Best Budget
Ooni Karu 12G
$399★ 4.7Multi-fuel950°F
Best for: pizza makers who want the flexibility to burn wood, charcoal, or gas
Ooni Karu 12G vs Bertello 12
Head-to-head comparison to help you decide which pizza oven is right for you.
Bertello 12
$349★ 4.5Multi-fuel930°F
Best for: value-focused buyers who want multi-fuel flexibility without paying extra for a gas burner
Specifications Compared
| Spec | Ooni Karu 12G | Bertello 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Surface | 13.2" × 13.2" cordierite stone (15mm thick) | 12.5" cordierite stone |
| Dimensions | 28.3" × 16.5" × 30.3" | 24" × 18" × 15" |
| Weight | 34.2 lbs | 28 lbs |
| Max Temperature | 950°F / 500°C | 930°F / 500°C |
| Heat-Up Time | ~15 min (gas), 15-20 min (wood/charcoal) | ~20-25 min (gas), ~25-30 min (wood/charcoal) |
| Fuel Type | Wood, charcoal, or propane (gas burner sold separately, ~$99) | Wood, charcoal, gas (included), pellets |
| BTU | 15,350 (gas burner) | 14,000 (gas burner) |
| Key Features | Borosilicate glass door, built-in thermometer, magnetic door latch | — |
| Included | — | Gas burner, pizza stone, wood/charcoal tray |
| Stone Thickness | — | 0.6 inches (15mm) |
Pros & Cons
Ooni Karu 12G
What We Love
- +True multi-fuel: wood for flavor, gas for convenience — swap in 30 seconds
- +Glass door with ClearView tech stays soot-free and lets you monitor cooks
- +Built-in analog thermometer (the Koda 16 doesn't have this)
- +Genuinely portable at 34 lbs — lightest multi-fuel oven in its class
- +Powder coating solved the original Karu 12's rust problems
- +Oversized fuel tray means less frequent wood feeding
What Could Be Better
- −Gas burner costs $99 extra — true multi-fuel cost is ~$498
- −12-inch max pizza size limits you for larger pies and party cooking
- −Wood-firing has a steep learning curve and demands constant attention
- −Substantial cleanup after wood sessions (soot on everything, ash in fuel tray)
- −Built-in thermometer reads air temp, not stone temp — IR thermometer still recommended
Bertello 12
What We Love
- +Gas burner included at $349 — $149 less than Ooni's equivalent multi-fuel setup
- +Four fuel options (wood, charcoal, gas, pellets) — most versatile at this price
- +Pellet capability is unique in this price range and genuinely useful
- +Gas + wood combo technique produces excellent results with added flavor
- +Removable, replaceable stone at standard 15mm cordierite spec
- +Active community built from the Shark Tank audience for support and recipes
What Could Be Better
- −Build quality is noticeably thinner than Ooni — functional but not premium
- −930°F max is slightly lower than Ooni's 950°F (minimal practical difference)
- −Legs feel less stable than Ooni on uneven surfaces
- −Faster corrosion reported by coastal users compared to Ooni's powder coating
- −Brand has less track record than Ooni and Gozney for long-term durability
Key Differences
- →Bertello includes gas burner in box; Ooni's is $99 extra
- →Ooni has better build quality, powder coating, and glass door
- →Bertello supports pellets too (4 fuel types vs 3)
- →Ooni reaches 950°F vs Bertello's 930°F — small but real difference for Neapolitan
Our Verdict
The Ooni Karu 12G is the better oven, but the Bertello 12 is the better value — it includes the gas burner that Ooni charges $99 extra for. If budget matters, Bertello wins.
Made your choice? Start cooking
Pick a recipe for your new oven — we have 17 tested recipes across 5 pizza styles.