First mud oven

I finally had the time this summer to build my first mud oven. It came out pretty well and it works for the most part. It has a lime plaster outer shell. I think I messed up by using 1/4” hardware cloth as the inner support structure. Instead of stacking the mud flat I pressed it against the hardware cloth. That created a problem where now tiny bits of mud are flaking off as I use it. I’ve started thinking about what might be a good next project. I’m thinking an oven with a fire brick interior in the style of walker.

Great first oven, Chris!
That pizza looks tasty!
Building an arch with brick is totally doable by a beginner; you use a removable or movable form.
Keep up the good work!

Thanks! I feel like this has given me a lot of good experience and now I understand how useful these ovens are. They produce a really good tasting food.

Congratulations!

I like the door as it adds a nice touch.

That is a great piece of work Chris. What did you use as a grill or base plate?

Great work. I have been considering making one, but I am too busy around the homestead. My husband says, it’s a project for when he retires.

Congratulations!

I built a cob oven about 20 years ago.  The mistake I made was in not making the top inside of the oven high enough.

I can’t remember what my rationale wad, but I went against the recommendations in Kiko Denzer’s book.

I can’t say how the two may be connected, but I could NOT get the high temperature needed for calzones.  They ended up being tender like quick breads and muffins.

Next oven, I will follow plans from Mayt Walker.

My wife and I watch a great video blog on YouTube of a couple in Azerbaijan that does rustic cooking exclusively in her brick, concrete, cob, ovens.  I highly recommend her channel: https://www.youtube.com/@country_life_vlog  We watch at least one episode every night to relax us before bed.

Mike Barkley wrote:That is a great piece of work Chris. What did you use as a grill or base plate?

I used regular red brick. I probably should’ve used fire brick