Revolutionizing Home Pizza Making: A Conversation with Kristian from Ooni
I’m excited to share today’s podcast episode featuring a special guest from the pizza oven world. Joining me is Kristian Tapaninaho from Ooni, the innovative company that has transformed home pizza making. Kristian, thank you for being here.
Journey into the Pizza World
Kristian shared how the rise of portable pizza ovens has significantly impacted the pizza community over the last five years. Reflecting on my own 25-year experience in the brick-and-mortar pizza business, I never imagined making quality pizza at home until I tried an Ooni oven.
“It’s so awesome to be part of your journey,” Kristian remarked. Unlike most people who start with home ovens and gradually get serious about pizza making, Kristian’s path began differently. He grew up in a bakery environment, courtesy of his mom’s bakery in a supermarket his parents ran. His passion for pizza making ignited around 2010 when Neapolitan-style pizzas began gaining popularity in London.
The Birth of Ooni
Kristian’s journey from experimenting with home ovens to creating Ooni was fueled by his determination to make authentic pizza at home. Traditional ovens were cumbersome and expensive, which led him to invent a more accessible, portable solution. His innovative approach involved reducing the weight of the oven and using efficient fuel-burning techniques.
“I’ve always been entrepreneurial,” Kristian said, reflecting on his upbringing. His ventures ranged from photography to contemplating a running tour business in London. This entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to tackle the pizza oven challenge.
The Kickstarter Success
Ooni started as a modest Kickstarter campaign in 2012, aiming to raise £7,500 (about $10,000) to produce 100 units. The campaign exceeded expectations, pushing Kristian to find better manufacturing solutions. This success marked the beginning of Ooni’s journey to revolutionize home pizza making.
Ooni’s Impact and Growth
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in home cooking and the popularity of pizza-making pop-ups highlighted Ooni’s significance. Kristian shared stories of entrepreneurs starting businesses with Ooni ovens, turning small investments into thriving ventures.
One notable story was Giovanni from Pizzeria, who transitioned from an executive role to running a full-blown pizzeria after starting with Ooni ovens. “I feel like you’re responsible for enabling people to start their pizza journeys,” I told Kristian, acknowledging Ooni’s role in democratizing pizza making.
Global Presence and Future Plans
Ooni has grown into a global brand with a team of 290 people. With offices in Edinburgh, Austin (Texas), Bonn (Germany), and China, Ooni continues to innovate and expand. The U.S. is Ooni’s biggest market, followed by the UK and Finland, Kristian’s home country.
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Popular Models and Cooking Tips
Kristian discussed Ooni’s range of models, from the compact Karu 12 to the versatile Koda 16. The latest addition, Koda 2 Max, offers impressive features like cooking three 10-inch pizzas simultaneously. Ooni’s models cater to various pizza styles, including New York, Detroit, and Neapolitan.
For New York-style pizza, Kristian recommends the Koda 2 Max for its large capacity. The Volt 12 is perfect for Detroit-style, offering precise temperature control. Any Ooni oven can handle Neapolitan pizza, but the Karu 16, with its charcoal and wood-burning capabilities, is Kristian’s top choice.
Community and Support
Ooni values its community, supporting users through an ambassador program and encouraging creativity in pizza making. Their YouTube channel provides cooking demonstrations and tips, fostering a supportive and innovative pizza-making community.
Conclusion
My conversation with Kristian highlighted Ooni’s transformative impact on home pizza making. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a home cook, Ooni offers the tools and support to elevate your pizza game. Check out Ooni’s website for more information and join their community for delicious pizza-making adventures.
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