Ooni has launched its latest indoor electric pizza oven, the Volt 2, an updated iteration of its original Volt 12 model. The oven is designed to reach temperatures of up to 450 degrees Celsius (842 degrees Fahrenheit), a significant increase compared to standard home ovens, allowing for the creation of professional-quality pizzas indoors.
Design and Performance Enhancements
The Ooni Volt 2 features a sleeker design than its predecessor, incorporating a touchscreen interface and a control dial for easier operation and cleaning. It offers multiple cooking modes, including settings for Neapolitan pizza, thin and crispy pizzas, thicker pan pizzas, and general oven and grill functions. Additionally, a new 'proofing mode' maintains a low temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) for defrosting dough balls or aiding fresh dough proofing. Two customisable buttons allow users to save preferred heat settings and timers.
The oven's heating element has been adjusted for better heat distribution and more even crust cooking, reducing the need for frequent turning. This improvement aims to address previous issues with thicker doughs cooking too quickly on the outside. The Volt 2 also includes a removable filter to manage smoke and particles, along with enhanced steam release to prevent overheating inside the oven.
Indoor Convenience and Comparison
Reaching temperatures significantly higher than most household ovens, the Volt 2 aims to provide a consistent solution for pizza making, irrespective of outdoor weather conditions. This makes it a viable alternative to outdoor pizza ovens, which can be affected by rain or cold. The oven heats up in under 20 minutes, with pizzas reportedly cooking in just over a minute.
Compared to other indoor pizza ovens, the Cuisinart indoor pizza oven is noted as a highly-rated alternative at a lower price point of £300, although it may not be as sleek or as fast. Outdoor options like the Ninja electric pizza oven and Ooni's own Koda 2 and Gozney Arc Lite are also available, but require outdoor use.
Value and User Reception
The Ooni Volt 2 is priced at £500, positioning it as a premium product. While some Ooni outdoor models are less expensive, the cost of ongoing fuel for gas ovens is a factor to consider. Online reviews have been largely positive, with users highlighting the rapid heat-up times and the oven's ability to cook various pizza styles, including thicker Detroit-style pizzas, effectively.
Ooni also offers its own frozen dough balls, available for one-off purchase or subscription, to simplify the pizza-making process for those who prefer not to make dough from scratch. The Volt 2's interior dimensions accommodate a 12-inch cooking area, and assembly is not required. The oven weighs 17.6 kg and measures 545 x 442 x 263 mm.