Do you want the best multi-fuel homemade pizza oven for your next outdoor pizza party?
Then read our latest backyard pizza oven review and comparison!
We’re about to compare the brand new Ooni Karu 16 vs Ooni Karu 12 – the
Which outdoor pizza oven do we recommend for an epic Neapolitan pizza party?
Keep reading to find out!
New Ooni Karu 16 vs Ooni Karu 12
Ooni Karu 16 – Best for Cooking Large Pizzas Quickly
Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The new
The
Easily figure out which Ooni pizza oven is best for you, with comparisons of price, pizza size, fuel type, weight, fuel consumption, gas consumption, and much more.
Ooni Karu 12 – Best for Cooking Smaller Pizzas
Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The
If you’re only cooking pizzas for one – or two, and if you don’t mind cooking smaller pizzas, then the
Ooni Karu 16 vs Ooni Karu 12 – Quick Comparison
| Specifications | Ooni Karu 12 | Ooni Karu 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Dimensions: | 28.7 by 15.7 by 26.6 inches | 33 by 32 by 20 inches |
| Oven Weight: | 26.4 pounds | 62.6 pounds |
| Max Pizza Size: | 12-inches | 16-inches |
| Cooking Surface: | 13.2 inches by 13.2 inches | 16.7 by 16.7 inches |
| Heat Up Time: | 15 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time: | 60 seconds | 60 seconds |
| Fuel Options: | Charcoal, Wood, Gas | Charcoal, Wood, Gas |
| Cost: | $349 | $799 |
| Warranty: | 3 years if you buy on Ooni.com | 3 years if you buy on Ooni.com |
Ooni Karu 16 Review
Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The first thing you’ll notice when comparing the
Karu 16’s size isn’t the only impressive feature – it also cooks large, 16-inch homemade pizzas (and other delectable delicacies) quickly and efficiently.
The
The first and only pizza oven to be ‘Recommended for Domestic Use’ by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Cook with wood or charcoal out of the box, or use gas with the Ooni Karu 16 Gas Burner (sold separately). Reaches 950°F (500°C) in just 15 minutes. Restaurant quality 16" pizza in your own backyard!
You can also use your
You can find the Ooni’s official website. However, the gas extension is selling like hotcakes and it’s currently out of stock! Check back soon for updates.
Even if you don’t want the gas burner, the
If you’ve seen the
The best part is that setting up your
After seasoning your
Yep! Bundles are back! Get in quick before they disappear (again). Read our review before you buy - not all bundles are worth it and some may have changed what's included.
These starter bundles make it super easy to start cooking restaurant-grade pizzas in your own backyard!
Ooni Karu 16 Features and Benefits
When I first laid eyes upon the
Was size the only selling point – or did the Karu 16 have other tricks up its sleeve?
After further investigation, I discovered that the Karu 16 pizza oven is
The following are some of my favorites!
Ooni’s Largest (and Most Advanced) Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
If you don’t like feeling cramped working with smaller cooking surfaces of other pizza ovens, then the Karu 16 gives you enough room to let your culinary creativity flow like a raging river.
Ooni Karu 16’s massive stone floor also gives you tons of cooking versatility.
The closer your food gets to the flame – the hotter the stone gets.
That way, you can manage your backyard pizzas (and other foods) to your preference.
Don’t forget to rotate your pizza every 15 seconds for a fresh, even bake!
(With a mouth-watering pizza aroma that your neighbors will notice!)
ViewFlame Technology
Not only is watching your homemade pizza cook in your
When it comes to cooking the perfect homemade pizza in your backyard – timing is everything!
That’s why the
ViewFlame helps your
On the pizza!
Tips to Get the Most from ViewFlame:
- Fuel Tray – Don’t overfill your fuel tray! Stick to a slow and steady cooking routine for the best results.
- Open Vents – Open the chimney baffle and the ceiling vent to the fully open position when cooking at high temperatures.
- Temperature – Fire your
Ooni Karu 16 to 850 degrees Fahrenheit when baking Neapolitan pizza.
You get maintenance tips, quick-start instructions, plus a handful of succulent-looking homemade recipes that put your Karu 16 oven to good use.
Pizza lovers of the world, rejoice!
Cook Way More Than Just Pizza
Nothing beats the aroma of wood crackling in the backyard as your fire up a thick crust pizza with ripe tomatoes fresh from the garden!
(Add a few slices of pepperoni, prosciutto, and a dash of fetta cheese for serious bonus points.)
But – even though homemade pizza is tough to top – the
The
Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Cooking Ideas for Your Ooni Karu 16:
- Steaks
- Ribs
- Salmon
- Veggie burgers
- Homemade bread
- Calzones
- Pasta dishes
- Grilled veggies
- Legendary grilled potato salad
- Tons more!
My mouth is watering in anticipation as I imagine all of the treats you could prepare with your
What’s Inside the Karu 16 Box
- Ooni Karu 16 chimney cap
- Grate and burner tray
- Defender plate that protects against drafts
- Fuel hatch
- Digital pizza oven thermometer
- Essential pizza oven guide
Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
As you look at your
I’m talking about the massive digital thermometer on the Karu 16 oven’s body!
Now you can get a close look at the internal temperature of your
The thermometer has a large typeface and displays temperatures in either Fahrenheit or Celcius.
