As a restaurant chef with over 10 years of experience at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I’ve had the opportunity to use various pizza ovens in my kitchen. In this comparison, I’ll be sharing my insights on the Ooni Karu 12 and the Deco Chef Pizza Oven—two popular options that I’ve tested extensively. My evaluation covers critical factors like quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and a real pizza cooking test to determine performance. For a deeper dive into my testing methods, you can explore my detailed article on how I test pizza ovens.
The Ooni Karu 12 is a versatile, portable oven designed for high-heat cooking, offering multiple fuel options. On the other hand, the Deco Chef Pizza Oven is a budget-friendly option that combines style and function for an accessible outdoor cooking experience.
In this article, I’ve provided a detailed comparison of the Ooni Karu 12 and the Deco Chef Pizza Oven based on my hands-on tests.
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Winner
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Loser
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Our Rating:
4.7
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Our Rating:
3.2
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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- Cleaning the Karu 12 requires regular ash removal when using wood
- The wood-fired setup has a learning curve
- High-quality construction with a durable stainless steel exterior
- Versatile, capable of reaching 900°F in 15-20 minutes
- Compact dome shape
- Multi-fuel
- Lighter
- Lacks premium finishing
- Maintaining a consistent temperature above 550°F can be challenging
- Exclusively powered by hardwood pellets
- Made of stainless steel with decent quality
- Half-circle dome design
- Straightforward assembly
- Lightweight and portable
- Cleaning is manageable
Lastly, please note that this article includes referral links, which greatly help to keep my blog alive. Thank you for your support!
Ooni Karu 12 VS Deco Chef: Quality and Materials
| The Ooni Karu 12 boasts a robust stainless steel construction with excellent durability and weather resistance, ensuring long-term use. |
The Deco Chef Pizza Oven also features stainless steel, offering good durability and rust resistance for an affordable price.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Deco Chef: Temperature Control
| The Ooni Karu 12 provides excellent heat retention and distribution, with insulation ensuring consistent cooking performance. Temperature control requires practice but delivers professional results. |
The Deco Chef Pizza Oven has a user-friendly knob for temperature adjustments, but occasional inconsistencies and uneven heating may occur.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Deco Chef: Shape
| The compact, dome-shaped design of the Ooni Karu 12 optimizes heat retention and airflow, creating an ideal environment for perfectly cooked pizzas. |
The half-circle design of the Deco Chef Pizza Oven works well for smaller pizzas but can be limiting for larger dishes.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Deco Chef: First-Time Usage Impressions
| The Ooni Karu 12 impressed immediately with its sturdy build and ability to reach high temperatures quickly, producing a perfect Margherita pizza on the first try. |
The Deco Chef Pizza Oven was easy to set up, with included accessories enhancing its functionality, though it required careful pellet management for steady heat.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Deco Chef: Power Source
| The Ooni Karu 12 is highly versatile, supporting wood, charcoal, and gas (with an optional attachment) for flexible outdoor cooking. |
The Deco Chef Pizza Oven uses hardwood pellets as its fuel source, which are easy to use but require frequent refilling during extended cooking sessions.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Deco Chef: Size
| Weighing 26 lbs (12 kg), the Ooni Karu 12 is portable yet sturdy, making it ideal for outdoor use and camping trips. |
The Deco Chef Pizza Oven, at 15.5″ x 20.5″ x 29.1″, is lightweight and portable, suitable for backyard use and outdoor trips.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Deco Chef: Ease of Cleaning
| The Ooni Karu 12 requires regular ash removal and wiping of the chimney to maintain optimal performance. Avoid water on internal components. |
The Deco Chef Pizza Oven is simple to clean, with detachable components like the fuel and drip trays making maintenance straightforward.
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Pizza Cooking Test
When it comes to cooking pizzas, both the Ooni Karu 12 and Deco Chef Pizza Oven proved capable, but there were notable differences in performance, ease, and final results.
