Give a Cheer
Pictures of an oven we built while in Nicaragua. Journaling: The Peace Corps promotes the building of barrel ovens to help relieve deforestation. Wood is the primary fuel in many areas and the barrel ovens use dramatically less wood than a tradition adobe wood oven and are easier to regulate the heat. The ovens also provide the ability of women to supplement their incomes by selling baked goods.
The first step is obtaining a 55 gallon drum. The top is cut around the outside in a semi-circle then in half. Hinges are welded to attach the top half to the bottom which forms a door. A baking rack made from re-rod is welded inside the barrel.
Layers of brick are installed, using local materials (adobe mud in this case) to cement the bricks together. After four tiers, bricks are angled inside to provide support for the barrel so it will be suspended above the fire. The barrel is installed and the sides of it are covered with bricks until the top layer. Re-rod is cut to fit over the top of the barrel providing structure for the remaining bricks to cover the top. A chimney is on the top layer so the smoke can escape.
The oven has to dry for 4 or 5 days then is covered with adobe so the outside looks smooth like a traditional wood oven. The adobe has to dry before the oven can be used. The project took about 6 hours to complete.
Thanks for spreading positivity!
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