After using the Ooni Karu 12 multi-fuel pizza oven for over a year, it’s time to provide an in-depth review. This oven allows you to cook pizzas with both wood and gas, providing flexibility and authentic wood-fired flavor when desired. In this review, I’ll touch on the build quality, ease of use, and cleaning/maintenance for the Ooni Karu 12.
While the quality has held up well over a year of use, managing the wood fuel can prove challenging, especially for larger gatherings.
The compact size makes it easy to store and the dual fuel capabilities allow you to choose between wood flavor or convenient gas. While some compromises exist, the Ooni Karu 12 still provides an exceptional home pizza making experience. Read on for the full review based on a year’s experience using this multi-fuel backyard pizza oven.
Why It Is the best choice for pizza Oven?
The Ooni Karu 12 multi-fuel pizza oven stands out as the best option for several key reasons. It can reach extremely high temperatures up to 950°F to cook authentic wood-fired pizza.
The ability to use multiple fuel sources like wood, charcoal, or gas makes it adaptable for any situation. Easy portability with compact size and lightweight let you cook pizza anywhere. Precise temperature control options ensure perfect results every time.
Durable quality materials and sleek modern aesthetics make a stylish statement. Most importantly, the Karu 12 consistently delivers restaurant-quality pizza with an even bake and delicious smoky flavor other ovens can’t match. It’s simply the ultimate backyard pizza experience.
Overview of the Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Ooni is a leading manufacturer of high-quality outdoor pizza ovens, known for enabling users to make restaurant-quality pizzas from the comfort of their own backyard. The Ooni Karu 12 is one of their newest multi-fuel models, allowing cooking with both wood and gas. This provides flexibility while still delivering authentic wood-fired flavor when desired.
The Ooni Karu 12 is constructed from durable powder-coated steel and uses a patented multi-fuel burner to reach temperatures up to 950°F. It comes equipped with a cordierite pizza stone and is compact and portable. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, ease of use, cleaning, and overall value of the Ooni Karu 12 after using it for a year.
How does the Ooni Karu 12 work?
The Ooni Karu 12 is a portable wood-fired pizza oven that can reach temperatures up to 950°F. It is designed to cook authentic wood-fired pizza in 60 seconds or less.
To start, assemble the Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven. The legs snap securely into place. Attach the chimney top using the provided screws. Once assembled, put the oven on a flat, fireproof surface outside.
Before firing up the oven, it’s important to cure it to burn off any manufacturing residues. This involves running the oven at its maximum temperature for 30-40 minutes without any food inside. After curing, the oven is ready for cooking.
To begin a fire in the Ooni Karu 12, pile kindling and wood pellets into the oven’s center cavity. Light the firestarter and allow the flames to build. Add more fuel as needed until the internal oven temperature reaches around 700°F. At this point, switch to hardwood chunks to achieve and maintain temperatures between 800-950°F.
Once the oven has preheated, it’s time to cook pizza! Stretch or roll out pizza dough into 12-inch rounds. Top the pizza and slide it into the oven using the integrated pizza peel. The pizza should take only 60-90 seconds to cook in the Karu 12. Use the peel to rotate and check the bottom crust during cooking. When the pizza is finished, remove it from the oven using the peel.
The Ooni Karu 12 bakes pizza rapidly using radiant heat from its stone baking surface and flames from burning wood. This fast, high heat makes pizza crusts beautifully charred and blistered like a classic pizza oven. With a bit of experience, you can use the portable Ooni Karu 12 to make incredible wood-fired pizza at home.
Detailed Examination of the Ooni Karu 12’s Features
The Ooni Karu 12 comes with several features that enable convenient outdoor pizza cooking:
- Multi-Fuel Capability: The main highlight is the ability to cook with both wood and gas, using a patented burner design. This provides authentic wood-fired flavor when desired or convenient gas fuel for quick, consistent heating.
- High-Temperature Performance: The oven can reach over 950°F, ideal for replicating the fast, intense heat of a brick pizza oven. This enables rapid Neapolitan style pizza cooking.
