Ask almost any teenager what they crave for a meal, and chances are “Pizza!” will be their enthusiastic reply, no matter the time of day. When I invested in the Ooni Karu 12-inch pizza oven a year and a half ago, I saw it as a wise choice for feeding my pizza-loving teenage son. This oven not only delivers pizza perfection in under three minutes — even quicker once it heats up — but it’s become the centerpiece of countless pizza nights with our son and his friends. Now, you can enjoy this same culinary delight for much less than I paid: It’s currently on sale at Best Buy for just $239, a fantastic deal that’s hard to beat.
Why I Chose the Ooni Karu 12-inch Over Other Models: There were several reasons why the Ooni Karu 12-inch stood out to me among the array of pizza ovens. Firstly, its portability was a major draw; compact and easily disassembled, it’s perfect for spontaneous outings or backyard pizza parties. While I initially envisioned using it for camping or lakeside retreats, it has mostly become a fixture in our home.
Secondly, affordability played a crucial role. With outdoor ovens often hitting the $500 mark, I didn’t want to splurge without knowing how frequently we’d use it. I snagged mine for around $300, but the current sale price at Best Buy makes it an even more irresistible purchase.
Lastly, the versatility in fuel options sealed the deal. Opting for wood-fired simplicity, I appreciated the option to convert to gas with an adapter, though I haven’t made the switch yet. This flexibility ensures it meets our needs no matter the occasion or preference.
Using the Ooni in All Seasons: Living in Minnesota, we’ve put the Ooni through its paces across all four seasons. Spring, summer, and fall see frequent use, with occasional winter sessions on milder days. While it struggles a bit in sub-freezing temperatures, we’ve managed to fire it up even on Christmas Day when temperatures allowed. Ooni recommends storing it indoors during deep freezes to protect the pizza stone from potential cracking, though we typically stow it away during the coldest months and eagerly await its return come spring.
Must-Have Accessories: To maximize your Ooni experience, a quality pizza peel is essential. I use the Ooni 12-inch stainless steel peel, complemented by a wide spatula for easy pizza turning, especially with the smaller oven size. Investing in the custom cover has also kept our Karu protected and portable, ensuring it stays in top shape year-round.
