Looking to up your pizza-making game? Whether you’re the proud owner of a restaurant pizza oven who is looking for something portable to take out and about or just someone with an affinity for fabulous cheese-and-sauce creations, Ooni Karu vs. Koda are two top-notch wood-fired cooking gadgets worth considering. If you want delicious wood-fired pizzas but can’t decide between these two options, then look no further! In this blog post, we’ll go over how Ooni Karu and Koda compare when it comes to heating performance, portability, baking time, ease of use, cleanup, and more – helping you decide which one best suits your needs. So grab yourself a slice (or four!) and get ready as we deep dive into the world of wood fire ovens.
What Is Ooni Karu?
Whether you’re a backyard barbecue master or setting up the perfect al fresco dining experience – you now have reliable and delicious pizza cooking capabilities in any outdoor space that will amaze your family and friends.
Fueled by either real wood, charcoal, or with the optional gas burner – the Ooni Karu 12 & 16 are powerful ovens that can cook authentic stone-baked pizzas in just 60 seconds. Plus, you don’t even need to leave your home to find what you need! Get wood pellets delivered for an effortless fuel supply, or use charcoal for a smoky flavor.
Ooni Karu 12
Dinner’s never been easier with the Ooni Karu 12! This gas-fueled oven is the ultimate in outdoor grilling and baking. Its specially designed stainless steel chamber reaches a temperature of 950°F (500°C) in a matter of minutes, meaning you’ll be cooking up your favorite dishes in no time! Plus, this incredible oven can cook delicious stone-baked 12” fresh pizzas in an impressive 60 seconds!
It truly is the perfect outdoor companion thanks to its unique design – it fits easily into any space no matter how limited, and at only 26.4 lbs (11.9kg), it’s lightweight too. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, throwing a family BBQ, or just having a pizza night at home, the Ooni Karu 12 will help make your dream meal come true.
After thorough reviews and research, we’re thrilled to conclude that this stroller is a great buy. The majority of buyers have raved about its great quality at a reasonable price. “The wood-fired pizza made with this unit is a significant upgrade in quality compared to pizzas made with a regular oven or grill. The sleek design and top-quality performance make it a great investment. Here are some tips from my experience: using wood saves a lot of energy and the unit is very efficient. A charcoal starter and some briquettes are all you need to get it going. To maintain the flavor of your pizzas, make sure to clean the stone between uses, and adjust the baffle to get an even cook”. Read more other comments here!
Oono Karu 12 Specification
- The cooking surface is 13.2 inches (33cm)
- The oven is made of brushed 430 stainless steel, glass-reinforced nylon
- The oven dimension after unboxing is 31.5 x 15.7 x 30.3″ (80 x 40 x 77cm)
- The weight of the oven after unboxing is 26.4 lbs (11.9kg)
- The oven doesn’t use traditional wood pellets but is fueled by kindling-sized wood logs or charcoal
- The oven features Flame Safety Device (FSD)
- Gas burner attachment (sold separately)
Ooni Karu 16
“I’ve always dreamed of owning a brick pizza oven, but unfortunately, they are illegal in my city for new construction, so we gave up on that dream. However, we stumbled upon a portable oven and decided to give it a try. Our expectations weren’t high, but it’s pizza, so how bad could it be? After making pizza with this oven, I’ve discovered that there is an army of amateur Pizzaiolos out there doing incredible things with small ovens. I’m proud to say that I’ve become one of them! Get more comments about this product here.
When it comes to making pizza just like they do in Naples, Italy — Ooni Karu 16 is calling your name. This pizza oven was expertly crafted and officially ‘Recommended for Domestic Use’ by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana with your favorite pizzas in mind. In less than 15 minutes, you’ll be able to reach a scorching 950°F (500°C) to create the perfect Neapolitan-style pie that will make your tastebuds dance.
Plus, there are all sorts of fuel options like wood, charcoal, and gas so that you can customize each cooking experience. With an improved hinged oven door featuring ViewFlame™ technology, you can watch as every delicious piece of bread gets cooked to crispy perfection. Worried about the ambiance? Don’t be! Because the mounted digital thermometer has you covered with its internal ambient oven temperature readings.
