Ooni has revolutionised home pizza making with its sleek, portable ovens, and two of the most talked-about models are the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Koda. Whether you’re torn between fuel types or simply want the best pizza oven for your space and cooking style, this detailed Ooni pizza oven comparison will help you decide which model is right for you.
In this Ooni Karu 12 vs Ooni Koda showdown, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and who each oven is best suited for.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Ooni Karu 12 | Ooni Koda (12/16) |
| Fuel Type | Wood, charcoal (gas with add-on) | Gas only |
| Max Temp | 500°C (950°F) | 500°C (950°F) |
| Size Options | 12-inch | 12-inch or 16-inch |
| Weight | 12 kg | 9.25 kg (Koda 12), 18.2 kg (Koda 16) |
| Heat-Up Time | 15–20 mins | 15 mins |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid to high-range |
- 12 INCH PIZZA IN 60 SECONDS – Fire up the Ooni Karu 12 with wood or charcoal straight out the box, or use with the Ooni Gas Burner attachment (sold separately) to…
- VERSATILE – From wood-fired wings to seared steaks or meat feast pizzas, the Karu 12’s world-class heat and fuel flexibility offers boatloads of flexibility for…
- HOT FEATURES – A custom designed fuel tray that maximises airflow and delivers a powerful blast of searing flame allows the Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven to maintain the…
- PORTABLE – Weighing only 12kg this outdoor pizza oven can be moved around easily but has all the power and heat of a larger wood fired pizza oven.
- 16 INCH PIZZAS IN 60 SECONDS – Can reach up to 500 °C (950 °F) in just 20 minutes and cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in just 60 seconds.
- ENGINEERED FOR ENTERTAINING – Gas-powered convenience that’s ideal for entertaining. Innovative L-shaped burner for more even heat distribution for an easier…
- VERSATILE – The Koda 16 can accommodate 16-inch pizzas, a large meat joint, a bread loaf and more. Ready to go straight out of the box, Koda 16 includes a 37mbar…
- PORTABLE – At 18.2kg, Koda 16 is still highly portable, with folding legs making it easy to move, take on the road, and store away when not in use.
Fuel Type: Ooni Gas vs Wood
The Karu 12 is a multi-fuel pizza oven, you can cook with wood or charcoal right out of the box, and add on a gas burner if you want more control.
The Koda, by contrast, is a gas-only pizza oven. This makes it extremely convenient and mess-free, but limits you to one fuel source.
Choose the Karu 12 if you want the flexibility to experiment with wood-fired flavour.
Choose the Koda if you prioritise simplicity, quick start-up, and consistent heat.
Cooking Performance
Both models reach 500°C and can cook Neapolitan-style pizzas in 60–90 seconds. However, the Karu 12’s wood fire delivers that distinct smoky taste, while the Koda’s gas flame is easier to control and better suited for casual, everyday use.
Karu 12 highlights:
- More authentic wood-fired flavour
- High heat retention with live fire
- Manual heat management required
Koda highlights:
- Even heat with L-shaped flame (in Koda 16)
- Instant ignition and temperature control
- No mess, no smoke
Portability & Setup
Both ovens are designed with portability in mind, but the Koda 12 is slightly lighter and faster to set up. No chimneys, no fuel loading—just connect to your gas bottle and go.
The Karu 12 takes a bit more time to assemble and manage during the cook, especially when using wood or charcoal.
Best for travel & quick setup: Ooni Koda
Best for fire lovers & hands-on cooking: Ooni Karu 12
Price & Value
Both ovens sit in the mid-range category, but the Karu 12 gives you multi-fuel capability at a lower base price—ideal if you want to start with wood and upgrade later.
The Koda 12 is priced slightly higher due to its gas components and ease of use. If you choose the Koda 16, expect to pay more for the larger size and L-shaped flame system.
Best value for versatility: Karu 12
Best value for convenience: Koda 12 or 16
Final Verdict: Ooni Karu 12 vs Ooni Koda
Choose the Ooni Karu 12 if you:
- Want the flexibility of wood, charcoal, and optional gas
- Love the smoky taste of real wood-fired pizza
- Don’t mind managing the fire and cleanup
Choose the Ooni Koda if you:
- Prefer a plug-and-play experience
- Cook regularly and want fast, consistent results
- Value ease of use over traditional flavour
Which Ooni Pizza Oven Is Best for You?
Both ovens deliver incredible results, but it all comes down to how hands-on you want to be. If you’re passionate about fire cooking and flavour, go for the Karu 12. If you’re more about convenience and fast pizzas without the fuss, the Koda is a winning choice.
Whichever you choose, you’re investing in one of the best portable pizza ovens on the market today.
- 12 INCH PIZZA IN 60 SECONDS – Fire up the Ooni Karu 12 with wood or charcoal straight out the box, or use with the Ooni Gas Burner attachment (sold separately) to…
- VERSATILE – From wood-fired wings to seared steaks or meat feast pizzas, the Karu 12’s world-class heat and fuel flexibility offers boatloads of flexibility for…
- HOT FEATURES – A custom designed fuel tray that maximises airflow and delivers a powerful blast of searing flame allows the Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven to maintain the…
- PORTABLE – Weighing only 12kg this outdoor pizza oven can be moved around easily but has all the power and heat of a larger wood fired pizza oven.
- 16 INCH PIZZAS IN 60 SECONDS – Can reach up to 500 °C (950 °F) in just 20 minutes and cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in just 60 seconds.
- ENGINEERED FOR ENTERTAINING – Gas-powered convenience that’s ideal for entertaining. Innovative L-shaped burner for more even heat distribution for an easier…
- VERSATILE – The Koda 16 can accommodate 16-inch pizzas, a large meat joint, a bread loaf and more. Ready to go straight out of the box, Koda 16 includes a 37mbar…
- PORTABLE – At 18.2kg, Koda 16 is still highly portable, with folding legs making it easy to move, take on the road, and store away when not in use.
