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Ooni Karu 12/16 Pizza Oven

5.0/5.0
By Robert Parsons April 25, 2023
Looks / Appearance 5.0 / 5.0
Functionality 5.0 / 5.0
Ease of use 5.0 / 5.0

Pros

  • – Multiple fuel options
  • – Folding legs for easy transport 
  • – Powerful flame & heat retention
  • – Fast heating and cooking times
  • – Cooks more than just pizza

Cons

  • – High demand

With an Ooni Karu Pizza Oven, you won’t have to settle for anything less than a quality pizza. You’ll enjoy the rich flavour brought forward by this wood-fired Ooni pizza oven, and its sleek design that blends in nicely with any setting. 

Recently, this brand released the Ooni Karu 16. How does it compare to the original Ooni Karu 12? Which model is right for you? 

In this comparison review, I’ll help you decide. Let’s get started! 

Ooni Karu 12 Overview 

The Ooni Karu 12 is a portable, outdoor pizza oven that weighs 12kg. I truly enjoy this model because even with its compact size, it packs the power of a large pizza oven. You can fire up this oven with wood or charcoal. If you prefer gas, you will need to purchase the Ooni Gas Burner separately. 

This version reaches a temperature of 500°C in a matter of 15 minutes. Once it’s pre-heated, you’ll have a ready-to-eat stone-baked pizza in 60 seconds. The cooking surface measures 33cm and comes with a 15mm cordierite stone baking board. 

The Ooni Karu is the perfect companion to any cookout, camping trip, or family fun night. Thanks to its durable 430 stainless steel and glass-reinforced nylon construction, you can expect great things from this outdoor oven for years to come.

After reviewing, I could not find any downfalls except that some shoppers found the fire basket to be quite small. To prevent the loss of heat, make sure you keep an eye on the fuel. Other than this, it works just as advertised and I’m confident you’ll be happy with this investment.

Specifications 

  • – Weight: 12kg
  • – Dimensions: 77 x 40 x 80 cm
  • – Indoor/Outdoor Use?: Meant for outdoor use only
  • – Colour Options: Designed with a beautiful and durable 430 stainless steel
  • – Fuel: This oven is fuelled by real wood or charcoal. It’s also gas compatible. 
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Check the latest prices for the Ooni Karu 12 here!

Ooni Karu 16 Overview

The Ooni Karu 16 offers everything the 12 does, with a couple of exceptions. It is designed with a durable, powder-coated carbon steel shell as opposed to the stainless steel body of the 12. It also fits a 16” pizza on the cordierite stone baking board as opposed to a 12” pizza. 

The Ooni Karu 16 reaches a high temperature of 500°C in just 15 minutes and will have pizza ready to eat in as little as 60 seconds. If you wish to fuel with gas, you’ll need to buy the gas burner separately, otherwise, feel free to fuel with wood or charcoal. 

This version is larger and weighs more than the Ooni Karu 12. It’s not as portable as the 12 since it weighs almost double. However, the Ooni Karu 16 offers a professional wood-fired experience suitable for outdoor cooking all year round. You can cook anything from pizza and meats to veggies or dessert.  

Specifications

  • – Weight: 23 kg
  • – Dimensions: 50 x 80 x 85 cm
  • – Indoor/Outdoor Use?: Meant for outdoor use only
  • – Colour Options: Black and silver 
  • – Fuel: This oven is fuelled by real wood or charcoal. It’s also gas compatible.
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Check the latest prices for the Ooni Karu 16 here!‏‏‎

Which Version of the Ooni Karu Is Right For Me? 

The Ooni Karu 12 weighs 12kg, making it easy to transport. However, don’t let the lightness of this oven discourage you from buying. While it’s lightweight and portable, you’ll receive the power and heat of a larger wood-fired oven. 

If you don’t plan to travel with it as much and want a larger oven, the Ooni Karu 16 is a great choice. It has a larger capacity which means you can fit a 16” pizza or two smaller ones. Either version will allow you to make more than just pizza – think flatbreads, meat, fish, or desserts.

The biggest difference between the two is the size. Whichever you go with, keep in mind you’ll be receiving a quality oven that offers maximum heat retention. 

Experience the Ooni Karu Pizza Oven for yourself today!

Our Verdict

If you plan to travel with your oven often, we suggest investing in the Ooni Karu 12 since it’s the lighter model. If you don’t plan to travel with it as much and are looking for a pizza oven with a large cooking surface, you’ll be content with the Ooni Karu 16. It’s great for one large pizza or two 8” pizzas.

 

As far as pizza ovens go, the Ooni Karu is definitely one of our favorites. If you’re looking for high-performing flame power, modern aesthetics, and consistent restaurant-quality foods, the Ooni Karu will be the perfect cooking companion for you!

 

Pros

  • – Multiple fuel options
  • – Folding legs for easy transport 
  • – Powerful flame & heat retention
  • – Fast heating and cooking times
  • – Cooks more than just pizza

Cons

  • – High demand