How to Build a Tandoor Oven with Bricks?

To build your own brick tandoor oven, follow these step-by-step instructions with photos:

1. Choose a location for your tandoor and dig a foundation.
2. Prepare a clay mixture for bricklaying stoves and fireplaces (available at building supermarkets).
3. Place the first row of bricks on the prepared surface, arranging them in a circle.
4. Continue laying bricks, adding the masonry mixture to each row, until you reach a height of 80-100 cm.
5. Use a measuring tape and level to maintain the tandoor’s geometry.
6. Once you finish laying the bricks, let them dry completely, which may take a few days.
7. After the cement has completely dried, you can insulate the tandoor with an additional layer of mineral wool and then plaster it with a clay mixture.

What Is the Optimal Size for a Tandoor?

The optimal size of a tandoor depends on your individual needs and preferences. Generally, it’s recommended to build a tandoor with dimensions of 80 to 100 cm in height and a diameter of 50-80 cm.

What Type of Clay Is Suitable for Making a Tandoor?

For making a tandoor, traditionally, clay with a high quartz content and low iron content is used – this clay mixture is for laying stoves and fireplaces (sold in building supermarkets). Such clay has high strength and durability, which is important for a tandoor. However, other types of clay can also be used. It’s important that the clay is well-bonding and free of foreign impurities like stones or wood.

What Kind of Brick Should Be Used for a Tandoor?

For a tandoor, use fireclay bricks or M150 brick (silicate double brick), made from clay with high quartz and low iron content. This brick should have good strength and durability to withstand high temperatures. Ensure that the bricks are uniform in size and shape for an even tandoor.

Simple Homemade Brick Tandoor

Visually, the oven looks like an upside-down clay pot with an opening inside.

At the bottom, there is a blower – it regulates the burning speed.

From the outside, this oven structure needs to be covered with bricks and insulated with clay.

As a result, almost all the heat is accumulated by this tandoor oven.

Main Types of Tandoors

There are several types of tandoors, each with its unique characteristics:

• Traditional tandoor: This type has a classic design with a narrow round top and a wide base, intended for tree tops or bushes.
• Modern tandoor: This type has a more contemporary design than the traditional one, with clear lines and a strict form. It can be used as a decorative element in a garden.

The Process of Building a Tandoor

1. Make a foundation with a size of 1.5m.
2. The foundation should be level with a sand base.
3. Prepare a metal or asbestos pipe for the blower.
4. Next, lay out a brick platform.
5. Using a template for laying bricks, build the tandoor walls in a circle.

The internal diameter of the tandoor is approximately 0.6 – 0.9 m.

After the first row of bricks dries, lay the next row.

Remember to cover the tandoor with a plastic sheet during drying!!!

The complete drying process of the tandoor takes about one week.

For maximum insulation, it’s necessary to make a cover for the tandoor.

DIY Brick Tandoor Oven Video:

The video provides more details on the building process: