Updated 8 May 2026 · All ovens · Guides
Ooni Karu 2 (formerly Karu 12G) — Spec Profile
Brand: Ooni · MSRP: $449 · Fuel: Wood + Charcoal + Gas
Ooni renamed the Karu 12G to Karu 2 as part of its Gen-2 naming convention; Ooni states the Karu 12G and Karu 2 are the exact same oven.
Spec sheet
| Max temperature | 950°F |
|---|---|
| Fuel options | Wood + Charcoal + Gas |
| Stone diameter | 13.3" |
| BTU output | — |
| Preheat time | 15 minutes |
| Recovery between pies | — |
| Build material | stainless steel |
| Weight | 33.6 lbs |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 16.5x28.3x30.3" |
| Portable | Yes |
| Built-in capable | No |
| MSRP (USD) | $449 |
Specs sourced from the manufacturer's published documentation: Ooni product page.
What the specs mean for cooking
The Ooni Karu 2 (formerly Karu 12G) 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 13.3-inch stainless steel stone fits standard 11-12 inch Neapolitan rounds; bigger pies will overhang.
Fuel flexibility is a meaningful 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.
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 33.6 lbs, this oven is a two-person carry — set-it-and-leave-it on a patio rather than a take-anywhere unit. Dimensions of 16.5x28.3x30.3" 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)
- Patio hosting, occasional moves
- Weeknight convenience cooking
- Wood-fired authenticity for weekend cooks
- Counter / stand setup
- Budget-conscious buyers — under $500 entry
Compared to similar ovens
| Oven | Max temp | Stone | Fuel | Weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ooni Karu 2 (formerly Karu 12G) | 950°F | 13.3" | Wood + Charcoal + Gas | 33.6 lbs | $449 |
| Bertello SimulFIRE 12" Outdoor Pizza Oven | 900°F | 12.4" | Wood + Charcoal + Gas | 41.9 lbs | $449 |
| Solo Stove Pi Prime | 950°F | 13" | Gas | 30 lbs | $399.99 |
| Ooni Koda 12 (1st Gen) | 950°F | 13" | Gas | 20.2 lbs | $399 |
Where this oven fits the buying decision
If you're cross-shopping the Ooni Karu 2 (formerly Karu 12G) against Bertello SimulFIRE 12" Outdoor Pizza Oven or Solo Stove Pi Prime, the deciding factors are usually fuel flexibility, weight, and stone size — 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.
FAQ
Is the Ooni Karu 2 (formerly Karu 12G) really portable?
Technically — at 33.6 lbs it's a two-person carry. Built-in handles help, but it's not realistically a one-person move.
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.
What does it cost to run per session?
Gas runs about $1-3 per session on a 20-lb propane tank. Wood logs run about $5-15 per session for premium hardwood (oak, cherry, hickory). Lump charcoal runs about $3-8 per session.
Is the Ooni Karu 2 (formerly Karu 12G) weather-resistant?
The stainless steel construction handles outdoor exposure when properly covered. Always store the cordierite stone indoors between sessions to prevent moisture absorption — a wet stone can crack on the next preheat.
More on this category
- Best Portable Pizza Ovens — 2026 Spec-Tier List
- Ooni vs Gozney — Spec Comparison Across 5 Pairings
- What Makes a Pizza Oven "Neapolitan"?
- Browse all 25 oven profiles
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