Ooni Karu 12

In this ooni karu 12 review, the Ooni Karu 12 is the best value multi-fuel outdoor pizza oven in our 2026 guide, ranking third out of nine models at $248.95. It holds a 4.6-star average from 651 Amazon ratings, and it bakes a 12-inch pizza in 60 seconds once the oven hits 950°F. That heat arrives in roughly 15 minutes, which is fast for a wood-fired oven of this size. The Karu 12 suits renters, campers and backyard cooks who want one oven that runs on wood or charcoal now and propane later with a separate burner. By contrast, a dedicated gas model never gives you the option of a live fire.

The Karu 12 reaches temperatures up to 950°F thanks to a redesigned fuel tray that pushes air into the flame, so wood and charcoal burn hot and clean. In practice, that airflow is what turns a small 26.4-pound oven into a serious searing tool. The body measures 31.5 inches deep, 15.8 inches wide and 30.3 inches tall, with a 12-inch cooking capacity, so it fits one pie at a time on the included pizza stone. Meanwhile, brushed aluminum and stainless steel keep the weight down for carrying, and the fold-down legs and removable chimney make packing simple. On top of that, a simple knob control and the multi-fuel design let you cook steak, fish or vegetables in a cast iron pan, not just pizza. You do need to refuel by hand and rotate each pie in front of the flame.

At $248.95, the Ooni Karu 12 undercuts most multi-fuel ovens in our guide, and the included pizza stone means no extra purchase on day one. That said, propane fans should budget for the Ooni gas burner attachment, which is sold separately and raises the real cost of a gas setup. Even so, wood and charcoal cost little, so the running price per pizza stays low compared with a pure gas oven. The one-year manufacturer limited warranty is shorter than some rivals offer, which is worth noting for heavy users. For a portable oven that hits 950°F, folds into a car trunk and cooks a 12-inch pizza in about a minute, the Karu 12 is the value pick. If you want set-and-forget gas cooking with no fire tending, buy a dedicated gas oven instead.