Let's Talk BBQ

Outdoor Cooking Equipment => Grills & Smokers => Homebuilt & Modified Cookers => Topic started by: pz on August 08, 2013, 04:18:07 PM

Title: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 04:18:07 PM
I'm not sure if this post is exactly where it belongs, but I didn't find any place more suitable. Please feel free to move it if you have a better place  ;)

I've been looking for years for an outdoor pizza oven that was reasonably priced.  Mostly they are upwards of $3000, which is a bit rich for my blood.  However, last year I purchased a kit for nearly half price and then planned to install it myself.  naturally being an old guy, my ambition was writing checks bigger than my old joints could cash, so I enlisted my youngest son to help  ;D

It did not go too bad, and it took about a week for all the concrete and mortar to properly cure - here's a few images of how it went:
Click to zoom, click again to minimize
We had landscapers come a couple of years ago,
and they did some masonry in the back yard.

We asked them to put in this base of packed gravel
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hg82jJasc9I/UgPx5yEI2mI/AAAAAAAAC2A/0ew2HN_3f-Q/w1024-h681-no/IMG_5260.JPG)
My son got the easy part of the job. 

He only had to pour 19 sacks of concrete for the base by hand.

We actually went to rent a mixer, but on that particular day they were closed
for some kind of holiday that only they knew about.

Ricky is such a good kid; even though I offered, he would not let his old dad
do even a single sack of concrete mixing. 

I'm proud of that young man.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E30IOIO1jJ4/UgPx-hQOZqI/AAAAAAAAC2I/LFpA5pyUUlA/w1272-h846-no/IMG_5275.JPG)
I had it much more difficult than my son - clean the concrete that spilled over.

It might not look all that professional, but what the heck; we're back yard concrete guys  ;D
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BnihS5TSmG8/UgPyDLeaLgI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/ZlIvMz30dSI/w1272-h846-no/IMG_5276.JPG)
Of course, the boss worked the hardest that particular day.

I must admit that even after 25 years in the place, I never tire of the view.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r_z_ZdrEae0/UgPyHT24HxI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/W-foJ_pj8Nw/w1272-h846-no/IMG_5286.JPG)
Because this is a kit that consists of pieces fitting together like a puzzle,
even amateur masons like my son and I can do a reasonable job.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b-nifuMpDMA/UgPyLgU2P7I/AAAAAAAAC2g/9KKXZXNjr20/w1272-h846-no/IMG_5298.JPG)
Ready to set the front of the oven and the next course.
(if there are any professional masons on the forum, don't laugh at our work (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/main_glasses.gif))
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JHIht7oXbYM/UgPyPMqLiWI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Q_pAE_azSQE/w1272-h846-no/IMG_5312.JPG)
The boss got up long enough to inspect the job, and then take a picture for her Facebook page. 

Naturally being the boss, she took credit for the entire job. (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/main_shocked2.gif)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O_ahriJNrxE/UgPyTck49WI/AAAAAAAAC2w/VfCBTGyzijY/w1272-h846-no/IMG_5343.JPG)
The basic construction is finally finished (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/08.gif)

It is definitely not pretty, and I need to figure out some kind of shell for the thing,
but at least it works, and produces great pizzas. 
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T69DcF8iXPU/UgPyXzc63aI/AAAAAAAAC24/4kNJGj-XQA4/w1272-h846-no/IMG_5347.JPG)

Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: squirtthecat on August 08, 2013, 04:25:23 PM

Nice!!
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 08, 2013, 04:29:55 PM
What a great post! I too have been chasing the elusive wood fired oven. Unfortunately, I don't have a son. I have two teen age daughters... and a "boss." So, the project is on hold.

Great pictures and story. I look forward to seeing some of your pizza cooks - be sure to get some "crust pics!"

Thanks for sharing this.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: ACW3 on August 08, 2013, 04:37:37 PM
PZ,
Your pizza oven looks great.   But that view is out of this world!!

