Ash vent Introductions Discuss Ash vent in the Good Background Information forums; James, I was wondering why your specs for the Pompeii Oven did not include the ash vent? Do you feel ...

[Jim Bob]

James,
I was wondering why your specs for the Pompeii Oven did not include the ash vent? Do you feel it is worthwhile to install as you build the oven? Or is it more trouble than it is worth? I haven't been thru all of your various posts, so if you have already addressed this subject, just refer me to the correct one and i will read it.
Thanks,
Jim Bob

[dmun]

I'll hop in here for James. He built two barrel vault ovens complete with ash drop, and found that he never used them, and that the hole in the middle of the oven entry was actively in the way. In addition, most of us want to use the space directly below the entry for wood storage, not the ash can.

If your primary use of your oven is for retained heat baking, where the coals need to be removed in the middle of every use, an ash drop might be more useful.