- Published on
Why I'm Done with the Ooni Karu 16
- Authors
- Name
- Terence Bezman
- @b_ez_man
TL;DR
Three separate gas burners, multiple propane tanks, hours of troubleshooting, and my Karu 16 still won’t break 650 °F or keep a flame for a full cook. After 2½ months of back‑and‑forth with support, I’m requesting a full refund.
What I expected
A portable, no‑hassle 900 °F pizza oven.
What I got
- A ceiling of ~650 °F — nowhere near Neapolitan range.
- Flames that randomly cut out after ~40 min, killing the session.
- Three brand‑new gas burners suffering the exact same failure.
- Wasted dough, wasted toppings, and a ruined Memorial Day bake.
Timeline (snapshot)
| Date (2025) | Event |
|---|---|
| Mar 13 | Opened ticket (Order US945657). Reported <650 °F peak & flameouts. |
| Mar 13 → Apr 3 | Followed all troubleshooting guides. Sent videos, serials, photos. |
| Apr 3 | Bought second burner at Ooni’s suggestion — identical issues. |
| Apr 27 → May 6 | Returned burner per support request; refund processed. |
| May 19 | Bought third burner locally to salvage a pizza night — same failure <40 min. |
| May 26 | Missed Memorial Day bake, informed support I’m moving on. |
| May 28 | Still no working oven. |
Why this isn’t “just the burner”
- I reproduced the issue with wood only — same 650 °F ceiling.
- Front door closed, chimney baffle open, ceiling vent open.
- Multiple full propane tanks from different suppliers.
- Outdoor setup is sheltered; wind tested, no impact.
Cost of this experiment
| Item | Qty | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Karu 16 oven (2023 purchase) | 1 | $799 |
| Gas burner #1 | 1 | included |
| Gas burner #2 | 1 | $119 |
| Gas burner #3 | 1 | $119 |
| Propane tanks & fuel | 3 | $68 |
| Wasted ingredients & time | — | priceless |
Total out‑of‑pocket since March: ≈ $1,105 and counting.
My ask
- Full refund for the Karu 16 oven (original purchase price).
- Refund for both replacement gas burners.
- Reimbursement for return shipping already paid out‑of‑pocket.
I’ve loved Ooni’s vision of bringing great pizza home, but this experience has been anything but. I’m out of time, money, and patience. Please make this right.