max oven size given area

[justindt]

Hi Everbody!

New here and just starting my planning. I have a 44"x44" area that I would like to use. Given that size, what size oven could I build there? I want to make it as low-profile as possible, so I'm going with an igloo finish.

Another question: Can you use steel studs as a base or must you use concrete blocks or a steel frame?

Thanks!

[GianniFocaccia]

Have you downloaded the Pompeii oven plans from this site? They spell out what you will need for proper insulation and dome enclosure dimensions, whether its an igloo or enclosed.

[Lburou]

Originally Posted by justindt

Hi Everbody!

New here and just starting my planning. I have a 44"x44" area that I would like to use. Given that size, what size oven could I build there? I want to make it as low-profile as possible, so I'm going with an igloo finish.

Another question: Can you use steel studs as a base or must you use concrete blocks or a steel frame?

Thanks!

Ovens built according to the fornobravo plans have 4.5 inch brick walls and another four or six inches of insulation. That would leave 24-27 inches for an oven floor, a workable dimension but on the small side of the usual oven on this forum. There are several polls concerning oven size here.

What is the limitation around your 44 X 44 inch space? Depending on the limitations of your space, you might eke a slightly larger oven floor.

A steel frame designed for the weight of an oven is fine. Look at the fornobravo store for an example of a steel frame.

[Neil2]

"Ovens built according to the fornobravo plans have 4.5 inch brick walls and another four or six inches of insulation. "

You can even cut the insulation thickness down locally at the "pinch points" to 2 inches or so.

[texassourdough]

You could also consider using a refractory oven. I must suspect that it is the width that is constrained and that the depth could be more flexible. A Casa 2G80 should fit and the 2G90 might. The larger Giardino would easily fit.

[justindt]

Thanks for the replies and good tips. I do plan on doing a refractory oven, but I will probably just choose a different area to give me some more room to play with.