The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

The high-quality Aztec stove from Buschbeck is one of the most popular terrace stoves available on the German market. Although it is relatively small, it does not take up much space. In addition, it can be used both as a garden fireplace and as a grill oven. The hand-painted design based on the model of original Aztec ovens is impressive. Most Amazon reviewers are extremely satisfied with the quality and functionality.

The Aztec stove from the sonorous La Hacienda brand brings a piece of Latin America into your outdoor oasis with its Mexican look. Like the Buschbeck model, it is designed in blue and red and has attractive ornaments. The majority of the reviewers on Amazon praise the excellent price-performance ratio. Sometimes it is criticized that the colors on the delivered stove look different than on the picture. However, it should always be remembered that the clay ovens are hand-painted and therefore unique.

In terms of size and weight, the bright terrace heater from Nexos is similar to the test winner in our comparison. In contrast to this, however, it can only be used as an outdoor fireplace, but not as a grill. The reviews on Amazon differ quite a lot. Some customers are enthusiastic about the appearance and quality of the oven, while others criticize precisely these two points. In our opinion, the only thing that helps here is to get an idea for yourself.

Purchase criteria

design

Admittedly, the design is certainly not THE all-important purchase criterion. However, it does play a role, especially since very few people buy an Aztec oven only for functional reasons - i.e. for heating and grilling. Such a patio stove is simply too beautiful for that. Clay ovens are traditionally teardrop-shaped with a bulbous base. Pastel tones dominate in terms of color. The most charming are original hand-painted clay ovens. If you get one of these, you will receive a truly unique item.

Possible uses

Some clay stoves can not only be used as a heat source on the terrace, balcony or in the garden, but also serve when required also as a practical grill on which you can easily prepare many delicious grill delicacies - ideal for barbecues in the Summer. For this purpose, the oven should bring a high-quality - at best chrome-plated - grill grate as an accessory.

size

Depending on how much space you have your new one Clay oven can or want to give and for what purpose you mainly want to use the patio stove, there are models of different sizes.

• small: about 80 centimeters high, about 45 centimeters in diameter
• medium-sized: about 85 centimeters high, about 50 centimeters in diameter
• large: about 110 centimeters high, about 60 centimeters in diameter
• very large: about 120 centimeters high, about 70 centimeters in diameter

Material of the frame

While the stove itself must logically be made of clay (otherwise it wouldn't be a clay stove), the frame should be made of sturdy steel and convince in terms of stability. In addition to the manufacturer's product description, always read through some customer reviews in order to get a more detailed picture and make the right decision. Also make sure that the steel frame is designed as discreetly as possible so that it does not interfere with the stylish stove look.

Accessories / scope of delivery

In any case, a steel stand, a practical one, should come with the Aztec oven Rain cover and detailed and easy-to-understand instructions for assembly and use be included. It is also an advantage if the stove can be converted into a grill. To do this, the chimney hood must be removable and a suitable grill grate must be included. Check all of this out before you buy a garden fireplace.

frequently asked Questions

What is a clay oven?

A clay oven, often also referred to as an Aztec oven or Mexico oven, is a patio oven made from clay (unglazed ceramic, terracotta). It impresses with its attractive design, which presents ornaments from the Aztec times. Functionally, a clay oven acts as a Fireplace for heating and usually in addition to grilling.

What are the advantages of a clay oven?

The greatest advantage of a clay oven is certainly its appearance, at least if the oven is authentically designed with ornaments. In this way, it definitely visually enhances the terrace, balcony or garden. In addition, the terrace stove provides cozy warmth. In most cases it can also be used as a grill - and it also drives away annoying insects.

How does a clay oven work?

A clay stove is bulbous in shape and has an oval opening through which you can always add more firewood without much effort. The terrace stove is narrower towards the top. It forms a chimney through which the smoke that arises is drawn off. The air is discharged through the "throat". This effectively makes the wood glow.

What do I have to consider when firing a clay oven?

Firing in the beautiful Aztec stove requires a little patience. With each use, make sure that the heat in the oven develops rather slowly, otherwise tension and cracks in the material can occur. Always follow the instructions for use included in the scope of delivery.

What is the difference between a clay kiln and a kiln for clay?

Often a clay oven - i.e. an oven made of clay (unglazed ceramic) for the terrace, balcony or garden - is confused with a kiln for clay. However, the latter is not used as a heater or grill, but primarily to harden smaller clay works such as pots, plates, etc.

Which brands offer good clay ovens?

One of the best known and most popular brands for clay ovens is Buschbeck. However, there are a few other manufacturers who have good clay patio stoves. These include, for example, Nexos and La Hacienda. Warning: When looking for clay stoves, you often come across patio stoves made from other materials.

Where is the best place to buy a clay oven?

Clay ovens are mainly available in large hardware stores such as Bauhaus. Note, however, that not every hardware store has clay patio ovens. Most devices are made of modern materials such as cast iron. You can also find some clay ovens on Amazon, where you benefit from a very simple ordering and return procedure.

How much does a clay oven cost?

Most clay ovens cost between 60 and 100 euros. You should refrain from cheaper models that you may come across occasionally. These are generally of poor quality and do not withstand the heat for long, so you often end up paying twice. Depending on the manufacturer, quality and size, clay patio stoves can cost over 100 euros.

equipment

Protective cover for the clay oven

A special protective cover is ideal to protect the clay oven from extreme weather conditions such as intense sun, heavy rain or heavy hail when it is not in use. The utensil should be made of durable plastic, such as polyethylene, and should be quick and easy to use. A pull cord, for example, with which the hood over the furnace can be pulled shut, has proven to be practical.