Are you tired of missing out on homemade pizza nights because you’re unsure if it’s safe to use your Ooni pizza oven indoors? Maybe you don’t want to deal with outdoor setups or bad weather. But there is a solution that lets you enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas anytime, rain or shine, right in the comfort of your kitchen.
In this article, I’ll share my insights on whether your Ooni pizza oven can be used indoors and how to do it safely, so you can satisfy your pizza cravings without any worries.
Can You Use Ooni Indoors?
Depends on your oven model. Koda, Karu, or Fyra should never be used indoors. But Ooni Volt 12 is a compact electric pizza oven that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
Let’s dive right in:
1. What is Your Ooni Oven Model?
First off, it’s important to know which Ooni oven you’re dealing with.
Most models, like the Koda, Karu, and Fyra series, are built for outdoor use.
You should NEVER use Ooni Karu, Koda, or Fyra indoors!
This is because they use fuel like gas, wood, or charcoal, which can be risky indoors due to open flames and high temps.
2. The Exception: Ooni Volt 12:
However, the Ooni Volt 12 is an exception in the Ooni family.
It’s electric-powered, meaning it doesn’t rely on fuel and doesn’t produce open flames.
That makes the Ooni Volt 12 electric pizza oven safe to use both indoors and outdoors.
Plus, it’s compact enough to fit nicely on your kitchen countertop.
3. Prioritizing Safety:
No matter which Ooni oven you’re eyeing for indoor use, safety should be your top concern.
With gas or wood-fired ovens, there’s a real risk of fire and carbon monoxide buildup.
That’s why it’s crucial to stick with electric options like the Volt 12 for indoor pizza parties.
4. Embracing Electric:
The beauty of the Volt 12 lies in its electric heating coils.
They do away with the need for fuel, eliminate emissions, and make cleanup a breeze – no ash to deal with.
So you can focus on perfecting your pizza game without worrying about safety hazards.
To sum it up, while most Ooni ovens are best suited for outdoor use, the Volt 12 opens up a whole new world of indoor pizza-making possibilities.
Just remember to keep safety front and center, and you’ll be all set for pizza perfection, no matter where you’re cooking.
Why you can’t use Ooni Koda, Karu, and Fyra indoors
The reason is that the fuels that power the Ooni Koda, Karu, and Fyra ovens are not safe for indoor use:
1. Ooni Koda:
The Ooni Koda is powered by propane gas.
It’s like having a mini gas grill for your pizzas.
With just a push of a button, you can ignite the gas and start cooking.
Propane is a clean-burning fuel, which helps the oven reach the high temperatures needed for that perfect crispy crust.
Still, it’s not safe to use indoors because carbon monoxide can build up and the high heat from the gas oven may cause a fire. Plus there’s a risk of gas leaks.
2. Ooni Karu:
Now, the Ooni Karu gives you options.
You can use wood, charcoal, or gas to fire it up, thanks to its clever fuel tray system.
This versatility lets you experiment with different fuels to find the flavor and cooking style that suits you best.
But all these fuels are too dangerous for indoor use. Again, due to the risks of carbon monoxide buildup, gas leaks, and open fire hazards.
3. Ooni Fyra:
Similar to the Karu, the Ooni Fyra is all about the wood-fired experience.
It’s like having your backyard pizzeria.
This oven runs on wood pellets, which are easy to use and provide consistent heat.
Just fill up the hopper, light it up, and you’re ready to go.
Wood pellets give your pizzas that authentic wood-fired flavor without the hassle of chopping wood or dealing with charcoal.
Pellets create an open fire, which is, of course, super dangerous indoors.
Safety concerns
Let’s break down in more detail why it’s not a good idea to use the Ooni Koda, Karu, and Fyra indoors, and the safety concerns associated with it:
1. Fire Hazard:
Using outdoor pizza ovens indoors can be risky because they often rely on open flames or intense heat sources like gas.
These can easily ignite nearby combustible materials indoors, leading to potential fires.
The confined space of your kitchen increases the chance of accidents.
2. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
For gas-powered Ooni ovens like the Koda, there’s a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and gas leaks.
When used indoors without proper ventilation, CO or gas can accumulate to dangerous levels, leading to poisoning.
CO is odorless and colorless, which makes it hard to detect without a detector.
3. Smoke and Odor:
Wood-fired Ooni ovens, such as the Karu and Fyra, produce smoke and strong odors during cooking.
While this is fine outdoors, it can become problematic indoors.
The smoke and odor can linger, causing discomfort and posing health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues.
4. Other Concerns:
Aside from these major concerns, there are other factors to consider:
Heat Buildup: Ooni ovens reach extremely high temperatures, which can lead to a significant increase in indoor temperatures. This can make the indoor environment uncomfortable or even dangerous, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Ventilation Needs: Proper ventilation is crucial when using any oven indoors. Ooni ovens, particularly gas or wood-fired ones, require adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of harmful gases like CO and ensure safety.
Ash and Debris: Wood-fired Ooni ovens produce ash and debris during cooking, which can be messy to clean up indoors. If not managed properly, these residues can pose a fire hazard.
So, while Ooni ovens are fantastic for outdoor cooking, they’re not safe for indoor use due to several safety concerns.
Ooni Volt 12: The only Ooni oven that you can use indoors
According to Ooni, the Volt oven is safe for indoor use.
Let’s delve into what makes the Ooni Volt 12 stand out from the rest:
1. Electric-Powered Convenience:
The Ooni Volt 12 runs entirely on electricity, setting it apart from traditional outdoor pizza ovens that rely on gas or wood.
This means you can enjoy making pizzas indoors without worrying about open flames or burning fuels.
It’s a real game-changer for indoor pizza enthusiasts.
2. Versatility at Its Core:
Thanks to its electric design, the Volt 12 offers flexibility in where you can use it.
You can cook up pizzas in your backyard, on your balcony, or in your kitchen.
The Volt 12 is a convenient and safe option for pizza-making adventures, both indoors and outdoors.
3. Compact and Portable Design:
Despite its powerful performance, the Volt 12 is compact and portable.
It’s designed to fit snugly on a standard kitchen countertop.
This gives you the freedom to whip up delicious pizzas without the need for a dedicated outdoor setup.
Plus, its portability means you can take it wherever the pizza cravings strike.
4. Easy Cleanup:
One of the perks of the Volt 12’s electric design is the absence of ash or debris to clean up after cooking.
With no burning fuels involved, cleanup becomes a breeze.
5. Safe Indoor Cooking:
The electric heating coils of the Volt 12 ensure even heat distribution without the risk of carbon monoxide emissions or smoke buildup.
This makes it a safe option for indoor cooking.
So you can enjoy the authentic taste of wood-fired pizza without worrying about safety hazards.
Ooni Volt 12 safety features for using it indoors
Let’s take a closer look at the safety features that make the Ooni Volt 12 a top choice for indoor pizza-making:
1. Electric Heating Coils:
The Ooni Volt 12 relies on electric heating coils to generate heat.
One is located under its pizza stone and the other is on the top.
Unlike outdoor pizza ovens that use flames or burning fuels, these coils provide consistent heat without the risk of sudden flare-ups or unpredictable temperatures.
This helps prevent accidental fires, making it safer to use indoors.
2. Emission-Free Operation:
Because it runs on electricity, the Volt 12 produces no emissions during cooking.
This means there’s no need to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning or propane leaks, which can be a concern with gas or wood-fired ovens.
With no harmful gases being released, you can breathe easily knowing your indoor environment remains safe.
3. Not Overly Hot Exterior:
One great safety feature of the Volt 12 is that its exterior isn’t overly hot when the unit is baking.
Unlike traditional outdoor ovens that can get scorching hot on the outside, the Volt’s design ensures that it’s safe for the surroundings even while it’s cooking up a storm indoors.
4. Compact and Convenient:
The Volt 12’s compact design makes it easy to use indoors without taking up too much space.
