Ooni ovens have become increasingly popular with home chefs and bakers. There’s no sugarcoating around there, the fact that they are expensive. But if money is no object and you are looking for the tool in the market for classic and flawless Neapolitan-style pizzas in your yard, Ooni is worth the investment.
But here’s the caveat: using an Ooni pizza oven indoors is not recommended at all due to the high risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. That said, a lot of people do use their Ooni ovens indoors.
Keep reading to learn in detail about why it’s unsafe to use an Ooni oven indoors, how to safely use an Ooni pizza oven, and the plethora of delicacies this oven this capable of making, apart from pizzas.
How Does the Ooni Pizza Oven Work?
If you have ever dreamed of making authentic Italian pizzas with that iconic leopard-spotted crust, then Ooni is the perfect tool for you. This unique device uses ceramic fiber insulation to cook pizzas in 60-90 seconds, which is just as fast as traditional wood-fired ovens.
The heating time is incredibly low. It takes around 20 minutes to reach 932 degrees F or 500 degrees C.
All Ooni ovens come with cordierite stone baking board, thanks to its ability to withstand high temperatures and uniform heating, which helps the pizzas cook fast and evenly.
Depending on the model, Ooni ovens can be powered by gas, wood, or charcoal. If you want to be able to use multiple ignition methods, you should go for Ooni Pro. It is a multi-fuel outdoor pizza oven and is worth every penny for true gourmands.
Also, if you are planning on getting an Ooni oven, you should definitely get the Ooni infrared thermometer too. It will allow you to measure the surface temperature accurately. This will help you avoid overcooked or underdone crust.
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The infrared technology in this thermometer uses heat waves to measure the temperature of your food, so it’s more accurate than other types of thermometers.
Why You Should Not Use Ooni Pizza Oven Indoors
“Can you use one indoors?” is one of the most common Ooni-related queries on the internet. And the answer is a big fat NO.
It’s dangerous to use a device that cooks at 900 degrees F indoors for the following reasons:
- It’s going to be hot as hell fire.
- It’s a serious fire hazard if you are using the wood pellet or multi-fuel version. It’s difficult to control the flame when adding fuel. It can easily start a fire in the kitchen and do some serious damage.
- The exterior of the oven can get smoldering hot and, therefore, should not be around any flammable object. A house is full of flammable objects, so it’s wise to use your Ooni oven outdoors only.
- If you are using the wood-fired version, the smoke from the oven can ruin the walls, ceiling, and furnishings. Moreover, the smoke alarm will go off.
- If you are using the gas version, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if you leave it on for too long and don’t have proper ventilation. This is even more dangerous if you live in an apartment because if the carbon monoxide builds up, it can affect other residents.
Can You Use Ooni Oven in the Garage, Though?
With the gas tank outside the garage and the garage door fully open, you should be okay to use the oven in your garage. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is minimal as long as you don’t leave it on for too long and have proper ventilation.
Make sure to place the oven near the garage door and install a dryer vent hose to remove the smoke.
Tips for Safely Using Ooni Pizza Oven
Ooni ovens are fairly safe to use outdoors. However, you should always be aware of the risks associated with using a gas-fired or wood-fired appliance outdoors. Here are a few things you can do to ensure optimal safety for yourself and everyone around you:
Place the Oven Outside
Put the oven in your backyard at least 10 feet away from your home. Also, ensure that it has at least 3 feet of clearance around the sides and 9 feet of clearance above.
This will allow for enough room to safely use the oven and reduce the risk of fire spreading. Put a fire extinguisher nearby in case anything goes wrong.
A level concrete surface would be ideal, but other surfaces are also fine, except wooden decks or dry grass areas due to their flammability. Also, make sure that the oven is shielded from the wind. I’d suggest using a hood to block the wind and prevent ashes from escaping.
Set up the Oven Properly
Ooni pizza ovens are a breeze to set up. All you have to do is follow the manual to a tee. Ensure the gas line is properly connected and all connections are secure before turning on the oven.
Once you’re done using the oven, switch off the gas and wait until it has completely cooled down before you remove the racks and other accessories.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Ooni pizza ovens are some of the best pizza ovens made in the world. But just like any other appliance, they need proper upkeep to stay in good condition.
Timely maintenance will also help you keep oven-related hazards at bay. As a rule, you should clean the burnt bits with a stiff pizza brush and warm water after every use.
Depending on the use, you should clean your Ooni with baking soda and water (1:1 ratio) once or twice a week. Apart from that, thoroughly inspect the hoses from time to time to find signs of damage or tear. Replace them immediately if you find any.
What Else Can You Cook in an Ooni Pizza Oven?
Ooni ovens are some of the most versatile cooking appliances you can get your hands on. From barbecued short ribs, steaks, roasted veggies, fish, sourdough, and a plethora of breads to cookies, an Ooni can cook anything you can think of.
The only limitation is your imagination and, oh, the size of your oven. It would be impossible to fit a giant turkey or roast in there unless you first cut it into smaller pieces.
Which Pizza Oven Can I Use Indoors?
Any electric pizza oven is safe to use in the kitchen. While there are tons of indoor pizza ovens in the market, this commercial pizza oven from VEVOR is one of the best choices for home use.
It can cook two pizzas at once and has a temperature range of 450-662 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it an ideal choice for people who like to experiment with their pizza toppings.
You can cook anything from bread to meats at different temperatures in this pizza oven. If you are looking for something extraordinary and don’t mind the premium price point, I would confidently recommend Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo.
It is the closest thing you can get to an authentic wood-fired pizza oven at home. It can reach up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it one of the hottest models in the market.
Ooni Pizza Oven-related FAQs
Can You Use Ooni Koda Indoors? What About the Garage?
Unfortunately, no. Due to safety reasons, all Ooni ovens are certified for outdoor use only. That said, you can use it in the garage (only) as long as you can ensure plenty of ventilation.
Can I Use My Ooni Pizza Oven on a Covered Porch?
Yes, with proper cross ventilation, you can use your Ooni pizza oven on a covered porch. In fact, it is the best way to cook pizzas on a rainy day. You can also use your Ooni pizza oven indoors and have fun with friends and family.
Can You Use Ooni in the Rain?
Ooni ovens are built to withstand harsh either conditions, including rain and heavy snowfall. You need to, of course, place the oven under a garden umbrella or tarp.
Alternatively, you can also use it on a covered porch. Make sure to do all the prep work inside before you start the cooking process. Also, keep a close eye on the peel. Ensure that it doesn’t get wet.
Parting Words
An Ooni pizza oven is capable of many things, but sadly, indoor use is not one of them. Even with plenty of ventilation, I would strictly recommend against it. However, you can use it in your garage, very close to the door, and with adequate ventilation. That’s all for today.
