Ooni Karu 12 Review

The Ooni Karu 12 is a versatile pizza oven designed for those who enjoy making authentic, wood-fired pizzas at home. It can reach high temperatures quickly, up to 950°F in 15 minutes, allowing for quick cooking and a crispy crust. The oven is compact and portable, accommodating one 12-inch pizza, making it suitable for smaller gatherings. Its design features durable brushed stainless steel, although it can become quite hot during use, requiring careful handling.

The Karu 12 stands out for its fuel versatility, supporting wood, charcoal, and gas (with an optional burner). This flexibility allows users to experiment with different flavors and cooking styles. While switching between fuels may require practice, the oven's heat distribution is generally even, though some hot spots may occur.

Setting up the Ooni Karu 12 is straightforward, and its portability is a significant advantage, although the lightweight design may feel less robust. When compared to competitors like the Roccbox and Bertello, the Karu 12 excels in fuel options and performance. It offers a rewarding cooking experience for those willing to invest time in mastering its quirks. Overall, the Ooni Karu 12 is a solid choice for enhancing your pizza-making skills.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Ooni Karu 2 or Ooni Koda 12 or Ooni Karu 16.

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If you're a pizza enthusiast or just someone who loves the idea of making restaurant-quality pizzas at home, you've probably heard about the Ooni Karu 12. This pizza oven is gaining a reputation for its impressive versatility and performance. But what makes it stand out in the crowded market of pizza ovens?

The Ooni Karu 12 is designed for those who crave authentic, wood-fired pizza without the hassle of a traditional brick oven. It's compact, portable, and promises to deliver high-heat cooking that can transform your backyard into a pizza party zone. The oven's ability to reach high temperatures quickly, up to 950°F (500°C) in just 15 minutes, is a game-changer for achieving that perfect crispy crust.

However, it's worth noting that the compact size might limit the size of pizzas you can make. The Ooni Karu 12 can accommodate one 12-inch pizza at a time. If you're dreaming of massive, family-sized pizzas, you might need to adjust your expectations or look for a larger model. But for individual pizzas or smaller gatherings, the Ooni Karu 12 is more than capable.

Overall, this oven is a great option for both beginners and seasoned pizza makers. It offers a hands-on cooking experience that brings fun and flavor to your outdoor gatherings. Whether you're using wood, charcoal, or the optional gas burner, the Ooni Karu 12 gives you the flexibility to experiment with different flavors and cooking styles.

The design and build quality of the Ooni Karu 12 is something that catches the eye right away. This pizza oven sports a sleek and modern look, made with high-quality, durable materials that promise to withstand the test of time. The body is crafted from brushed 430 stainless steel, which not only looks stylish but also provides excellent durability and heat retention. This material choice ensures that the oven can handle the high temperatures needed for perfect pizzas without warping or deteriorating over time. The Karu 12 has a compact design, making it ideal for those who might not have a lot of outdoor space. It measures around 31.5 inches tall, 15.7 inches wide, and 30.3 inches deep, which means it's not going to take over your patio.

Despite its compact size, this oven has a spacious cooking area, allowing you to comfortably fit up to a 12-inch pizza. The oven's legs fold down easily, adding to its portability and making storage a breeze. The oven features a chimney with a removable cap, which not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in directing airflow and maintaining consistent heat. The door is fitted with a sturdy handle, making it easy to open and close without burning your fingers. However, it's worth noting that the stainless steel construction, while durable, can get quite hot during operation. It’s important to be cautious when handling the oven or moving it shortly after use. Additionally, while the build quality is generally top-notch, some users have noted that the chimney assembly can be a bit tricky to attach securely the first time around.

Overall, the Ooni Karu 12 combines a sleek design with sturdy materials to deliver a pizza oven that not only looks good but also stands up to frequent use. Just be sure to handle it with care when it's hot, and you'll have a stylish and reliable cooking companion.

The fuel versatility of the Ooni Karu 12 (now known as the Karu 2) is one of its standout features, making it a popular choice among pizza enthusiasts. This portable pizza oven offers the flexibility to use multiple fuel types, which means you can tailor your cooking experience to suit your preferences or whatever fuel you have on hand.

Firstly, the Karu 2 can be powered by traditional wood and charcoal, allowing you to achieve that authentic, smoky flavor that many pizza lovers crave. The aroma and taste from wood-fired pizzas are hard to beat, and this oven delivers just that. It’s a game-changer for those who appreciate the nuances of wood-fired cooking.

For those who prefer a more convenient option, the Ooni Karu 2 also supports gas with an optional gas burner attachment. This is perfect for quick setups or when you want to avoid the hassle of lighting wood or charcoal. Plus, gas provides a more consistent heat, which can be beneficial for beginners or when cooking multiple pizzas in succession. Note that the gas burner attachment must be purchased separately to operate the oven with gas.

• Wood and Charcoal: Offers a traditional flavor and experience.
• Gas (with attachment): Provides convenience and consistent heat.

