Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Ninja MO201 | Ooni Koda 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Temperature | 700°F (371°C) | 950°F (510°C) |
| Fuel Type | Electric + Wood Pellets | Propane / Natural Gas |
| Indoor / Balcony Friendly | Yes (where electric grills allowed) | No (propane restrictions) |
| Cooking Time | 2.5 – 3 minutes per pizza | 60 – 90 seconds per pizza |
| Flavor Profile | Wood-smoked, even heat | Flame-charred, Neapolitan style |
| Portability | Heavy, stationary | Lightweight, foldable legs |
| Typical Price | ~$399 | ~$599 |
- 60 SECOND PIZZA – Reaching temperatures of up to a massive 950°F - twice that of a...
- ULTRA EFFICIENT – The powder coated carbon steel shell offers incredible heat retention,...
- EASY TO USE – Ready to go straight out of the box! Simply unfold the legs, insert the...
- VERSATILE – We believe that everybody deserves great pizza and our Ooni Koda 16 gas...
- OONI 5 YEAR WARRANTY - At Ooni, we stand by our products. All Ooni products come with a...
- 5-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: The ultimate outdoor sidekick for all your backyard entertainment;...
- 3 MINUTE ARTISAN PIZZA: Restaurant quality 12" pizzas with even leoparding on crusts...
- 5 PIZZA SETTINGS: Choose from 5 different settings to satisfy any craving; Neapolitan,...
- FULL MEALS OUTDOORS: Cook and warm your sides in your Ninja pizza oven at the same time...
- NO FLAME, FULL CONTROL: Electric heat unlocks Complete Temperature Control with...
Performance: 700°F vs 950°F (Real Results)
Temperature determines everything about pizza texture, bake time, char, crust lift, and the famous “Neapolitan leopard spotting.”
The Ninja MO201 tops out at 700°F, while the Ooni Koda 16 reaches a blistering 950°F. That 250°F gap produces two very distinct outcomes.
Crust Texture & Leopard Spotting
At 700°F, the Ninja delivers excellent oven spring and light blistering. However, spotting is less dramatic compared to the Ooni.
The Ooni, at 950°F, creates bold leopard spotting, crisp edges, and puffed cornicione in 60–90 seconds.
Tester Note: The Ninja required a full 20-minute preheat to prevent the crust bottom from staying doughy.
Turning & Heat Zones
The Ninja cooks evenly — no rotating required.
The Ooni rewards skill but punishes hesitation:
Tester Note: The back-left corner of the Ooni is a serious hot zone that will scorch one side of the crust within seconds if you don’t turn it right away.
Flavor Differences
The Ninja includes a smoker tray. Using oak pellets added real wood-smoke aroma that electric ovens alone can’t replicate.
The Ooni flames produce toasted, char-kissed flavor that no electric heating element can match.
Design & Build
The Ninja MO201 feels like a permanent outdoor fixture — heavy, stable, rugged, and designed for year-round backyard cooking. Because it’s electric, you don’t have to worry about fuel levels during a cook, but you are limited by cord length (~5 feet).
The Ooni Koda 16, by comparison, is compact, portable, and camping-friendly. It fits easily in a car trunk and is ideal for outdoor setups — provided you have a propane tank with you.
Ease of Use
If you’re new to pizza making, the Ninja is dramatically easier. There’s no flame management, no turning required, and no hotspots to navigate.
The Ooni requires practice — but once you dial it in, the results are unbeatable.
Electric vs Gas — Real World Advantages
- Ninja Advantage: Perfect for balconies, patios, or apartments where propane is banned.
- Ooni Advantage: Works during power outages — and no cord needed.
Price & Value
The Ninja typically sells around $399, making it the more affordable choice.
The Ooni Koda 16 averages $599.
For pure pizza performance, the Ooni earns the extra cost. For versatility (fish, meat, veggies, roasting, smoking, baking), the Ninja is the better overall value.
Pros & Cons
Ninja MO201 Pros
- 700°F max temp
- Electric + wood smoked flavor
- No turning required
- Easier for beginners
- Cheaper
- 60 SECOND PIZZA – Reaching temperatures of up to a massive 950°F - twice that of a...
- ULTRA EFFICIENT – The powder coated carbon steel shell offers incredible heat retention,...
- EASY TO USE – Ready to go straight out of the box! Simply unfold the legs, insert the...
- VERSATILE – We believe that everybody deserves great pizza and our Ooni Koda 16 gas...
- OONI 5 YEAR WARRANTY - At Ooni, we stand by our products. All Ooni products come with a...
Ninja MO201 Cons
- Heavier and less portable
- Less dramatic leopard spotting
Ooni Koda 16 Pros
- 950°F max temp
- Authentic Neapolitan crust
- Portable & space-saving
- Fastest pizza cooking times
- 5-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: The ultimate outdoor sidekick for all your backyard entertainment;...
- 3 MINUTE ARTISAN PIZZA: Restaurant quality 12" pizzas with even leoparding on crusts...
- 5 PIZZA SETTINGS: Choose from 5 different settings to satisfy any craving; Neapolitan,...
- FULL MEALS OUTDOORS: Cook and warm your sides in your Ninja pizza oven at the same time...
- NO FLAME, FULL CONTROL: Electric heat unlocks Complete Temperature Control with...
Ooni Koda 16 Cons
- Learning curve
- More expensive
- Requires propane or gas hookup
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Ninja MO201 if:
- You want pizza + smoking + baking versatility
- You live in a balcony apartment
- You don’t want to rotate pizzas constantly
Buy the Ooni Koda 16 if:
- You want true Neapolitan leopard spotting
- You prioritize portability
- You’re willing to learn flame control
Final Verdict
The Ninja is the better all-around outdoor oven. The Ooni is the better pizza oven. Choose based on how you cook, not just what you cook.
FAQ
Does the Ninja really reach 700°F?
Yes. Verified through testing.
Can the Ooni cook steak?
Absolutely — and beautifully.
Does the Ninja make Neapolitan pizza?
Close, but not true Neapolitan spotting due to the lower max temp.
- 60 SECOND PIZZA – Reaching temperatures of up to a massive 950°F - twice that of a...
- ULTRA EFFICIENT – The powder coated carbon steel shell offers incredible heat retention,...
- EASY TO USE – Ready to go straight out of the box! Simply unfold the legs, insert the...
- VERSATILE – We believe that everybody deserves great pizza and our Ooni Koda 16 gas...
- OONI 5 YEAR WARRANTY - At Ooni, we stand by our products. All Ooni products come with a...
- 5-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: The ultimate outdoor sidekick for all your backyard entertainment;...
- 3 MINUTE ARTISAN PIZZA: Restaurant quality 12" pizzas with even leoparding on crusts...
- 5 PIZZA SETTINGS: Choose from 5 different settings to satisfy any craving; Neapolitan,...
- FULL MEALS OUTDOORS: Cook and warm your sides in your Ninja pizza oven at the same time...
- NO FLAME, FULL CONTROL: Electric heat unlocks Complete Temperature Control with...
