Which way to go, kit or build from scratch?

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: Which way to go, kit or build from scratch?

Hi Marten,

I think your first decision might be based on cost ? what does a kit cost vs build your own, I understand firebrick is very costly down under, You can also pour your own dome from castable refractory cement... (another option)

As far as building your own, many of us here havent had any prior masonry experience and have produced beautiful ovens, and now we have new skills, If you decide to build, take your time, go slowly, think it out.....It really isnt that hard to do it well.. I was surprised at how well I did..

Let us know what you decide to do..

Cheers and good luck
Mark

[marty]

Hi all,

Hoping someone can give me some assistance. I've decided that I want a wood oven in my backyard. I've looked at the options available and im not sure which way to go. My options are

- Buy a refractory cement made kit from Italy, these are made up of 10 or so bits of refractory cement and are joined together to make the oven.

- Build one from scratch using bricks, special cement etc

I will be cooking mainly pizzas, bread and would love to experiment with roasts etc. What are people?s thoughts on this? I like the idea of building my own however I know this would be very time consuming and with little experience in brick work im a little scared.

The refractory cement option seems like a quick and easy way to start cooking with a wood oven. I was thinking that the ones that come on a steel base with castors are a good idea as they can be moved around the backyard.

Would I be loosing that ?authentic Italian? taste by going with the kit?

Thanks everyone for your help
Marten