Art
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Pam Gould on August 08, 2013, 05:02:58 PM
We had a guy from Africa that had a wood fired grill and he made all kind of things on his. His name was africanmeat. Haven't seen him in ages. Wonder if anyone else has?  I want one of those wood fired ovens so bad. I will look and see..I know I saved some of his recipes. Beautiful view too.  Pam .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 05:05:43 PM
Thanks guys!  We completed the oven last year and have had quite a few pizza parties, so I'd like to share a few pics that show how much fun it can be to entertain with a wood-fired appliance (there is just something wonderfully different about tending a wood fired oven that makes it just plain fun  :)
Click image to zoom, click again to minimize
The fire is started, and we are beginning the
process of heating the oven to temperature.
We usually take it to an internal temperature of about
900F to 1000F
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lMV9cPtjmRo/UGZWWpdcysI/AAAAAAAABes/8-PrQm41SbM/w800-h533-no/IMG_5352.JPG)
It is lots of fun preparing the entire pizza,
from start to finish, outside on the back deck
near the oven.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wlctv4ZFB7k/UcT77VoxRrI/AAAAAAAACXc/nj1zA57NnII/w1268-h846-no/IMG_1435.JPG)
Here's the moment we placed a pizza into the oven
which was at about 900F - the pizzas cook in about 90 seconds
at this temperature
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cTGPhwBh_no/UcT78RLWgUI/AAAAAAAACXs/PaLEe3ngSoY/w1268-h846-no/IMG_1437.JPG)
This pizza consists of fresh tomato, mozzarella,
black olives and sun dried tomato. The plants you see
at the side of the oven are tomato - picked fresh and
sliced right onto the dough.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O_rTqeKuwvM/UcT7-DKZiRI/AAAAAAAACYE/5b78tqpovqc/w1268-h846-no/IMG_1444.JPG)
Here's a closeup of that last pizza.  Not much is
better on a pizza than tomato picked seconds before
cooking.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8OwTsq71U6U/UcT7-immjEI/AAAAAAAACYM/kcU7-C8Pr40/w1268-h846-no/IMG_1445.JPG)
Another pizza that we now love, but tried for the
first time only a month or two ago is this one.  The
ingredients are pulled pork and black bean, with
a bed of Mexican 4-cheese blend plus a bit of
mozzarella.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zpWURDu4tBI/UcT7_Go62vI/AAAAAAAACYU/SAQv1kXDHi4/w1268-h846-no/IMG_1446.JPG)
Kind of overcooked this one, but it was still outstanding.
Written description alone does not do this combination
justice - it has a rich porky flavor that perfectly complements
the spicy black beans.  Spices include smoked paprika,
cumin, cayenne, thyme, and sometimes we use cocoa
powder for an almost chocolate mole kind of flavor.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qX3Cw9S7MIE/UcT7_minSaI/AAAAAAAACYc/lPry8q5UXyQ/w1268-h846-no/IMG_1447.JPG)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 08, 2013, 05:21:09 PM
Wonderful! Great pictures. Good looking pies.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 05:25:06 PM
Thanks for the comment, drholly! Those were some of our earlier pies that were not all that perfect, but were still quite good :)

Wood fired ovens are not only useful to make the most delicious pizzas on the planet, but we also use the residual fire to make other delicious foods - the sky is the limit.
Click to zoom, click again to minimize
On another day we tried a few new
pizza ideas - this one was topped with sausage,
fresh basil out of an Aerogarden, and pizza
cheese blend.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yx8IPcnm8ps/UHJeFk1v3iI/AAAAAAAABrU/4B2vPz51CxU/w800-h534-no/10070189.JPG)
We began experimenting with chicken once
the pizzas were done.  There is a simple Traeger
poultry rub on the chicken, and it is ready to go
into the oven, uncovered.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I3x5xDQN2nc/UeYz59IS2xI/AAAAAAAACrM/2OqLMDMmNfo/w1268-h846-no/IMG_0507.JPG)
Almost done!  The chicken was really tasty,
but I need to use an internal thermometer next
time because the breast tended to dry a bit.

The skin was crisp and had the same smoky
flavor as did the pizza.  The dark meat was to
die for it was so flavorful and tender.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x0tv492gXck/UeYz6d4hOUI/AAAAAAAACrQ/TLmb0SaAmmU/w1268-h846-no/IMG_0511.JPG)
Focaccia bread was also really good
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rdLdoyphjO0/UHDn30xCV3I/AAAAAAAABiQ/f5cVa1tLc_Y/w800-h533-no/IMG_5389.JPG)
...and last but certainly not least, bread with
authentic European-style thick crust.  We've tried for
decades to achieve the crust we experience in
Europe with absolutely no success.  A friend on
another forum sent us the link to a YouTube
video in which he claimed really good bread - he
was certainly correct!  This is the best bread we have
ever made at home.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eGqf1oy-teo/UcT8IPEK3KI/AAAAAAAACaI/htDM88KmipA/w1268-h846-no/IMG_1463.JPG)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: teesquare on August 08, 2013, 05:55:24 PM
WOW!!!!

Talk about hitting the"hot button" for a lot of us here ;D...I have been getting my wife warmed up to the idea of the pizza oven in my deck expansion...... ;D

Very nice job! I have seen some covered in tiles, and some in stucco, or bricks. Are you considering anything to top it off with - or leave it natural?
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 08, 2013, 06:06:26 PM
Now you're just teasing me...  ;)

Those are some great pictures and good looking food!

