Updated 9 May 2026 · All ovens · Guides

Ooni Karu 12 (1st Gen) — Spec Profile

Name: Ooni Karu 12 (1st Gen)
Brand: Ooni
Price: 349 USD
Availability: InStock

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Brand: Ooni · MSRP: $349 · Fuel: Wood + Charcoal + Gas

First-generation Karu line — the entry point into Ooni's multi-fuel range, with an optional gas burner accessory. Distinct from the Karu 2 / Karu 12G (which is the 2024 successor with redesigned chamber and chimney). The 1st-gen Karu 12 ships at $349 MSRP and is still actively sold.

portablemulti-fuelwoodgascompactneapolitan-capablemid-tier

See on ooni.com →

Spec sheet

Max temperature	950°F
Fuel options	Wood + Charcoal + Gas
Stone diameter	13"
BTU output	—
Preheat time	15 minutes
Recovery between pies	—
Build material	stainless steel
Weight	26.5 lbs
Dimensions (W×D×H)	15.8x31.5x30.3"
Portable	Yes
Built-in capable	No
MSRP (USD)	$349

Specs sourced from the manufacturer's published documentation: Ooni Karu product page.

What the specs mean for cooking

The Ooni Karu 12 (1st Gen) reaches 950°F on the stone, which puts it comfortably in true Neapolitan territory (the 850-900°F threshold is the practical floor for the puffed cornicione that defines the style). The 13-inch stainless steel stone fits standard 11-12 inch Neapolitan rounds; bigger pies will overhang.

Fuel flexibility is the headline spec on this oven: Wood + Charcoal + Gas. Multi-fuel ovens let you run gas for weeknight convenience and switch to wood or charcoal on the weekend for the smoky aromatics, without buying two separate units. The gas option requires Ooni's gas burner accessory, sold separately.

Preheat time of 15 minutes is on the fast end of this category — useful when you want pizza in under half an hour from cold.

At 26.5 lbs, this oven is a one-person carry — genuinely portable for camping, tailgating, or moving from balcony to patio. Dimensions of 15.8x31.5x30.3" mean it stores in a standard garage shelf or storage shed between sessions.

Best fit for

Neapolitan pizzas (max temp covers it)
New York-style pizzas (max temp covers it)
Detroit-style pizzas (max temp covers it)
Camping, tailgating, frequent moves
Cooks who want the option of all three fuels
Counter / stand setup
Budget-conscious buyers — under $400 entry into Ooni's multi-fuel line

Compared to similar ovens

Oven	Max temp	Stone	Fuel	Weight	MSRP
Ooni Karu 12 (1st Gen)	950°F	13"	Wood + Charcoal + Gas	26.5 lbs	$349
Ooni Karu 2 (formerly Karu 12G)	950°F	13.3"	Wood + Gas	33.6 lbs	$449
Ooni Fyra 12	950°F	13.2"	Wood	22 lbs	$349
Gozney Roccbox	950°F	13.5"	Gas + Wood	44 lbs	$499.99

Where this oven fits the buying decision

If you're cross-shopping the Ooni Karu 12 (1st Gen) against the Ooni Karu 2 or the Ooni Fyra 12, the deciding factors are usually fuel flexibility, weight, and chamber generation — in that order. Run the Pizza Throughput Calculator for your target party size to see realistic pies-per-hour, and the Neapolitan Fit Checker to confirm the stone fits the dough size you actually want to make.

See on ooni.com →

FAQ

How is this different from the Ooni Karu 2 (Karu 12G)?

The Karu 12 (1st Gen) is the 2020-era original; the Karu 2 (formerly marketed as the Karu 12G) is the 2024 redesign with a reworked chamber, chimney, and gas-burner integration. Both share the same 13-ish-inch stone class.

Does it run on gas out of the box?

No — the Karu 12 (1st Gen) ships as a wood/charcoal oven. Gas is added via Ooni's separate gas burner accessory, which is sold as a clip-on attachment to the rear of the oven.

Is the Ooni Karu 12 really portable?

Yes — at 26.5 lbs it's a one-person carry. The dimensions of 15.8x31.5x30.3" fit in most sedan trunks and SUVs.

Can it make true Neapolitan pizza?

Yes — the 950°F max temp clears the practical Neapolitan threshold. Pair the oven with cordierite-stone-ready dough at 60-65% hydration and 60-90 second cook times.