Ooni or Solo Stove? Grills Compared in 2026
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You are deciding between the ooni vs solo stove grill options for your outdoor cooking setup. Both brands focus on portable designs that fit on patios or campsites. The Ooni Karu 12 is a multi-fuel pizza oven reaching 950°F. The Solo Stove Steelfire is a propane griddle with a flat top surface. One excels at high-heat baking, while the other offers versatile flat-surface searing for breakfasts and meats.
Key differences
| Aspect | Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven | Solo Stove Steelfire 22" Propane Griddle |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Pizza oven | Griddle |
| Fuel Type | Wood, charcoal, propane | Propane only |
| Max Temperature | 950°F | Not listed |
| Cooking Surface | 12 inch pizza stone | 321.7 sq in flat top |
| Heating Speed | 15 minutes | 7 minutes |
| Weight | 26.5 pounds | 38.7 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven if
- You want to cook authentic pizza in 60 seconds at high heat
- You prefer using wood or charcoal for flavor
- You need a lighter unit for easy transport
Choose Solo Stove Steelfire 22" Propane Griddle if
- You want to cook breakfast items like eggs and pancakes
- You prefer quick heat-up times with propane
- You need a large flat surface for searing meats and veggies
Verdict: Choose the Ooni Karu 12 if your primary goal is baking wood-fired pizza or searing steaks at extreme temperatures. Pick the Solo Stove Steelfire if you want a versatile griddle for quick, even cooking of breakfast foods and vegetables. The right choice depends entirely on whether you prioritize baking or griddling.
Ooni Karu 12 vs Solo Stove Steelfire
Fuel versatility
The Ooni Karu 12 offers multi-fuel flexibility, allowing you to use real wood, charcoal, or gas with the separate burner attachment. This lets you choose your heat source based on availability or flavor preference. In contrast, the Solo Stove Steelfire 22 is strictly a propane griddle. It requires a standard 1 lb propane tank and does not support wood or charcoal. If you want the option to cook with wood fire for that smoky pizza flavor, the Ooni provides more choices. If you prefer the convenience of a quick propane hookup without handling fuel logs, the Solo Stove is simpler.
Cooking application
These two appliances serve very different culinary purposes. The Ooni Karu 12 is designed primarily as a pizza oven. It reaches 950°F to cook 12-inch pizzas in just 60 seconds, but you can also use cast iron cookware to sear steaks or cook vegetables. The Solo Stove Steelfire 22 is a flat-top griddle. It provides a 321.7 sq in surface ideal for burgers, pancakes, fajitas, eggs, and bacon. You cannot make traditional stone-baked pizza on the griddle. Choose the Ooni if your main goal is pizza, or the Solo Stove if you want a versatile breakfast and lunch station.
Maximum temperature
Heat intensity varies significantly between these two units. The Ooni Karu 12 is built for extreme heat, reaching a massive 950°F. This high temperature is necessary for authentic stone-baked pizza crusts that cook in under a minute. The Solo Stove Steelfire 22 reaches searing temperatures in about 7 minutes, heating up 35 percent faster than cast iron, but it does not list a specific maximum degree. It delivers 14,000 BTU of power for consistent griddle cooking. If you need ultra-high heat for specific baking tasks, the Ooni wins on stated peak temperature.
Cooking surface area
The available space for your food differs by design. The Solo Stove Steelfire 22 provides a generous 321.7 square inch cooking area. This flat surface is excellent for cooking multiple items at once, such as a full family breakfast or several burgers simultaneously. The Ooni Karu 12 is optimized for a single 12-inch pizza at a time. While you can add cast iron accessories to increase versatility, the primary stone surface is limited to that pizza size. If you need to cook large batches of flat foods, the Solo Stove offers more immediate surface real estate.