Maybe the driveway can go a few more years... ::)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: mikecorn.1 on August 08, 2013, 06:14:51 PM
Outstanding setup. I would love to have something like that, including the view  :)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 06:24:20 PM
Quote from: teesquare on August 08, 2013, 05:55:24 PM
Talk about hitting the"hot button" for a lot of us here ;D...I have been getting my wife warmed up to the idea of the pizza oven in my deck expansion...... ;D

If you haven't already, get her hooked on wood fired pizza, and you'll have an easy time of it.  Besides, it is so useful for a variety of outdoor oven cooking.  We just purchased a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven (3 legs) into which we can put our favorite Dutch oven foods (like crusty European bread) and heap the coals on top while the pizzas cook.  Add to your argument that it is an outstanding way to entertain with everyone helping and congregating around the oven area and she'll be sold.  ;D

Quote from: teesquare on August 08, 2013, 05:55:24 PM
Very nice job! I have seen some covered in tiles, and some in stucco, or bricks. Are you considering anything to top it off with - or leave it natural?

Thanks teesquare!  I'd love to encase the unit in a stucco style dome, but I don't know if stucco would do well in my area where we have temperature extremes and lots of freeze thaw.  Tile would also be great as would brick, but I think I would need to contract that job done so that it doesn't come out looking lumpy and lop-sided like a melted kids toy.

Quote from: drholly on August 08, 2013, 06:06:26 PM
Maybe the driveway can go a few more years... ::)

Interestingly, we were at this crossroad a couple of years ago.  We do one big project each year, and we had to decide on a driveway or a pizza oven - we chose the oven thinking that our guests would choose wood fired pizza over an asphalt driveway any day of the week.  Guess what our big project was this year?  ;D

Quote from: mikecorn.1 on August 08, 2013, 06:14:51 PM
Outstanding setup. I would love to have something like that, including the view  :)

Thanks mikecorn1; I just lucked into this place over 25 years ago when the housing prices were dirt cheap in my area.  I couldn't afford to purchase the place in today's housing market!  I've been grateful for that view each and every day for the past quarter century
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 06:28:01 PM
Quote from: Pam Gould on August 08, 2013, 05:02:58 PM
We had a guy from Africa that had a wood fired grill and he made all kind of things on his. His name was africanmeat. Haven't seen him in ages. Wonder if anyone else has?  I want one of those wood fired ovens so bad. I will look and see..I know I saved some of his recipes. Beautiful view too.  Pam .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ

Thanks for the comments Pam  :)

If I had to do it again, I think I would find some good plans and build the oven from scratch.  The masonry is not that difficult once you get the hang of it, and the materials to get the job done would not be more than a good quality BBQ grill.

I'd have to say that the wood fired oven has been one of my favorite outdoor cooking devices of all time, partly because my son and I put it together - would have been even more satisfying if we had built it from scratch.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: teesquare on August 08, 2013, 06:39:10 PM
Can you tell us where you found your kit at a good price? That is the main impediment for most of us ;D
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 06:46:44 PM
Quote from: teesquare on August 08, 2013, 06:39:10 PM
Can you tell us where you found your kit at a good price? That is the main impediment for most of us ;D

Absolutely; I did not want to be potentially politically incorrect by posting a link to a vendor.  The manufacturer is called Firerock (http://firerock.us/fireplaces/fireplace-products/outdoor-products/outdoor-oven/), and they evidently have a method of producing fireplaces (and this pizza oven) by some kind of poured material.  It has been a couple of years, but I think I ordered it through a local masonry shop for about $1700
Title: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Pappymn on August 08, 2013, 07:14:29 PM
Just a great post. Me likin the new guy ;)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 07:27:58 PM
Thanks, Pappy, I appreciate it, and the fact that I'm on a great site. (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/main_bow.gif)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Keymaster on August 08, 2013, 07:50:35 PM
That's a Awesome Oven!! Thanks for Sharing :)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 07:55:30 PM
Quote from: Keymaster on August 08, 2013, 07:50:35 PM
That's a Awesome Oven!! Thanks for Sharing :)

Thanks Keymaster; it's an ugly duckling, but I'm proud of it anyway because I typically have the black thumbs of construction incompetence (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/72.gif)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: muebe on August 08, 2013, 08:02:24 PM
Man I would love to build one! Just not at this house. I plan on selling it when the market get's better ::)

Great job and great looking pizzas!
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 08, 2013, 08:21:53 PM
Quote from: muebe on August 08, 2013, 08:02:24 PM
Man I would love to build one! Just not at this house. I plan on selling it when the market get's better ::)

Great job and great looking pizzas!

Thanks muebe!

One way to try to convince yourself to go ahead with one is that it might cost a couple of thousand to build it, but it would probably be worth 20 thousand in a selling price  ;D
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: LostArrow on August 08, 2013, 10:34:42 PM
Quote from: teesquare on August 08, 2013, 05:55:24 PM
WOW!!!!

