Earthen Ovens

Anybody interested in doing an Earthen Oven as a way to get familiar with cob?
(and create an interesting focal point for backyard pizza-parties  )

We're hosting one April 4-5 in Portland, and we'd be interested in coming up to Washington if someone wants to host another workshop in June or July.
Or maybe as part of a harvest party in the fall.

Check our calendar for workshop details: www.ErnieAndErica.info/calendar

Or just reply to this post and I'll send you more info.

Thanks,
Erica and Ernie Wisner
www.ErnieAndErica.info

hi erica. not sure if you're still around, but found your post interesting. hubby's in the middle of doing research to build an earth oven outside. he wants to test hop it and then build one inside the cabin. supposedly these were used to heat homes in the Netherlands and nothern Europe long ago. any thoughts on this? thanks!

Here is mine on the front porch.



It would need at least a simple roof over it. Mine necessarily has a stove pipe coming out the back since it is under the porch roof.  That causes it to cool sooner than it should for cooking but it does work.  The opening in the front should only be about 66% of the total height to cut down on smoke.

It is made of typical cob - 30% clay 70% sand and straw added as necessary for strength.  Our clay has about 20% claystone so about a 50/50 mix with sand works great.  I commonly mix with a tractor or Bobcat rather than by my feet.. I know -- I am not a purist.

that's really cool trog!  will have to show ed. he's been perusing the forums and will probably join.

and thanks for the info! and we're not 'purists' either!

Thanks.  I'll help with what info I can. 

We started a slow fire in it the first night we made the body, then put the head on the next day.