Ooni Volt 2 Electric Pizza Oven Review: Speedy Cooking with Delicious Crusts (But Watch That Base!)

Welcome to our review of the Ooni Volt 2, an exciting 12-inch indoor electric pizza oven designed to impress. Ooni has come a long way since they introduced their first consumer model back in 2012. What started as a small crowdfunding project has turned into a global brand known for making delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas at home. I have tried around 80% of Ooni’s offerings, and I must say, they have all provided fantastic results!

Making pizza at home, however, is not as easy as grilling some burgers. There’s a bit of a learning curve involved. From preparing the dough to watching the pizza bake, every step needs your attention. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a guide on how to cook pizza at home, packed with useful tips to help you avoid disaster.

Ooni Volt 2: Price and Availability

The Ooni Volt 2 is priced at £499 in the UK and can be found at various retailers, including Ooni and John Lewis. If you’re in the US, you can purchase it directly from Ooni or on Amazon for $699.

Ooni Volt 2: Design

Once you lift the Ooni Volt 2 out of its box, one thing is clear: it’s much smaller than its predecessor, the Volt 12. The previous model measured 62cm deep, 53cm wide, and 28cm high, while the Volt 2 is more compact at 54.5cm deep, 44cm wide, and 26.3cm high. This slimmer profile makes it far more convenient for your kitchen counter.

You can choose between stylish dark grey or white for this oven, and I really like its modern look with rounded edges. When you turn it on, the chic downlighting sets a welcoming mood, while the large glass window allows you to easily check on your pizza as it cooks. This model is designed specifically for 12-inch pizza bases and comes with a 13-inch cordierite stone.

The heating elements are smartly positioned, with one located below the stone to achieve that perfect, crispy base, while the other is above to cook the toppings just right. You also get a wire rack for grilling veggies, but be careful—don’t place ingredients directly on the rack, as they can drip onto the stone.

Ooni has replaced the manual controls of the Volt 12 with a system named Pizza Intelligence. This feature uses touch-sensitive controls and a thumb wheel to make cooking easier, especially for those who are new to baking pizzas.

Ooni Volt 2: Features

The standout feature of the Volt 2 is its adaptive control system. This innovation adjusts temperature and heat intensity in real-time. You get three main pizza-making modes: Neapolitan, Thin & Crispy (New York), and Pan Pizza, as well as modes for proofing and grilling.

Each setting comes with a variable temperature range. For example, the Neapolitan pizza can be set between 375°C and 450°C, with the default set to 430°C. This gives you plenty of options to experiment with.

The oven also includes buttons for temperature control, a timer, and a crispiness setting to help you fine-tune your pizza. Although the automation sounds great, I must admit I missed the manual controls during my first try. The default stone temperature for the Neapolitan option was quite high, leading to a burnt crust on my first attempt.

Ooni Volt 2: Performance

My first test involved making a Neapolitan pizza using a favorite dough. I set the oven to preheat until it reached 430°C. After loading my prepared pizza into the oven, I monitored the time closely. The outer crust began to puff up beautifully, yet I overlooked checking the base. Regrettably, I ended up with a crust that was far too charred.

Determined to improve, I lowered the overall temperature to 400°C, and the results were significantly better! I also held the pizza above the stone for a more even cook, leading to a deliciously browned crust with no burning.

Next, I tried using frozen dough balls along with the same temperature setting and discovered a combination that worked wonders. By incorporating the Boost feature for the top element, I achieved a perfectly cooked pizza!

Finally, I decided to test the oven with a pre-made pizza. Using the oven mode at 220°C, I was pleasantly surprised by the results—flavorful and evenly cooked in a fraction of the time.

All in all, cooking with the Ooni Volt 2 does require a bit of practice, especially to find the right balance of temperature. While it might not be perfect right out of the box, once you nail down your settings, it transforms into a fantastic pizza-making machine.

Verdict

For those who dream of restaurant-quality pizzas at home, the Ooni Volt 2 delivers with speed and style. However, keep in mind that the base can burn easily if the temperatures are not adjusted properly. With a bit of patience, you will certainly master this oven and enjoy delicious homemade pizzas!

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Original Text – https://www.t3.com/home-living/barbeque/ooni-volt-2