Brick or lazy modular

[Filthymutt]

Well, I have been away from these forums for a while, to much to do, no time to do it. But finally we have made our move and are now in Beijing.
The house is closer to being handed over to us, just the shell and we've been meeting with designers about how to do the interior.
So, this also means in the not too distant future I am finally going to be able to get my WFO started.

Now, I got the wife putting pressure on me and a new job to start soon. The wife is telling me I shouldn't go to all the trouble of building an oven. She wants me to just buy one. There is a fireplace shop nearby that just started selling brick ovens from a company called Palazzetti I took a look, there are some nice designs but I still like the FB ovens better.
Either way, what to do? Is there really much difference in the cooking between the modular and the brick? I looked at the FB page about the issue but it was not too helpful. If I went with this nearby company I would have a modular oven installed and everything. No muss no fuss. But, I was kinda getting psyched up for the M&F. I mean it's an adventure to build your own right? Sure its a lot of work and back aches. Is it worth it?

I would like to hear from those of you that have gone down this road already. Made this decision, to buy or to build, mod or real brick, etc...

Thanks fellas.

[cobblerdave]

Hi
Yep I can tell you its a long, big and dirty job.....and like banging you head into a brick wall you only really get to feel good benefits till you stop.
Was it worth it ...you betcha just love the oven and the food it produces.
Would I have used a prebuilt oven shell......yes....I probably would consider it as the stand, surrounds,oven covering tools wood etc...etc probably take more time than building the dome itself. And all those bits are the parts you can see not in the oven itself
Which ever way you go enjoy the journey....

Regards Dave

[Filthymutt]

Thanks Buddy, I will probably build it myself. I think it will be an adventure.

[Ken524]

I built my own from scratch and had a blast doing it. I also gave myself tendonitis and discovered I had an arthritic shoulder. I'm glad I built one from scratch, but if we ever move, I'll order an FB kit.

I doubt there is any difference in the cooking performance. Pompeii's are typically thicker (more thermal mass) than the kit. But if well insulated, the kits should retain heat plenty long for some yummy post-pizza cooking.

[berryst]

The journey is the destination.
build for the joy of building.
It is not rocket science unless you want it to be.
I would like to build an other one.
It takes a little time but so what.
berryst

[Filthymutt]

I'm pretty sure I will go the full brick route. I have to start hunting for materials. My Chinese isn't perfect so it's going to be a challenge on different levels. Not just the build.

It's the wife. She doesn't think I will manage the frustration well and has the typical Wife's confidence level in her husbands abilities

[Ken524]

You know, there is nothing "lazy" about building a kit oven. There is still a LOT of work to do. Building the foundation, base and enclosure is a major project. As I said, I wouldn't hesitate to do a kit. The food will be every bit as good.

[GianniFocaccia]

I built my own from scratch and had a blast doing it

There is nothing quite as satisfying as constructing a '3-D' wall that ends up in the shape of a dome and being the best cooking vessel you will ever cook in. Get the wife involved and she can share in your frustations.

Besides, being where you are, you should be able to source anything refractory, especially bricks fairly reasonably.

[stonylake]

I agree with Ken in that if i ever do another one it will be from a kit... or maybe cast. that said, i too had a blast building the first one from scratch... i'm in the process of putting stone on my hearth stand, and then a slate top around the oven... my wife is definately ready for this project to be done.. we've been cooking in it for over a year, so the "urgency to complete" factor is greatly diminished...

[Filthymutt]

Anyone tried to make a stainless steel arch? I saw a photo from a Australian company Zesti ovens. Posted in my albums.
I don't want to buy their kit, I will build my own I am certain of it now but I really like their look, a mix of old school brick oven with a modern touch.
Take a look:
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