Ooni Karu 16 Specification
- The cooking surface is 16.7 x 16.7 inches (42.42 x 42.42 cm)
- The oven is made of powder-coated carbon steel and stainless steel
- The oven dimension after unboxing is 33 x 32 x 20″ (50 x 81.5 x 83.7 cm)
- The weight of the oven after unboxing is 62.6 lbs (28.4 kg)
- See your food while it cooks without opening the door
- The oven features Flame Safety Device (FSD)
- Expertly optimized airflow engineering ensures that your food cooks evenly and quickly
- The oven can switch between charcoal, wood, and gas for maximum flexibility
What Is Ooni Koda?
The Ooni Koda will take your outdoor cooking to a whole new level! Forget about manual and bulky grills; now, with the Ooni Koda, you can cook up delicious dishes while being able to fit it perfectly in your backyard. This sleek and sturdy infrared gas oven is designed to bring convenience and efficiency into your outdoor cooking experience.
The intuitive design ensures a no-hassle setup so that you can focus on whipping up delicious meals for you and your family. With its wide temperature range, you can bake pizzas, smoke meat, roast vegetables, and much more! What’s more, the included flame guard guarantees safe operation without compromising on performance – ensuring your food tastes just as good as it looks. So if you’re looking for an efficient cooking solution with unbeatable results, the Ooni Koda is the perfect choice!
Ooni Koda 12
Transform your outdoor space into a culinary playground with Ooni Koda 12! With minimal assembly, it’s as simple as flipping open the legs, connecting to a gas tank, and turning on the heat – you’ll be ready to cook in only 15 minutes. Once you fire up the Ooni Koda 12, you can create mouthwatering 12” stone-baked pizzas in 60 seconds, so you’re free to keep time for more important things. Experience ultimate control, with impressive temperatures up to 950°F (500°C) and an adjustable heat control dial. Make use of your outdoor cooking area year-round – snacks, fish, vegetables, and steaks are all possible with this portable gas-fueled oven.
Ooni Koda 12 Specification
- The cooking surface is 13.2 inches (33cm)
- The oven is made of high-temperature resistant powder coating material
- The oven dimension after unboxing is 24.4 x 15.5 x 11.7″ (62 x 39 x 29cm)
- The weight of the oven after unboxing is 20.2lbs (9.2kg)
- The oven is quick to assemble, with no tools required
- The oven is compatible with a large propane tank with Flame Safety Device (FSD) feature
- The oven is not compatible with natural gas
Ooni Koda 16
Experience the ultimate pizza-cooking power with the Ooni Koda 16! This powerful outdoor oven is designed to take your grilling experience to the next level. With your choice of easy-to-use propane or natural gas fuel sources, you have complete control over your cooking. Whether you’re having a pizza night with family and friends or a special occasion celebrating something bigger, the Ooni Koda 16 makes it easy to cook fresh stone-baked pizzas in just sixty seconds – ensuring you get that delicious restaurant-quality flavor every time.
Plus, its extra-large cooking surface is perfect for making those other favorites like meat joints and bread. And, thanks to its innovative L-shaped flame design, all it takes is one turn for effortless, even heating for every ingredient combination. Take the stress out of outdoor cooking; trust the Ooni Koda 16 for reliably delicious results!
Ooni Koda 16 Specification
- The cooking surface is 40.64 cm (16 inches)
- The oven is made of a durable, powder-coated carbon steel shell, and high insulation
- The oven dimension after unboxing is 25 x 23.2 x 14.7″ (63 x 58 x 37cm)
- The weight of the oven after unboxing is 39.2 lbs (17.8kg)
- The oven has an L-shaped gas burner for heat distribution, and Flame Safety Device (FSD) feature
- The oven is compatible with a propane tank and natural gas
Ooni Karu Vs Koda: Which One Fits You?
Ooni Koda and Karu are both excellent pizza ovens that will help you make delicious pizzas at home. Both have their own unique features, and it all depends on what type of cooking experience you’re looking for.
Size
The Ooni Koda is more compact and portable than the Karu, so if you want something that can fit into a smaller space or can be easily moved around, then the Ooni Koda is your best choice. However, the Karu is larger and offers more cooking space if you need to make larger pizzas or prepare multiple dishes at once.
Fuel Type
The Ooni Karu is more versatile when it comes to fuel type, as you can use wood, charcoal, and gas. The Ooni Koda is only compatible with propane, and only Ooni Koda 16 is compatible with natural gas.
Price
The Ooni Karu is a bit more expensive than the Ooni Koda, but it comes with features like ViewFlame™ technology and a thermometer that gives you precise readings of the oven’s internal temperature. The Ooni Koda is a great option if you’re on a budget, as it offers good value for money.