Talk about hitting the"hot button" for a lot of us here ;D...I have been getting my wife warmed up to the idea of the pizza oven in my deck expansion...... ;D

Very nice job! I have seen some covered in tiles, and some in stucco, or bricks. Are you considering anything to top it off with - or leave it natural?
t if you build it we will come!
Ill come next year & cook with U next year if you build it 8)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: CDN Smoker on August 09, 2013, 12:44:14 AM
Wow on many levels starting with the view.

Many thanks for posting very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 09, 2013, 12:56:17 AM
Thanks guys; I'm really excited about the wood fired oven because it is such a simple device (nothing but a masonry cave that captures and retains heat), with very little to break down.  Other than cooking over an open fire, it doesn't get any simpler, and I'd recommend the experience highly to anyone that enjoys being in the outdoors while cooking and visiting with friends.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: fishingbouchman on August 09, 2013, 01:12:55 AM
I want one. Got a good view and I think the oven would be perfect. Love me some pizza and that bread looked killer.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 09, 2013, 01:28:16 AM
Quote from: fishingbouchman on August 09, 2013, 01:12:55 AM
... that bread looked killer.

If you like true European thick crusty bread, then this is the method.  Check out this video for the method we used.  This young man is evidently a baker in the UK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5QpQ9Kd3t5I

Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Dakota Don on August 09, 2013, 02:40:37 AM
Awesome! The wife looked at it and immediately told me to have one built, except she said it needs to be quite a bit bigger as I'll be living in it. ??? :'( :-X :-\
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 09, 2013, 03:15:10 AM
(http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/hee20hee20hee.gif)

She'll be sold once she tastes those crispy savory treats!
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: fishingbouchman on August 09, 2013, 06:00:47 PM
I want one. Got a good view and I think the oven would be perfect. Love me some pizza and that bread looked killer.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: sparky on August 09, 2013, 06:24:00 PM
dude, who doesn't like pizza and beer.  and w/ that view.  fantastic.  great looking pies partner.   8)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 09, 2013, 06:40:11 PM
Thanks gents; my only problem is that the outside temperature and humidity make it a bit unpleasant to fire the oven these days  :P
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 11, 2013, 03:02:02 AM
One unplanned fortuitous consequence of placing the pizza oven in the back yard near my wife's planned flower garden is growing edibles.  I managed to convince her that it ould be a good idea to plant herbs in some of her flower spots, and to plant tomatoes near the oven - although I can't believe it, she agreed!
Click image to zoom, click again to dismiss
We've planted four herbs so far, from left to right they are sage, thyme, chives, and parsley
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1Jt3Zj2zNlQ/UgcwkuB24XI/AAAAAAAAC9A/1H2UHLUHjGw/w1279-h853-no/IMG_1725.JPG)
A cherry tomato is on the right side of the oven - we started it in an Aerogarden during winter, and had tomatoes early.  We also grow 7 varieties of basil in the Aerogarden year round
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZNlDuYjPBTE/UgcwlW7C8tI/AAAAAAAAC9I/_0p5Iokz8WA/w1279-h853-no/IMG_1748.JPG)
Larger tomatoes are on the left side of the oven.  It doesn't get better than having vine ripe tomatoes available for your pizzas - really gets the guests involved as well.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hGpCedL8_sY/UgcwmG2xnAI/AAAAAAAAC9M/N-q6uQiux2Q/w1279-h853-no/IMG_1749.JPG)
This is an image from a prior pizza bake, but you can see how the fire is built
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oWx0Nw7FgtU/UgcwfYmiIyI/AAAAAAAAC8M/9G4nife8ZNM/w1279-h853-no/10140215.JPG)
... a closeup of the pizza
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XRkbs7aviJg/Ugcwf0_rtDI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/Sx4p7LG5dvI/w1279-h853-no/10140216.JPG)
The finished pizza - we're getting better at properly controlling our temperature and cooking time
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Kp2amWavlKQ/UgcwhF6cr5I/AAAAAAAAC8c/pyXbn5ZorfU/w1279-h853-no/10140218.JPG)
Here's an interesting variation - basil pesto base, feta cheese, pizza blend cheese, black olives, and grilled Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic vinegar
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YiBsrztVJwk/UgcwjALkdgI/AAAAAAAAC8s/Y5JdGr7gI9I/w1279-h853-no/10140219.JPG)
Doesn't look too bad when baked
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H4yMRDMH8Bo/Ugc2bp8nfnI/AAAAAAAAC-4/EXRyzmx1y3A/w1279-h853-no/10140225.JPG)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Sandman on August 11, 2013, 08:30:58 AM
That is just plain awesome.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 11, 2013, 02:12:35 PM
Quote from: Sandman on August 11, 2013, 08:30:58 AM
That is just plain awesome.
X2 - words escape me.
Title: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Pappymn on August 11, 2013, 02:27:44 PM
Boy you getting that thing dialed in. Looks awesome. Somebody played a trick on you and put Brussel sprouts on your pie ;)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: veryolddog on August 11, 2013, 05:17:04 PM
Who makes the dough for those pizzas?

