No matter how much I meal plan and batch cook, I still can't resist the temptation of ordering in a pizza. But in the spirit of frugality (and being able to serve up exceptional pizzas made by my own fair hands), I've been hunting for the best indoor pizza ovens now that the weather is turning – and Ooni's new Volt 2 electric pizza oven has given me pause for thought.
Available from 1 October, the Volt 2 features something that Ooni has termed 'pizza intelligence' – a heating system that automatically adapts to the type of dough you're cooking, ensuring the best temperature and heat balance. It's not simply designed for pizza recipes, however; with an oven and broil mode, and even a dough-proofing setting, this just might be the most high-tech pizza oven we've ever seen – and we've tested a lot here at Homes & Gardens.
Finished in either charcoal gray or bright white, this compact pizza oven boasts an impressively sleek look – with a hint of retro, thanks to its curved corners. It's significantly smaller than Ooni's bestselling Volt 12 Pizza Oven, so you can easily display it on your kitchen counter to be admired by guests while their homemade pizza crisps up.
Since I really am determined to learn how to home-cook pizza (and restaurant-quality pizza, at that), the high-tech features of the Ooni Volt 2 could be a real game-changer for me. I was impressed by the temperature range alone: while it starts at 70°F (an ideal choice for proofing dough), it can reach a maximum temperature of 850°F. According to Ooni, this enables the Volt 2 to cook a pizza in as little as 90 seconds.
This will depend on the type of pizza you're cooking, of course – but the 'pizza intelligence' feature provides three handy preset modes, each with different heat settings. Choose between Neapolitan (a crispy, fast-cooking pizza), thin and crispy (akin to an New York-style pie) and pan pizza (a thick, fluffy option). Plus, there are two customizable modes allowing you to save your favorite oven settings.
I can't deny that I've been stumped by pizza ovens in the past – they might look straightforward, but figuring out how to use a pizza oven can take a little patience. With tech systems like this one, however, I could be cooking like a professional in no time and with minimal effort.
'I've seen smart technology built into refrigerators, dishwashers, and standard ovens, but never in a dedicated pizza oven like the Ooni Volt 2,' says our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia Hayman. 'The term "pizza intelligence" sounds fancy, but in reality, it’s quite similar to the smart cooking tech found in ovens from brands like Samsung and Bosch. Put simply, it automatically adjusts the temperature and heat balance based on your dough, helping you get an evenly cooked, crispy crust.'
According to Lydia, the smart settings on the Ooni Volt 2 pizza oven really can transform home cooking.
'For casual cooks, it's genuinely useful – you don’t have to hover by the oven, second-guessing every pie,' she explains. 'Just a couple of weekends ago, I hosted a pizza night for six, and I'm pretty sure I spent more time watching the oven than enjoying my guests' company. A feature like this could take that stress out of the process and make pizza nights a lot more relaxing, but possibly less fun and theatrical.'
I, for one, can sacrifice the theater in favor of a show-stopping home-cooked pizza – and the chance to save money on takeout.
Shop more pizza ovens
The Ooni Volt 12 is an award-winning pizza oven for a reason: you can use it both indoors and outdoors, which is perfect as the weather begins to get colder.
The Ooni Karu 2 Pro claims to the top spot in our guide to the best pizza ovens for outdoor use. It can reach a jaw-dropping maximum temperature of 950°F, and according to our team, it's the most impressive pizza oven we've ever tested.
If you're looking for an indoor option, this is our favorite. Our tester says that it's incredibly easy to use, and it offers plenty of dedicated settings for different types of pizza.
I can't wait to get my hands on the Ooni Volt 2 pizza oven when it launches in October – I'll be using it to perfect my best ever pizza dough and quick tomato sauce recipes for starters.
