza ovens, and because the Koda 16 has some features that might appeal to those who are left wanting after reviewing the Fyra 12.
The Ooni Koda 16 is a propane fueled pizza oven with a large 16 inch baking surface, which is more than big enough for a typical large or extra-large sized pizza. This addresses one of the most common complaints I see about the Ooni Fyra 12 (or any 12 inch pizza oven)—it’s simply too small.
If you’re accustomed to eating large American sized pizza, you might be disappointed to learn that a 12 inch pizza is only slightly larger than an average sized dinner plate. This is perfect for Neapolitan style pizza, but not ideal if you’re looking to make something resembling the portions at your local pizzeria.
Keep in mind, though, that with a 16 inch pizza oven, you can easily make smaller sized Neapolitan style pizza as well, so it will give you some flexibility. Also, you’ll lose the smoky flavors that come with wood, but you’ll gain the convenience of propane, so it’s a trade-off.
- Related Post: Ooni Koda 12 Pizza Oven Review
Verdict: If you want to make large, family-sized pizzas, you’ll want to seriously consider the Ooni Koda 16 for its roomy 16 x 16 inch baking surface for an extra $250. That said, if you prefer the authentic flavors of wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza, you’re still better off with the Ooni Fyra 12—and you’ll save money, too.
Ooni Fyra 12 vs Gozney Roccbox
Breaking away from Ooni for a moment, let’s discuss how the Ooni Fyra 12 squares up against the ever popular Gozney Roccbox.
Both pizza ovens are big enough for a 12 inch pizza (although the Roccbox is just a bit smaller), and both are capable of burning wood. But the similarities end there, as the Roccbox is also able to cook with propane, while the Ooni Fyra 12 uses wood pellets only.
In my opinion, while the Roccbox’s wood “Burner 2.0” works well enough, the Ooni Fyra 12 is easier to operate and more fuel efficient because it uses wood pellets. This takes some of the tediousness out of the process and lets you get right to making wood-fired pizza.
But where the Fyra 12 is superior with wood, the Roccbox makes up for it in flexibility. As a propane powered pizza oven, the Gozney Roccbox is superb. The gas burner is well designed and the insulation maintains a steady heat so you can make one pizza after another without having to reheat it every time.
Verdict: While the Gozney Roccbox is amazing pizza oven, the Ooni Fyra 12 is a better value and easier to use—that is, as long as you’re using wood. You might prefer the Roccbox if you’re using propane, but for the price ($499) you might want to check out the much less expensive propane powered Ooni Koda 12 ($399) instead.
Ooni Fyra 12 Accessories: Pizza Peel, Carrying Case
Like most domestic outdoor pizza ovens, the Ooni Fyra 12 (unfortunately) doesn’t include everything you need to get started. Luckily, the only thing you absolutely need to use this oven that doesn’t come in the box is a pizza peel.
A pizza peel is the flat, paddle-like tool that you use to transfer your uncooked pizza from the counter to the pizza oven. You might think you can just use some other flat object, like a plate or a pan, as a kind of workaround, but trust me, you want to buy a proper pizza peel.
A pizza oven is just too hot to be messing around with anything that isn’t specifically designed to go into it, or that doesn’t include a long handle. If something goes wrong with your DIY pizza peel, you risk making a huge mess inside your oven—or worse, burning yourself trying to get the pizza in and out of the oven.
The following pizza peels aren’t too expensive and will work just find with the Ooni Fyra 12. You don’t have to buy an Ooni brand pizza peel for it to work, but just make sure it will fit inside the body of the oven before you buy it.
Another accessory you may want to consider buying is an Ooni Fyra 12 cover. This is entirely optional, but it does a great job of keeping the oven protected from the elements if stored outside, as well as from bumps and scratches if it’s being transported from one place to another.
Don’t Forget Fuel
It goes without saying, but in order to use the Ooni Fyra 12 you’ll need some high-quality wood pellets to get started. You can buy these locally from your favorite fuel supplier, but Ooni brand wood pellets are made from top quality 100% oak hardwood and I can personally recommend them.
Ooni Fyra 12 Review Highlights
- Wood-fired pizza made easy: The Ooni Fyra 12 is designed to make wood-fired cooking easy, which is actually more difficult than you’d think. It’s not simply a matter of laying out some wood, adding a fire-starter and lighting a match.
- Wood Pellets: Instead of traditional wood logs, the Ooni Fyra 12 uses wood pellets, which are (in my opinion) far easier and more convenient to use.