Ed
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 11, 2013, 06:23:54 PM
Thanks for the comments, guys!

Quote from: Pappymn on August 11, 2013, 02:27:44 PM
... Somebody played a trick on you and put Brussel sprouts on your pie ;)

(http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/72.gif) Yeah, you're correct!  My oldest son actually recommended Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and bacon, so we just had to try it out.  Although definitely not my favorite, it was interesting.  Next spring we're planning to do some raised bed gardening in which we grow vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, more herbs, etc.  We need to use a raised bed idea because the gopher/mole problem here is something awful.  You can't see it, but every plant in that garden is encased in a pot of wire to protect it from those pesky rodents.  Before we added the wire mesh, one year I was actually watching our plants shaking, Bugs Bunny style.

Quote from: veryolddog on August 11, 2013, 05:17:04 PM
Who makes the dough for those pizzas?

Ed

My wife does her own dough a few hours in advance - I think it is a simple flour and water mixture (plus yeast), but she has triec adding fresh thyme out of the garden into the dough, and it is very tasty.  She's quite good at dough making, and we found an internet site that offers various yeasts and starters - we're going to try a few.

Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Dakota Don on August 11, 2013, 07:43:20 PM
2 words come to mind; WAY GOOD   great herb garden too, but pz, where's the rosemary?
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 11, 2013, 10:47:24 PM
Funny you should ask, Don; it died last year, but we have a spot reserved for it right next to the sage  :)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 12, 2013, 12:06:28 AM
Quote from: Pappymn on August 11, 2013, 02:27:44 PM
Boy you getting that thing dialed in. Looks awesome. Somebody played a trick on you and put Brussel sprouts on your pie ;)

I'm thinking I need to make a pizza with peas - just for you, Pappy!  ;) :D

I think that pizza sounds great, pz! I love grilled sprouts.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 12, 2013, 12:16:34 AM
Quote from: drholly on August 12, 2013, 12:06:28 AM
I think that pizza sounds great, pz! I love grilled sprouts.

Thanks, David; I must admit that it is a different taste sensation with the balsamic vinegar, but the texture is a bit off.  I think I might need to grill the sprouts before adding them to the pizza to intensify their flavor, and perhaps give them a bit of umami.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 12, 2013, 12:49:07 AM
Quote from: pz on August 12, 2013, 12:16:34 AM
Quote from: drholly on August 12, 2013, 12:06:28 AM
I think that pizza sounds great, pz! I love grilled sprouts.

Thanks, David; I must admit that it is a different taste sensation with the balsamic vinegar, but the texture is a bit off.  I think I might need to grill the sprouts before adding them to the pizza to intensify their flavor, and perhaps give them a bit of umami.

I've not tried sprouts on a pizza, but will based on your post. I would definitely grill them first. Especially with your oven and the short cook times. I think the sprouts need some time on their own (or with some flavor enticements) before being added to the pizza. I'd slice them thin or even might just use the leaves... Then, I'd add them at the "last minute" already cooked and tasty.

We do have some folks on this forum that were never properly brought up to enjoy things like peas and Brussels sprouts... but heck they may come around..  ;) :D :D
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 12, 2013, 01:13:23 AM
(http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/72.gif)

