Dreams of a Brick Oven

via Frankie G's

Imagine a full day of cooking--or rather, baking--in the backyard. First, the pizzas, then breads, then cobblers. This is what makes having a brick oven very appealing, and here are the resources I've found for inspiration thus far. There is a perfect spot in the backyard just begging for "proper" use. hmmm....

The two books that have inspired a lot of folks out there are Your Brick Oven and The Bread Builders.

And here are a few links for inspiration:

1) Brian's Brick Oven Folly - Plenty of pictures and helpful tips, especially the detailed images of how the brick oven actually works.

2) Frankie G's Wood-Fired Pizza Oven - More pictures. Similar techniques as above for forming the domed oven interior.

3) Matt Considine: Building a Brick Oven - The most comprehensive site, as far as photographs go, for the entire process. This makes the project seem a little too daunting.

4) Gulland Oven - Here's a relatively simple design for the base and an oven the apparently does not need a chimney.

5) Mike's Brick Oven - Igloo design.

6) Forno Bravo - Ok, so maybe with the (limited) time and (little) patience I really have, buying an oven would be a more realistic alternative. I would still have to assemble a base with the modular option, or go the easy (and more expensive) route with the assembled one.

7) Superior Clay 36" Oven - Another purchase option.