As a restaurant chef with over 10 years of experience at Dequte Restaurant LironBoylston, I’ve had the pleasure of using both the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Fyra 12 in my kitchen. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed comparison of these two excellent pizza ovens, focusing on quality and materials, temperature control, shape, first-time usage impressions, power source, size, ease of cleaning, and how they performed in a real pizza cooking test. For a more in-depth look at how I test pizza ovens, you can check out my separate article on the process.
Quickly introducing the ovens, the Ooni Karu 12 is known for its versatile fuel options and robust build, while the Ooni Fyra 12 is celebrated for its efficient wood pellet system and compact design. Both are incredible options, but I’ll highlight the strengths and areas for improvement for each.
In this article, I’ve provided a detailed comparison of the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Fyra 12 based on my hands-on tests.
At the end of this comparison, you’ll find my referral links to purchase either oven. Using these links helps support my work, as I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Let’s dive into the details!
Ooni Karu 12 VS Ooni Fyra 12: Quality and Materials
| The Ooni Karu 12 boasts a robust stainless steel construction, designed to withstand high temperatures and outdoor conditions with excellent durability. |
The Ooni Fyra 12 is crafted from insulated powder-coated carbon steel, offering good corrosion resistance but slightly less durable over time.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Ooni Fyra 12: Temperature Control
| The Ooni Karu 12 supports precise temperature control with a learning curve when using wood or charcoal, reaching up to 950°F efficiently. |
The Ooni Fyra 12 excels in maintaining consistent temperatures, with wood pellets allowing for steady heat, though less versatile than Karu 12.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Ooni Fyra 12: Shape
| The Ooni Karu 12’s dome-shaped design optimizes heat retention and circulation, ensuring evenly cooked pizzas every time. |
The Ooni Fyra 12’s compact design facilitates even heat distribution, though the airflow dynamics are slightly less advanced than Karu 12.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Ooni Fyra 12: First-Time Usage Impressions
| Unboxing the Ooni Karu 12 highlights its premium materials and thoughtful design, suitable for professional and home settings. |
The Ooni Fyra 12 leaves a positive impression with its sturdy build and user-friendly setup, but it feels more targeted at casual home use.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Ooni Fyra 12: Power Source
| The Ooni Karu 12 offers versatility with wood, charcoal, or gas (optional attachment), providing unmatched flexibility for different cooking styles. |
The Ooni Fyra 12 operates exclusively on wood pellets, delivering a great smoky flavor but lacking the adaptability of multiple fuel options.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Ooni Fyra 12: Size
| Weighing 26 lbs and slightly larger, the Ooni Karu 12 is portable but better suited for more versatile cooking needs. |
At 22 lbs and slightly smaller, the Ooni Fyra 12 is lighter and easier to transport, making it ideal for compact spaces or mobile setups.
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Ooni Karu 12 VS Ooni Fyra 12: Ease of Cleaning
| The Ooni Karu 12 requires more attention to clean due to soot and ash buildup but offers manageable maintenance with proper care. |
The Ooni Fyra 12’s cleaning process is straightforward, although handling ashes from wood pellets requires some effort and regular upkeep.
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Pizza Cooking Test
For the pizza cooking test, we prepared classic Margherita pizzas in both the Ooni Karu 12 and Ooni Fyra 12 to compare their performance, efficiency, and the quality of the results.
The Ooni Karu 12 reached its optimal cooking temperature of 950°F in just 15 minutes, showcasing remarkable efficiency. Once ready, it cooked the pizza in under 2 minutes. The results were impressive, with a perfectly crisp crust that featured a slight charred edge, a hallmark of authentic wood-fired pizza. The toppings, including bubbling cheese and flavorful tomato sauce, were evenly cooked, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that stood out.
The Ooni Fyra 12 also reached the same temperature of 950°F within 15 minutes using wood pellets as fuel. It matched the Karu 12 in speed, taking about 2 minutes to cook the Margherita pizza. The taste was delightful, with the wood pellets contributing a distinct smoky flavor that added depth to the pizza. While the crust was evenly cooked, it was slightly less crisp compared to the Karu 12. However, the toppings were flavorful and well-done, providing a satisfying dining experience.
In summary, both ovens performed excellently in terms of speed and taste. The Ooni Karu 12, with its crispier crust and perfectly balanced flavors, had a slight edge, while the Ooni Fyra 12 brought a unique smoky flavor that will appeal to those who enjoy the essence of wood-fired cooking.
How We Tested
To evaluate the performance of both the Ooni Karu 12 and Ooni Fyra 12, we conducted a hands-on cooking test in a controlled outdoor setting. As a chef with over a decade of experience, I used my tried-and-true Margherita pizza recipe for consistency in comparing results.
The testing began with the unboxing and assembly of each oven, ensuring they were properly set up according to their respective instructions. We then preheated the ovens, monitoring their heat-up times using an infrared thermometer. Both ovens were brought to their recommended cooking temperature of 950°F before we started preparing the pizzas.
For the cooking process, we focused on the same type and size of pizza dough, sauce, and toppings to maintain consistency. Each oven was tested for its ability to maintain even heat distribution, as well as the time it took to cook the pizza to perfection. During the test, we observed how easy it was to rotate the pizza for even cooking, how well the crust browned, and how the cheese and toppings melted.
We also considered user experience by evaluating the accessibility of each oven’s controls and how intuitive they were to use during cooking. Throughout the process, we documented the consistency of the temperature, any fluctuations, and the final taste and texture of the pizzas.
This test provided a clear picture of how each oven performs in a real-world scenario, enabling us to compare their strengths and identify areas where they excel. The results allowed us to deliver an honest and detailed evaluation of both the Ooni Karu 12 and Ooni Fyra 12.
Conclusion
When it comes down to choosing between the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Fyra 12, the decision ultimately depends on your personal preferences and cooking style. Both ovens deliver exceptional results, with the Ooni Karu 12 standing out for its versatility and high-performance build, while the Ooni Fyra 12 offers simplicity and the rich, smoky flavors of wood-fired cooking.
Whichever oven you decide on, I’m confident you’ll enjoy creating restaurant-quality pizzas in the comfort of your own backyard. If you decide to purchase one, I would greatly appreciate you using my referral links. It helps keep my blog alive at no extra cost to you. You can check out the Ooni Karu 12 or the Ooni Fyra 12. Thank you for your support, and happy pizza-making!