There isn’t one Ooni that’s best for everyone. Choose a Koda if you want outdoor gas cooking, a Karu if you value fuel flexibility, or the Volt 2 if you need an indoor electric oven. Among the cited reviews, Food Network Kitchen names the Koda 16 its best overall in an Ooni-only test, while Tom’s Guide names the Karu 2 its best overall in a broader outdoor-oven roundup. Those verdicts reflect different test scopes—not a single universal ranking.
Which Ooni should you choose?
| What matters most | Model or family to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor gas and straightforward operation | Koda | Ooni groups Koda as its gas range; gas is the more direct choice if you do not need to switch fuels. Food Network Kitchen names the Koda 16 best overall in its Ooni-specific review. |
| Fuel flexibility | Karu | Ooni’s Karu models are multi-fuel. Tom’s Guide names the Karu 2 best overall in its 2026 outdoor-oven roundup. |
| Indoor countertop cooking | Volt 2 | Ooni lists the Volt 2 as an indoor electric oven. Food Network Kitchen’s electric pick is the older Volt 12, not the Volt 2. |
| A larger listed cooking size | Koda 2 Max (24-inch) or Koda 2 Pro (18-inch) | These are the largest size classes in Ooni’s current listed lineup. Check the official dimensions and your available space before buying. |
| A smaller listed cooking size | Koda 2 (14-inch), Koda 12, Karu 12, or Volt 2 (12-inch) | These models are listed in smaller size classes; the right choice still depends on fuel and whether you’ll cook indoors or outdoors. |
Ooni’s lineup and model availability can change. Check the current Ooni oven collection for the model sold in your region, and verify generation before purchasing: the range includes newer models as well as first-generation ovens.
What do the tested reviews recommend?
Food Network Kitchen: Koda 16 in its Ooni-only review
Food Network Kitchen says its contributors collectively tested six Ooni models, including wood-, pellet-, gas- and electric-powered ovens. It names the Koda 16 “Best Overall” and the Volt 12 “Best Electric.” The publication says the Koda 16’s larger opening makes it easier to maneuver a pizza, and that gas is easier to control while cooking. These are Food Network Kitchen’s conclusions for the models and scope in its Ooni review; its Volt 12 pick should not be read as a Volt 2 test result.
Tom’s Guide: Karu 2 in a broader outdoor-oven roundup
Tom’s Guide’s 2026 roundup says it tested more than a dozen ovens over several years and names the multi-fuel Karu 2 its best overall pizza oven. The guide reports that it was easy to set up and that its L-shaped burner helped it cook more evenly with less fuss in the publication’s testing. This is a broader outdoor-oven comparison, not the same test as Food Network Kitchen’s Ooni-only review. Tom’s Guide also describes the Karu 16 as discontinued and replaced by the Karu 2 Pro in its 2026 roundup.
#1 Best Overall
- HOT NEW FEATURES – A custom designed fuel tray that maximises airflow and delivers a powerful blast of searing flame allows the Ooni Karu 12 pizza oven to maintain the ultra-high temperatures – load it up with real wood or charcoal, with no excess ash to clean
- 12 INCH PIZZA IN 60 SECONDS – Fire up the Ooni Karu 12 with wood or charcoal straight out the box, or use with the Ooni Gas Burner attachment (sold separately) to cook with gas. The Karu 12 will be ready to cook in 15 minutes reaching a massive 950°F – Cooking authentic stone baked pizza in just 60 seconds! Giving you more time to sit back and relax in your backyard while enjoying great pizzas
- ULTRA PORTABLE – Weighing only 26.4lbs this outdoor pizza oven can be moved around easily but has all the power and heat of a larger wood fired pizza oven. Fold down the legs and remove the chimney and enjoy the freedom to cook amazing pizza on your next outdoor adventure.
- GREAT PIZZA – A motto that Ooni Pizza Ovens live by – We believe that everybody deserves great pizza and our Ooni Karu 12 Multi-fuel pizza oven has been designed with that sole purpose in mind.
- VERSATILE – Level up your pizza game with one of Ooni’s most popular ovens and learn how to become a true pizzaiolo – or discover that you can even use your pizza oven to cook steak, fish or veg in one of our cast iron range of cookware
Koda vs. Karu: gas convenience or fuel flexibility?
Choose Koda for gas
The Koda range is Ooni’s gas family. It suits cooks who want to use gas rather than select among fuels. Food Network Kitchen’s Koda 16 recommendation is the strongest cited fit for someone seeking an outdoor gas oven, but it is that publication’s pick—not a guarantee that it is the right size or best value for every buyer.
Choose Karu for multi-fuel cooking
Karu models offer multi-fuel flexibility. That matters if you want a choice of fuel rather than a gas-only setup. Tom’s Guide’s favorable Karu 2 verdict is based on its 2026 roundup and specifically notes the L-shaped burner’s contribution to more even cooking in its tests.
Rank #2
- 60 SECOND PIZZA – Reaching temperatures of up to a massive 950°F - twice that of a normal domestic oven! - The Koda 16 outdoor pizza oven will be ready to go in 20 minutes and can cook authentic stone baked pizza in just 60 seconds - Giving you more time to sit back, relax and enjoy great pizzas!
