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Thanks for the info!
re: gas, what kind of gas cannister did you get? I'm new to the whole thing and trying to work out what I need. Any advice?
would this work?
https://www.flogas.co.uk/shop/cylinders/flogas-gas-cylinders/5kg-gaslight
r_mash-
Propane patio gas from Homebase. Not sure it's the most economic/cheapest but it was available and I needed it that day. You'll definitely save cash by ordering one online if you can wait.
For gas it says to leave door open and keep the lid on the chimney. I've been doing chimney open and door on and off. I hadn't actually realised I was supposed to keep the chimney cap on, whoops. Having the door and the chimney cap on will extinguish the fire as well, obviously.
Edit: that canister is the exact one I have. But if you google patio gas you might find something cheaper.
Nef
Funnily enough, I actually bought one on ebay, then bought the package deal with the gas burner from uuni and sold the one I got on ebay.
I'd say the gas burner was the best purchase - wood pellets are fun, but gas is just so much less faff and easier to control. Happily gets to 550c on gas too.
As for managing the fire, it's just trial and error. Having the back of the oven facing into the wind/breeze definitely helps. If you have it going for a long time it can get filled with ash which reduces airflow and temperature. I also found that blowing into the back (be careful!) can help it burn if it's dwindling a bit. Don't overfill the hopper with pellets and don't force them down - this will reduce airflow and it won't burn as hot.
I'd also top up the burner just after you take a pizza out rather than just before it goes in, because it takes a minute for the pellets to get going and topping it up will drop the temperature.
That said, I'm definitely a gas convert and I maintain that the oven and gas burner has been the best money spent that I can remember. Just glad that the day's are long enough to get the thing out now!