Pizza nights are serious business in my backyard. Over the last few months I’ve been testing two popular outdoor pizza ovens side by side: the Ninja MO201 Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven and the Ooni Koda 16 Natural Gas Pizza Oven. Both promise restaurant-quality pies, but they take very different approaches to get there. After weeks of tossing dough, tweaking toppings, and feeding a very happy crowd of friends and family, I’ve gathered enough real-world insight to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your patio.
Key Difference at a Glance: Ninja MO201 vs Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven
The biggest contrast is heat source and size. The Ninja MO201 is an electric, 12-inch pizza oven with 5-in-1 versatility (pizza, bake, broil, warm, proof) and a 700°F max temperature. The Ooni Koda 16 is a natural-gas-fired powerhouse that reaches a blistering 950°F and cooks up to a 16-inch pizza in just 60 seconds. One prioritizes precision and convenience; the other chases pure, wood-fired-style intensity without the wood.
- 5-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: The ultimate outdoor sidekick for all your backyard entertainment; pizza, bake, broil, warm & proof.
- NATURAL GAS MODEL - Natural Gas model is designed exclusively for natural gas and cannot be converted for propane use. Includes gas regulator and hose...
Quick Comparison Table: Ninja MO201 vs Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven
| Feature | Ninja MO201 | Ooni Koda 16 |
| Heat Source | Electric (90–700°F) | Natural Gas (up to 950°F) |
| Max Pizza Size | 12 inches | 16 inches |
| Preheat Time | ~18 minutes | ~20 minutes |
| Functions | Pizza, Bake, Broil, Warm, Proof | Pizza + roasting/versatile with cast iron |
| Weight | 25 lbs | 43.2 lbs |
| Portability | Built-in handle, weather-resistant | Folding legs, portable but heavier |
| Special Features | Chef’s View window, programmable controls | Instant gas ignition, high heat retention |
| Ideal For | Controlled cooking, multipurpose outdoor baking | High-heat Neapolitan pizzas & quick meals |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Before diving into each feature, here’s a quick note: I cooked at least ten pizzas and several side dishes in both ovens. From simple margheritas to thick Chicago-style pies, I pushed them in real backyard conditions—warm evenings, a surprise drizzle, and one particularly windy night.
Design and Build
Ninja MO201: Compact and sleek, this oven looks like a cross between a premium toaster oven and a mini commercial pizza deck. The dropdown door with the Chef’s View window is surprisingly handy. I could monitor bubbling cheese without losing heat. At 25 pounds, I can move it around the patio or tuck it into storage after use with zero strain. Its weather-resistant shell gave me confidence to leave it outside overnight, though I still use the recommended cover.
Ooni Koda 16: The Koda screams outdoor cooking with its matte black carbon steel body and wide mouth. Unfold the sturdy legs, connect the gas line, and you’re ready. It’s heavier at over 43 pounds, so it’s less “grab and go,” but the extra size accommodates bigger pies and even a cast iron skillet for meats or veggies. Build quality feels bulletproof, exactly what you’d expect from a high-heat gas oven.
- 5-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: The ultimate outdoor sidekick for all your backyard entertainment; pizza, bake, broil, warm & proof.
- NATURAL GAS MODEL - Natural Gas model is designed exclusively for natural gas and cannot be converted for propane use. Includes gas regulator and hose...
Ease of Use
Ninja: Plug it in, select a preset (Neapolitan, Thin Crust, Pan, New York, or Custom), and wait for the preheat chime. The digital controls and LED display take all guesswork out. Electric heat means no flame management—perfect for weeknight pizza when you don’t want drama.
Ooni: Setup is straightforward but slightly more involved. You need a natural gas line (this model isn’t convertible to propane), attach the regulator, turn the knob, and ignite. Once it’s running, you’ll need to rotate the pizza with a peel for even cooking, especially if you’re chasing that 60-second Neapolitan finish.
- 5-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: The ultimate outdoor sidekick for all your backyard entertainment; pizza, bake, broil, warm & proof.
Cooking Performance
Ninja: It consistently delivered beautiful 12-inch pizzas with evenly leopard-spotted crusts. The 700°F ceiling isn’t true Neapolitan territory, but it’s hot enough for a crispy base and gooey center in about three minutes. I also loved the proof function—my sourdough loaves came out bakery-level thanks to that precise 90°F setting.
Ooni: This is where the Koda flexes. After a 20-minute preheat it blasts up to 950°F. I slid in a margherita and, 65 seconds later, had a blistered crust and perfectly melted mozzarella. The flavor mimics a wood-fired oven without the hassle of wood. It also roasts steaks and vegetables beautifully when paired with a cast iron pan.
- NATURAL GAS MODEL - Natural Gas model is designed exclusively for natural gas and cannot be converted for propane use. Includes gas regulator and hose...
Versatility
Here the Ninja wins. Beyond pizza, I baked a small mac and cheese while grilling burgers on the side—something the Ooni can’t match. Warm and broil modes expand its use for bread, desserts, and casseroles.
Maintenance
The Ninja’s interior wipes down easily, and the electric design means no soot. The Ooni needs a bit more care: brushing ash or food debris off the stone and occasional deep cleaning to maintain the gas burners. Nothing difficult, but worth noting.
Ninja MO201 Artisan Outdoor Pizza Oven
- 5-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: The ultimate outdoor sidekick for all your backyard entertainment; pizza, bake, broil, warm & proof.
Pros:
- True plug-and-play convenience
- Five cooking modes (pizza, bake, broil, warm, proof)
- Excellent heat control with LED display
- Weather-resistant and lightweight
- Chef’s View window is a game changer
Cons:
- Max pizza size limited to 12 inches
- Tops out at 700°F—good but not authentic Neapolitan temps
Ooni Koda 16 Natural Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven
- NATURAL GAS MODEL - Natural Gas model is designed exclusively for natural gas and cannot be converted for propane use. Includes gas regulator and hose...
Pros:
- Reaches 950°F for true 60-second pizzas
- Large 16-inch cooking area
- Robust carbon steel build and great heat retention
- Instant ignition and reliable natural gas performance
- Can roast meats and veggies with accessories
Cons:
- Requires a natural gas line (no propane option)
- Heavier and less portable
- Needs more attention while cooking (rotating pizza)
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If I had to choose only one, I’d start by asking how you plan to cook. For pure Neapolitan-style pizza with that signature charred, airy crust, the Ooni Koda 16 is unbeatable. It gets hotter, faster, and delivers authentic pizzeria results in 60 seconds.
However, for versatility and convenience, the Ninja MO201 is the smarter everyday companion. It bakes bread, proofs dough, and handles side dishes while you grill the main course. The electric setup is stress-free and perfect for apartments or patios where open flames aren’t ideal.
My personal setup? I keep both. The Ooni comes out for Saturday pizza parties when I want to wow guests, while the Ninja handles weeknight pies and doubles as an outdoor oven for just about everything else. Either way, you’ll be serving incredible homemade pizza—and that’s what really matters.
