Are you looking for amazing outdoor pizza-making capabilities from the comfort of your own backyard? Look no further than to the two premium, wood-fired ovens that Ooni offers: the Ooni Koda vs Karu. Both are constructed with stainless steel bodies, offer eye-catching designs to fit any decorating style, and can cook delicious pizzas in just 60 seconds! But how do these two powerful outdoor ovens differ? Read on to learn about both options and decide which one is right for you.
Contents
- 1 Introducing the Ooni Koda
- 2 Introducing the Ooni Karu
- 3 The comparing between the Ooni Koda vs Karu
- 4 The design and size
- 5 The features
- 6 The quality and performance
- 7 The cooking temperature and time
- 8 The cost each type – Ooni Koda vs Karu
- 9 Which is Ooni Koda or Ooni Karu better?
- 10 Pros and cons of Ooni Koda vs Karu
- 11 The pros of Ooni Koda vs Ooni Karu
- 12 The cons of Ooni Koda vs Ooni Karu
- 13 Chossing Ooni Koda or Ooni Karu by your needs
- 14 Top recipes to make using an Ooni Koda or a Ooni Karu
- 15 How to use the Ooni Koda vs Karu?
- 16 Steps to use the Ooni Koda
- 17 Steps to use the Ooni Karu
- 18 Tips for safely using Ooni Koda or Ooni Karu
- 19 Conclusion: Ooni Koda vs Karu
- 20 FAQ: Ooni Koda or Ooni Karu
- 21 Why do my pizzas always burn OONI Koda?
- 22 Can OONI Karu stay outside?
- 23 Can I use my Ooni Karu in the rain?
- 24 Is Ooni Karu waterproof?
- 25 Why is my OONI Karu not getting hot enough?
- 26 What is the best wood for OONI Karu pizza oven?
- 27 What is the best fuel for OONI Karu?
- 28 Is OONI Koda big enough?
- 29 Why do my pizzas always burn OONI Koda?
- 30 Can you use OONI Karu without chimney?
Introducing the Ooni Koda
The Ooni Koda is an all-in-one, gas-powered outdoor pizza oven that offers amazing versatility. The oven comes with a removable stone baking board for perfect pizza crusts and its features include a flame keeper shield to ensure even heat distribution. The Koda also has an insulated stainless steel body for efficient cooking and a detachable chimney system that allows you to dial in the perfect temperature for your pizza.

Introducing the Ooni Karu
The Ooni Karu, meanwhile, is a wood-fired outdoor pizza oven with an insulated stainless steel body and double-wall construction for maximum heat retention. It also has a built-in thermometer and its own stone baking board for perfect pizza crusts. The Karu offers an easy-to-use door that can be opened to control the intensity of your fire, as well as three fuel options: wood pellets, charcoal, and wood logs.
The comparing between the Ooni Koda vs Karu
Here is a quick comparison of the Ooni Koda vs Karu that you should consider when deciding which option is right for you.
The design and size
The Ooni Koda is 25.5 inches wide and 17.7 inches tall, while the Karu measures 22.8 inches wide and 18.9 inches tall. Both are lightweight, so they can easily be moved around on a patio or deck for use in different outdoor spaces.
The features
The Koda has a flame keeper shield, detachable chimney system, and an insulated stainless steel body for efficient cooking. The Karu offers a built-in thermometer, easy-to-use door to control heat intensity, and three fuel options: wood pellets, charcoal, and wood logs.
The quality and performance
The Koda is a high-quality oven with a stainless steel body and advanced features, such as the flame keeper shield, removable stone baking board, detachable chimney system, and insulated walls. The Karu is also made of stainless steel and its double-wall construction helps to retain heat for efficient cooking. Both ovens have a built-in thermometer and can reach temperatures up to 932°F, making them ideal for cooking pizzas in just 60 or 90 seconds.
The cooking temperature and time
The Koda can reach temperatures up to 932°F and cook pizzas in just 60 seconds, while the Karu can reach temperatures up to 900°F and cook pizzas in 90 seconds.