Ooni Karu 16 Specs
- Dimensions: 33 by 32 by 20 inches (50 by 81.5 by 83.7 centimeters)
- Box Dimensions: 37.4 by 24 by 15.75 inches (95 by 61 by 40 centimeters)
- Weight: 62.6 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 86.6 pounds
- Cooking Surface: 16.7 by 16.7 inches (42.42 by 42.42 centimeters)
- Baking Stone Width: .6 inches (15 millimeters)
- Body: Pizza oven body of carbon steel (powder coated) and stainless steel
Overall,
The
Ooni Karu 12 Review
Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
After reading my glowing review for the
There are three significant advantages that the
Ooni Karu 12 Advantages
- The
Ooni Karu 12 is much lighter and more portable. - The
Ooni Karu 12 is much cheaper. - The
Ooni Karu 12 has a much smaller profile.
If you want a multi-fuel homemade pizza oven that you can store in your RV, in the back of your truck, or even on your back porch without trouble, then the
Also, please note that while
Ooni Karu 12 Features and Benefits
Thinking twice about the
Maybe you want a pizza oven that’s a tad bit smaller – and more portable?
If so, then let’s take a look at the Karu 12’s features and benefits.
There’s a surprising amount of pizza-cooking engineering jammed into an affordable price point – so let’s investigate!
Portable Pizza Cooking Power
The biggest secret to cooking delicious homemade pizza is the heat!
That’s why I love the
Here’s a tiny pizza oven that fits almost anywhere that also gets up to 932 degrees Fahrenheit. (That’s 500 Celcius.)
Tons of Versatility in A Lightweight Package
Just like the
What do you like to eat?
Seared meat?
Zesty vegetables tickled with natural herbs and open flame?
The Karu 12 can help.
Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Cooking Ideas for Your Ooni Karu 12
- Homemade bread
- 12″ Neapolitan pizza
- Homemade vegetable dishes
- Lasagna and other pasta dishes
- Seafood
- Racks of ribs
- Cheeseburgers
- Mouth-watering chicken
- And more!
When you consider that you can prepare all of these foods (plus more) on the go – it’s easy to see why the
(Me included.)
One of the Most Affordable Homemade Pizza Ovens
The
The Karu 12 costs roughly half of what the Karu 16 costs.
Don’t get me wrong!
The Karu 16 is definitely worth the price – if you cook lots of pizza or love large 16-inch homemade pizzas.
But, if you’re a homesteader on a budget who wants homemade pizza without breaking the piggy bank, then the Karu 12 is worth a second look.
What’s Inside the Karu 12 Box
- Ooni Karu 12 chimney cap
Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The
You can effortlessly cook with either wood or coal out of the box.
If you love to cook ciabatta, focaccia, breadsticks, sourdough, or homemade Italian-style rolls, the Karu 12 makes it fast, easy, and fun.
The homemade bread also tastes delicious when dipped in homemade tomato sauce or olive and garlic oil!
Make sure to heat your tomato sauce or garlic oil just a tad bit for a mouth-watering treat that makes life worth living.
(Try cooking bread with charcoal for a taste that you’ll savor!)
Ooni Karu 12 Specs
- Dimensions: 28.7 by 15.7 by 26.6 inches (73 by 40 by 67 centimeters)
- Box Dimensions: 19.8 by 13.7 by 29.1 inches (50 by 35 by 74 centimeters)
- Weight: 26.4 pounds
- Shipping Weight: 44 pounds
- Cooking Surface: 13.2 inches (33 centimeters)
- Baking Stone Width: .6 inches (1.5 centimeters)
- Body: Glass-reinforced nylon, 430 stainless steel, (brushed)
Even though the
The oven itself is insulated so that you get excellent fuel efficiency.
The Karu 12 also has non-stick legs that feel snug, so your pizza oven doesn’t tip over when you’re maneuvering your pizzas to and from the
When I think of aromatic and smokey flavor without spending too much cash, the
Ooni Karu 12 – Which Is the Best Pizza Oven for You?
Have you ever felt frustrated because pizza delivery never tastes as good as authentic brick oven pizzerias?
Then you need an
They’re my favorite brand after researching various pizza oven manufacturers from all over the planet.
But – which pizza oven is right for you?
Ooni Karu 16 vs the Karu 12?
The Ooni Karu 16 Is for You If:
- You want the latest and greatest pizza oven from
Ooni . - You love 16-inch pizzas straight from the oven.
- You want to cook large skillets of beef, meat, and fresh garden vegetables.
- You love the idea of flame-cooked ribs, chicken, and fresh garden tomatoes.
- You cook pizza for lots of people and host backyard bonanzas!
The Ooni Karu 12 Is for You If:
- You want excellent pizza-cooking technology in a much smaller package.
- You don’t cook 16-inch pizzas and prefer smaller, 12-inch pizzas.
- You use your pizza oven on the go and want a portable option.
- You don’t cook for many people – perhaps just one or two dinner guests.
You get two guarantees from
Guarantee # 1 – Great Pizza Guarantee
If you don’t like your homemade pizza made in your
No stress or haggling required!
You get 60 days to test your homemade pizza oven.
See if the pizza isn’t gratifying and savory.
If you don’t like your
No stress!
Guarantee # 2 – Free 3-Year Warranty
When you buy either Karu pizza oven from
That way, you can host as many pizza parties as you want.
Put your
Make sure to register your pizza oven on
Both Ovens Give You Get Delicious Pizza in 60-Seconds!
Which homemade pizza oven do you prefer?
Karu 12 vs. Karu 16?
I think both are excellent options and you won’t be disappointed with either oven.
In both situations, you can cook pizza with wood-fire or charcoal right from the box.
I promise, the first time you fire up a homemade pizza, your life will change for the better.
Then, as your pizza cooking skills become more advanced – after your 2nd, 5th, and 20th cook – you’ll develop a legendary reputation as the most likable chef, neighbor, and dinner host ever!
(And your friends will gossip behind your back about your elite pizza-cooking skills! – That’s the type of gossip I don’t mind!)
Happy cooking, and thanks for reading!
