A brick oven has a baking chamber made of fireproof brick built on a slab of concrete. The purpose of the oven is to trap radiant heat from a fire. Fires are built within the baking chamber and smoke is vented through a chimney on the top. Once the baking chamber meets the required temperature the baking process can begin. Although primarily used for breads, the oven can also be used for baking meals and desserts.
BRICKS TO BREAD
Brick Ovens
How a Brick Oven is Built
Our brick ovens are built for a family in need that shows an aptitude to be able to manage, maintain, and use it properly. Rural Costa Rican communities rarely have access to fresh baked goods. Breads from a brick oven are healthier (and tastier!) than aged, over-processed bread. These ovens not only provide needed resources, they also give families the opportunity to bake and sell their goods as a means to support their families.
Phase 1 – Foundation Slab
Using wooden frames, we pour a concrete slab for the oven to sit on.
Phase 2 – Cement Block Base
The base of the oven is built on the cement slab with cinder block and concrete.
Phase 3 – Hearth
We pour another cement slab on top of the base to serve as the platform on which the baking chamber, the heart of the oven, sits.
Phase 4 – Baking Chamber
This is the most exciting part of the build. The iconic arch, the baking chamber, and the chimney are assembled using fire resistant brick.
Phase 5 – Decorative Brick
We finish the outside of the oven giving it the classic brick oven look which also serves to ensure that the oven lasts for generations to come.
How much does a brick oven project cost?
The direct expenses for an oven build are roughly $11,000. This includes a protective shelter over the oven, baking supplies, a prepping and packaging location, and start-up costs. In addition to these direct costs, our dedicated staff spend 9-12 months prior to construction working with an applicant on her business development and strategic planning, plus 3 years providing ongoing training and support to ensure her start-up transforms into a sustainable business. It also includes travel and lodging for training visits, additional professional development for the female entrepreneur, support requested by women, equipment considerations, special needs, and so forth.
Brick Oven Building Cost - $3,700
Includes oven materials, gazebo materials, tools, thermostats, door, transportation and delivery fees, labor, etc.
Kitchen: Prepping and Packaging Location - $4,000
The building, flooring, electrical and plumbing materials, refrigerator, sink, prep stations, cooking rack stations, transportation, and delivery fees, labor, etc.
Baking Materials and Supplies - $1,700
Mixer, scrapers, peels, containers, baskets, scales, baking sheets, initial baking supplies, etc.
Start-up Costs - $1,600
Permits, certificates, license fees, testing fees, computer, internet, initial training and associated expenses
How is a family selected?
With the help of contacts at Costa Rican service organizations, Bricks to Bread identifies a local woman (or women’s group) who not only has the interest and desire to run their own business, but also has the drive to be successful. Community ovens often go unattended after the novelty has worn off and fall into disrepair. Helping a family build and begin their business ensures the oven will be used for the purpose intended: providing a family with a sustainable income and ensuring the whole community will continue to benefit from it.
