A particularly classic oven for the garden is the clay oven. Whether pizza, tarte flambée or a rustic bread, in the clay oven the baked goods not only turn out very well, but also have a hearty taste all their own. Here we show you how to build a clay oven yourself. The next pizza evening can start soon.
Step by step build clay oven yourself
- Sand
- Earth
- Pig bristles
- Clay
- Newspaper
- cast iron door / heat plate
- short piece of stovepipe
- sunshade / gazebo
- mason bucket
- Trowel
- Stirrer
- shovel
- old rolling pin
1. substructure
It is ideal if you have a substructure of masonry stones about 80 centimeters high. Of course, a simple foundation is also sufficient, but then you will have to get the hot coal or the finished pizza from the clay oven on your knees later. In the process, you will then probably burn yourself more often.
2. oven floor
You can also use a larger fireclay plate as the floor instead of a solid clay floor. However, if you want to use clay, you should lay it down in layers about an inch thick and roll it down with an old wet rolling pin. Depending on the moisture of your clay mixture, you may want to let each layer dry a bit briefly to avoid cracks later.
3. plan door
The term door is a bit of an exaggeration, of course. Basically, all you need is a heat-resistant metal sheet with a wooden handle on one side. This is then simply placed in front of the combustion chamber. However, you should already have the sheet metal or a cast iron oven door before you start building the clay oven. Otherwise, you may have an opening later that is a different shape or too large for the door.
4. build the interior
Lay out the shape of the interior with stones and sand. First lay out some clinker bricks or the like on the bottom of the clay oven and fill damp sand on top. Build a nice elongated mound. The size of this mound will later become the baking space of your clay oven. Use the door as a guide to access the baking chamber. You will then need to cover the sand with newspaper to prevent it from combining with the clay.
5. stove pipe
In the back of a simple oven, the stovepipe is inserted. You can do this by, for example, sticking a thick branch into your pile of sand to hold the pipe in place. Keep in mind, however, that you will have to pull this holder out later.
6. knead clay
Shape the clay mixture of some soil (preferably blue hard soil – not too loose), loam and pig bristles into balls of different sizes. Arrange the balls in rings around the pile of sand and spread them together. If you’ve done pottery before, you know the system. Make sure that the oven does not get wet, so put a gazebo or a parasol over it. Foil is not suitable, because then the moisture can not leave.
7. clearing out
When the clay has dried thoroughly for a few weeks, the interior can be emptied out. Check to see if cracks have appeared anywhere. You would need to touch these up before firing the stove slowly and carefully for the first time with a little wood.
Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green is a seasoned home chef and culinary expert who has a passion for all things kitchen-related. With her extensive knowledge of the latest kitchen products and appliances, Elizabeth provides insightful reviews and recommendations to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Whether you're looking for a new refrigerator, blender, or cookware set, Elizabeth is your guide to finding the best kitchen products available in the UK.
