What is bee hive oven?

Bee hive ovens, also known as domed ovens, are a traditional type of oven that have been used for baking bread, pastries and other food items for centuries. These ovens are called bee hive ovens because of their shape, which resembles a bee hive. They are constructed using firebricks and refractory materials like clay and have an internal domed shape to contain and distribute heat evenly.

Bee hive ovens were used extensively in ancient times across various civilisations around the world. Especially in Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Spain that used the bee hive ovens for making pizzas, bread, and other baked goods. They remained popular until the advent of modern ovens, but many people still prefer to use them because of their traditional nature and the unique taste and texture that they impart to the food cooked in them.

Today, bee hive ovens can be found in traditional bakeries, pizza shops, and some homes. They are fuelled by wood, charcoal, or gas, and take several hours to heat up before they can be used for baking. Due to their circular shape, they are great for cooking bread and other similar items that need to retain their shape. However, they can be challenging to use for some dishes that may require a flat surface or an even heat distribution.