Yes, I agree completely about having the sprouts finished before adding them to the pizza.  Interestingly the balsamic goes very well with the sprouts, much like it does with strawberries.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 15, 2013, 12:15:38 AM
These pics are older, but are kind of fun - me and my sweetie are enjoying firing the pizza oven in the rain on a cold and gloomy day.  The fire made for a real cozy experience.  ;)
Click image to zoom, click again to dismiss
The fire is started nicely and we can warm out hands while huddling around the piza oven
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l4FUcGxcty8/UgxSaS2EpsI/AAAAAAAADAM/Wwcibn-Kpww/w1238-h826-no/10260264.JPG)
We tried pre-baking a crust to make it more crisp, and it kind of worked.  However, I think the heat was too hot because the crust bubbled up within a few seconds
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oIN_xBPazWY/UgxSczFlmYI/AAAAAAAADAs/4ryhzRZBdBY/w1238-h826-no/10260268.JPG)
Check out that thermometer - pegged to the high level.  In fact, even our laser thermometers which peg at 900F would read only "Hi" on the LED screen
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NTHPTkDM6-s/UgxSa9AKMXI/AAAAAAAADAU/nkYdx-cGpJ4/w1238-h826-no/10260265.JPG)
The pizza was very good - we grew the cherry tomatoes in an Aerogarden
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kWzixC-S-fk/UgxScJSffwI/AAAAAAAADAk/6wNP0xndLBQ/w1238-h826-no/10260267.JPG)
We had some leftover dough so we made kind of a calzone using the dough and a filling of the same pizza toppings.  It was a novel way to eat a pizza!
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bsD8zJXztyA/UgxSeuyNkBI/AAAAAAAADBA/fXePr_b6DbM/w1238-h826-no/10260271.JPG)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 15, 2013, 02:03:43 AM
I like that! The calzone looks interesting as well.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 15, 2013, 02:14:46 AM
Thanks David; the calzone freezes nicely, and we were able to take them to work for lunch (I've a small counter top oven in my office).  It was a great way to bring the smoky pizza flavor to the workplace - my colleagues were envious!
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 15, 2013, 02:37:06 AM
I bet they were - I can imagine the aroma! Nice lunch.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Smokin Don on August 29, 2013, 11:26:56 PM
PZ I have watched this with envy as you have posted!!! The oven looks great to me and is extra special since you and your son built it. This would be on my wish list if I were younger and had the money, it has to be fun to use and your pizzas look delicious. We used to go to a place in Dayton, OH that had one inside their restaurant, the pizza was extra good! Don
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 29, 2013, 11:51:47 PM
Thanks for the comment, Don, and you are soooooo correct in that my ugly oven is made special because I was able to assemble it with my son - something a dad will always remember.

I think if I were to do it again, I'd build mine completely from scratch, likely something like this guy did for less than $200: Click here for the article (http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives/2010/08/builds-a-cheap-fast-wood-fired-earth-pizza-oven.html)

... or even better, build a starter oven in a couple of weekends for $20 (yes, that's twenty dollars) Click here for the article (http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives/2010/04/how-to-build-an-outdoor-cob-pizza-oven-for-20-dollars.html).

One thing I've learned in this process is that one does not need an expensive oven of kit to make wonderful baked goods - all you really need is a reasonably built stone/masonry/or clay heating chamber.  In fact, I think that I'd feel accomplished if I were able to create my own from scratch rather than purchasing a kit.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 30, 2013, 12:07:07 AM
pz - great articles! An inspiration - thanks!
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 30, 2013, 12:16:29 AM
My pleasure, David!  I wish I would have done a bit more research before I purchased my kit.  After using my oven for the past year, I have come to realize that a home built unit will be just as good if not better than a commercially built unit or kit.

I have a book on baking bread in wood fired ovens, and in it they show a wood fired oven that is still standing (and in use) that is over 500 years old.  It looks like not much more than a pile of rocks.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 30, 2013, 12:24:14 AM
I have to smile, pz.  :D

When I travel in some of the more remote areas of Latin America, the stoves & ovens are rarely much more than a collection of bricks and rocks with some expanded metal over the top. In fact, last year my family spent a couple of weeks in a remote fishing village in Nicaragua (it was literally at the end of the road.) I walked the streets several times a day. When we arrived a "new" restaurant was being "built" I use the quotes because to anyone from the states, this was a pile of brick and rock with some sheet metal and palm fronds over the top, and a smaller pile of brick and rock becoming the oven. By the 2nd week, we were regular customers. Pizzas, fish, steak - you name it - all prepared on that pile of bricks and rocks - it was delicious!
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 30, 2013, 12:47:49 AM
lol, I can understand, David  :D

I feel almost embarrassingly spoiled by what we have available to us in the sense that I could have likely done my own for a fraction of the cost, and would have had much greater satisfaction.

However, on the positive side, I had an old retaining wall that we had taken down because it was leaning heavily.  It consisted of 90lb rectangles of nearly solid concrete.  Instead of having them hauled away, I chose a site in the back yard and built a fire ring approximately six feet in diameter.  The intended use is to have a place to stand around when we want a campfire, and especially on new Year's eve when we have a gathering of friends.

Once it was built, I added a few blocks extending toward the center from the edge of the ring, and my intent is to top it with a bbq grill (but now Grill Grates due to the excellent information on this forum)  Then I'll be able to do a bit of wood fired grillin' around the campfire.

Another unit I would like to build is a circular table large enough for 6 chairs.  My youngest is a welder and I'll ask him to build a metal frame on which I can place a circular granite slab with a hole in the center (looks like a granite doughnut).  Into the hole in the center I plan to put a burner (likely gas, but maybe charcoal), and then have different cook tops I can place on top of the burner depending on what I want to do.  For instance, a Korean bbq topper, a paella pan, fondue pot, circular cast iron cook surface, etc.  We would be able to all sit around the table and individually cook our goodies while socializing.  Talk about socializing around the fire  ;)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: veryolddog on August 30, 2013, 10:24:08 AM
The pizza oven that you have is really fantastic. What is even more interesting is the fact that pizza ovens have been built in North America for over 2000 years.

If you ever have a chance to visit New Mexico, you will be driving by and through many Native American Reservations. In their backyards, they have what is referred to as a Horno which is a behive shaped oven for cooking breads and whatever. No matter what tribe, they all have these ovens in the backyards.

So, now wood fired "Pizza" ovens are becoming more popular and are being either purchased or home made by families that have this desire for outdoor cooking. There is a sense of History here coming full circle.

Here is a typical Horno.

(http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l494/edsigman/Horno.jpg) (http://s1120.photobucket.com/user/edsigman/media/Horno.jpg.html)

Now, I am waiting for Teesquare to make fun of the word, "horno".

Ed
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: Pam Gould on August 30, 2013, 10:30:58 AM
My grandma lived in Romania where they had a community oven for the entire town. They were very poor but they cooked together. They shared one animal for the entire town also. I can't imagine but love the outdoor oven concept. I want one so bad. Must be a family thing.  LOL.  Pam .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: africanmeat on August 30, 2013, 10:45:53 AM
Quote from: Pam Gould on August 30, 2013, 10:30:58 AM
My grandma lived in Romania where they had a community oven for the entire town. They were very poor but they cooked together. They shared one animal for the entire town also. I can't imagine but love the outdoor oven concept. I want one so bad. Must be a family thing.  LOL.  Pam .☆´¯`•.¸¸. ི♥ྀ

you are right my grandparents and my parents were from Romania and they had a communal wood oven.
it must be a genetic thing . that why i love my pizza oven .
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: africanmeat on August 30, 2013, 11:22:34 AM
sorry i jump in so late did no see this before . it looks like a great build , after you do the pizza , the meat, and the bread . as it gets cooler you can put in the pizza oven a tray with 1/2 tomatoes sprinkle olive oil and oregano and let it stand over night. in the morning you will have the best dry tomatoes ever .

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ekJ18alodX0/T3ACNMau63I/AAAAAAAABEk/lZ2QDMZMpcQ/w1113-h835-no/DSC07220.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sUJsHuDZDY4/T3ACQOgGH_I/AAAAAAAABEs/Y1h1K2x8jkI/w1113-h835-no/DSC07221.JPG)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 30, 2013, 11:29:45 AM
pz - I really like the ways you are thinking of building fires in your backyard...  ;D It sounds like a wonderful gathering place! I can't wait to see pictures and hear the stories as you build them and entertain.

Pam and africanmeat - your stories of Romania are much like what I've seen in the Americas. Being invited to join these communities as I travel has been one of the best parts of my experience. Those dried tomatoes look fantastic.

Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 30, 2013, 02:33:54 PM
Thanks for the comments, and the histories on outdoor ovens - although I'm not surprised, I did not know many of the things you have posted

We love outdoor cooking and gathering by the fire - there is something mesmerizing about campfires, and that naturally extends to cooking  :)

The tomato idea is excellent africanmeat; thanks for posting.  There is so much residual heat in the oven when we are done with pizzas, but not enough to cook something else.  However drying something like tomatoes to intensify their flavor is something that I'll definitely try this weekend.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 30, 2013, 02:49:42 PM
Ed - love the reminder of the hornos and the picture. You are right about things coming back around!
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 30, 2013, 11:53:36 PM
Quote from: drholly on August 30, 2013, 11:29:45 AM
pz - I really like the ways you are thinking of building fires in your backyard...  ;D It sounds like a wonderful gathering place! I can't wait to see pictures and hear the stories as you build them and entertain.

Thanks David; I don't have great pics of the fire ring, but here are a couple from another post (New Years Eve) as we were waiting for the fireworks to start. The pit is a short stroll across the lawn from the patio.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JDyBBna6m6g/UgRjRDkwJqI/AAAAAAAAC4c/XDXYNXC6iaI/w1346-h898-no/IMG_0423.JPG)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3glonZuY0JI/UgRjMzAOdUI/AAAAAAAAC4A/mV4wdBRwVeE/w1346-h898-no/IMG_0424.JPG)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: drholly on August 31, 2013, 12:28:49 AM
Very nice, pz. Bet New Years is a great time.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 31, 2013, 01:04:30 AM
I've been in my place now for over 25 years.  When I first purchased the place, I could not afford the electricity to heat the home, so I had to use the  fireplace insert for heat, and hang sheets and blankets over the entrances to rooms that were not essential.  Hard times, those, but I wanted to invest in our futures, so I intentionally sacrificed goodies and toys for the next 20 years just to have the privilege of owning a home I would like to retire in. (My dad always told me that the best investment is to purchase the cheapest home in the best neighborhood.)

