Welcome to Alternative Oven

[Wiley]

Hi Carol,
If I recall you were looking to build a WFO on either a trailer or on a truck. If that is still the plan (ie transportable WFO) then you are looking at a set of different compromises. All life is a series of compromises isn't it? To me some desirable characteristics of a transportable WFO would include: sturdy and able to take the abuse of transport on a highway; quick to fire so that you can start producing pizzas soon after arriving once you get to where you are going to sell; fairly quick to cool down... no need to be transporting a very hot WFO down the highway...safety here. Also it should be as light as possible and still do the job so you do not need a F350 or similar to haul it.

So your low dome WFO would seem to have alot of those characteristics. Cast refractory, so no bricks to work loose during transport (especially with a low dome design). The low dome would heat up quicker and the thinner refractory heat sink would not only heat up quicker than a thick one but would be lighter in weight and cool down sooner at the end of the day. No need for alot of expensive insulation or a high tech door. You probably will have to be sure all coals etc were out of the WFO before transport just for safety anyway.

The trade off are the compromises: one would think that cooking with reserve heat would be less possible. Less chance of successful second day baking because the refractory mass to hold the heat isn't there.

What it apears you are creating is a WFO that is a bit more specialized than most. Not that that is bad or wrong just what else you can bake in it will be more limited. So my thoughts on whether a roaster might have problems fitting thru such a low entrance are really less of a problem, although I still think one would want a wider entrance. The WFO you are describing is designed to produce pizzas (and a few other treats like calzone etc). It is not a slow cook pulled pork sort of WFO nor one that will bake bread although you still might be able to do so in a more limited fashion.

All our WFOs are a bit of an experiment some more than others. IMHO What you describe would work for the purpose you have indicated. Other than the wider door I have no other suggestions at this time.

Hope this helps,
Wiley

[doughforthesoul]

Thanks Wiley for all your help. This oven will be used just for the pizza business. I am going with a oven 48" wide by 16" high with a 16" opening. I am pretty excited to get started finally. Look forward to reading future post as they are always full of interesting information.
Take Care,
Carol

[Archena]

How deep is it going to be? You're doing a barrel, right? I don't think a dome would support itself with that shallow an arc.

[doughforthesoul]

Hi Archena,
My plan is to build a dome. From what I have been reading including Kiko Denzer's book, "Build your own earth oven" it should be fine. I am using refractory cast not brick. The more I read the more I think I might change the shape to more of a oval than round. And they say WOMEN CAN'T MAKE UP THERE MINDS!
Carol

[fornax hominus]

When I finished the inside of my 32'' I knew I had to get inside to chip off mortar and fill gaps etc. ... but I am a lifelong claustraphobe!!.. My door is 12''h x 16''wide.. I really didn't want to go in but my friendJ John said he had done it with his oven ,so .. I built a platform level with the floor and slid in on my back , one arm over my head ... yikes!!! [I also took the phone in ..just in case] I am not a big guy, but I found it very tight , hard even to chip away with one hand, well wih a lot of cursing I got the work done , inched my way out and went for a stiff drink . I called John , who blythfully informed me that he had ''chikened out''' and had not got more than his head in his oven .... sigh!

[eatingmorefood]

hi all,
considering putting a pompeii style oven on top of the hearth,
Octagon or Round and why ?
thanks!
EatingMoreFood

[dmun]

Octagon or Round and why?

http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f2/w...s-round-2.html (Why Italian Wood-Fired Ovens are Round)