Good questions.
Clear answers.

Start with what you cook, how many people you serve and the space available for the complete installation. Compare cooking surfaces as well as the oven footprint, clearances and support requirements. The right size gives you room to cook comfortably and fits your project.

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CBO ovens use refractory material designed to absorb and retain cooking heat. The refractory components are reinforced with stainless steel fibers and kiln-fired during manufacturing. For a built-in project, you can create an exterior finish around the oven while following its installation and insulation requirements.

Yes, with a model approved for the intended indoor application. Residential Hybrid models are for outdoor residential use. Your installer must review ventilation, structural support, clearances and local requirements for the complete installation.

Ask CBO to help identify the right model and its current documents before you plan an indoor project.

A modular oven kit can be a DIY project for someone with suitable concrete and masonry skills. Start with the exact model's current manual and plan the support, enclosure, insulation and weather protection before assembly. Use qualified professionals for work such as gas connections and the design of indoor ventilation.

Plan around the finished cooking-floor height, so the main cook can comfortably see into the oven and handle food. The platform sits below the hearth and insulation, so its height is not the same as the finished cooking surface. Use the model's drawings to account for the full assembly and have your builder confirm the support design.

View specifications and drawings.

The correct components depend on your oven model, its connection and the installation. Use the current model manual to confirm the specified pipe, anchor connection and venting arrangement. Have your installer check the complete plan against local requirements before ordering parts.

If you are matching an existing oven, send CBO the model and a photo of the connection.

A venting route must meet the oven manual and vent-system manufacturer's instructions. Have your installer check any proposed offsets, supports and overall chimney arrangement. Do not apply one bend allowance to every model or installation; CBO can help identify the right documents for your project.

Yes. A noncombustible base or surround does not replace the insulation specified for the oven. Install the required boards beneath the hearth and blanket over the dome exactly as the model manual directs. They help retain cooking heat and limit heat transfer into the surrounding structure.

The oven needs the ventilation system specified for its model and application. Proper venting supports draft and carries exhaust away from the cooking area. Chimney height and the complete arrangement depend on the installation, so use the current manual and local requirements rather than a general height rule.

Complete the installation for your model, including its support, insulation, venting and weather protection. A modular kit also needs a suitable finished enclosure; assembled models have their own placement requirements. Once installation is complete and any installation materials have cured as required, follow the oven's curing procedure before cooking.

Curing gradually removes moisture before high-temperature cooking. Follow the current curing procedure for your exact oven: wood-fired and Hybrid models use different instructions. Avoid starting with a large fire or substituting a general fire-building tip for the complete curing process.

Use the manual supplied for your model, or ask CBO for the correct instructions.

Wait until installation is complete, the materials used in the installation have cured as required, and you have finished the oven's model-specific curing process. A newly installed oven should not go straight to a full cooking fire. Your installer and current manual should guide the sequence.

After the oven is properly cured, start with dry kindling and build the fire gradually using dry wood. Follow the fire placement and operating instructions for your model. Never use chemicals or liquid fire starters, and avoid a fire that sends flames out of the oven opening.

Hybrid burner lighting has a separate procedure in the Hybrid manual.

Warm-up varies with oven size, fuel, outside temperature, moisture and how recently the oven was used. Build heat gradually and allow the hearth to absorb it before cooking. Check the cooking surface with the appropriate thermometer instead of relying on a fixed elapsed time.

Use clean, dry hardwood suitable for cooking. Properly seasoned or kiln-dried wood helps the oven heat consistently; store it under cover so it stays dry. Avoid treated, painted or resinous wood, and follow your oven manual's fuel requirements.

A local firewood supplier or hearth store is a good starting point. Ask for clean, dry hardwood suitable for cooking and pieces that fit your oven's operating instructions. Confirm the wood is properly seasoned or kiln-dried, and keep it protected from moisture after delivery.

Yes, when it is installed, protected and operated as directed for its model. Keep the oven and insulation dry, and bring the oven up to temperature more gradually in cold weather. After a long period without use or significant moisture exposure, follow the manual's guidance on recuring before returning to high heat.

High-heat cooking uses an active fire and an open oven mouth. Retained-heat cooking uses heat stored in the hearth and dome after the fire has been removed or has burned down as directed.

Door use depends on the model, temperature and door type. A decorative door is not an insulating cooking door. Follow the exact manual, including the separate operating requirements for Hybrid ovens.

The hearth may need more time to absorb heat, even when the top of the oven looks ready. Check hearth temperature, use dry fuel and give the floor enough time to heat through. Dough hydration, thickness and the balance between top and bottom heat also affect the bake. Adjust one factor at a time and follow the operating guidance for your oven.

Try bread, roasted vegetables, meats, casseroles and desserts. Match the recipe and cookware to the heat in your oven. Use appropriate cooking vessels for foods that release fat or liquid, and keep drippings and liquids off the refractory hearth and dome.

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Follow the shutdown instructions for your model and allow the oven to cool gradually. Hybrid ovens also require the specified burner and gas-control shutdown. Use a door only as directed for its type, and never use water to rapidly cool the refractory oven. Surfaces can remain hot for hours after cooking.

Keep the chimney and venting system clean and inspect them as directed by their manufacturer. A suitable flue brush may be part of the cleaning process, but the method and access depend on the installed system. Use a qualified chimney or venting professional if you need help, and follow the system's maintenance instructions.

The right care depends on the door material and finish. Send CBO a photo and your oven model so we can identify the door and recommend suitable care or a replacement. A decorative door and an insulating cooking door serve different purposes; follow the instructions for the one you have.

Some surface pitting and color variation can occur during the manufacture and kiln-firing of refractory components. These cosmetic variations do not necessarily affect oven performance. If a mark changes, material breaks away or you are unsure what you are seeing, send CBO photos for review.

Small cracks can occur as refractory material expands and contracts during heating and cooling. That does not mean every crack should be dismissed. If a crack grows, pieces loosen or oven performance changes, send CBO photos and your model details before attempting a repair.

For wood-fired operation, check that you are using dry hardwood, have allowed enough warm-up time and are following the model's fire-building instructions. Moisture in the oven can also affect heating and may require recuring. Check weather protection and keep the specified ventilation path clear.

If the problem continues—or involves a Hybrid burner—contact CBO with the model and symptoms.

The oven, door and nearby surfaces can be hot during use and for hours afterward. Keep children away from the cooking area and supervise them throughout operation and cooldown. Follow the model's operating precautions and do not assume the outside is cool because the fire has gone out.

Weight varies by oven size and configuration. Check the specification sheet for the exact model you are ordering, and have your installer account for the complete installation, including the enclosure and support structure. CBO can confirm the appropriate weight and shipping details for your delivery plan.

Find your model’s specification sheet.

Ovens are prepared for freight shipping with protective packaging. The delivery arrangement depends on the model and order. Before delivery, confirm site access, the receiving location and how the oven will be moved into position with CBO or your dealer. Review your order's shipping instructions before the carrier arrives.

Included items vary by model and package. Check the selected product's included-items list and your quote or order details. CBO can confirm what comes with the oven and help identify any additional tools, venting components or accessories your project needs.