In past years for New Years eve, I've been in many party places such as Times Square, Mission Bay in San Diego, and Las Vegas - all full of glitz, glamor, crowds, and excitement.

Now for New Year's eve I like nothing more than to stand by my fire pit in the almost eerie silence that one experiences in areas of heavy snow, hearing faint sounds of merriment in the distance while enjoying the heat and crackle of the fire.  It almost makes me feel like I'm the last person on the planet... yet not.  As I stand by the fire, images of the celebratory chaos occurring in the aforementioned centers of festivities flash through my mind and I draw my coat tighter, feeling completely content - an almost indescribable sensation of perfection.
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: deestafford on August 31, 2013, 10:42:47 AM
pz,  You sound like a man after mine and many others here hearts.  Wish you could join us at the end of next month.  One of the things we do is on Saturday night is have a big camp fire and just sit around it and stare at the flames and have many  non-goal directed conversations---which some  have referred to as BS sessions.  Dee
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on August 31, 2013, 12:23:38 PM
I'd like nothing better, Dee; It would be an honor and a pleasure to meet you folks for some Q and socializing around the campfire.

...one of these days...
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: pz on September 03, 2013, 12:24:36 AM
Quote from: africanmeat on August 30, 2013, 11:22:34 AM
sorry i jump in so late did no see this before . it looks like a great build , after you do the pizza , the meat, and the bread . as it gets cooler you can put in the pizza oven a tray with 1/2 tomatoes sprinkle olive oil and oregano and let it stand over night. in the morning you will have the best dry tomatoes ever .

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ekJ18alodX0/T3ACNMau63I/AAAAAAAABEk/lZ2QDMZMpcQ/w1113-h835-no/DSC07220.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sUJsHuDZDY4/T3ACQOgGH_I/AAAAAAAABEs/Y1h1K2x8jkI/w1113-h835-no/DSC07221.JPG)

africanmeat, I used your idea after our pizza party yesterday - loaded a dish with relatively bland Costco Roma tomatoes and one of our green heirlooms.  Put the dish into the oven when we went to bed and closed the door - in the morning I went out to see how it worked and brought the results into the kitchen where my wife was waiting.  She popped one into her mouth and uttered:

"OMG THOSE ARE DELICIOUS!!!!"

The only difference is that I used dried basil instead of oregano (the tomato you see missing is the one she sampled  ;D

I have to admit that those oven dried tomatoes are among the best I have ever eaten - thanks much for posting the tip.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uf-CYBMAdcY/UiVTLq9i2RI/AAAAAAAADMo/nKnK01N4fGg/w1306-h871-no/IMG_1860.JPG)

Her comment at the end was that the next time we fire the oven, we're going to load it with tomatoes before we go to bed (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/72.gif)

She's correct though - these oven dried tomatoes will make fantastic pizzas (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/main_thumbsup.gif)
Title: Re: Building a wood fired pizza oven
Post by: africanmeat on September 07, 2013, 06:45:29 AM
Quote from: pz on September 03, 2013, 12:24:36 AM
Quote from: africanmeat on August 30, 2013, 11:22:34 AM
sorry i jump in so late did no see this before . it looks like a great build , after you do the pizza , the meat, and the bread . as it gets cooler you can put in the pizza oven a tray with 1/2 tomatoes sprinkle olive oil and oregano and let it stand over night. in the morning you will have the best dry tomatoes ever .

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ekJ18alodX0/T3ACNMau63I/AAAAAAAABEk/lZ2QDMZMpcQ/w1113-h835-no/DSC07220.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sUJsHuDZDY4/T3ACQOgGH_I/AAAAAAAABEs/Y1h1K2x8jkI/w1113-h835-no/DSC07221.JPG)

africanmeat, I used your idea after our pizza party yesterday - loaded a dish with relatively bland Costco Roma tomatoes and one of our green heirlooms.  Put the dish into the oven when we went to bed and closed the door - in the morning I went out to see how it worked and brought the results into the kitchen where my wife was waiting.  She popped one into her mouth and uttered:

"OMG THOSE ARE DELICIOUS!!!!"

The only difference is that I used dried basil instead of oregano (the tomato you see missing is the one she sampled  ;D

I have to admit that those oven dried tomatoes are among the best I have ever eaten - thanks much for posting the tip.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uf-CYBMAdcY/UiVTLq9i2RI/AAAAAAAADMo/nKnK01N4fGg/w1306-h871-no/IMG_1860.JPG)

Her comment at the end was that the next time we fire the oven, we're going to load it with tomatoes before we go to bed (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/72.gif)

She's correct though - these oven dried tomatoes will make fantastic pizzas (http://www.niscienceclasses.org/main/Smileys/fantasticsmileys/main_thumbsup.gif)


i am so glad you like it .
Another thing we do just before we go to sleep we put raw eggs in the ashes for a good sammis  in the morning .