Its small footprint means you can place it on a kitchen countertop without crowding the area or creating tripping hazards.
This makes it safer to cook with, especially in busy household environments.
How to safely use Ooni Volt 12 pizza oven indoors
Let’s go through some key tips for using the Ooni Volt 12 indoors to make sure your pizza-making experience is both safe and satisfying:
1. Ensure Proper Ventilation:
Make sure there’s good airflow in the room where you’re using Ooni Volt 12.
This helps to clear out any heat, steam, or cooking odors.
You can open windows or turn on a range hood to keep the air circulating.
2. Clear the Area:
Before you start cooking with the Volt 12 indoors, take a moment to clear away anything flammable from around the oven.
Keep things like curtains, towels, and other combustible items well away to reduce the risk of accidental fires.
Also, make sure there’s enough space around the oven for air to flow freely and prevent it from getting too hot.
3. Choose a Stable Surface:
Place Ooni Volt 12 on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface when using it indoors.
A solid kitchen countertop or a heat-resistant table is your best bet for supporting the weight of the oven and handling the heat without any issues.
Avoid using surfaces that could be damaged by the oven’s heat or moisture.
4. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy:
It’s always smart to have a fire extinguisher nearby when you’re cooking with any appliances, including even the Volt 12 or any household oven.
Know where it is and how to use it just in case of emergencies.
Safety should always be your top priority.
5. Stay Vigilant:
Keep an eye on your pizza while it’s cooking in Ooni Volt 12 indoors.
Check it regularly to make sure it’s not cooking too fast or burning, and adjust the temperature as needed to get the perfect result.
And whatever you do, don’t leave the oven unattended while it’s in use.
6. Clean Up Spills Right Away:
If you spill anything while you’re cooking with this electric oven, clean it up straight away.
This helps to prevent accidents like slipping and stops any spills from catching fire.
Just be careful when you’re dealing with hot surfaces or utensils.
7. Follow the Instructions:
Always make sure to follow the instructions and safety guidelines that come with Ooni Volt 12.
Take the time to get to know how the oven works, how to control it, and how to look after it properly.
This includes things like putting it together correctly, using it safely, and keeping it well-maintained.
What kind of surfaces can I place the Ooni Volt 12 on indoors?
No special setup is required for this oven.
But it’s best to choose a stable and heat-resistant surface like a kitchen countertop or heat-proof table.
Avoid surfaces that could be damaged by heat or moisture, and always ensure there’s enough space around the oven for proper ventilation.
Can I use the Ooni Volt 12 for anything other than pizza indoors?
Yes! While the Volt 12 is famous for its awesome pizza-making capabilities, it’s also versatile enough to cook a ton of other dishes indoors.
From flatbreads and roasted vegetables to desserts like cookies or pies, the possibilities are endless.
Can I use the Ooni Volt 12 indoors if I live in a rental property or apartment building?
Yes, absolutely! The Ooni Volt 12 is a great option for rental properties or apartment buildings.
Its electric-powered design means you don’t need to worry about gas lines or outdoor spaces, making it a convenient choice for urban dwellers.
Just be sure to check with your landlord or building management to ensure there are no restrictions on using cooking appliances indoors.
Can I use the Ooni Volt 12 indoors if I have sensitive smoke detectors or fire alarms?
Yes. This unit has an electric-powered design.
It produces minimal smoke and emissions compared to traditional outdoor pizza ovens.
So you don’t need to worry about setting off alarms.
Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and use the Volt 12 in a well-ventilated area for added peace of mind.
Final thoughts
While the idea of cooking pizza indoors may be tempting, it’s important to follow the safety guidelines and manufacturer’s recommendations.
The Ooni Koda, Karu, and Fyra models cannot be used indoors, as they are designed for outdoor use only.
However, you can still enjoy the convenience of cooking with an Ooni oven indoors with the electric Volt 12 oven.
Remember, safety always comes first, so let’s stick to using our Ooni products as intended and enjoy delicious homemade pizzas from the comfort of our outdoor spaces.