Portability and weight
Both units are portable, but their weights and dimensions affect transport. The Ooni Karu 12 weighs 26.5 pounds and measures 31.5 inches in length, 15.7 inches in width, and 30.3 inches in height. You can fold down the legs and remove the chimney to make it more compact for travel. The Solo Stove Steelfire 22 is heavier at 38.7 pounds. It measures 24.3 inches in length, 22.4 inches in width, and 8.6 inches in height. The Ooni is lighter and easier to carry for outdoor adventures, while the Solo Stove is a stable tabletop unit that is heavier to move.
Which Pizza Oven or Griddle Fits You
You want authentic stone-baked pizza quickly
The Ooni Karu 12 reaches 950°F in just 15 minutes. You can cook a 12-inch pizza in 60 seconds. It uses wood, charcoal, or optional gas. The portable design weighs 26.5 pounds. This speed and high heat deliver traditional results for your backyard cooking.
You prefer consistent flat-top cooking for breakfast
The Solo Stove Steelfire offers a 321.7 square inch stainless steel surface. It heats evenly with a racetrack burner. You get 14,000 BTU of power for burgers and pancakes. The rust-resistant surface wipes clean easily. It is ideal for versatile outdoor meals without the need for a pizza stone.
You need lightweight gear for camping trips
Weighing only 26.5 pounds, the Ooni Karu 12 is highly portable. You can fold the legs and remove the chimney for easy transport. It fits easily into vehicles for outdoor adventures. The compact size does not compromise on the ability to reach high temperatures for fast cooking.
The products compared
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
Best for: Quick outdoor pizza cooking with multi-fuel options
- Fuel Type
- Gas, Propane, Multi-Fuel
- Placement
- Outdoor
- Form Factor
- Portable
- Pizza Size
- 12 Inch
- Included Accessories
- Pizza Stone
- Max Temperature
- 950°F
View on Amazon: Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven Affiliate link
The Ooni Karu 12 is a portable outdoor pizza oven that reaches 950°F. It cooks 12-inch pizzas in 60 seconds. You can use wood, charcoal, or propane gas. The unit weighs 26.5 pounds and folds for transport. It includes a pizza stone. This oven suits you if you want fast, high-heat cooking outdoors.
Pros
- Reaches 950°F for fast cooking
- Cooks 12-inch pizzas in 60 seconds
- Multi-fuel capability with wood, charcoal, or gas
- Portable design at 26.5 pounds
Cons
- Gas burner attachment is sold separately
- Limited to 12-inch pizza size
- Requires manual temperature control
Good fit if
- You want to cook authentic stone-baked pizza quickly
- You need a portable oven for outdoor adventures
- You prefer multi-fuel flexibility for different cooking styles
Skip if
- You need to cook pizzas larger than 12 inches
- You want a built-in gas burner included
- You require automated temperature control systems
Verdict: The Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven delivers high heat and portability for quick outdoor cooking. It is a practical choice for individuals who prioritize speed and fuel flexibility over convenience features.
Solo Stove Steelfire 22" Propane Griddle
Best for: Quick outdoor meals on patios or tailgates
- Fuel Type
- Propane
- Cooking Area
- 321.7 sq in
- Heat Output
- 14,000 BTU
- Form Factor
- Tabletop
- Primary Material
- Stainless steel
- Placement
- Outdoor
View on Amazon: Solo Stove Steelfire 22" Propane Griddle Affiliate link
The Solo Stove Steelfire 22" is a portable tabletop propane griddle built for outdoor cooking. It delivers 14,000 BTU of heat across a 321.7 sq in stainless steel surface. The unit heats up in seven minutes and weighs 38.7 lbs. Its racetrack burner ensures even heat distribution. This griddle suits you if you want a durable, rust-resistant flat top for patios or tailgates.
