Reducing the amount of technology we consume is kind of a beneficial thing to do, both for your health and that of the environment. A lot of us love to spend time in nature so a way to cook in nature will surely help enjoy the time spent there. Building an Earthen Oven isn’t that complicated. The design dates back from the 18th century and the work is fairly rudimentary, so you don’t have to have building experience to succeed. You will require the following list of materials: sand, dry clay, straw or dry grass (even hay works), bricks (fire bricks are preferred), canvas tarp (to mix your cob together with),and of course water. The project you’re about to mimic has a dome of 22 inches, 6 inches thick walls and an entrance of 12 inches across. As you will see in the video tutorial, the work resembles playing with sand on the beach; at least in the beginning. Follow the rest of the instructions and all will be good. Enjoy your pie or bread in your own earthen oven!
Loved the presentation. May even try building one.
this is a great idea and I LOVE the idea of using a wood fired oven like this, but don’t go kidding yourself that you’re saving the planet in any way with this. These things use a lot of energy just to get up to temp where the earthenware has absorbed enough heat to cook as designed. Back in the day when this was the Thermidor oven of its time, everyone didn’t have one. There was usually a communal oven or a baker’s oven. THAT might be energy efficient since you get it up to heat and then bake for the whole village, adding just enough fuel to maintain temps. The fires in some of those old ovens probably never went out.
Today, these ovens are luxuries that add rustic flavor and flair (and smoke) to your meals, contribute to the ambiance of their installed location, and serve as a focal point for socialization before, during, and after meals. All worthy objectives, but not gonna save the planet. (probably doesn’t need saving, anyway 😉
I remember these ovens while growing up in Western Canada the rural community had one.
I plan on building one this summer. May replace the Barbecue
Cheers
After 5 minutes I was finally able to get audio but no video, am I the only one having problems?
Why is there no credit given to Jas. Townsend for the use of his tutorial? I have been watching his series of videos on all manner of 18th century cooking and culture, and he deserves to be given credit as the source of this video!