The Ooni Karu 16 will help you achieve restaurant quality pizza, in only 60 seconds. This pizza oven is considerably larger and has more features than the other Ooni models. The “View Flame” door design increases visibility while keeping that heat in. Plus this model includes a mounted thermometer. This displays the ambient temperatures inside the oven.
It also comes with the wood and charcoal burner right in the box. This will give you the option of cooking right away. Just add some fuel and get going. You can also purchase the Ooni Karu 16 gas burner. This will give you more flexibility when cooking. This item is sold separately.
What we like
- Charcoal, wood, and gas may all be used as fuel.
- A beautiful structure made of brushed stainless steel and graphite.
- The glass door design allows for easy pizza viewing.
- The pizza stone is made of Cordierite.
- Cooks a pizza in only 60 seconds.
- It reaches temps of 950 °F.
And don’t like
- Because of its greater size and weight, the Ooni Karu 16 is less portable.
- You have to purchase the gas fuel tray separate.
- It sells like hot bread.
Specifications
- Fuel: Wood, charcoal or gas
- Weight: 62.6 lbs
- Size: 33” H x 32” L x 20″ W
- Cooking surface: 16.7”
- Heating capacity: 950 °F
Ooni Karu 16 First impression
The Karu was packaged in a branded, heavy-duty cardboard box. The body and pieces of the pizza oven were skillfully packed in Styrofoam and packing cardboard. The fragile pizza stones were packaged with exceptional care, and there were no shipping-related issues.
After removing the oven from its box and unfolding the legs, we attached the chimney and cap. Fit in the pizza stones and fuel tray. Then sealed it all up with the glass door and fuel hatch.
We were pleasantly pleased by how simple it was to get started. The directions were clear and user-friendly, with no obscure or difficult procedures. Even more, Ooni provides a video demonstrating the process.
The overall construction of the Ooni Karu 16 is excellent. We were thrilled with the pizza oven’s main body. The steel and carbon are durable. The oven is properly calibrated and does not shake due to loose or uneven legs. Plus the chimney locks in, so there is no wiggle room. While the fuel tray and pizza stones fit right into their proper positions.
Fast & Extreme Heat
The Ooni Karu 16 oven can achieve temperatures of up to 950 °F in only twenty minutes. Because of this heat, this oven can cook, restaurant quality, 16” pizzas in 60 seconds. Just make sure to turn it every 15-20 seconds. This allows the whole pizza to get into the “hot zone”. Plus the process is much easier with a turning pizza peel.
Ooni Karu 16 choices
Because you can use wood, charcoal, and gas for cooking with the Ooni Karu 16, you’ll have more recipe options available. The ovens multi-fuel capability offers you a variety of ways to infuse flavor. Plus you can experiment with temperature control to get that perfect crust.
The wood and charcoal burners are included as standard equipment. The use of charcoal has the advantage of being able to maintain a consistent temperature. Just before placing a pizza in the oven, a few pieces of wood are added to the charcoal. This will provide a wood smoked flavor to the pizza.
Spacious and Visible
With the Ooni Karu 16 you can bake a pizza up to 16” in diameter. Even better, you can roast a tomahawk steak in there with a side of vegetables. Maybe marinate some chicken leg quarters and have a tandoori night. Your culinary possibilities are endless with the Ooni Karu 16.
You’ll be able to get a quick read on the oven temperature with a conveniently mounted thermometer. But it gets even better, the Ooni Karu comes with a patent-pending “view flame” door. Allowing you to view right into the oven and check on your food. The hinged oven door makes it easy to open and close without losing too much heat. Plus it’s completely detachable if you need to fit something larger.
Ooni Karu 16 Portability
Ooni has stayed true to its origins by keeping the weight of the Karu manageable. At 62.6 lbs, it’s definitely possible to move the oven from the patio to the garage. And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can load it into your trunk. Take it to a party or on a camping trip. You’re friends will love your smoked crust Margherita pizza.
