Got the Ooni out for the first time this year… had a bit of a Weston.

Anyone know what could be causing this? Usually you get a stream of thin smoke out of the main chimney but I’m getting thick smoke pouring out of everywhere. The pellets aren’t igniting, just smouldering.

I stored my wood pellets in the cupboard under the stairs and I’m conscious it might be very slightly damp. Would damp wood cause this?

Might need some new pellets!

    dirty smoke on a bbq is usually a sign of rubbish fuel or a badly lit fire that can’t breathe, obstructed or limited air, like its partially blocked somewhere.

    Ernie1 The pellets aren’t igniting, just smouldering.

    Have your pellets been stored somewhere where they could have absorbed moisture? This is likely if you have used same batch previously and not had any problems. Have the same problem with wood which hasn’t been properly dried, ideally, kiln dried.

      Good to know, thanks both.

      This was a bag of Ooni own brand fuel, I’d opened it last Autumn and foolishly left it under tithe stairs (1800s house) where it’s obviously got a bit damp.

        Today was the first time I’d considered just getting a dual-fuel Roccbox and ditching the Ooni. The pizzas I’ve made are undoubtedly great but the pellet feed is temperamental and it’s not ideal for cooking more than a couple of pizzas in a row. Buying the pellets can be tricky sometimes too as they’re always low on stock in the Summer months.

        I like smell of a wood oven but I’m not sure on these little garden ovens there’s enough wood-fired taste on the finished product to beat the convenience of gas.

        I also like the idea of the thicker, fixed stone on the Roccbox.

          Ernie1 I feel the same about my ooni. Would love Roccbox for wider fuel choice but not sure it would impact taste. Gas in the ooni is so easy and still knocks out some great pizza and I can do them myself without someone on hopper duty.

              simonc

              I should’ve done the smart thing and bought a gas-powered or dual fuel Ooni in the first place but I wasn’t sure how much I’d use it so went for the cheaper Fyra (pellets only).

              We ended up using at least once a week for most of last year so I’m happy to upgrade now.

              It’s exactly like my coffee machine journey… should’ve learned by now. Buy once, cry once!

                  Ernie1 I should’ve done the smart thing and bought a gas-powered or dual fuel Ooni in the first place but I wasn’t sure how much I’d use it so went for the cheaper Fyra (pellets only).

                  Why I held off getting an Ooni when they launched their first oven and waited until the multi-fuel Pro came out.

                  The Karu 16 inch is multi-fuel as well but costs £200 more than the Pro and is hard to justify IMO. If you are considering getting another Ooni have a close look at the Pro.

                      Systemic

                      Yeah I think it will be between the Pro and the Roccbox.

                      The big plus of the Ooni is that it does 16” pizzas whereas the Roccbox does 12 like the Fyra we have now.

                          Ernie1 The big plus of the Ooni is that it does 16” pizzas w

                          Would always recommend the larger oven you can accommodate. Gives more flexibility and easier to manipulate the pizza during bake.

                              Systemic

                              Can you turn the pizza easily in yours?

                              One downside of mine is that you have to pull the pizza out and turn it by hand, would be good to turn it a little with the peel.

                                  Ernie1 Can you turn the pizza easily in yours?

                                  Yes. Just got the Ooni turning peel - to use it, you need space either side. You can then flick the pizza round to ensure all sides are evenly cooked. Without the turning peel, you have to use the regular peel to pull the pizza out of the oven and turn on the peel before re-inserting into oven and risk burned fingers in the process.

                                    Dough is 80% double zero and 20% semola ricancinata. Biga started late previous evening and fed 12hrs later with diastatic malt extract. Then into fridge for few hours before final proof of two hours. Made three panuozzos before baking off the pizza. Using the Ooni gas attachment makes batch cooking so much easier.

                                      Systemic

                                      Look at that! I like the idea of basil garnish after cooking.

                                        I have the Koda 16, gas for me is the only way with these small ovens plus how much Smokey flavour can you impart in 90 seconds?

                                        I would also go for as large an oven as possible after using my brothers Koda 12. It gives you the opportunity to turn in the oven and also not get it too close to the flame.

                                        I have used mine every week for the last 18 months, looking at Gozney Dome when I start building my outdoor kitchen.

                                        Ross

                                          Got this with the new house. Still getting the hang of it. Son is here this weekend so he is going to fire it up. It’s a Portuguese wood fired pizza oven.

                                            Goodfella plus how much Smokey flavour can you impart in 90 seconds?

                                            Would say the difference is there but subtle. Is it worth it - definitely not if you are knocking out several pizzas one after another. Then, wood is a PITA. Also, clearing up afterwards is much easier with gas - no hassle of clearing out the fire box. All that said, there is something special about cooking with wood.