- Durable Construction: Built from powder-coated stainless steel, it resists corrosion and rust. The pizza stone is made from cordierite, providing excellent heat retention and distribution.
- Portability: Weighing just 22 lbs, the Ooni Karu 12 can be transported using the included carry strap. Foldable legs make storage compact.
- Rapid Assembly: Most users report taking only 10-15 minutes to fully assemble the unit. Intuitive design makes set-up hassle-free.
- Temperature Control: Users can finely control the temperature during cooking for precision heating. The flame viewing window lets users monitor the fire.
- Wood Burning Capacity: The oven can hold enough wood to cook 3-4 pizzas without refueling. Large rear opening simplifies adding more wood.
Comparative Analysis
Based on customer reviews, users praise the Ooni Karu 12 for its consistent cooking performance, authentic wood-fired taste, and rapid pre-heating. Many reviewers mention using the oven 1-2 times per week thanks to its convenience. Favorable feedback also centers around the sturdy but portable stainless steel construction.
On the downside, some users say managing the wood fuel can be tricky compared to gas. Finding the right type of wood in optimal sizes is key to maintaining cooking temperatures. Having a good instant read thermometer helps monitor heat. Others wish the oven included a cover or had metal legs rather than plastic.
Overall, most users are extremely satisfied with the Ooni Karu 12, mentioning it delivers quality results once you get the hang of operating it. Interested buyers should be prepared for a learning curve as they get used to managing the wood fuel according to their specific needs.
Related post: Ooni Karu 16 vs Ooni Koda 16 – Which is Better?
User Experience and Feedback
With an MSRP of $699, the Ooni Karu 12 sits at the higher end of price within the home outdoor pizza oven market. However, given its dual fuel capabilities, premium build quality, and cooking performance, most reviewers find it offers strong value for money. When comparing it to similar multi-fuel ovens, the Karu 12 comes in at a very competitive price point.
With the ability to use wood or gas fuel, the Ooni Karu 12 oven is ideal for home pizza lovers who want authentic wood-fired flavor. Though an investment, it can save money versus take-out pizza and provides versatility and quality to make excellent pizzas for years to come.
Value for Money
With an MSRP of $699, the Ooni Karu 12 sits at the higher end of price within the home outdoor pizza oven market. However, given its dual fuel capabilities, premium build quality, and cooking performance, most reviewers find it offers strong value for money. When comparing it to similar multi-fuel ovens, the Karu 12 comes in at a very competitive price point.
For those who plan to make wood-fired pizza regularly, the ability to also use convenient gas fuel makes the Ooni Karu 12 worth the price. Taken care of properly, it should provide many years of outdoor pizza enjoyment. Considering the costs of take-out pizza, the oven can save you money in the long run as well.
Who Should Buy the Ooni Karu 12?
The Ooni Karu 12 caters best to several types of pizza enthusiasts:
- Those wanting authentic restaurant-quality Neapolitan pizza from their backyard
- Cooks interested in recreating both wood-fired and gas pizza styles
- Families or entertainers cooking pizza frequently for large gatherings
- Camping lovers who want gourmet pizza even when outdoors
- Anyone passionate about making pizza and willing to learn proper oven techniques
- Those who value both convenience and authenticity
While beginners may face a learning curve, the Ooni Karu 12 provides long-term versatility. With the right dedication, home chefs can craft incredible pizzas tailored to any flavor preference and cooking style.
What fuels can the Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven use?
The Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven permits utilizing various fuel sources. This adaptability distinguishes the Karu 12 from ovens accepting just one fuel.
Three prime fuels owners can employ to operate the Ooni Karu 12: timber, charcoal, and propane gas. Hardwoods like oak impart a smoky essence to pizzas.
Lump charcoal or briquettes also suit the Karu 12, burning at high temperatures to swiftly cook pizzas. Natural lump charcoal provides an authentic charred flavor.