The cost each type – Ooni Koda vs Karu
The Koda is priced at $299, while the Karu is priced at $399. Now that you know more about the Ooni Koda vs Karu, you can decide which one best suits your needs and budget. Both are powerful ovens with stainless steel bodies and advanced features, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious pizzas cooked outdoors from the comfort of your own backyard.
Which is Ooni Koda or Ooni Karu better?
When it comes to deciding which oven is better, the Ooni Koda vs Karu really comes down to personal preference. The Koda is smaller in size and slightly cheaper than the Karu, plus it has a flame keeper shield and a detachable chimney system for temperature control. On the other hand, the Karu is larger in size, has three fuel options, and its double-wall construction helps to retain heat more efficiently. So it really depends on which features are most important to you. No matter which one you choose, both ovens will provide delicious pizzas cooked to perfection in the great outdoors.
Pros and cons of Ooni Koda vs Karu
The pros of Ooni Koda vs Ooni Karu
The Ooni Koda has a removable stone baking board, flame keeper shield, detachable chimney system, and an insulated stainless steel body for efficient cooking. It also can reach temperatures up to 932°F and cook pizzas in just 60 seconds. The Ooni Karu offers three fuel options: wood pellets, charcoal, and wood logs; a built-in thermometer; an easy-to-use door to control the intensity of your fire; and double-wall construction for maximum heat retention. It can also reach temperatures up to 900°F and cook pizzas in 90 seconds.
The cons of Ooni Koda vs Ooni Karu
The Ooni Koda is slightly smaller in size and slightly more expensive than the Ooni Karu. The Karu is also slightly larger in size, so it may be more difficult to move around on a patio or deck. Additionally, the Koda doesn’t offer any fuel options like the Karu does. So if you need multiple fuel options for your outdoor pizza oven, then the Karu may be a better option.

Chossing Ooni Koda or Ooni Karu by your needs
To choose between the Ooni Koda vs Karu, you should consider your needs and budget. If portability and convenience are important to you, then the smaller size of the Koda may be more suitable for your space. However, if you need multiple fuel options or want a larger oven with double-wall construction, then the Karu may suit your outdoor pizza-making needs better. Whichever oven you choose, both will provide delicious pizzas cooked to perfection in the great outdoors.
Top recipes to make using an Ooni Koda or a Ooni Karu
There are a variety of delicious recipes to make using an Ooni Koda or a Karu. Here are some of the top recipes that you can make with either one:
- Neapolitan pizza
- Greek style pizza
- Stuffed crust pizza
- Pesto, prosciutto, and arugula pizza
- BBQ chicken and bacon pizza
- Margherita pizza
- Grilled veggie pizza
- Mediterranean flatbreads
- Focaccia bread
- Roasted vegetable calzones
- Garlic and herb focaccia bread.

How to use the Ooni Koda vs Karu?
Then, we’ll take a look at how to use the Ooni Koda vs Karu.
Steps to use the Ooni Koda
- Fill the hopper with wood pellets or charcoal and light it up.
- Preheat the oven by opening the door, allowing the flames to go up into the cooking chamber.
- Keep an eye on the thermometer and adjust the intensity of your fire as necessary.
- Once preheated, place your pizza on the stone baking board.
- Close the door and cook your pizza for about 60 seconds, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the pizza from the oven using an oven glove or spatula.
Steps to use the Ooni Karu
- You can use wood pellets, charcoal, or wood logs as fuel for the Karu.
- Open the door and light your fuel of choice inside the cooking chamber.
- Keep an eye on the thermometer and adjust the intensity of your fire as necessary.
- Once preheated, place your pizza on the stone baking board.
- Close the door and cook your pizza for about 90 seconds, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the pizza from the oven using an oven glove or spatula.
Tips for safely using Ooni Koda or Ooni Karu
Here are some safety tips for using your Ooni Koda or Karu:
- Always wear suitable clothing including oven gloves and protective eyewear when using the oven.
- Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of your fuel before lighting it up.
- Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area or closing down the oven.
- Keep the oven away from flammable materials and always use it in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not use the oven in extreme weather conditions such as strong wind, rain or snow.
