Ooni Karu 12G: Features and Price of this Charcoal, Wood, and Gas Pizza Oven – Test and Review

In 2023, Ooni released two new models of ovens: the Volt 12, which is fully electric, and the Karu 12G. The Karu 12G is actually an improvement on the original Karu 12, a versatile oven that was very successful. What makes this Karu 12G better than its predecessor? And what is its price? As someone who has tested most of Ooni’s ovens, I can provide you with a comprehensive review of this new Karu 12G. Let’s discover together everything you need to know before buying it.

Technical specifications of the Ooni Karu 12G

The Ooni Karu 12G is a versatile oven that allows you to cook with wood, charcoal, or propane gas using an adapter. It has a 33 cm cooking surface, similar to the Karu 12. The oven is lightweight, portable, and easy to disassemble for storage and transportation. One of the new features is the new insulated borosilicate glass door, which replaces the old heat retention door and also includes a handle. Another new feature is the integrated thermometer on the side of the oven. If you want to learn more about the Ooni Karu 12G, you can visit their website by clicking here!

Unboxing the Package

When you open the box of the Karu 12G, you will find the main body of the oven, the fuel tray, the fuel grate, the 33 cm cordierite cooking stone, the oven door, the fuel hatch door, the air flow plate, the chimney and its cap, a Torx key, the manual and first cook guide, as well as the warranty card.

The Karu 12G makes a great first impression with its sturdy powder-coated carbon steel design. It is also more aesthetically pleasing than its predecessor, with its two-tone colors and angular shapes. It fits perfectly into the brand’s new range of ovens, unlike the original Karu 12, which resembles the older models.

Once again, Ooni does not provide a pizza peel or a gas burner with the Karu 12G (just like with the Karu 12). Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a compatible pizza peel. If you already own the Karu 12, the accessories are fully compatible with the Karu 12G, which is very convenient.

Now, let’s see how this oven performs once it is up and running.

Starting up and operating the device

The Ooni Karu 12G pizza oven is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Karu 12. It offers greater convenience with features such as an integrated thermometer, a glass door, and a handy handle. The built-in thermometer makes temperature management easier, while the glass door allows you to monitor your pizza’s cooking progress without constantly opening the oven. Additionally, the door’s « ClearView » technology ensures clear visibility without soot or ash. The large handle remains cool, making it easy to open and close the oven during cooking while keeping the heat inside. The Karu 12G lives up to its promise of heating up to 450 degrees in just 15 minutes, and it provides better heat retention, saving on gas and fuel. With this oven, you can create delicious pizzas cooked to perfection in no time.

Quality of cooking our pizzas

The cooking quality of pizzas in the Ooni Karu 12G pizza oven is truly remarkable. This oven allows you to achieve perfectly cooked pizzas, with a beautiful leopard-like coloring and that famous characteristic « crust » of Neapolitan pizzas. The taste is incomparable compared to a regular home oven. Simply flipping the pizza ensures a perfect cooking on all edges. Additionally, the 33 cm cooking surface is large enough to make good-sized pizzas.

The Price of the Ooni Karu 12G

The Ooni Karu 12G pizza oven is priced at €429 including VAT, which is an €80 increase compared to the previous version, the Karu 12 Classic. However, I believe that this price is justified considering the improvements made to the oven. The brand promises a 36% reduction in gas consumption compared to previous models, as well as a fuel consumption of only 1.1 kg for 10 pizzas, compared to 1.5 kg for the Karu 12. I highly recommend purchasing the Ooni Karu 12G from the brand’s website, as this will provide you with a 5-year warranty and quality after-sales service. To view the Ooni Karu 12G oven on the brand’s website, you can follow this link!

Final Thoughts: Our Review of the Ooni Karu 12G

In summary, the Ooni Karu 12G pizza oven is one of the most advanced models from the brand. It maintains the qualities of its predecessor while making necessary adjustments. With features like an integrated thermometer, a new door, a front handle, and an overall improved design, the Karu 12G is undoubtedly superior to the Karu 12. If you’re interested, you can check the availability of the Ooni Karu 12G here!

What we loved

The Ooni Karu 12G pizza oven offers several improvements compared to its predecessor, the Karu 12. It features a built-in thermometer for easy temperature monitoring and a glass door that allows you to watch your pizza cook. With a cool-touch handle, it ensures safe handling. The Karu 12G is also compatible with accessories from the Karu 12, expanding your cooking possibilities. Additionally, it consumes less fuel, making it more cost-effective in the long run.

What we didn’t like

The Ooni Karu 12G pizza oven is a popular choice for pizza lovers who want to create delicious homemade pizzas. It offers great versatility, allowing you to cook pizzas quickly and efficiently. However, it’s important to mention that the oven doesn’t come with a pizza peel or a gas adapter. If you have any experience using this oven, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. Stay tuned for more exciting content on the blog! Happy cooking!