Pros
- Heats to searing temperatures in just 7 minutes
- 321.7 sq in cooking area with even heat distribution
- Rust-resistant stainless steel surface requires no seasoning
- Compact 38.7 lb weight for easy portability
Cons
- Propane fuel is less versatile than multi-fuel options
- Limited to tabletop use with no stand included
- Smaller cooking surface than full-size outdoor griddles
Good fit if
- You want a quick-heating griddle for small groups
- You need a rust-resistant surface for easy cleanup
- You cook on patios or in small outdoor spaces
Skip if
- You prefer charcoal or wood-fired cooking
- You need a large cooking area for big gatherings
- You want a griddle with a built-in stand
Verdict: Solo Stove Steelfire 22" Propane Griddle is a practical choice for cooks who value fast heat-up times and easy maintenance. It fits you well if you prioritize portability and consistent performance over fuel flexibility.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven | Solo Stove Steelfire 22" Propane Griddle |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | not stated | Propane |
| Cooking Area | not stated | 321.7 sq in |
| Heat Output | not stated | 14,000 BTU |
| Form Factor | not stated | Tabletop |
| Primary Material | not stated | Stainless steel |
| Placement | Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Material | not stated | Stainless Steel |
| Pizza Size | 12 Inch | not stated |
| Included Accessories | Pizza Stone | not stated |
| Max Temperature | 950°F | not stated |
| Compatible Appliance | Pizza Oven | Griddle |
| Dimensions | 31.5 × 15.7 × 30.3 inches | 24.3 × 22.4 × 8.6 inches |
| Weight | 26.5 pounds | not stated |
| Size | Karu 12 | 24.3" x 22.4" x 8.6" |
| Color | Silver | Silver |
| Model | Karu 12 2023 | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use wood with the Ooni Karu 12?
Yes, the Ooni Karu 12 supports multi-fuel cooking. You can use wood, charcoal, or gas with the separate burner attachment. This flexibility lets you choose your heat source based on availability or flavor preference. The oven reaches 950°F for fast cooking. It is designed for outdoor use and includes a pizza stone for authentic results.
What size pizzas does the Ooni Karu 12 cook?
The Ooni Karu 12 is designed to cook 12-inch pizzas. The cooking surface is sized to accommodate this standard diameter. You can achieve quick cook times due to the high heat output. The portable form factor allows you to move it easily. It is a practical choice for individuals who prioritize speed and fuel flexibility over convenience features.
Is the Solo Stove Steelfire 22 portable?
Yes, the Solo Stove Steelfire 22 is a portable griddle. Its compact dimensions make it suitable for patios or tailgates. The unit weighs less than the Ooni option, making it easy to transport. It runs on propane for consistent performance. The design prioritizes portability and fast heat-up times for quick outdoor meals.
Does the Solo Stove Steelfire use wood or charcoal?
No, the Solo Stove Steelfire 22 uses propane fuel. It does not support wood or charcoal. This propane-based system offers fast heat-up times and easy maintenance. It is a practical choice for cooks who value consistent performance over fuel flexibility. You do not need to manage ash or logs with this model.
How heavy is the Ooni Karu 12 oven?
The Ooni Karu 12 weighs 26.5 pounds. This weight contributes to its stability during high-temperature cooking. The dimensions are 15.7 inches wide, 30.3 inches high, and 31.5 inches long. Despite its size, it remains portable. The silver finish and sturdy build make it suitable for various outdoor settings.
What are the dimensions of the Solo Stove Steelfire?
The Solo Stove Steelfire 22 measures 24.3 inches in length, 22.4 inches in width, and 8.6 inches in height. These compact dimensions allow it to fit on smaller patios. The low profile makes it easy to store when not in use. The silver color provides a sleek look for outdoor cooking spaces.
Can I cook pizza on the Solo Stove Steelfire?
The Solo Stove Steelfire is a griddle, not a pizza oven. It is designed for flat-top cooking like burgers or vegetables. You cannot achieve the same results as with a dedicated pizza oven. The Ooni Karu 12 is the better choice for stone-baked pizza. It reaches 950°F for authentic results.