Need help. Cant decide wether to go modular or build.

[Pologuy9906]

Hi all, I spoke to different manufacturers about their products. I spoke to the following:
Forno Bravo Professionale - 3650
Mugnaini Prima 100 - 5500
Earthstone 90 - 3700
Fogazzo 855/955 - 2099/2200


Im seriously thinking of going this route but love the idea of my kids helping me build brick by brick. With that said, what are other people noticing about modular vs building? Why are the modular units so expensive? Earthstone raves about his special formula, forgo bravo raves about simplicity and customer service, mugnaini their "ITALIAN" import.

I'm just trying to see the light through the trees. Any help/feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[UtahBeehiver]

If you have not looked already, take a look at the FB Pompeli Plans (should be free), although somewhat dated, this will give you a feel of the scope of work needed for a build. Does it take time, yes, do you need to be a skilled tradesman, no (a lot of us never laid a brick prior to building a WFO), is it worth the effort, at least for me it was and I have the satisfaction to say, I built this. Even with a modular built, you still need a base, still need to do finish work, etc. There are a lot of resources on this forum who have done this and done that so you are not reinventing the wheel. It is a very satisfying journey but it does take time and planning. Also look under the Newbie section for "Treasures Hiding in Archives" to view some of the nice build and their work process.

[Pologuy9906]

Ive looked at the many great builds. Im just trying to be realistic. I could have the base built in one day by professionals. Then i could start with the modular or have it done in four hours by professionals. i like forno bravo's and fogazzo. Whats the heat lose on the brick builds? How hot do they get?

[UtahBeehiver]

Heat loss is insulation dependent. I can easily get 4 days worth of cooking heat. I normally cook pizzas in the 700 F range but I have registered 800 plus regularly. Again your choice build or have built. But a bulk of ovens on forum are DIY

[Pologuy9906]

gotcha. just so nervous. I'm probably starting the base this weekend

[UtahBeehiver]

I guess I also need to clarify that heat loss is also dependent on thermal mass, ie more mass means more heat retainage. The FB oven is, 2" thick cast shell?? brick ovens commonly 4 to 4.5" thick

[Pologuy9906]

Got you. I like the insulation board. I need to find the details 're: indespinsible tool

[Novaslo]

The other thing to think about is the satisfaction you will get from building it. The masterpiece that you, your family and your friends will enjoy is looking at the inside of the dome and the incredible look of a hot fire and clean hot bricks. It is truly a fantastic conversation piece. As for building it, you do have to sign up for it. For me, I loved building mine. I rushed here and there simply because that is my nature. I would slow down next time. If there is one.

Mine, like Russell's will stay hot for 4-5 days. We cook in it every week and cook multiple meals. Insulation is a must utilizing Fibre board, and lots of insulation on the top. For me it takes 2 hours to get to temp and off we go.

My advice is build it! Have your kids help, they will never forget it and you will marvel at the pictures and what you went through for years to come.
Go for it.

[Pologuy9906]

Ran into a major problem. I only have 60" wide x 48"deep for a base. My wife doesn't want it to stick out on the back of the wall.

[Gulf]

Unless you find another location, I don't see much way around it. Actually, I would set the face of the oven back a lot further back than even what you have shown. As far forward as it is, you will be loosing a lot of the view and the usable area in front of that fine fireplace. Any chance of a corner build?

[UtahBeehiver]

Is it possible to do a arch cantilever hearth deck. It will give you a little extra room out front and match your fire place hearth. I am not seeing your dimension you gave based on the CMU layout unless the CMUs are bigger than std 8x8x16.

[Novaslo]

Ran into a major problem. I only have 60" wide x 48"deep for a base. My wife doesn't want it to stick out on the back of the wall.

I think you will need more room. Can you come out 1 more set of blocks to pick up 7 more inches? I mean come forward? 36 inch dome is going to take at least 50 inches i would think.

[Pologuy9906]

Trying tof figure out how I can extend it further by going deeper into the yard. How many bricks does the typically take to construct?

[william]

Hi
I would do a corner build looking at your photo, it also would not crowd the fireplace and give you more cooking room
Bill

[david s]

Ran into a major problem. I only have 60" wide x 48"deep for a base. My wife doesn't want it to stick out on the back of the wall.

Build a smaller oven and or keep the entry shallow.