The Ooni Karu 12 quickly reached optimal cooking temperatures of 715°F-850°F in just 15-20 minutes, showcasing its efficient heat retention. Once heated, it cooked a Margherita pizza in under 2 minutes. The result was nothing short of impressive—an evenly cooked pizza with a perfectly crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and balanced flavors. The addition of wood fire provided a subtle smokiness, elevating the taste to a professional-grade level. The entire process felt seamless, making the Ooni Karu 12 a pleasure to use.
The Deco Chef Pizza Oven also preheated in 15-20 minutes, reaching up to 950°F, which is impressive for its size and price point. However, achieving consistent heat required careful pellet management and attention to the flames. A Margherita pizza cooked in 60-90 seconds, but the results were more variable. While the pizzas were smoky and flavorful with a crisp base, occasional uneven heating led to some inconsistencies in the crust. Despite these challenges, with practice, the oven was able to deliver satisfying pizzas reminiscent of authentic wood-fired creations.
Overall, the Ooni Karu 12 stood out for its consistent cooking performance and ease of use, delivering exceptional results with minimal effort. The Deco Chef Pizza Oven, while still a strong contender, required more hands-on management to match the quality of the Ooni Karu 12. Both ovens are capable of making delicious pizzas, but the Ooni Karu 12 shines as the more reliable and refined option.
How We Tested
To ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of the Ooni Karu 12 and Deco Chef Pizza Oven, we conducted side-by-side tests focusing on the essential factors that impact performance and results. Here’s how we approached testing:
- Preheating
We measured the time it took for each oven to preheat to its optimal cooking temperature. Using built-in thermometers and a handheld infrared thermometer, we monitored temperature consistency across the pizza stones. - Cooking a Margherita Pizza
A classic Margherita pizza was chosen as the test dish for its simplicity, allowing us to focus on the ovens’ ability to create a balanced combination of a crispy crust, melted cheese, and evenly cooked toppings. We used the same dough and ingredients for both ovens to maintain consistency. - Cooking Time
We recorded the time it took for each oven to cook the pizza from launch to completion, ensuring both ovens operated at their recommended heat ranges during the test. - Taste and Texture
Each pizza was evaluated for its taste, crust texture, cheese melt, and overall cooking uniformity. Special attention was given to the impact of heat distribution and any unique flavors imparted by the ovens’ respective fuel sources. - Ease of Use
We assessed the learning curve for managing fuel sources, controlling temperature, and operating each oven. This included observations on pellet management for the Deco Chef and wood or gas adjustments for the Ooni Karu 12. - Versatility
To gauge the ovens’ versatility, we cooked additional dishes beyond pizza, such as flatbreads and grilled meats, noting any challenges or standout features.
By testing both ovens in the same environment with identical ingredients and recipes, we ensured an unbiased comparison that highlighted their respective strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive approach provided insights into real-world performance, helping determine which oven delivers the best cooking experience for pizza enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
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Winner
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Loser
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Our Rating:
4.7
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Our Rating:
3.2
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Pros:
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Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
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- Cleaning the Karu 12 requires regular ash removal when using wood
- The wood-fired setup has a learning curve
- High-quality construction with a durable stainless steel exterior
- Versatile, capable of reaching 900°F in 15-20 minutes
- Compact dome shape
- Multi-fuel
- Lighter
- Lacks premium finishing
- Maintaining a consistent temperature above 550°F can be challenging
- Exclusively powered by hardwood pellets
- Made of stainless steel with decent quality
- Half-circle dome design
- Straightforward assembly
- Lightweight and portable
- Cleaning is manageable
Both the Ooni Karu 12 and the Deco Chef Pizza Oven are excellent choices, each with its own strengths and appeal. The Ooni Karu 12 stands out for its consistent performance, versatility, and premium build quality, making it ideal for those who want professional-grade results with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Deco Chef Pizza Oven offers affordability and great portability, making it a solid option for casual outdoor cooking enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different recipes.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize professional results, versatility, or budget, either oven can deliver a delightful pizza-making experience.
If you decide to purchase one, I’d greatly appreciate it if you use my referral links. I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you, which helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing detailed reviews like this one.
Thank you for your support and happy pizza making!