- Store your wood pellets or charcoal in a dry and safe place away from children and pets.
Conclusion: Ooni Koda vs Karu
We’ve looked at the Ooni Koda vs Karu and compared their features, cost, pros and cons. We’ve also gone through some delicious recipes you can make with either one, as well as how to safely use them. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference when deciding which oven is better for you. Both are powerful ovens that will provide delicious pizzas cooked to perfection in the great outdoors.
Read on to learn more: how to cook pizza in microwave
FAQ: Ooni Koda or Ooni Karu
Why do my pizzas always burn OONI Koda?
Troubleshooting: Possible causes of burned pizzas with OONI Koda. Insufficient heat on the baking stone, excessive thickness of the dough, Overloading the pizza with too many toppings, moisture content of the toppings being too high.
Can OONI Karu stay outside?
Yes, Ooni Ovens are constructed to withstand outdoor conditions, allowing you to keep your oven outside throughout the year. To ensure its safety when not in use, we provide specially designed Ooni Pizza Oven Covers. However, we recommend storing your Ooni Oven indoors during extended periods of non-use to protect it from severe weather conditions.
Can I use my Ooni Karu in the rain?
The Ooni team has successfully cooked pizzas in extremely cold temperatures as low as -22C (-8F), indicating that a little rain won’t cause any harm. However, they advise bringing the Ooni inside during prolonged periods of non-use.
Is Ooni Karu waterproof?
Well, we have just the solution for you! Introducing our durable, 100% waterproof polyester cover. Not only does it offer protection against dust and the elements, but it also makes storing and transporting your Ooni Karu Pizza Oven a breeze. Say goodbye to any worries about your precious oven getting damaged. Invest in our high-quality cover today and keep your Ooni Karu in pristine condition wherever you go.
Why is my OONI Karu not getting hot enough?
Here’s what you need to check: First, ensure that your fuel is thoroughly dry. Even a slight amount of moisture can hinder performance. Next, make sure you’re using the correct size hardwood for optimal results – our Ooni Premium Assorted Oak Pack is an excellent choice. Lastly, use lumpwood charcoal instead of briquettes to achieve the desired heat.
What is the best wood for OONI Karu pizza oven?
Discover the perfect wood selection for your Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven to achieve unparalleled results. Unlocking the ideal combination of wood and charcoal is key. For impressive outcomes, it is recommended to utilize lumpwood charcoal and kiln-dried hardwoods such as beech, birch, oak, hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry. Elevate your pizza-making experience with these remarkable fuel choices.
What is the best fuel for OONI Karu?
Discover the ultimate fuel for your OONI Karu. Achieve unparalleled results by utilizing a powerful blend of wood and charcoal. Optimum performance is achieved with high-quality lumpwood charcoal, complemented by kiln-dried hardwoods such as beech, birch, oak, hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry. Elevate your cooking experience with the perfect fuel combination for your Ooni Karu 12.
Is OONI Koda big enough?
Weighing just 20 lbs, the Koda 12 is a highly portable oven. This Ooni oven is capable of cooking a 12” pizza while also being compact enough to fit in tight spaces or to be conveniently stored.
Why do my pizzas always burn OONI Koda?
Troubleshooting Common Pizza Burning Issues with OONI Koda: Insufficiently heated baking stone, excessively thick dough, overloaded toppings, and overly moist toppings can all lead to burnt pizzas.
Can you use OONI Karu without chimney?
The Ooni Karu 12 Gas Burner is designed to be used with the chimney attached while keeping the door off. However, you have the option to cook pizza using the wood burner with the door either on or off. If you choose to cook with the door off, it is important to create a steady and powerful flame at the back of the oven.

Chef John Sebastian has been cooking up a storm at his simple place for years. Offering a variety of international foods, Chef John Sebastian has something for everyone- and he makes it all look easy!
He’s been featured in various food magazines and cooking shows, and his restaurant has become a local favorite in the community. When he’s not in the kitchen, Chef John Sebastian enjoys spending time with his family.