Ooni Karu Pizza Oven 12 Vs 16: Which One Is Right For You? (size, Features, Price Comparison)

In the realm of outdoor cooking, few things can beat the satisfaction of firing up a pizza oven and creating your own delicious, wood-fired pizzas. Ooni, a leading brand in the pizza oven industry, offers two exceptional models that have captured the attention of pizza enthusiasts worldwide: the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Karu 16. Both ovens promise to deliver authentic, pizzeria-quality pizzas in the comfort of your own backyard, but which one is the right choice for you? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of the Ooni Karu 12 vs 16 to help you make an informed decision.

Fuel Efficiency: Gas vs. Wood vs. Charcoal

The Ooni Karu 12 offers three fuel options: gas, wood, and charcoal, while the Ooni Karu 16 is limited to gas and wood. Gas provides the convenience of instant ignition and precise temperature control, making it a great choice for beginners or those who value ease of use. Wood and charcoal offer a more traditional pizza-making experience, imparting a distinctive smoky flavor to your creations. Ultimately, the choice of fuel depends on your personal preferences and cooking style.

Cooking Capacity: Size Matters

The Ooni Karu 12 features a 12-inch cooking surface, while the Ooni Karu 16 boasts a generous 16-inch cooking surface. The larger cooking area of the Karu 16 allows you to cook larger pizzas or multiple pizzas simultaneously. If you’re planning on hosting pizza parties or cooking for a large family, the Karu 16 is the clear winner in terms of cooking capacity.

Temperature Range and Cooking Speed

Both the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Karu 16 can reach exceptionally high temperatures, up to 950°F (510°C), ensuring that your pizzas cook quickly and evenly. The Karu 12 typically heats up in 15-20 minutes, while the Karu 16 takes slightly longer, around 20-25 minutes. Once heated, both ovens can cook a pizza in just 60-90 seconds, delivering perfectly crispy crusts and melted cheese.

Portability and Storage

The Ooni Karu 12 is the more portable of the two ovens, weighing in at just 26.5 pounds (12 kilograms) and featuring foldable legs for easy storage. The Karu 16, on the other hand, is slightly heavier at 37 pounds (17 kilograms) and has fixed legs. While both ovens can be moved around, the Karu 12 is better suited for those who want to take their pizza oven on camping trips or picnics.

Accessories and Features

Ooni offers a wide range of accessories for both the Karu 12 and the Karu 16, including pizza peels, turning boards, and covers. The Karu 16 comes with a built-in thermometer, making it easier to monitor the temperature inside the oven. Additionally, the Karu 16 has a larger fuel hopper, allowing for longer cooking sessions without having to refill.

Price and Value for Money

The Ooni Karu 12 is priced at around $299, while the Ooni Karu 16 retails for around $399. Both ovens offer excellent value for money, considering their exceptional performance and the quality of the materials used in their construction. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your budget and specific requirements.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Ooni Karu Pizza Oven for You

After carefully comparing the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Karu 16, it’s clear that both ovens are capable of producing delicious, authentic pizzas. The choice between the two comes down to your individual needs and preferences.

• If you’re a beginner or value convenience, the Ooni Karu 12 is a great option, offering multiple fuel options and a compact design.
• If you’re looking for a larger cooking surface, the Ooni Karu 16 is the better choice, allowing you to cook larger pizzas or multiple pizzas simultaneously.
• If portability is a priority, the Ooni Karu 12 is the clear winner, weighing less and featuring foldable legs for easy storage.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which Ooni Karu pizza oven is better for cooking multiple pizzas?

A: The Ooni Karu 16 is better suited for cooking multiple pizzas due to its larger cooking surface.

Q: Can I use the Ooni Karu pizza ovens indoors?

A: No, both the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Karu 16 are designed for outdoor use only.

Q: What is the maximum temperature that the Ooni Karu pizza ovens can reach?

A: Both the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Karu 16 can reach temperatures up to 950°F (510°C).

Q: How long does it take to heat up the Ooni Karu pizza ovens?

A: The Ooni Karu 12 typically heats up in 15-20 minutes, while the Karu 16 takes slightly longer, around 20-25 minutes.

Q: How long does it take to cook a pizza in the Ooni Karu pizza ovens?

A: Once heated, both ovens can cook a pizza in just 60-90 seconds.