Ooni is not the first brand to bring a portable version of brick pizza oven to the market, but it certainly blazed the trail for the brands that followed.
Sculpted from heavy-duty stainless steel and ceramic, Ooni ovens are built to stand the test of time. When properly taken care of, these ovens can last for years without any hiccups.
However, just like any other outdoor oven, Ooni models are also susceptible to weather damage. To prolong the lifespan of your pizza oven, I recommend using a snug-fit protective cover and storing the oven in a dry, sheltered area, like a garage or basement.
If you’re in search of a detailed guide on how to store your Ooni properly, you have landed on just the right page. Read on to find out tried and tested tips on keeping your Ooni oven shielded against harsh weather.
Where to Store Ooni Pizza Oven? 4 Easy Ooni Storage Tips
1. Outside with the Cover On
Ooni pizza ovens are built to last. They are made of high-quality materials and designed to withstand even the harshest of weather conditions. So there is no need to worry about your Ooni being damaged by rain or snow. You can leave it outside as long as you cover it with a protective cover. I use a custom-designed cover for my Koda 16.
It’s made of heavy-duty polyester, and it comes with an aluminum buckle and loop to keep the gas regulator in place during transit.
It shields my oven from rain, snow, falling leaves, bird droppings, and other outdoor grime. It also blocks sunlight which can fade paint and plastic parts over time.
It’s alright if you don’t want to invest in an Ooni cover right away. You can just use a plastic tarp to cover your Ooni pizza oven. I recommend using one that is waterproof and UV-resistant, so it won’t deteriorate over time.
2. On a Stainless Steel Cart
If you want to use your Ooni outside, but don’t have enough space in your backyard, then try placing it on a stainless steel cart.
You can easily move the oven around by pulling it with one hand. If it’s a custom-built cart and it’s freezing outside, consider placing the oven on the bottom shelf with the cover on to maximize the protection.
3. In the Garage or Basement
If you are using a cart, you can easily roll it into the garage or basement, provided you have enough space over there. My dry, ambient-temperature garage keeps it away from the elements so it’s protected.
Just make sure that you put down a tarp or other type of surface protector first so that you don’t damage the floor. Alternatively, you can store it flat on your garage shelf, with or without a cover.
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Here are a few tips to consider if you are planning on storing an outdoor oven in your garage or basement:
- Make sure the oven is clean and cool before moving it. If necessary, clean the oven according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Find a suitable location in your garage to store the oven. This should be a dry, well-ventilated area that is away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
- Place the oven on sturdy, level surfaces, such as a cart, outdoor table, or shelf.
4. Under the Overhang
Leaving the oven with a cover on under the overhang is a good way to protect it from the elements, especially if you live in an area with heavy rain or snow.
This can also help to keep birds and insects away from your oven. If you choose this method, be sure that there is no water pooling on the cover so it does not get into the oven.
How to Prepare the Ooni Oven for Storage
- Cool down the oven before moving: It’s not only damaging but also dangerous to put a plastic cover on a scalding hot oven. No point in guessing that it can seriously hurt you and torch the protective cover. So, err on the side of caution and give your oven at least two hours to cool down.
- Keep it clean: Even if I’m only storing my Ooni short term between backyard pizza nights, I still give it a good wipe down beforehand. Leftover flour, grease splatters, or ash accumulation can lead to build-up that’s tough to remove later. I use gentle dish soap and warm water with a soft brush to clean the oven surface and stone after each use before covering it up.
- Plug The Chimney Vent: Before covering, make sure to plug the chimney vent hole on top with the stopper Ooni provides. This prevents rain/moisture from getting inside the oven cavity during storage. Liquids + a possibly hot oven = bad news! The stopper seals the inner oven safely.
- Find a suitable location that is dry and well-ventilated: Moisture and lack of airflow can compromise the safety and durability of your oven. You don’t want any moisture to seep into the oven because that moisture leads to rust. Proper ventilation is especially important if it’s a gas-powered oven.
- Place the oven on a sturdy, level surface: Placing the oven on a wobbly, uneven surface increases the risk of tip-over. So, you will need a level, sturdy surface for the job.
- Find a suitable cover: Get a cover that is trimmed to fit Ooni models. That way, the cover won’t blow away easily. Pulling the drawstring at the bottom guarantees full shelter from the elements until my next pizza night!
How To Prevent Moisture, Bugs, Rodents From Getting Into Ooni Oven
Here are my best prevention tips after dealing with some pesky oven invaders:
Use Weatherproof Covers
You need barriers between your oven and nature’s elements – solid covers are non-negotiable! The custom-fit Ooni cover I bought is both waterproof and bug-proof thanks to tightly woven fabric.
Snug-fitting with durable material prevents moisture from seeping in even through heavy rains or snow.
Use Rodent Deterrents
Mice once tried making a home in my stored Ooni, shredding the cover! Now I place fresh cedar wood blocks, lavender sachets, and napkins with peppermint oil around the covered oven perimeter. Mice hate strong smells, so these act as natural repellants.
I replace the sachets and shavings monthly.
Seal All Possible Entry Points
Making sure all cracks, openings, and vents are fully plugged prevents tiny creatures from slipping their way in. I block both the chimney and fuel ventilation holes. Pellet/gas hoses also get tied off. Taking away access routes deters those determined bugs and rodents looking for a cozy oven nest!
Can I Leave Ooni Karu Outside?
I don’t see why not, but unless the weather is mild, I won’t recommend it. To be safe, store it in your basement or garage or under the overhang.
Use the weatherproof cover that fits the edges snugly and put it on a table or cart for easy transportation. If you don’t have a cover, cart, or table, feel free to use the original box for storage.
Are Ooni Pizza Ovens Weatherproof?
Ooni pizza ovens are not specifically designed to be weatherproof. While the ovens are built to withstand outdoor use, they are not specifically built to withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.
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As such, it is generally not recommended to leave your Ooni pizza oven outside in these conditions, as it could potentially wear out the parts or, at the very least, cause rust.
If you do need to store your Ooni pizza oven outside, it is important to take steps to protect it from the elements. This could include using a protective cover to shield the oven from rain and snow and making sure it is placed in a location that is sheltered from the wind.
It is also a good idea to periodically check on the oven to make sure it is in good condition and that it has not been damaged during storage.
Impact of Extreme Weather Conditions on Ooni Ovens:
Extreme Cold: Frigid winter temps can actually crack the stone baking board inside if water seeps in and expands when frozen. Cold also makes metal fixtures and knobs brittle – some of my dials snapped off!
Excessive Rain: Leaving an uncovered Ooni out through storms or snow leads to rust inside and out from all the moisture. The pellet burner will rust over and flake after getting drenched repeatedly in the rain, rendering it unusable.
Intense Heat: Summer heat waves can accelerate wear and tear by drying out key Ooni components faster. Door seals and gaskets can also crack and fall apart after one blistering hot season without protection. Plastic bits can also warp due to nonstop sun exposure.
Heavy Snow: A thick blanket of snow piled on top of your Ooni can cause major dents, scrapes, and scuffs when the snow eventually slides off the metal surfaces. And with snow comes moisture, leading to even more rust underneath.
In Conclusion
Ooni pizza ovens are built to last, and in general, you can leave yours outside as is. But if the weather is harsh, the wiser thing is to store it in a sheltered location such as your garage, basement, or under the overhang. Use a cover to keep the elements out and prevent rusting.
Ooni pizza ovens are a great investment, and they will last for years if you take care of them properly.
