Keep it simple or strive for perfection.
Pizza ovens are about encouraging, containing and absorbing heat from burning wood. The inner layer needs to be able to withstand extreme temperatures and direct flame exposure. This layer then needs to be insulated so it retains heat and so outer decorative and weather proofing layers are protected.
Below are two different build options. Diagram 1 illustrates a simple build and diagram 2 a more complex build. Both will work well, but option 2 will look a bit flasher, be more crack resistant and have greater resistance to the weather.
There are many alternative products for the different layers but these demonstrate commonly used materials.
Diagram 1- A simple build
Diagram 2 : A more complex build
Having been developed over thousands of years, in many different countries, you can imagine how many versions and material types there are for constructing these ovens.
Construction variables
There are a number of factors that influence the construction strategy for an oven.
- The types of materials available locally
- Cost parameters
- What the oven will be used for (ie the types of food to cook)
- The intended lifespan of the oven
- The location of the oven (ie under cover or exposed to the elements)
- The skills of the builder
- The desired final look
- The area's climate
- Commercial (for continuous use) or residential (for intermittent use)
- Desired economy of fuelling the oven
Our clever cardboard moulds and carefully planned kits answer so many of these factors. They make it easy for you to develop your strategy!
