In this section we‘ve tried to provide a step-by-step plan to restore a two-part bakehouse, a type which is very common in Belgium. With a few small alterations you can also use this plan to restore a free-standing or an indoor oven.

Once you are familiar with the different components of a bread oven, you can examine your own oven to determine exactly what needs restoring.

First look at the condition of the oven vault and floor. After all, these are essential components for baking and they are the most difficult to restore. Their condition may determine whether or not you want to proceed with the restoration.

If you do decide to restore it and you know exactly what has to be done, you can proceed.

Restoration of the oven mouth and door

Make sure that the oven mouth is as high as the oven vault. If not, the smoke will descend in the oven and put out the fire. There will then be no continuous air flow, which is needed for good combustion.

The sheet iron oven door is generally rectangular and placed in front of the oven opening. Around the oven mouth, a recess can be provided in which the oven door fits.