How To Decide Between Traditional or Modern Masonry Stove Design

There’s something about nice weather that makes people want to do everything possible outdoors, and that includes cooking. While most homeowners have a portable gas grill to make a quick burger or steak, taking the next step and creating a dream outdoor kitchen allows everyday folks to embrace true outdoor living. The centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen will be the masonry stove design that you select. Whether you decide on a traditional or modern setup will have a tremendous impact on your outdoor living style. Consider the differences between traditional and modern masonry stove designs.

Traditional Masonry Stove Design

When it comes to brick and stone wood stoves, masons have figured out every conceivable way to generate and direct fire to efficient and manageable cooking. The question that needs to be answered when outlining a dream outdoor kitchen is “direct or indirect heat.”

Direct heat stoves can be as simple and rustic as a three-sided brick structure with a cast iron cooking grate over fire. This setup can be wonderful for clam boils, searing steaks on a hot skillet and making many other terrific meals. A direct-fire design does limit your ability to turn out baked goods. For example, potatoes or corn on the cob might be challenging with direct fire. Pies would be impossible to get right. If you want the full luxury of baked items, you’ll need an oven.

If you’ve ever seen an Old Colonial New England kitchen, fireplaces with ovens are commonplace. Today’s designs can utilize the same techniques of delivering steady indirect heat for baking as well as direct-fire cooking. The Pilgrims knew how to make a fine Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, vegetables and baked goods. Another benefit of outdoor wood-based cooking is that you don’t need to bring in logs or carry out ash.

Modern Masonry Stove Design

One of the major difference between a traditional and modern outdoor kitchen is heat source. For many family chefs, a dream outdoor kitchen includes minimal cleanup. Firewood and ash may seem like more of a duty than a lifestyle boon. Using gas stove insets and grill stations has been growing in popularity. They can be incorporated directly into the stone or brick design. You can turn them on and off and regulate heat just like an indoor stove. Another benefit is the lack of ash, soot and smoke. When you eliminate things like that, it opens the opportunity to use thin brick and highly stylized tile facades. Basically, you can shift from rustic beauty to modern splashes of color, textures and creativity.

Masonry Designs by Pinska Masonry

Deciding between a traditional and modern masonry stove design comes down to your lifestyle. At the end of the day, your dream outdoor kitchen should enhance the way you live.

If you are considering an outdoor stove or kitchen, contact Pinska Masonry for more information or an estimate on a custom masonry stove design or small masonry heater.