Do-it-yourself barrel oven

A barrel oven is a very convenient and economical thing. Instead of purchasing expensive equipment, you can make a small device to heat the room yourself, at the cost of literally a penny. This process does not take much time and money; the product will require cheap materials, which are often already at home. It is important to carefully read the sequence of actions and all recommendations, and then you can get to work. The result will delight and allow you to enjoy a warm room during cold seasons.

For work, you will need those materials that you can make yourself. But if you are not allowed to do this by experience or limited time, then there are ready-to-assemble kits on sale. Such a set is represented by a chimney base with an adjustable damper, legs and a door. If old pipes are lying around somewhere, an unnecessary twisted barrel is a great chance to give the material a second life, instead of being thrown away for scrap.

A barrel stove will serve as heating for a wide variety of premises (but, of course, non-residential) - from an outbuilding or a shed where poultry is located, and ending with a garage. It can also be used outdoors.

The principle of heat supply is very simple - constant burning of flammable materials, including firewood and compacted sawdust (it is better not to use coal, because the walls of a wooden or metal barrel may not highlight the combustion temperature of this material), heats the barrel for some time. Gradually the fire goes down. In the process of combustion, a huge amount of heat is released, and the resulting smoke leaves the room through the chimney (therefore, this is a necessary component of the entire structure).

Unfortunately, the efficiency of this design is low due to the fact that part of the heat goes out through the chimney. Therefore, it is not suitable for too large rooms. When used properly, a barrel oven will last 3-4 years. To increase the efficiency, place the blower lower - so the lower part will not take too much energy and give it to the ground.

The choice of barrel will depend on its further use. It is clear that the larger the room needs to be heated, the larger the volume of the barrel should be. For example, if you need to heat water:

• for a small pool - a barrel of 50 liters will be enough;
• for an outbuilding with tools - a barrel of 100 liters will handle;
• for garage - a barrel for 200 liters.

In human experience, it is best to use a 200 liter barrel. This is the most versatile option, because such a volume is designed for a large amount of fuel, and you do not have to put firewood or any other fuel there too often.

As for the quality of the barrel itself, be careful when choosing it. Do not skimp and do not choose too old rusty containers... Corroded areas are vulnerable areas that, when exposed to high temperatures, can simply melt and cause a fire.

A variety of metal barrels that you have can be used. It is best to take a stainless steel structure - this is the most durable and resistant to corrosion and high temperatures metal. Moreover, the wall thickness must be at least 2 mm, otherwise it will not last long and melt.

The structure can be positioned both vertically and horizontally - it all depends on the operational characteristics and dimensions of the room. By the way, a horizontally located barrel can also be used as a hob. To do this, you need to install a panel above the barrel itself and cook food on it. This is very convenient if the stove is intended for a summer residence - it will perform a double function.

First of all, you need to purchase all the tools and materials (you can buy a ready-made kit for a stove-stove, or you can do everything yourself), and also create a drawing of the proposed design.

Before starting the assembly, you need to work with the barrel itself. It should be well cleaned of paint, from all dirt and rust, then sanded. This can be done either with sandpaper with your own hands, or with a grinder. Then, using a grinder, cut out two windows of a certain size in the wall, and grind the resulting edges again.

The last step is to remove the upper part of the structure, because a grate will need to be installed on it. This grate is located between the doors of the firebox and ash pan. Metal corners are used for fixing. Before making an ash pan, calculate how much fuel will be consumed per day, because such home-made devices for long-term burning generate a large amount of ash, so it is best to make the collecting compartment depth about 12-15 cm.

Ash pan doors should be cut from metal sheets using welding equipment. The thickness of the material should be about 2 cm. You will also need to design the handles with your own hands. You can make your job easier and just weld individual pieces of fittings to the door. Then you need to install the hinges.

The chimney can be made from a pipe with a height of at least 5 m. For a garden stove or a stove for a summer residence, you can use a chimney and a smaller one. Its installation largely depends on the vertical or horizontal position of the barrel. Most often, it is installed on vertical barrels from the side, and on horizontal barrels - right there from above. It is best to make it removable to make cleaning easier.

You also need to make the legs. They can be both stationary and removable. Removable barrels will become more mobile and can be used in different rooms.

Equip in advance the place where the barrel will stand. The floor must be covered with metal sheets or a brick site must be laid, the walls must also be covered with refractory material, and there must be nothing flammable nearby (at least 1.5 meters). A street stove, however, must also be installed on a concrete or brick slab, away from trees.

A barrel oven is a great way to cook outdoors. Above it, you can hang rods for a cauldron or a sheet for pizza. Outside food is always tastier. Place the pre-welded structure on the platform, and the Russian stove is ready!

For information on how to make a do-it-yourself oven from a barrel, see the video below.