Brief Summary
This video is a comparison between the Ooni Karu 12 and the Ooni Karu 12G pizza ovens. The Karu 12G is a newer version with upgrades like a door, thermometer, and more efficient fuel consumption. The video covers features, pricing, and a side-by-side cooking test to determine which oven is better.
- The Karu 12G has upgrades like a door, thermometer, and larger fuel basket.
- The Karu 12G is more fuel-efficient when using wood or charcoal.
- Both ovens can reach temperatures of up to 500°C (900°F) and cook a 12-inch pizza.
- The Karu 12G is priced higher than the Karu 12.
- The video includes a pizza cooking test to compare the performance of both ovens.
Introduction to Ooni Karu 12 and 12G
The video introduces the Ooni Karu 12 and the newer Karu 12G, both multi-fuel pizza ovens capable of cooking with wood, charcoal, and gas (with an attachment). The Karu 12 has been available for about three years and was the first Ooni oven the presenter owned. The Karu 12G is an upgraded version with several new features.
Features Comparison
The Ooni Karu 12 weighs around 12 kilograms, while the Karu 12G is slightly heavier at 15 kilograms. Both ovens feature a 15mm thick cordierite stone designed for cooking 12-inch pizzas and can reach temperatures up to 500°C (900°F). While Ooni claims a 15-minute heat-up time, the presenter finds it usually takes 20-25 minutes. The Karu 12G comes in black, aligning with Ooni's other ovens, while the Karu 12 has a stainless steel finish. The Karu 12G is more fuel-efficient, cooking 10 pizzas with 1.1 kilograms of fuel compared to the Karu 12, which requires 1.5 kilograms. Gas consumption is the same for both, at 0.34 kilograms per hour.
Pricing and Additional Features
The Ooni Karu 12 is priced at £299 in the UK, while the Karu 12G costs £379. Adding a gas attachment to either oven costs an additional £89.99, bringing the total to £388.99 for the Karu 12 and £468.99 for the Karu 12G. The Karu 12G includes a door, a thermometer, and is more fuel-efficient. Additional features on the Karu 12G include a handle on the chimney baffle and a larger fuel basket.
Lighting and Heating the Ovens
The presenter prepares to light both ovens, showcasing the larger fuel basket of the Karu 12G compared to the Karu 12. The setup involves a base of charcoal, a fire lighter, and kindling to help ignite the flame. The Karu 12 is lit first, followed by the Karu 12G. The larger fuel basket on the Karu 12G allows for larger pieces of wood, potentially leading to quicker heating.
Temperature Check After 15 Minutes
After 15 minutes, the temperature on the Karu 12G's thermometer is just at the edge of the orange zone, indicating it's not quite hot enough. A temperature check with a separate thermometer shows the Karu 12 at 363°F and the Karu 12G at 347°F, slightly hotter on the Karu 12.
Temperature Check After 25 Minutes
After a total of 25 minutes, the Karu 12G's temperature gauge is just over halfway. The stone temperature of the Karu 12 is 467°F, ideal for cooking pizza, while the Karu 12G is at 419°F, still hot enough but slightly cooler. More kindling was added during the last 10 minutes, and the larger fuel basket of the 12G was useful. The door with a window on the Karu 12G allowed for checking the fire without disrupting airflow.
First Pizza Cook on the Karu 12G
The first pizza is cooked on the Karu 12G because the flame went out on the Karu 12 due to its smaller fuel basket. The extra-large fuel basket on the Karu 12G proves to be very useful. The pizza is turned after 30 seconds, and a timer is shown to monitor the cooking time. The pizza cooks evenly and has a nice bake on the bottom.
Second Pizza Cook on the Karu 12
The second pizza is cooked on the Karu 12 after re-establishing a flame. The presenter notes that it's harder to monitor the pizza's progress without a glass door, requiring some guesswork. The glass door on the Karu 12G makes the cooking process much easier, especially when entertaining guests.
Pizza Comparison and Taste Test
The two pizzas are compared side by side, noting a slight difference in color possibly due to varying oven temperatures or cooking times. The pizza from the Karu 12G has a softer crust, while the one from the Karu 12 has a darker crust, potentially from a hotter oven or longer cooking time. Both pizzas taste very similar, with the Karu 12 pizza having slightly more crunch.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Both ovens are excellent, with the presenter having used the Karu 12 for years without issues. The upgrades on the Karu 12G, like the larger fuel basket and door, are appreciated. Taste-wise, the pizzas are comparable. For new Ooni users, the Karu 12G is recommended due to its ease of use and innovative features. For those looking to save money, the Karu 12 is still a great option. Existing Karu 12 owners should only upgrade if the door is a significant factor, as the Karu 12 is still capable of cooking great pizzas, and an upgraded fuel basket can be purchased separately.
