Teenagers universally seem to have a default answer for mealtime: “Pizza!” This sentiment rings true in our household, which is why I decided to invest in the Ooni Karu 12-inch pizza oven about a year and a half ago, anticipating many pizza-filled evenings with my pizza-loving teenage son.
Not only has this oven proven to be a quick and efficient way to make pizza — delivering a perfectly crisp pie in under three minutes once it’s fully warmed up — it has also brought our family endless joy during pizza nights with our son and his friends. Now, you can enjoy this same experience for a fraction of the price I paid: The Ooni Karu 12-inch is currently on sale at Best Buy for just $239, a deal that’s too good to miss.
Why I Chose the Ooni Karu 12-inch Over Other Options: When selecting a pizza oven, several factors influenced my decision. Firstly, its portability was a major selling point; compact and easy to transport, it’s ideal for both home use and outdoor adventures. While I initially imagined taking it on camping trips and picnics, it has become a fixture in our backyard.
Secondly, affordability was crucial. With outdoor ovens often costing upwards of $500, I opted for the Ooni Karu at around $300, but the current sale price at Best Buy makes it an even more attractive choice.
Lastly, its versatility in fuel options sealed the deal. Preferring the simplicity of wood-fired cooking, I appreciated the option to convert it to gas with an adapter (though I haven’t made that switch yet). This flexibility ensures it fits our needs whether we’re cooking in the backyard or beyond.
Using the Ooni Throughout the Seasons: Living in Minnesota means experiencing all four seasons, and our Ooni has been put to the test in each. It sees frequent use in spring, summer, and fall, and we’ve even fired it up on mild winter days. While it struggles a bit in freezing temperatures, we’ve managed to use it on days when the thermometer allows. Ooni recommends storing it indoors during extended periods of freezing temperatures to protect the pizza stone from potential cracking, so we typically store it away during the coldest months and eagerly anticipate its return in spring.
Essential Accessories: To enhance your Ooni experience, a good pizza peel is a must-have. I use the Ooni 12-inch stainless steel peel, along with a wide spatula for easy pizza maneuvering, especially given the smaller size of the oven. Investing in the custom cover has also kept our Karu protected and portable, ensuring it remains in top condition year-round.