- Gravity-fed pellet hopper: Instead of refilling the fuel tray every time the flame gets low, a gravity-fed pellet hopper automatically draws more pellets from the hopper whenever its needed.
- Super High Temperature: The Ooni Fyra 12 can reach temperatures of up to 950°F, which is ideal for Neapolitan style and other wood-fired pizza
- Portable: The Ooni Fyra 12 is weighs only 22lbs and can be easily packed up and taken on a camping trip, or just to a friend’s house.
- Small Size: The Ooni Fyra 12 is only big enough for a 12 inch pizza, making it unsuitable for larger pizza styles.
- More Maintenance: While wood pellets are more convenient than traditional wood logs, all wood-fired pizza ovens require more cleanup (ash, soot, etc.) than using propane.
- Beware of Smoke: Unlike a propane pizza oven, the Ooni Fyra 12 produces smoke which might be an issue if you don’t have enough room between the oven and neighboring windows, etc.
- Wood-fired Pizza Only: The Ooni Fyra 12 is not a multi-fuel pizza oven, which means you can’t use gas with it even if you buy optional attachments. Only purchase this oven if you’re interested in cooking with wood exclusively.
- Don’t forget to buy a pizza peel and some wood pellets, because you need them and they aren’t included with the Ooni Fyra 12.
Alternative Vendors
If you’d prefer to buy from Amazon, the Ooni Fyra 12 is usually in stock. However, I still recommend buying directly from Ooni to ensure you’re getting a legitimate product and to take advantage of bundle discounts.
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- Can Ooni Pizza Ovens Be Used In The Rain? Yes & No: Here’s Why
- What You Need To Make Pizza At Home – Pizza Making Buyer’s Guide
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- Ooni Koda vs Ooni Karu: Which Pizza Oven Is Best For You?
- How Much Does A Wood-Fired Pizza Oven Cost? Complete Buyer’s Guide
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- Ooni Karu 16 Review: The Ultimate All-Purpose Pizza Oven?
- Gozney Roccbox Review
Related Questions:
Is the Ooni Fyra 12 Worth It?
If you’re looking specifically for a wood-fired pizza oven, I can’t recommend the Ooni Fyra 12 highly enough. This pizza oven makes wood-fired cooking as easy as possible (which can be difficult for the inexperienced), and is in the same price range as many other inferior options. At only $349 for a premium-quality pizza oven, it’s hard to go wrong.
What Else Can You Cook in the Ooni Fyra 12?
While the Ooni Fyra 12 is a highly specialized pizza oven, it can cook more than just pizza. With the proper equipment (like a cast iron griddle or pan), you can easily roast vegetables and meat under the wood-fired flame. Just make sure not to use anything but dough directly on the baking stone or you risk cracking it.
Will the Ooni Fyra 12 Fit a Large Pizza?
The Ooni Fyra 12 has a stone baking surface of 13×13 inches, which means it’s only big enough for a 12 inch pizza after accounting for shrinkage during the baking process. If you’re looking to make a large pizza you’ll need at least a 16 inch pizza oven such as Ooni Karu 16 or Ooni Koda 16.
Can the Ooni Fyra 12 Use Propane Gas?
The Ooni Fyra 12 is an exclusively wood-fired oven, meaning it can’t use propane even if you use extra attachments.
Does the Ooni Fyra 12 Come With a Peel?
No, the Ooni Fyra 12 does not included a peel, which you need to use this oven (or any pizza oven). If you need a peel, you can find one that fits the Fyra 12 here, or check out my Ooni accessories guide for more options.
Ooni Fyra 12 vs Ooni Koda 12: Which Is Better?
The Ooni Fyra 12 and the Ooni Koda 12 are both 12 inch pizza ovens that share a lot in common in terms of build quality and design. The major difference, however, is that the Fyra 12 burns wood pellets while the Koda 12 works on propane. If you’re undecided between the two, consider that propane is much cleaner and easier to use than wood, but wood will infuse the pizza with a smoky flavor. Like most things in life, it’s a trade-off that will vary according to your preferences.
Does the Ooni Fyra 12 Ever Go On Sale?
Outside of the normal holiday sales periods, like Black Friday and Memorial Day (US), the Ooni Fyra 12 doesn’t usually go on sale. But if you still want to save money, you can take advantage of year-round discounts by bundling up with some essential accessories anyways. Check out the Ooni Fyra 12 bundles page for updated information on pricing and discounts.
Ooni Fyra 12 Outdoor Wood Pellet Pizza Oven
Summary
The Ooni Fyra 12 has everything you could want in a wood-fired pizza oven, including a gravity-fed pellet hopper that makes flame management easy and convenient.