Build Your Own Santa Maria Style Pizza Oven and Smoker Combo from Old Brick: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to build your own Santa Maria style pizza oven combined with an offset smoker using old bricks? In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the process, from sourcing materials to final assembly. This project is not only about building an amazing cooking setup but also a rewarding do-it-yourself venture. Estimated materials cost: $1500 - $2000, with most spent on bricks.
Introduction
Beyond a passion for cooking, building a Santa Maria style pizza oven (Artesana) and smoker combo is a fantastic way to elevate your culinary skills. Named after the coastal town of Santa Maria, California, this type of oven is renowned for its ability to produce perfectly charred pizzas and meats. In this guide, we will share the step-by-step process of how we achieved this in our backyard.
Materials and Tools Needed
Burnished Clay Bricks (Around 2000 - 2400) - The foundation of any brick oven. Bear Bricks (Around 400 - 600) - Available for structural support. Insulation Concrete Form (ICF) - The mold for bricks. Fire Brick - For baking Fire Clay - To seal the oven and brick joints. Fire Brick Trowel - For brick laying. Smoker Grate and Lid - For the smoker structure. Leather Gloves, Face Mask, Safety Goggles - For safety.Step-by-Step Construction Guide
Part 1: Preparation and Layout
Site Preparation: Choose a flat space away from overhanging trees or any flammable materials to prevent potential fire hazards. Layout: Using stakes and string, mark out the perimeter of your oven and smoker. The Santa Maria style requires a large opening for the pizza oven and a separate opening for the smoker on one side. Materials Installation: Place the ICF around the marked area to create the mold for the oven. Ensure it is level and secure with stakes.Part 2: Oven Construction
Brick Laying: Start with the firebrick at the bottom, using the trowel to place a layer of fire clay between the bricks for better adhesion and insulation. Follow by laying the burnished clay bricks around the perimeter. Insulation: After the brick layer, apply a layer of ICF between the outer layer of bricks for better insulation. This helps maintain heat and cooks your foods evenly. Final Touches: Place a fire brick at the center of the oven for baking. Seal the joints with fire clay to ensure a burnished look and prevent heat loss.Part 3: Smoker Construction
Sizing: On one side of the oven, construct a smaller oven using the same ICF and bricks for the smoker. This will serve as a separate yet complementary space for smoking meats and vegetables. Grate and Lid: Install the smoker grate inside the smaller oven and the lid on top for controlling airflow and smoke. Exhaust System: Cut a small vent at the bottom of the smoker to allow airflow, ensuring proper smoke circulation.Finishing Touches and Maintenance
Finishing: Use a smooth, waterproof coating to finish the exterior and maintain the oven's longevity. Maintenance: Regularly clean the oven and smoker to avoid accumulation of grease and debris, which can affect the cooking quality and safety. Cleaning: Use a wire brush or soft sponge to clean the oven and smoker, avoiding harsh chemicals.Benefits of Building Your Own Santa Maria Style Pizza Oven and Smoker Combo
Building your own Santa Maria style pizza oven and smoker combo has several benefits:
Precise Control: You can control the temperature and make adjustments as needed for perfect cooking results. Cost-Effective: While the initial cost is high, building your own system can save you money in the long run. Unique Touch: Customizing the oven based on your preferences ensures it meets your specific needs and tastes. Sustainable: Using old bricks ensures you are not contributing to the depletion of natural resources.Conclusion
Building a Santa Maria style pizza oven and smoker combo is a challenging yet rewarding project. With the right materials and step-by-step instructions, you can create a functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor cooking space. Whether you are a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, this project offers a unique opportunity to combine passion and practicality in your personal outdoor kitchen. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Call to Action
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