Steel Drum, Night Store Heater Brick Oven

[rich361]

Thanks Guys, I'll make sure I put some chicken wire at that junction.

First curing fire in my oven.



Proud owner of a Pizza Oven.



I did a couple of curing fires today, No more than 20 mins at a time and only small fires. Bricks got up to 200 deg pretty quickly.

The Vermiculite concrete sounds more hollow when you knock on the drum. I think it's dried quite well plus a couple of 26+ deg days help with drying.

Hope to get first render coat on tomorrow. Bad weather is suppose to be coming up for the next couple of days so will need to erect some kind of roof to protect it.

[rich361]

That looks awesome Rich, bet it felt good to get the fires going.
Soon you'll be turning out awesome pizza! If you get a chance you should think about doing a blog of your build and the wonderful food you'll soon be producing from your oven, I've loved doing mine.
Cheers
Marcus
P.S do you have an idea what your first pizza will be yet?
Have a look at my overnight ferment recipe, makes for a delicious base

[rich361]

Rich, that is great going. Well done!

She's kindof handsome no? Or as the French might say, jolie laide.

But it aint over til the fat lady sings and you've posted some pizza porn.

:lol:

[rich361]

I am a short arse six footer but hate bending down (don't we all?). Did you concider putting another few blocks in so you don't have to bend down to see in the oven? Love the safety footwear - cool!

[rich361]

Rich, that is great going. Well done!

She's kindof handsome no? Or as the French might say, jolie laide.

But it aint over til the fat lady sings and you've posted some pizza porn.

:lol:

...or as the roast beefs say ... you don't look at the mantlepiece when you are stoking the fire...

I think it looks beuatiful.

[rich361]

Rendering Done!! Looks a lot better now!!!

Photobucket seems to be having some issues at the moment so I'll post a couple if pics later on.

Fat Bob... Yeah it could of been a bit higher but it's too late now!! :lol:
I live in bare feet throughout most of the summer... but your right, I will have to make sure I have some foot protection... I'll chuck my jandels on next time!! :wink:

Calaf... She does look a bit full figured!! (even fuller with her render coat on) I can hopefully do a couple more curing fires before I give her a full stoke... Can't wait!!!

[rich361]

hehehe :lol:

Belezza deliziosa. Yes, it's a robust kind of beauty. And full-figured is definitely preferable.

But don't forget your protection when you're stoking the fire. :wink:

[rich361]

HA HA HA.... :shock:

I have just read what I posted... Really should proof read before I push Submit :oops:

Anyway... Render coat...







I'm going to light a small fire in the morning to cure the oven a bit more, Then I'll try a bigger fire in the afternoon and see how we get on.

Looking for pizza base recipes now...

[rich361]

looking good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet you cannot wait to cook in her ............

[rich361]

Rich,
seeing as you've done me the honour of copying my oven.... :wink:
I think you ought to give my dough recipe a shot

In a bowl add

250g Strong white bread flour

325g Lukewarm water

5g Fast Action Yeast

Mix with a wooden spoon and leave covered overnight.

The next morning add

250g Strong white bread flour, or replace with an equal quantity of alternative (wholemeal/barleycorn/5seed)

10g Fine Sea Salt

Mix until it comes together and knead for 10 mins on a worktop until silky and soft

Oil the bowl lightly with olive/rapeseed oil but the dough in and let rise until doubled (approx. 1 hour)

Fold the dough over on itself again and again to form a tight ball, coat lightly with a tiny amount of oil and then some polenta and leave to rise for another hour

Enjoy!
Cheers
Marcus

[rich361]

Marcus,

Thank you so much for your recipe! I'll be giving that a go tomorrow for our New Years party tomorrow!!

I fired her up this morning and kept a fire going for a couple of hours.

The hearth topped out at about 300 deg C and the roof was around 250 deg C. Wasn't planning on getting it that hot but got carried away!!

4 hours later it was still around 100 deg... since then I have made the door and chimney block so hopefully the heat will stay in even longer.

I brought a infer red laser thermometer, Best $20 I ever spent!

I have filled the oven up with wood to slowly cook and dry overnight ready for tomorrow.

For the party we have lot's of pizzas planned, Then Mum is making a homemade garlic bread and no doubt other things will be chucked in there once the Ciders and Beers start flowing!!

I'll make sure there will be photos!!!

[rich361]

Well done Rich!

[rich361]

Congratulations Rich......nice looking oven !!!

All the best for the party.

I've dabbled a bit in Pizza dough recipe's and this is one of my favourites.....

500 gms strong white flour
300 gms luke warm water
1 tsp salt
2 tsps honey
2 tbles olive oil
1 sachet dried yeast

Method.....In a large bowl add all the dry ingredients. Make a well in the centre, then add half the water, honey and oil. Gradually add the rest of the water. The dough should end up slightly sticky.....knead for 10/15 mins then leave prove for 1 hour. Divide into pizza balls and either refrigerate until needed or use straight away.

This method can be used in a short time from making...to baking, but you may find the dough is a little springy. You will find that Marcus's method is a lot easier to handle.

Terry

[rich361]

Hey Rich,
How did it go then??
Cheers
Marcus
P.s.
Happy New Year

[rich361]

Yes, Rich
Inquiring minds want to know how yer oven performed.....