Pizza Quality
In terms of pizza quality, both ovens are great and will give you delicious results. The Ooni Karu has a slightly larger cooking area, so it can cook larger pizzas faster than the Koda model. The ViewFlame™ technology also ensures that your food is cooked evenly and quickly.
Also, if you are a big fan of smoky flavor, then the Ooni Karu, with its wood and charcoal options, will give you that delicious smoky flavor. However, the Ooni Koda comes with optimized airflow engineering that ensures your food cooks evenly and quickly.
Heating Time
The Ooni Karu takes about 15 minutes to heat up, and the Koda model takes around 20 minutes.
If you want an efficient and affordable pizza oven, then the Ooni Koda is the best choice for you. For more versatility and better results, consider going with the Ooni Karu. Whichever one you choose, both will help you take your outdoor cooking experience to a whole new level!
Assemble Difficulties
Both ovens are easy to assemble and can be set up in minutes. The Ooni Koda has minimal assembly with no tools required, while the Ooni Karu requires a few simple steps for setup. Both come with clear instructions that are easy to follow.
Safety Features
Both models come with a Flame Safety Device (FSD) feature that will cut off the gas in case of emergency. In detail, it will not stop the release of gas if the thermocouple does not detect the temperature level or the heat reaches an unsafe level. This ensures safety when cooking with a gas fuel source.
Verdict
Both the Ooni Koda and Ooni Karu are excellent pizza ovens that will help you create amazing recipes in your backyard. The Ooni Koda is more affordable, compact, and portable, while the Ooni Karu offers more versatility with its wood, charcoal, and gas fuel options, as well as additional features like ViewFlame™ technology.
Ultimately, it all depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly gas oven that can deliver restaurant-quality results, then the Ooni Koda is the perfect choice. However, if you want to try out something more versatile and have more control over your cooking experience, then consider going with the Ooni Karu. Whichever one you choose, both will help elevate your outdoor cooking experience!
What Wood Should You Use For Ooni Oven?
Hardwoods such as oak, hickory, cherry, and maple all work well and deliver delicious smoky flavors. For convenience, pre-dried wood chips or pellets are also available for purchase in many outdoor stores.
The manufacturer recommends using kindling to get the fire going and then adding larger pieces of wood for more flavor. It is important to keep in mind that softwoods such as pine should not be used as they can cause excessive smoke and creosote buildup, which can damage your oven over time.
Should You Need A Pizza Peel For Ooni Oven?
A pizza peel can be beneficial when cooking with the Ooni ovens. Not only does it make transferring your pizza onto the oven stone easier, but it also helps to keep your hands safe from burning.
Pizza peels are available in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can find one that fits your needs best. Wood or metal peels both work well – just make sure to season them before use if they’re made of wood so they won’t stick to the dough.
Tips To Use The Ooni With Wood And Charcoal
When using wood fuel for the Ooni Karu, make sure to use dry, seasoned wood that is easy to ignite. Pre-dried wood chips or pellets are also available for purchase which are convenient and easy to use.
It’s essential to set up a fireproof base under your oven to prevent any potential fire hazard. Once you’ve got your wood fuel ready, use kindling to get the fire going, and then add larger pieces of wood for more flavor. Make sure to always keep the lid closed when not actively feeding the flame – this will help ensure that your food cooks evenly and quickly.
For charcoal, it’s best to use lump charcoal as it is easier to ignite and will burn more efficiently than briquettes. Make sure to light your charcoal in a well-ventilated area, as it can produce a lot of smoke when first lit. Once the coals have reached their optimal temperature, they should be spread evenly under the oven for even cooking.
Tips To Use The Ooni Oven With Gas
When using a gas fuel for the Ooni Koda or Karu, make sure to use the correct hose and regulator for your specific oven. If using propane, connect the regulator to a standard 20 lbs/9 kg propane tank. For natural gas, you will need to hire an authorized technician who can help you set up the connection to your home’s gas line.
Once your fuel is set up, you can use the dial on the oven to adjust the heat settings and get your desired cooking temperature. Make sure not to exceed 950°F (500°C), as this could damage your oven over time. Finally, always ensure that your gas connection is turned off when not in use.
How To Cook Pizza With Ooni Karu?
Cooking pizza with the Ooni Karu is easy and simple. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) by using wood, charcoal, or gas fuel. Then stretch out your dough on a lightly floured surface before transferring it onto a well-floured pizza peel. To prevent sticking, make sure to slide the pizza off the peel quickly and smoothly into your oven.
