Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven - Wood and Gas with Pizza Stone & Integrated Thermometer, 12 Inch Review (2026)

Who the Karu 2 is built for

The Karu 2 targets buyers who cannot decide between wood-fired flavor and gas convenience, since it supports wood, charcoal, or an optional gas burner attachment in the same body. It suits cooks who want to start with solid fuel for flavor and later add gas for weeknight speed without buying a second oven. The built-in thermometer helps less experienced pizza makers gauge readiness without a separate infrared gun, which makes this a sensible pick for a first multi-fuel oven. Families who regularly cook for a crowd may find the 12 inch pizza capacity limiting compared with the larger Karu 2 Pro, which is built around 16 inch pies.

Design, size, and heat

Unboxed, the Karu 2 measures roughly 28.3 inches long, 16.5 inches wide, and 30.3 inches tall, and weighs about 33.6 pounds. The cordierite cooking stone is around 15 mm thick and sized for one 12 inch pizza. Ooni states the oven can reach up to 950F, cooking a pizza in as little as 60 seconds once fully preheated, using wood, charcoal, or gas depending on the burner attached. A borosilicate glass door with what Ooni calls ClearView technology is meant to reduce sooty buildup so you can watch the pizza cook, and a wider fuel tray, about 45 percent larger than the prior generation, is designed to give a steadier flame and easier cleanup.

Switching fuels and everyday use

Running the Karu 2 on wood or charcoal means managing a small solid fuel fire similar to other wood-burning ovens, feeding the enlarged tray as needed during a cook. Adding gas convenience requires buying Ooni's separate gas burner accessory, which is not included with every version of this listing, so it is worth confirming what is in the box before assuming gas is ready to go out of the package. The built-in thermometer takes some of the guesswork out of knowing when the stone has reached baking temperature, which matters more with solid fuel than with a simple gas dial. Foldable legs make the oven reasonably easy to store or move between a patio and a garage.

How it compares with other multi-fuel ovens

Against the larger Karu 2 Pro, which handles 16 inch pizzas and adds a digital temperature display, the Karu 2 is the more compact and lighter option for smaller households or tighter patios. Compared with the Solo Stove Pi's wood and gas burner version, which uses a demi-dome opening and a lighter stainless body, the Karu 2 offers a glass viewing door and a larger fuel tray, while the Solo Stove tends to be simpler to clean. Both are reasonable choices for someone who wants fuel flexibility rather than committing to wood-only or gas-only from the start.

Verdict and who should look elsewhere

The Karu 2 is a well-rounded pick for anyone who wants to try wood or charcoal cooking now and keep the door open for gas convenience later, backed by a glass door and thermometer that make the learning curve easier. It suits households making 12 inch pizzas regularly rather than large gatherings. Buyers who already know they only want gas should consider a dedicated gas oven like the Koda 12 instead, since paying for multi-fuel flexibility they will not use adds cost without benefit. Anyone regularly cooking for a crowd should look at the Karu 2 Pro for its larger 16 inch capacity.

Frequently asked questions