Modify Metal Oven

[Richardk]

Hi,

I was gifted a metal barrel pizza oven a few years ago, which has been great to learn with. See photos attached.

But as I am doing up to 35 pizzas at a time (large family and big eaters), I would like to modify this to retain more heat and keep the temperature more stable.

As these family events can take up to 6 hours to finish the whole cooking process, I need to find ways to reduce the overall cook time.

I can get the oven up to 420 c, but I can't hold it long enough for consistency between pizzas, (Neapolitan mainly). I am struggling between the flame being too hot, or the base not hot enough, and vice versa.

I am not trying to get it to the same level as a proper brick oven, but just some consistency with the heat and whole cooking process, so I can concentrate more on making the pizzas, than constant fire management, and quicker cook times.

While using somethings I already have to keep the cost down, some ideas I was thinking of are:

• Remove the legs and make a new base, with 12 mm thick fiber cement sheeting, and a layer of concrete over this, and or silicate base. I already have a 2400 x 600mm fiber sheet.
• Remove the fiber blanket, and fill with refractory cement, and then put the fire blanket on the outside of the main dome, and cover with more cement or something else.

I have a very small yard, so I am restricted to a base of 1200 x 1200 mm, and it needs to stay mobile, so I can put it back in the garage when done.

Any expert advice would be appreciated.



Thanks,

Richard

[josephinelabriola]

Hi Richard,

Your metal barrel pizza oven sounds awesome! Hitting 420°C is great for Neapolitan pizzas, but I get the challenge of juggling flame and base heat. Here are some tips:

1. Heat Retention: Fill the dome with refractory cement and move the fire blanket outside for better heat retention. Add a silicate layer or concrete on the base for even heat.
2. Flame vs. Base Heat: Use thicker fire bricks or a pizza stone on the floor to keep the base hot and consistent.
3. Quicker Cooks: Add a metal baffle above the flame to spread heat evenly around the dome.
4. Mobility: Install lockable wheels or consider a foldable base for easy storage in your small yard.

I’m no expert, but I’ve picked up tips from my own DIY oven.

Good luck, and enjoy those family pizza nights!

Cheers,