If you’re looking for a more portable oven check out the Ooni Frya 12. At just 22 lbs, the Frya can be toted with ease. Plus you’ll still get that wood flavoring from the pellets.
Ooni offers a cover for the Karu 16 if you do plan to leave it outside. The 100% waterproof cover will protect your oven from pouring rain. Plus it has adjustable straps that fit snug to the legs. This allows it to withstand major windstorms.
Ooni Karu 16 Ease of use
If you’re looking for an easy oven to cook with, look no further. You can cook a steak, bake some bread, and roast vegetables. All you have to do is get the Karu up to temp, then start cooking.
When you need greater temperature control and consistency use the propane option. This could also allow you to spend more time with your guests during a party. Or helping the kids out with homework. Whatever it is, propane makes this pizza oven a breeze to heat up.
If you decide to cook with charcoal or wood, keeping your temp may take a little finesse. Just get the fire going and add just a little fuel at a time. This will prevent the flame from getting out of control. Scorched pizza is never good. You are free to choose and switch your fuel whenever you prefer. So make yourself a wonderful pizza with the Ooni Karu 16!
Ooni Karu 16 Accessories
Ooni offers a ton of accessories. From pizza peels and other cooking tools, to prep stations for easy pizza topping. They offer a wide range of products that make cooking pizza just more fun.
You can also pick up a cover for the Ooni Karu 16. This helps closing up shop easier. Let the oven cool down to temperatures you can handle. Then throw the cover on to protect from dust and wind damage. That’s it.
Dont forget the Ooni Karu 12 gas burner. This is an option and must be purchased separately. Once installed, the pizza oven will heat to high temperatures quickly. Eliminating the need to fuss with fires.
Ooni Karu 16 Cooking process
Ooni promises restaurant-quality pizzas at home. Wood, charcoal, and gas all function well, but their results vary. With the Ooni Karu 16, you won’t overshoot your desired temperature. Set the oven as hot as possible to cook pizzas in 1 minute.
Charcoal & wood cooking
Using charcoal or wood requires the right oven setup. Open the vent and chimney cap and make sure your door is installed. Next, remove the fuel gate and add lump charcoal or wood. Finally toss in an Ooni fire-starter and light it up.
Once your fire is going, add additional fuel to raise the temperature. This will give you about 20 minutes to get you pizza ready.
After the Ooni Karu 16 reaches 800 to 850 °F on the pizza thermometer, you can start cooking. Open the door and place your pizza inside, the close it up quickly. All in all it will take about 90 seconds. Just make sure to turn every 30 seconds for uniform browning. You can double check the oven temperature using an infrared thermometer.
Monitor your fire and temperature. Add fuel to maintain the flame, but not too much to smother it. This will help produced restaurant quality pizzas every time. After a while, you’ll develop a feel for the fire and how to keep it consistent.
Gas-cooking
Gas Ooni setup differs from charcoal and wood cooking. However in order to use the propane option, you have to purchase the gas-burner from Ooni. It costs $99 and this includes free shipping.
Make sure to remove the wood and charcoal tray from the oven and install the gas-burner. Once installed its easy to light and preheat. This only takes about 15 minutes, making it a bit faster than wood or charcoal. The Ooni koda 12 heats up in as little as 15 minutes as well.
Pizzas cook more evenly through the crust and browned nicely. However there was no smokey wood flavor in the pizza crust. The pizzas still come out wonderful. And the oven temperatures keep steady between pies. Plus gas cooking requires less supervision throughout the process.
Ooni Karu 16 Final Verdict
The Ooni Karu 16 is an ideal choice for cooking pizza outdoors. We do recommend getting the gas burner. It’s a great option for those weeknight dinners or when entertaining.
This pizza oven is extremely user-friendly. The Karu 16 includes so many unique features that other ovens lack. The large size can fit a 16” pizza. Plus the see-through hinged door makes it easy to peek in and open. We recommend the Ooni Karu 16. Pick one up today at Ooni.com.
