I know in some countries the locals love to cook different types of food such as bread and pizza in a wood burning oven. I understand India has some wonderful bread to try. I'm wondering if people cook this bread in a wood burning oven or on top of hot rocks. I find pizza cooked in a wood burning oven very delicious.
Wood Burning Stoves And Ovens
- Thread starter Teheura
- Start date
djordjem87
Member
I would like to know this as well. Apart from stoves we have, in Serbia, a traditional things we call Sač and Crepulja. Sač is a lid and crepulja is a clay dish. Food prepared in this is very good and bread is just phenomenal. It is covered in hot ashes and embers. I wander if they have something similar in India?
This would be very interesting to find out. On some islands people use wood burning stoves to cook pizza or bread. I know in certain part of Mexico I have seen people put a flat rock on the fire and cook their tortillas on it. In other parts of the world people like to cook in underground ovens. I wonder how people prefer to cook in India.
Wood-burning stoves and ovens have been making a comeback in recent years, not just in rural homes but also in eco-friendly kitchens, outdoor cooking setups, and even luxury resorts looking for an authentic touch. Whether you're considering one for cooking, heating, or just a rustic aesthetic, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Choose a Wood-Burning Stove or Oven?
Natural & Traditional Cooking – Food cooked over a wood fire has a distinct smoky flavor (especially for rotis, pizzas, and slow-cooked dishes).
Eco-Friendly (If Used Right) – When sourced sustainably, firewood is a renewable energy source.
Great for Off-Grid Living – Ideal for remote locations, farmhouses, or camping setups where gas or electricity might not be available.
Efficient Heating – Can warm up a kitchen or small home during winters.
Types of Wood-Burning Stoves & Ovens
1. Traditional Clay or Brick Chulhas (Desi Village Style)
✔ Commonly used in Indian rural homes, especially in villages.
✔ Best for slow cooking dal, rotis, curries, and biryanis.
✔ Needs regular cleaning to remove soot and ash.
2. Cast Iron & Modern Wood Stoves
✔ Found in off-grid homes, farmhouses, and eco-friendly resorts.
✔ Can be used for both cooking & heating.
✔ Some models now come with glass windows to monitor flames easily.
3. Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens (Italian Style)
✔ Ideal for pizzas, bread, and tandoori-style cooking.
✔ Found in restaurants, cafes, and home bakers.
✔ Requires firewood that burns at high temperatures (like oak or maple).
4. Portable Rocket Stoves (For Outdoor & Camping)
✔ Compact, lightweight, and uses minimal firewood.
✔ Great for trekking, camping, or survival cooking.
✔ Can burn twigs, leaves, and small branches efficiently.
Best Firewood Types for Cooking
Not all wood burns the same! Here are some great choices:
✔ Mango & Neem Wood – Common in India, burns evenly, mild smoke flavor.
✔ Hardwood (Oak, Maple, Hickory) – Ideal for pizza ovens & long cooking.
✔ Coconut Shells & Husk – Common in Kerala, adds a sweet aroma.
✔ Avoid Pine & Treated Wood – Releases too much smoke and harmful toxins.
Pros & Cons of Using a Wood-Burning Stove/Oven
Pros:
✔ No dependency on LPG or electricity.
✔ Adds rich flavors to food.
✔ Works well in cold climates & remote areas.
Cons:
Needs regular cleaning (ash removal, chimney maintenance).
Takes longer to cook compared to gas stoves.
Can cause indoor pollution if not ventilated properly.
Who Should Get a Wood-Burning Stove or Oven?
Why Choose a Wood-Burning Stove or Oven?
Natural & Traditional Cooking – Food cooked over a wood fire has a distinct smoky flavor (especially for rotis, pizzas, and slow-cooked dishes). Eco-Friendly (If Used Right) – When sourced sustainably, firewood is a renewable energy source. Great for Off-Grid Living – Ideal for remote locations, farmhouses, or camping setups where gas or electricity might not be available. Efficient Heating – Can warm up a kitchen or small home during winters.Types of Wood-Burning Stoves & Ovens
1. Traditional Clay or Brick Chulhas (Desi Village Style)
✔ Commonly used in Indian rural homes, especially in villages.
✔ Best for slow cooking dal, rotis, curries, and biryanis.
✔ Needs regular cleaning to remove soot and ash.
2. Cast Iron & Modern Wood Stoves
✔ Found in off-grid homes, farmhouses, and eco-friendly resorts.
✔ Can be used for both cooking & heating.
✔ Some models now come with glass windows to monitor flames easily.
3. Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens (Italian Style)
✔ Ideal for pizzas, bread, and tandoori-style cooking.
✔ Found in restaurants, cafes, and home bakers.
✔ Requires firewood that burns at high temperatures (like oak or maple).
4. Portable Rocket Stoves (For Outdoor & Camping)
✔ Compact, lightweight, and uses minimal firewood.
✔ Great for trekking, camping, or survival cooking.
✔ Can burn twigs, leaves, and small branches efficiently.
Best Firewood Types for Cooking
Not all wood burns the same! Here are some great choices:
✔ Mango & Neem Wood – Common in India, burns evenly, mild smoke flavor.
✔ Hardwood (Oak, Maple, Hickory) – Ideal for pizza ovens & long cooking.
✔ Coconut Shells & Husk – Common in Kerala, adds a sweet aroma.
✔ Avoid Pine & Treated Wood – Releases too much smoke and harmful toxins.
Pros & Cons of Using a Wood-Burning Stove/Oven Pros:✔ No dependency on LPG or electricity.
✔ Adds rich flavors to food.
✔ Works well in cold climates & remote areas.
Cons: Needs regular cleaning (ash removal, chimney maintenance). Takes longer to cook compared to gas stoves. Can cause indoor pollution if not ventilated properly.Who Should Get a Wood-Burning Stove or Oven?
- Rural households still using traditional cooking methods.
- Farmhouse or off-grid property owners who prefer natural cooking.
- Restaurants & food enthusiasts looking for authentic wood-fired flavors.
- Campers & travelers who need portable cooking solutions.