The Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven delivers exceptional performance and versatility, making it a standout choice for pizza enthusiasts and outdoor cooking aficionados. This comprehensive review delves into the oven's ease of setup, generous cooking space, and remarkable temperature control capabilities, highlighting its performance with both gas and charcoal fuel sources. We explore its suitability for various pizza styles, from Neapolitan to Detroit-style, and showcase its potential for broader culinary applications beyond pizza.From unboxing to achieving perfectly charred crusts, we detail the entire user experience. Expect a detailed examination of the oven's features, including its temperature hub, dual-probe compatibility, and the simple transition between gas and charcoal. We assess the oven's ability to maintain consistent temperatures, its fast preheat and recovery times, and ultimately, its value as a high-performance, multi-fuel outdoor cooking appliance. Prepare for a comprehensive evaluation that leaves no stone unturned.
Pros And Cons
- Multi-fuel capabilities (wood, charcoal, propane)
- Large oven opening for versatile cooking beyond pizza
- Straightforward unboxing and setup
- Large pizza stone (16.7 inches squared, 6 inches thick)
- Good temperature control, even at low temperatures (maintaining 338°F)
- Reaches high temperatures (945°F)
- Fast preheat time (528°F in 10 minutes, 717°F in 20 minutes, 830°F in 30 minutes)
- Quick recovery time between pizzas
- Easy to switch between fuel types (wood/propane)
- Self-cleaning at high temperatures
- Gas attachment sold separately
- The back stone might get shipped damaged (though reversible)
Read more: 5 Best Pizza Stones for Enhancing Your Green Egg Magic
Unboxing and Setup
The Ooni Karu 2 Pro arrived well-packaged, making the unboxing and initial setup a breeze. Ooni provides a helpful video guide that walks you through the entire process step-by-step, which is incredibly useful for first-time users. Minimal assembly is required, allowing you to get cooking quickly.
The temperature hub installation was straightforward, and I appreciated the inclusion of an oven thermometer, a food probe, and an additional port for an optional second probe. This provides comprehensive temperature monitoring for both the oven and your food.
Installing the pizza stones was easy thanks to convenient finger ports. The two-part fuel tray assembly was simple and secure, requiring only a hex key for fastening. The chimney and draft defender plate were also quick to attach, completing the setup.
Oven Dimensions and Cooking Space
The Karu 2 Pro boasts a generous cooking area with an opening of 17 5/8 x 6 3/4 inches. This ample space comfortably accommodates a 16-inch pizza, although I found my 14-inch peel to be more manageable. The large opening allows for versatile cooking beyond pizzas.
The extra space provides excellent zone cooking capabilities. I could easily position food closer to or farther from the heat source, based on the desired level of cooking intensity. This is particularly beneficial for dishes requiring uneven heating.
The large size allows for cooking multiple items simultaneously. I was able to bake multiple Detroit-style pizzas efficiently, maximizing the oven's potential.
Cooking Performance: Gas and Charcoal Modes
I tested the Ooni Karu 2 Pro using both the gas attachment and charcoal. Preheat time was remarkably fast, reaching high temperatures in a short period. I achieved a maximum temperature of 945°F (using gas) with a steady low of 338°F. Recovery times after removing food were minimal, allowing for efficient batch cooking.
The gas mode was very convenient and precise for maintaining a consistent cooking temperature, ideal for delicate items. The charcoal mode, while requiring more effort in terms of fuel management, provided a unique flavor profile and the satisfying experience of tending a wood-fired oven.
The ability to easily switch between gas and charcoal, simply by changing the burner, provides remarkable versatility. This allows you to choose the fuel source that best suits your culinary needs and preferences.
Pizza Cooking Results
I baked various pizza styles, including Detroit-style, Neapolitan, and New York-style pizzas, all achieving excellent results. The Ooni Karu 2 Pro excelled at high temperatures required for Neapolitan and produced perfectly charred crusts.
Detroit-style pizzas benefited greatly from the oven's spacious cooking area and even heat distribution, resulting in crisp, golden-brown crusts. The ability to par-bake crusts beforehand added extra control over the baking process.
New York-style pizzas cooked beautifully using charcoal, the high heat resulting in a perfectly crisp and chewy crust. Adding a few wood chunks just before launch produced a fantastic burst of flame and flavor.
Conclusion and Overall Impression
The Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven is a highly versatile and powerful outdoor oven. Its ability to use wood, charcoal, and propane, coupled with its generous cooking space and excellent temperature control, makes it a top contender in its price range.
The ease of switching between fuel types and the quick preheat and recovery times enhance its practicality and efficiency. I was particularly impressed by its capability to maintain very low temperatures, expanding its culinary applications beyond pizzas.
If you're seeking a versatile and high-performing outdoor oven capable of producing exceptional results for various pizza styles and other baked goods, the Ooni Karu 2 Pro is a worthy investment. Its exceptional temperature control and multi-fuel option make it highly desirable, despite the slight inconvenience of charcoal use.