NAIROBI – A global surge in advanced home-cooking technology is making its mark on Kenyan households, with top-rated outdoor pizza ovens for 2025 now accessible locally. This development aligns with a discernible trend among Kenya's expanding middle and upper class, who are increasingly investing in sophisticated outdoor living and at-home gourmet experiences. While traditional cooking methods remain prevalent, a niche but growing market is emerging for high-performance appliances that transform backyards into culinary hubs.

The trend is underscored by the increasing popularity of outdoor kitchens in Kenyan landscaping designs, which often feature built-in grills, stylish countertops, and, increasingly, high-end pizza ovens. This shift reflects a broader change in consumer behaviour, where the home, and particularly the garden or patio, is viewed as a central space for entertainment and social gatherings.

The Technology Arriving in Kenya

Among the most anticipated appliances making inroads are models lauded by international technology and culinary reviewers. Two standout examples for 2025 are the Ooni Karu 2 Pro and the Solo Stove Pi Prime, both available for purchase in Kenya through various online retailers.

The Ooni Karu 2 Pro is frequently cited as a top multi-fuel oven, capable of running on wood or charcoal for authentic flavour, with the option to add a gas burner for convenience. Ooni reports that the Karu 2 Pro, a successor to the Karu 16, can reach temperatures of 950°F (approximately 500°C) and cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in about 60 seconds. A notable feature is its 17-inch cooking surface and a 5.7-inch internal height, making it versatile enough for roasting meats and baking bread. It also includes a digital, Bluetooth-enabled temperature hub for precise monitoring. The Ooni Karu 2 Pro is available from Kenyan online retailers, with prices for various Ooni models ranging from approximately KES 71,300 to KES 340,995 depending on the model and included accessories.

For those prioritizing ease of use, the Solo Stove Pi Prime is positioned as a leading choice for most people. This propane-only model simplifies the cooking process, allowing users to focus on their pizza-making rather than managing a fire. It features a distinctive circular dome design and a wide opening for easy access. The Pi Prime also reaches up to 950°F, cooking pizzas in as little as 90 seconds. Its compact design, weighing around 13.6 kg (30 pounds), enhances its portability for use in various outdoor settings. The Solo Stove Pi Prime is listed on Kenyan e-commerce sites for approximately KES 64,408 to KES 86,480.

Local Context and Market Implications

The arrival of these premium appliances in the Kenyan market caters to a specific, but growing, consumer segment. A 2023 report by Business Daily highlighted the trend of affluent Kenyans investing significantly in outdoor spaces, with backyard revamps costing anywhere from KES 150,000 to KES 800,000. This investment is transforming gardens into functional extensions of the home, complete with dining areas, lounges, and full-service kitchens.

This trend is part of a larger shift in Kenyan consumer behaviour. A 2025 report from Kasi Insight notes that Kenyan consumers are increasingly making strategic spending choices, prioritizing wellness and embracing digital tools. While a high-end pizza oven is a significant investment, it aligns with the 'holistic vitality' trend, which encompasses social connection and elevated home-life experiences. The hands-on, communal nature of preparing food in an outdoor setting resonates with this evolving lifestyle focus.

However, it is crucial to place this trend in the broader context of Kenya's cooking sector. The vast majority of Kenyan households, particularly in rural areas, still rely on solid biomass like wood and charcoal for cooking. The high upfront cost of appliances like the Ooni and Solo Stove makes them inaccessible to the average consumer. Efforts by social enterprises like Cookswell Jikos and Mukuru Clean Stoves focus on providing affordable, eco-friendly, and safer cooking solutions for the mass market, tackling critical issues of household air pollution and deforestation. The market for premium pizza ovens and the market for essential clean cookstoves represent two very different ends of the economic spectrum in Kenya, yet both reflect a dynamic and evolving domestic landscape.

The specific market penetration and sales data for brands like Ooni and Solo Stove in Kenya and the wider East Africa region are not publicly available, and it remains to be seen how these international companies will tailor their marketing strategies for this emerging market. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.