My Ooni Karu 12 isn’t getting hot enough (solid fuel)Updated 7 months ago

This article is for advice on reaching top temperatures with solid fuel. If

you're using gas, please read [this

article](https://support.ooni.com/en_us/my-ooni-karu-12-gas-burner-isn-t-

getting-hot-enough-or-has-an-underpowered-flame-HJjUtW0B2).

* * *

If your Ooni Karu 12 isn't reaching top temperatures while using wood or

charcoal, follow the steps below.

_Please note that you only need your oven to reach between 400˚C and 450˚C to

cook great pizza!

_

* Make sure the fuel tray is not too full. If it's too full, it will restrict airflow

* Make sure the fuel is completely dry. If moisture has penetrated into the fuel, performance will be reduced.

* Make sure the hardwood you are using is the right size (our [Ooni Premium Hardwood 5″ oak logs](https://ooni.com/products/ooni-premium-hardwood-5-oak-logs?_pos=1&_sid=d7c92a64d&_ss=r) are perfect).

* Make sure to use lump charcoal and not briquettes. (Our [Ooni Premium Lumpwood Charcoal](https://ooni.com/products/ooni-premium-lumpwood-charcoal?_pos=1&_sid=fcb1d0346&_ss=r) are perfect).

* Make sure the chimney cap is removed and the chimney baffle is open.

* Make sure the oven door is closed.

* Make sure the infrared thermometer gun is set to the correct emissivity to record the correct temperature. Ooni infrared thermometers are preset to be accurate and cannot be adjusted. If it is not an Ooni infrared thermometer gun, make sure the emissivity is set to 0.95.

* Be sure to hold the infrared thermometer gun close enough when recording the temperature. Keep it 6 inches from the oven opening.

* * *

If none of these tips have helped, please [submit a support

request](https://support.ooni.com/contact/contact-form-r1prEEEGj) and include:

* Your original order number

* Your oven's [serial number](https://ooni.kustomer.support/where-can-i-find-my-serial-number-BJqsaRufs)

* A video of your setup that shows your oven being lit. The easiest way to upload your video is to follow the steps in this article: [How do I upload and send a video](https://support.ooni.com/en_us/how-do-i-record-upload-a-video-Bk02UMizo).