With a clay oven you can create cozy warmth on your terrace, balcony or in your garden. At the same time, the patio stove often looks enchantingly Mexican. We explain exactly what a clay oven is and what you should look out for when buying one.
A clay oven creates a special ambience in the garden or on the terrace
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Buschbeck fireplace, Aztec stove Geo Design, blue/red, 40 x 40 x 85 cm, 90099.000
To the product| color | blue and red |
|---|---|
| height x diameter | 85cm x 40cm |
| Weight | about 22 kg |
| frame | steel, subtle |
| possible uses | Garden fireplace, grill oven |
| Grill grate included? | Yes |
The high-quality Aztec stove from Buschbeck is one of the most popular patio stoves available on the German market. Although it is relatively small, it also takes up very little space. It can also be used both as a garden fireplace and as a grill oven. The hand-painted design based on the original Aztec stove is impressive. Most Amazon reviewers are extremely satisfied with the quality and functionality.
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La Hacienda Swirl Clay, Small Chimney, Sea Blue/Red Clay Chimenea, Blue/Red
To the product| color | blue and red |
|---|---|
| height x diameter | 68cm x 30cm |
| Weight | approx. 9.5 kg |
| frame | Steel, elegant |
| possible uses | garden fireplace |
| Grill grate included? | no |
With its Mexican look, the Aztec stove from the sonorous brand La Hacienda brings a piece of Latin America into your outdoor oasis. Like the Buschbeck model, it is designed in blue and red and has attractive ornaments. The majority of reviewers at Amazon praise the excellent price-performance ratio. Some complain that the colors on the delivered stove look different than in the picture. However, it is always important to remember that the clay ovens are hand-painted and therefore unique.
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Nexos terrace oven garden fireplace terracotta 85 cm garden oven steel frame fire opening 20x15 cm chimney opening 26x15 cm robust 19.5 kg grill fireplace
EUR 79.95 To the product| color | terracotta |
|---|---|
| Size (height x diameter) | 85cm x 35cm |
| Weight | approx. 19.5 kg |
| frame | Steel, plain |
| possible uses | garden fireplace |
| Grill grate included? | no |
In terms of size and weight, the bright terrace oven from Nexos is similar to the test winner in our comparison. However, in contrast to this, it can only be used as an outdoor fireplace and not as a grill. The reviews on Amazon vary quite a bit. Some customers are enthusiastic about the look and quality of the stove, while others criticize exactly these two points. In our opinion, the only thing that helps here is to get an idea for yourself.
Purchase Criteria
design
Admittedly, the design is certainly not THE all-important purchase criterion. However, it does play a role, especially since very few people only buy an Aztec oven for functional reasons - i.e. for heating and grilling. Such a patio stove is simply too beautiful for that. Clay stoves are traditionally teardrop-shaped with a bulbous base. Pastel shades dominate in terms of colour. The most enchanting are original hand-painted clay stoves. If you buy one, you will get a real one-of-a-kind item.
possible uses
Some clay ovens can not only be used as heat sources on the terrace, balcony or in the garden, but also serve as a practical grill if required, on which you can easily prepare many delicious grilled delicacies - ideal for barbecue parties in summer. For this purpose, the oven should come with a high-quality - ideally chrome-plated - grill grate as an accessory.
size
Depending on how much space you can or want to give your new clay oven and for what purpose you want to use the patio oven, there are models of different sizes.
- small: about 80 centimeters high, about 45 centimeters in diameter
- medium-sized: about 85 centimeters high, about 50 centimeters in diameter
- large: about 110 centimeters high, about 60 centimeters in diameter
- very large: about 120 centimeters high, about 70 centimeters in diameter
material of the frame
While the oven itself must logically be made of clay (otherwise it wouldn't be a clay oven), the frame should be made of robust steel and convince in terms of stability. In addition to the manufacturer's product description, always read some customer reviews to get a better picture and make the right decision. Also make sure that the steel frame is designed as discreetly as possible so that it does not spoil the stylish look of the stove.
Accessories/scope of delivery
In any case, the scope of delivery of the Aztec stove should include a steel stand, a practical rain protection cover and detailed and easy-to-understand instructions for assembly and use. It is also an advantage if the stove can be converted into a grill. To do this, the chimney flue must be removable and a suitable grill grate must be supplied. Check all of this before you buy a garden fireplace.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a clay oven?
A clay oven, often also referred to as an Aztec oven or Mexico oven, is a patio oven made of clay (unglazed ceramic, terracotta). It impresses with its attractive design, which presents ornaments from the Aztec era. Functionally, a clay oven functions as a fireplace for heating and usually also for grilling.
What are the advantages of a clay oven?
The greatest advantage of a clay oven is certainly the look, at least if the oven is authentically designed with ornaments. It definitely visually enhances the terrace, balcony or garden. In addition, the patio stove provides cozy warmth. In most cases, it can also be used as a grill - and also drives away annoying insects.
How does a clay oven work?
A clay oven is bulbous and has an oval opening through which you can always add new firewood without much effort. The patio stove is narrower towards the top. It forms a chimney through which the resulting smoke escapes. The air is discharged through the "neck". This effectively makes the wood glow.
What do I have to consider when firing a clay oven?
Firing in the beautiful Aztec furnace requires some patience. For each use, make sure that the heat in the oven develops rather slowly, otherwise the material may become stressed and cracked. Always follow the instructions for use included in the scope of delivery.
What is the difference between a clay oven and a clay kiln?
A clay oven - i.e. an oven made of clay (unglazed ceramics) for the terrace, balcony or garden - is often confused with a clay kiln. However, the latter is not used as a heater or grill, but primarily to harden smaller clay objects such as pots, plates, etc.
Which brands offer good clay ovens?
One of the best known and most popular brands for clay ovens is Buschbeck. However, there are also a few other manufacturers who come up with good clay patio stoves. These include Nexos and La Hacienda. Attention: If you look for clay stoves, you often come across patio stoves made of other materials.
Where is the best place to buy a clay oven?
Clay stoves are mainly available in large hardware stores such as Bauhaus. Note, however, that not every hardware store carries clay patio stoves. Most devices are made of modern materials such as cast iron. You can also find some clay ovens on Amazon, where you benefit from a very simple ordering and return procedure.
How much does a clay oven cost?
Most clay ovens cost between 60 and 100 euros. You should refrain from cheaper models that you occasionally come across. These are generally of inferior quality and do not withstand the heat for long, so you often end up paying twice. Depending on the manufacturer, quality and size, clay patio stoves can cost over 100 euros.
equipment
Protective hood for the clay oven
A special protective cover is ideal to protect the clay oven from extreme weather conditions such as intense sun, heavy rain or heavy hail when it is not in use. The utensil should be made of durable plastic, such as polyethylene, and be easy and quick to use. A pull rope, for example, with which the hood can be closed over the stove, has proven to be practical.
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