While the ability to swap between fuels is a huge plus, there is a slight learning curve when switching from wood to gas. Each fuel type requires different handling and setup procedures, which might take a bit of practice to perfect.

In a nutshell, the Ooni Karu 2's fuel versatility caters to different cooking styles and preferences, making it a versatile choice for any pizza lover. Whether you love the smoky taste of wood or the ease of gas, this oven has got you covered.

The performance of the Ooni Karu 12 is quite the spectacle for any pizza enthusiast. This oven shines in delivering authentic, wood-fired flavors without the need for a massive backyard setup. With its ability to reach temperatures up to a scorching 950°F (500°C), it bakes a pizza in just 60 seconds. Yes, you heard that right—60 seconds This speed is perfect for those who love hosting pizza parties or just want a quick and delicious meal.

The cooking experience is largely driven by its versatility. You can use wood, charcoal, or gas (with an additional burner) to fire it up, offering different flavors and cooking nuances. Wood and charcoal create that classic smoky taste, while gas gives you convenience and consistency.

• Wood: Provides a traditional, smoky flavor.
• Charcoal: Offers a more intense heat and flavor.
• Gas (optional): Ensures steady heat and ease of use.

Now, on to the actual cooking. The heat distribution is generally even, thanks to its design. However, you might notice some spots get hotter than others, which is common with compact ovens. A quick turn of the pizza halfway through cooking usually solves this, ensuring a perfectly crispy crust and gooey cheese.

One minor hiccup might be the learning curve involved. It takes a few tries to master the art of balancing the right amount of fuel with the desired cooking temperature. But hey, practice makes perfect, right?

Overall, the Ooni Karu 12 delivers a fun and rewarding cooking experience, especially for those who enjoy experimenting with different fuels and flavors. It's an impressive little powerhouse that brings the joy of pizza making to your backyard or even on a camping trip.

When you're cooking pizza, temperature control and heat retention are two big players in creating that perfect crispy crust. The Ooni Karu 12 is designed to reach high temperatures, up to a scorching 950°F (500°C), which is ideal for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. This oven heats up in a flash, typically within 15 minutes, meaning you won't be waiting long to start your pizza party.

One of the things I really like is how well this oven maintains its heat. The Ooni Karu 12 is built with a durable body and features advanced insulation, including a patented flame keeper and an extra-thick baking stone. This combo helps keep the heat inside, so your pizzas cook evenly. No one likes a pizza that's burnt on one side and raw on the other, right?

But, let's be real, managing the temperature can be a bit tricky, especially if you're new to outdoor pizza ovens. It's not like your kitchen oven where you set it and forget it. You'll need to keep an eye on things and maybe adjust your fuel source to keep the temperature steady. This might sound a bit daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll get the hang of it.

Another point to consider is that while the Ooni Karu 12 does an excellent job at heat retention, the design of the oven, including its dome shape and chimney, aids in heat retention and distribution, minimizing the escape of heat and smoke. However, on windy days, you might have to make slight adjustments to your cooking setup.

Overall, the Ooni Karu 12 offers impressive temperature control and heat retention for its size, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about their homemade pizza game. Just be prepared to invest a little time in getting familiar with its quirks.

When you open the box of the Ooni Karu 12, you'll find everything you need to get started on your pizza-making journey. First up, there's the oven body, which is the main piece of the puzzle. It's compact yet robust, crafted to handle high temperatures and outdoor conditions. Alongside it, you'll find the chimney, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper airflow and heat distribution.

• Fuel tray with burner grate: This is where the magic happens. You can load it with wood, charcoal, or even a gas burner (sold separately) to fire up your pizzas.
• Cordierite stone baking board: Made from high-quality cordierite, this stone is essential for achieving that authentic pizzeria-style base.
• Oven door: Included for controlling the oven environment.
• Fuel tray door: For managing the fuel tray.
• Instruction manual: While the setup is quite straightforward, the manual is handy for a quick read-through to ensure you're making the most of your oven.

Now, while the box includes most of what you need, one thing to note is that the gas burner is not included. If you're looking to use propane, you'll need to purchase this accessory separately. It's a minor hiccup for those who prefer the convenience of gas, but not a deal-breaker for wood and charcoal enthusiasts. Overall, the contents of the box are thoughtfully curated to kickstart your outdoor cooking adventures, but keep in mind the extra cost if you opt for gas.

Setting up the Ooni Karu 12 is pretty straightforward, even if you're not a pizza oven expert. Right out of the box, you'll find that the assembly process is a breeze. The oven comes with a handy instruction manual that guides you through each step, ensuring you get it up and running quickly. Most people find they can have it ready to cook in under 15 minutes.

Portability is where this oven really shines. Weighing in at just about 26.4 pounds (12kg), it’s light enough to carry around without breaking a sweat. The foldable legs and detachable chimney make it super easy to pack up and take with you, whether it's for a camping trip or a backyard BBQ at a friend's place. It's compact enough to fit in most car trunks, making it ideal for those who love to cook outdoors.

