Pies baked in a real oven taste much better than those from a bakery.
It's an undeniable fact, as it's freshly prepared homemade food, hot and aromatic. Owners of country houses can equip not only a fireplace but also an oven for a gazebo. This oven will be intended for outdoor use, making it convenient to use in warm weather. A gazebo or summer kitchen at the cottage will become cozier with an oven made of red refractory brick. Cooking on such an oven is more economical since it uses natural fuel resources such as wood or coal instead of electricity. Considering that coal and wood heat the oven to high temperatures, it's important that the oven's construction material is fire-resistant. An economical option is to buy a cast iron stove, but then you'll miss out on the pleasure of trying your hand as a stove-maker, building the oven yourself using red bricks. When choosing between refractory red brick and aerated concrete, the former is a better choice. It is a traditional material, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to work with.
Choosing a Location for the Oven
The oven is best placed in a ventilated area, so the gazebo is ideal. The size of the oven should be directly proportional to the size of the gazebo.
It's better to use new brick, but if you have used brick, it must be thoroughly cleaned of old mortar. To test the plasticity of the clay-sand mortar, you can drop a small clay ball on the floor; if it doesn't break, the consistency is right for laying the oven. It's important to soak the clay several days before starting. The necessary tools include a building level, a shovel, a nylon rope for marking, and a trowel.
Foundation for the Oven in a Summer Gazebo
Even if the gazebo already has a foundation, it might not be strong enough to support a heavy oven. You'll likely need to pour an additional foundation at the oven's location, especially if the gazebo is on a strip foundation. For the concrete mix, use a ratio of one part cement to three parts sand, mixing well and pouring into the prepared pit. To insulate the future oven, you can cover the foundation with roofing felt.
Tips for Oven Builders
The oven needs to be cleaned at least once a season, so it's important to have access to all its parts. To enjoy watching the fire in the oven, choose doors with heat-resistant glass. Use asbestos cord for additional strength, wrapping it around the doors during installation. For neater masonry, it's recommended to sift the sand when mixing the mortar. When laying bricks, you can use the old method of moistening them to improve sliding on the mortar and remove excess. Every three to four rows, wipe the masonry with a damp cloth to remove lumps and excess mortar. To increase the strength of the clay masonry, add salt to the mortar - about 100 g per bucket.
Additional Recommendations for Those Wanting an Oven
When planning to build an oven for a summer gazebo or kitchen on your country property, it's important to consider a number of key aspects that will ensure not only the functionality and safety of your oven but also its harmonious integration into the overall design of the site. Here is a list of important recommendations that will help you create the perfect oven, meeting all your needs and expectations:
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the gazebo or summer kitchen for safety.
- Use fire-resistant materials around the oven to prevent fire.
- Make sure the foundation under the oven is stable and reliable.
- Choose environmentally friendly fuel, such as certified wood.
- Explore possibilities for the disposal of ash and other oven waste.
- Harmonize the oven's design with the overall style of the gazebo or kitchen.
- Consider various finishing options for individual decoration of the oven.
- Clean the oven from soot and regularly check for cracks and damages.
- Regularly inspect the chimney and ventilation openings.
- Experiment with various recipes suitable for the oven.
- Master cooking techniques on open flame and in the hot zone of the oven.
- Consider adding chambers for smoking or built-in grills.
- Explore options for modernizing the oven to enhance its functionality.
- Check local norms and requirements for oven construction.
- Clarify permissions or restrictions on the use of open flame in your area.
Using these recommendations will help you not only build a functional and safe oven but also get maximum satisfaction from its operation and appearance.
In conclusion, building an oven with your own hands for a summer gazebo or kitchen is not only an exciting project but also a practical solution for improving your country home. Implementing such a project not only gives you the opportunity to enjoy the process of creation and craftsmanship but also promises comfort and coziness during the summer months. An oven built from quality materials with all the nuances and recommendations in mind will become a gathering place for family and friends, as well as a source of warmth and delicious dishes. It will not only add homely comfort to your country site but also become a source of pride for your own hands. So go ahead with new building adventures and cozy evenings by the oven!