- ULTRA EFFICIENT – The powder coated carbon steel shell offers incredible heat retention, which combined with the efficiency and simplicity of using gas, result in an extraordinary cooking experience, all at the turn of a dial. Includes a 28mbar regulator and gas hose attached so all you need to do is attach it to your gas tank.
- EASY TO USE – Ready to go straight out of the box! Simply unfold the legs, insert the pizza stone baking board, connect up to a propane gas tank and you’re ready to go. Featuring instant gas ignition, you will be cooking your favourite pizzas in no time.
- VERSATILE – We believe that everybody deserves great pizza and our Ooni Koda 16 propane gas pizza oven has been designed and developed with that sole purpose in mind – Or maybe you want to roast some meat, fish or veg? Because if you combine the Koda 16 with one of the Ooni cast iron cooking accessories, it becomes more than a pizza oven!
- OONI 5 YEAR WARRANTY - At Ooni, we stand by our products. All Ooni products come with a voluntary manufacturer’s warranty for 1 year as standard. We’ll extend the warranty by 5 years when you register the product with us within 60 days of purchase.
Before comparing individual models, decide whether flexibility is worth the added decisions involved in choosing and managing fuel. The cited reviews do not establish a universal winner between Koda and Karu under identical conditions.
Which size and cooking location fit your setup?
Ooni’s current US lineup page lists the following models and size classes. Treat these as the manufacturer’s current listings, not a promise of local stock.
Rank #3
- PLEASE NOTE: This model is suitable for PROPANE GAS ONLY and connects to a propane gas bottle with a 28 mBar regulator included in the box. Not compatible with natural gas.
- Powerful. Portable. Pizza. - Make pizza anywhere - at just 35 lbs, the Koda 2 is compact and ultra-portable
- Ultra-quick back-to-back pizza cooking - A thicker pizza stone offers better heat retention and reduces reheat time between back-to-back cooks
- Compact size, yet spacious 14″+ cooking area - 14" pizza stone gives you more room to maneuver to achieve the perfect cook.
- Consistently epic pizza with G2 Gas Technology - Patent-pending tapered flame gas burner system delivers better heat distribution for better, easier pizza than ever.
| Family | Models listed | Fuel or location |
|---|---|---|
| Koda | Koda 2 Max (24-inch); Koda 2 Pro (18-inch); Koda 2 (14-inch); Koda 16; Koda 12 | Gas; outdoor family |
| Karu | Karu 2 Pro (16-inch); Karu 2; Karu 12 | Multi-fuel; outdoor family |
| Volt | Volt 2 (12-inch) | Electric; indoor model |
The size label helps narrow the field, but it does not tell you whether the oven will fit your counter, storage area, or travel plans. Compare each model’s dimensions and weight in Ooni’s oven comparison chart, then check the manual for placement and clearance requirements. The Volt 2 is explicitly listed as an indoor electric oven; do not assume that an outdoor oven can be used indoors.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to compare before you buy
- Fuel: Decide whether you want gas, multi-fuel flexibility, or electric operation.
- Location: Separate outdoor cooking from indoor countertop use before comparing features.
- Pizza size and menu: Match the listed size class to the pizzas and other food you expect to cook.
- Space and portability: Check dimensions and weight against your setup, storage, and travel needs.
- Heat and control: Consider whether you prefer hands-on flame management or simpler, push-button heat.
- Availability and generation: Verify the exact model and generation currently sold where you live; don’t assume an older review covers a newer version.
- Total cost: Check current prices and stock with Ooni or a retailer. Prices and promotions change, so a figure from an older review may not reflect today’s offer.
Ooni’s comparison chart organizes models by fuel, heat-up time, size, weight, and cooking style, and prompts buyers to consider portability, backyard setup, and flame control.
Rank #4
- ADVANCED ENGINEERING - Ooni Karu 2, the world’s most advanced portable pizza oven. With over a decade of engineering experience and feedback from thousands of customers to draw from, every detail has been optimized in the development of the Karu 2.
- OPTIMAL DESIGN - With its borosilicate glass door with ClearView technology, integrated thermometer, powder-coated oven body, and advanced airflow management system, this oven was designed to deliver a superior pizza-making experience.
- HOT - The Ooni Karu 2 reaches cooking temperatures in as little as 15 minutes, has a top temperature of 950 °F, and cooks 12” pizzas in just 60 seconds.
- MULTI-FUEL - Fill the Karu 2's extra large fuel tray with wood or charcoal for a traditional wood-fired experience, or attach a gas burner (sold separately) for easy propane-fueled baking that uses 36% less gas than previous models.
- GREAT PIZZA ANYWHERE - This oven is perfect for beginners and experienced pizza-makers alike. And it’s ultraportable, so you can enjoy the freedom to cook amazing pizza year-round in your garden or on your next outdoor adventure.
How to interpret “best overall”
Food Network Kitchen’s Koda 16 pick comes from an Ooni-specific comparison of six models. Tom’s Guide’s Karu 2 pick comes from a broader outdoor-oven guide that reports testing more than a dozen ovens over several years. Their labels answer different questions: one identifies a favorite within the Ooni ovens its contributors tested, while the other selects a winner across outdoor ovens in its own roundup. Use the recommendation that matches your fuel, size, and setup rather than treating either label as a universal result.
Quick Recap
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