My Ooni Karu 16 is getting too hot.

If your Ooni Karu 16 exceeds 932˚F / 500˚C, follow the steps below:

If you are using gas:

1. Make sure you are using the right gas tank. If the tank is too large, the flame can become too powerful.
2. Make sure you are using the right regulator. If the regulator is the wrong mBar, it can allow too much gas to escape.

If you are using solid fuel:

1. Make sure you don't add too much hardwood. If you add too much hardwood and not enough charcoal, your flames can become too strong.
2. Start with a light base layer of charcoal, then add a few pieces of hardwood on top. Watch your flames throughout cooking and add hardwood if necessary (being careful not to overfill your fuel tray).
   
   

If your Ooni Karu 16 does not exceed 932˚F / 500˚C but is too hot for your cooking style, follow the steps below:

If you are using gas:

1. Turn the heat control knob to maximum and preheat your oven and stone for about 20 minutes.
2. Once your oven and stone are preheated to 750ºF / 400ºC or higher, place your pizza in the oven.
3. Immediately after placing your pizza in the oven, turn your control dial to minimum to lower the flame.
4. Turn your pizza if necessary and keep a close eye on it.

Tip: you can even turn off your flame completely to cook your pizza using a slow cooking technique.

If you use solid fuels:

1. Light your fuel and preheat your oven and stone for about 20 minutes.
2. Once your oven and stone are preheated to 750ºF / 400ºC or higher, put your pizza in the oven.
3. Immediately after lighting, close the damper of your chimney.
4. Turn your pizza if necessary for even cooking and keep a close eye on it.

Tip: you can even let your flame go out completely to cook your pizza using the slow cooking technique.

If the ceiling of your oven appears to glow:

If the ceiling of your oven appears to be glowing, don't worry, this is simply due to an accumulation of carbon/soot.

To remove the soot, wait until your oven has cooled down completely, then, wearing protective gloves, wipe it with a paper towel or a dry cloth.