Chicago Brick Oven CBO-1000

The CBO-1000 kit includes the essential refractory components, such as the dome, hearth pieces, and insulation materials. However, you will need to source additional materials like mortar, concrete, and finishing materials for the exterior structure, as well as tools for assembly.

Because of its heavy-duty refractory construction, the CBO-1000 requires a significant heat-up time. Depending on the ambient temperature and the quality of your wood, you should plan for at least 60 to 90 minutes to reach optimal cooking temperatures.

Absolutely. While it excels at pizza, the high thermal mass makes it excellent for roasting meats, baking bread, and slow-cooking dishes that benefit from the retained heat of a masonry oven after the fire has died down.

While the kit is designed for DIY enthusiasts, it is a substantial project involving masonry work and heavy components weighing 920 lbs. If you are not experienced with construction or masonry, hiring a professional contractor is strongly recommended to ensure safety and structural integrity.

For the best results and to avoid excessive soot, you should use seasoned, dry hardwoods like oak, maple, or fruitwoods. Avoid softwoods like pine or cedar, as they contain resins that can create excessive smoke and leave unwanted residue on your food.

The oven itself has a significant footprint, but you must also account for the surrounding structure, safety clearances from combustible materials, and workspace for the chef. Ensure your site plan allows for a sturdy, non-combustible foundation capable of supporting nearly half a ton of weight.