However, it's worth mentioning that while the lightweight design is great for portability, it does come with a trade-off. The materials, while durable, might not feel as robust as some heavier, more stationary models. But, if mobility is your priority, this is a small price to pay.

In terms of setup, you might find that attaching the chimney can be a bit fiddly at first. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Just be sure to follow the instructions closely the first time around to avoid any hiccups.

Overall, the ease of setup coupled with its excellent portability makes this oven a fantastic choice for pizza lovers on the go. It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to be tied down to one cooking spot.

Comparing pizza ovens can be quite the task, given the variety of options out there. Let's see how the Ooni Karu 12 stacks up against some of its key competitors.

Roccbox by Gozney

The Roccbox is another popular choice for home pizza enthusiasts. It’s known for its insulated design which offers excellent heat retention. While both ovens reach high temperatures quickly, the Roccbox might have a slight edge in maintaining consistent heat, thanks to its thicker insulation and dense layers of insulation. However, the Ooni Karu 12 boasts more fuel versatility, allowing you to switch between wood, charcoal, and gas (with an additional attachment), whereas the Roccbox is primarily gas-fueled but has an optional detachable wood burner

Bertello Outdoor Pizza Oven

The Bertello is another versatile option, offering the ability to cook with wood, charcoal, or gas. It's generally more budget-friendly than the Ooni Karu 12. However, the build quality of the Bertello may not be as robust as that of the Ooni, which is crafted with durable materials like powder-coated carbon steel. Additionally, the Ooni Karu 12 tends to heat up faster, which means less waiting time for your delicious pizza.

Ooni Koda 12

Even within Ooni's own lineup, there are interesting comparisons. The Ooni Koda 12 is gas-only, which simplifies the operation for those who prefer a straightforward cooking experience. However, it lacks the wood and charcoal options that the Karu 12 offers. If you're looking for that traditional wood-fired flavor, the Karu 12 is the better choice. On the flip side, the Koda 12 might appeal to those who prioritize ease of use and minimal setup, as it is incredibly easy to maintain due to the lack of soot and ash.

In summary, each pizza oven has its own strengths and quirks. While the Ooni Karu 12 shines with its fuel versatility and solid build, other ovens may excel in areas like heat retention or budget-friendliness. Your choice will ultimately depend on what features matter most to you in your pizza-making adventures.

Video by: Ooni

Wrapping things up, the Ooni Karu 12 is an impressive piece of gear for any pizza enthusiast. It offers a unique blend of versatility and performance that’s hard to beat. The ability to use multiple fuel sources, including wood, charcoal, and an optional gas burner, makes it a flexible choice for different cooking scenarios. Whether you're in the mood for the smoky flavor of wood or charcoal, or the convenience of gas, this oven has you covered.

Its compact design and sturdy build ensure that it can stand up to regular use, and its portability means you can easily take it to a friend's house or a campsite. However, it's worth noting that mastering the temperature control might take a bit of practice, especially if you're new to outdoor pizza ovens.

Another thing to consider is the initial setup, which might be a tad fiddly for some. But once you get the hang of it, you'll find that this oven is quite user-friendly. The oven features advanced insulation for better heat retention, which helps in maintaining high temperatures for your cooking needs.

In comparison with its competitors, the Ooni Karu 12 stands out for its fuel options and performance. While some ovens may offer similar features, the overall package here is hard to match. If you're serious about your pizza game, this oven is definitely worth considering.

In summary, the Ooni Karu 12 is a solid choice for anyone wanting to up their pizza-making skills. With a bit of practice and patience, you'll be crafting delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas in no time.

• What types of fuel can the Ooni Karu 12 use?

  The Ooni Karu 12 is quite versatile, allowing you to use wood, charcoal, or gas (with a separate gas burner attachment). This flexibility lets you experiment with different flavors and cooking styles.

• How long does it take to heat up?

  Typically, the Ooni Karu 12 heats up to cooking temperature in about 15-25 minutes, depending on the type of fuel you're using and the weather conditions. It is recommended to heat it up for a longer period to ensure full saturation of the oven.

• Can I use it indoors?

  No, the Ooni Karu 12 is designed for outdoor use only. Using it indoors could be dangerous due to the risk of fire and carbon monoxide emissions, and it requires proper ventilation.

• Is the oven easy to clean?

  Cleaning is relatively straightforward. The stainless steel body can be wiped down with a damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid using water on the inside of the oven or the hot baking stone, as it might develop rust spots or crack. Use a soft cloth and avoid steel wool, scouring pads, and abrasive dish sponges.

• What are the dimensions and weight?

  The information on dimensions and weight is not provided in the sources, so it is best to refer to the official Ooni specifications for accurate details.

• Can it cook anything other than pizza?

  Absolutely While it's perfect for pizza, you can also cook a variety of dishes like roasted vegetables, meats, and even bread. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature.

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