Additionally, a propane burner attachment can be added to allow precise temperature control. The capacity to utilize wood, charcoal, or propane makes the Ooni Karu 12 extremely versatile.
Owners can experiment with each fuel type to determine their preference for flavor, cost, and simplicity of operation.
How do you clean the Ooni Karu 12?
- Allow the oven to fully cool before cleaning. Avoid cleaning when hot, as this can damage the interior.
- Use a soft brush to sweep out excess ash and debris from the oven floor and walls after each use.
- The stone baking board is removable and can be cleaned with hot, soapy water and a plastic brush or scraper. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing. Avoid abrasives that could scratch the stone.
- Wipe down the outer oven surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust and splatters. For a deeper clean, use a multi-surface cleaner and rinse.
- Check and clear any build up of ash or soot in the chimney top occasionally.
- Avoid spraying the porous interior stone and felt with water or harsh chemicals that could be absorbed. Instead, clean spills right away with a soft brush or dry cloth.
- For a deep clean to prevent smoke flavor transfer, remove internal parts and use a vacuum and soft brush to get into crevices. Wipe out the cavity thoroughly before reassembling.
- Regular gentle brushing of ash and careful surface cleaning will keep the Ooni Karu 12 in great shape for wood-fired cooking. Proper care extends the life of the oven.
Conclusion
The Ooni Karu 12 is an exceptional multi-fuel outdoor pizza oven that enables anyone to make delicious wood-fired pizza at home. Its powerful burner quickly reaches the high temperatures needed to cook authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas with crispy crust and melted cheese in just 60 seconds. Despite its compact size, the Karu 12 can accommodate 12-inch pizzas, turning your backyard into a personal pizzeria.
Fueled by wood pellets or charcoal, it provides the smoky wood-fired flavor that pizza connoisseurs crave. The portable oven is also easy to use and maintain. While an investment upfront, the Karu 12’s impressive performance and durability deliver lasting value. For pizza lovers seeking the authentic taste and experience of brick-oven pizza outside their kitchen, Ooni’s Karu 12 is an unrivaled outdoor oven that won’t disappoint.
FAQs
What fuels can you use with the Ooni Karu 12?
The Ooni Karu 12 is extremely versatile and can use wood pellets, charcoal, or gas as fuel. Wood pellets create an authentic wood-fired flavor, while charcoal brings a char-grilled taste. The gas burner attachment allows for convenient cooking.
How long does it take to preheat the Ooni Karu 12?
The Ooni Karu 12 preheats rapidly, reaching over 900°F in just 15 minutes with wood pellets. With charcoal, it takes about 20 minutes. The gas burner attachment heats up the oven in only 10 minutes.
What size pizzas can you cook in the Ooni Karu 12?
The Ooni Karu 12 can cook 12-inch pizzas, which is the standard size for a single-serving Neapolitan-style pizza. Its dimensions are optimized for 12-inch pizzas but it can fit slightly larger pies up to 13 inches.
Is the Ooni Karu 12 portable?
Weighing only 27 pounds, the Ooni Karu 12 is highly portable. Its compact size and included carry cover make it easy to take on camping trips, to the beach, or tailgating. The detachable chimney and burner allow for convenient transport.
What special features does the Ooni Karu 12 have?
Key features of the Ooni Karu 12 include the circular multi-fuel burner, built-in thermometer, cordierite stone baking board, and insulated body. It also includes the signature Ooni door for safely checking on pizzas.
What accessories are available for the Ooni Karu 12?
Ooni offers a range of accessories like the gas burner attachment, wood pellet holder, pizza peel, infrared thermometer, and Ooni Modular Table. These enhance usability and enable you to get the most out of the Ooni Karu 12.
Since a young age, my love for pizza has only grown stronger. As a writer, I am dedicated my career to exploring the art behind a perfect pie. From the crisp crunch of the crust to the perfect blend of savory sauce and gooey cheese, I dedicated to captures the essence of what makes pizza so beloved. With each article, I hopes to inspire others to share in my passion for this timeless dish.