Backyard Bread Ovens

Tall, wide, deep, beautiful solid red brick, with a wood fire heat sometimes so intense it turns the arched bricks of the interior ash-white. Such ovens have been popular throughout the centuries in different shapes and construction but all hold some basics in common. Descendants of these ancient baking centers include the beehive ovens, adobe chimney ovens and the great brick ovens of Europe.

Wood-burning masonry ovens are considered an integral component to the production of Artisan bread and true Neapolitan pizza. They work by a well choreographed dance that is a balance of heat, time, and baking. When all these components come together the results is a tender-sweet aroma filled loaf of bread.

Brick and clay ovens are most often thought about for the backyard. Used primarily for preparation of bread and pizza; they will also add great flavor to roast meat, vegetables, biscuits or lasagna. These ovens are traditionally fired with wood or charcoal. Traditional ovens are designed to store several hours worth of heat, allowing several dishes to be cooked in succession. Pizzas could be followed by bread, roasts and stews, each cooked at the appropriate temperatures.

You can build your own brick or adobe oven, although it is a daunting thought. Start by checking out websites and finding books about building your own backyard brick oven. Here is a recommended book:

Remember to check your town’s building codes before starting any building project. This will not be an easy DIY project. Don’t get in over your head. The components that make brick ovens work so well are very complicated.

Finding a qualified mason contractor experienced in outdoor ovens would be highly recommended. Check with neighbors or friends for a reference. Also check in your local phone book. A trained tradesman could help guide you through the process of determining whether to build your backyard oven from the ground up with the aid of blueprints or construct a pre-fabricated kit. Consulting a professional can save you money and time as well as give you a better product in the end.

Once you have your backyard oven completed the learning process of building the fire, regulating the temperature and baking your bread begins. Be patient, this is not a skill that will take many trys and time to master. Consulting artisan bread books and DVDs can be a great help. Here are some titles to look into:

Then satisfaction of pulling out a loaf of bread baked in an outdoor wood fired oven is like no other. It is an experience of all of your senses; you quickly will become addicted to.