Which Type of Oven to Build

[ernieh]

Hi all

Ive just come across this website as I’m planning to build a WFO and it’s a great resource. I’ve had a good look around and a search but can’t find a specific thread to answer my questions. 

Ive just moved to a larger house and finally have the space to build a WFO. I’ve got a million things to do here so can’t have a project that takes up too much of my time. 

Originally, I read the riverside cottage WFO guide which used cast clay/sand mix and that was the route I was going to take as aside from the puddling it seems quite a fast build (they suggest it can be done in a weekend, is that plausible?). I notice on this forum that there’s more of an emphasis on building a brick oven. 

Would anyone one be so kind as to advise me on a couple of questions:-

1) why would you choose a brick build over clay cast? Is it longevity and if so, how short is a clay cast oven’s lifespan in comparison to a brick built?

2) is clay cast the fastest, easiest method to building?

I used to be a builder so working with bricks, sand and cement isn’t a problem for me and I can probably do that work faster than the average unskilled builder but as I said, I don’t have time to make this a labour of love. I want a WFO that looks nice (rustic and authentic is fine so perfection unnecessary) and cooks well (if I understand, the insulation is the biggest factor here) but I don’t want to spend a fortune or a huge amount of time. I’d be really interested to know the benefits of one over the other in terms of time to build, cost and longevity of the build as whilst I don’t want to spend too much time on it, equally, I don’t want to be building it again in a couple of years. 

I hope that that someone will have the time to give me their opinion to help me make this fundamental decision. 

Thanks for reading. 

Ern. 

[albacore]

Hi Ern, welcome to the forum.
I know little about clay ovens, but suspect longevity may be a problem (cracking?). However another option to consider is a modular oven, where you buy a giant 3D jigsaw puzzle of oven sections made of refractory material and assemble them on a base you build yourself. Then insulate and render the dome.

It does cut down build time considerably and I think there are one or two modulars around at keen prices these days.

Lance

[ernieh]

Hi Lance

Thanks for the welcome and advice. I’ve sort of scrolled past the modular ones, would you have any recommendations for the best place to find a keenly priced one? Are they just as good in use? I guess that’ll all depend upon the insulating!

Thanks 

[albacore]

A lot of Milan 750 builds on the forum at the mo' - check them out. Also look at Wood fired gourmet & Linea vz from Wood oven warehouse. Stonebake also have a good reputation, but probably pricier.

Yes, don't skimp on the insulation - at least 50mm of Calsil board or equivalent under floor and 50mm of ceramic fibre blanket on the dome, preferably with some vermicrete as well.

[ernieh]

Thanks Lance. If it saves many days, the Milan is very tempting.