Cooking times will vary depending on what type of pizza you’re making, so keep an eye on it as it cooks. If you are making Napoletana-style pizza, it should take less than 60 seconds. Once the pizza is done cooking, carefully use the peel to remove it from the oven, and enjoy!
What Is The Best Way To Maintain Ooni Oven?
To keep your Ooni oven in tip-top shape, it is essential to give it regular maintenance. After each use, make sure to clean the oven with a damp cloth and remove any ash or debris from the inside. You should also wipe down the outside of the oven with a dry cloth to get rid of any grease or dirt that may have accumulated during cooking.
When you’re not using your Ooni oven, store it away from moisture and direct sunlight in a secure location. Additionally, periodically inspect all components for signs of damage or wear and tear so that you can replace them promptly if needed. Following these simple steps will help ensure that your Ooni oven lasts for many years!
FAQs
Is the Ooni Koda Safe To Use With Gas?
Yes, the Ooni Koda is designed for safety when used with gas. It features a built-in thermocouple that continuously monitors the temperature and will shut off the fuel supply if it reaches an unsafe level.
Can You Cook Anything Other Than Pizza In The Ooni Ovens?
Yes, the Ooni oven can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from pizza to roasted vegetables and even desserts. With its superfast pre-heating times and temperatures that can reach up to 932°F (500°C), you’ll be able to whip up delicious dishes in no time!
Does The Ooni Oven Come With A Warranty?
Yes, the Ooni Koda comes with a 1-year warranty on all parts and labor. For more information, please refer to the manufacturer’s website.
Can You Use Wood Pellets In My Ooni Karu?
Yes, you can use wood pellets in your Ooni Karu oven. Pre-dried wood chips or pellets are available for purchase in many outdoor stores and are convenient to use. Just make sure to only use hardwoods such as oak, hickory, cherry, and maple, as softwoods like pine could damage the oven over time.
Can You Get Free Shipping When Purchasing An Ooni Oven?
Yes, free shipping is available when purchasing an Ooni oven from select retailers.
How Often Should You Clean The Ooni Oven?
It is recommended to clean the Ooni oven after each use. This will help ensure that your oven stays in good working condition and will help prevent any debris or grease from accumulating over time. Wipe down the inside of the oven with a damp cloth and remove any ash or debris, then wipe down the outside with a dry cloth to get rid of any grease or dirt. Additionally, periodically inspect all components for signs of damage or wear and tear so that you can replace them promptly if needed.
Can You Use A Pizza Peel To Cook With An Ooni Oven?
Yes, a pizza peel is essential when cooking with an Ooni oven as it helps to transfer the pizza onto the oven and remove it once it is cooked. Make sure to use a well-floured peel to prevent sticking, and slide the pizza off quickly and smoothly into the oven. You may also want to season your peel if it’s made of wood so that it won’t stick to the dough.
Can Ooni Koda and Karu Be Used Outdoors?
Yes, the Ooni Koda can be used outdoors as long as it is in a well-ventilated area and away from any flammable materials. Just make sure to always keep an eye on your oven when in use and never leave it unattended.
How To Clean The Ash After Using The Ooni Karu?
After using the Ooni Karu, it is important to clean out the ash and debris from the inside of the oven. The easiest way to do this is by using a damp cloth or brush to sweep out all of the ashes from the bottom and sides. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment for small particles if necessary. Additionally, make sure to wipe down the outside of the oven with a dry cloth to get rid of any grease or dirt that may have accumulated during cooking.
Conclusion
What you choose in the Ooni Karu vs Koda decision depends on your needs and desires when it comes to pizza. If you want a charcoal-cooked pizza quickly, then the Ooni Karu is your go-to choice. But if you want ultimate control over every aspect of the cooking process, and have a bit more time to spare, then the Koda is the obvious answer. Both ovens are equally powerful when it comes to infrared heating, meaning whichever one you buy will give you delicious results every time. Let’s grab anyone and start turning out delicious pizzas with all of the fresh ingredients your heart desires!
Iris Harper is a professional writer and restaurant set up consultant. She has over 10 years of experience in the food industry, and loves providing her clients with top-quality service. Her food reviews are highly sought after, as she has a knack for discovering new and delicious pizza creations.
Purchasing the Ooni multi fuel oven, cover and table have been a great investment for enjoying wood-fired pizza at home, although an all-encompassing cover would be appreciated.