Building a Stove: The Final Installment VIDEOS

Building a stove of this size is an all-day endeavour. Our day began at 7am sharp! We first started by preparing the mud.

Mud Recipe:
Two parts soil for every one part of grass
Add water gradually
Mix vigorously with your feet

The mud isn't just any type of mud--it is mixed to the perfect consistency. It's like mixing cake batter--if everything isn't proportional the cake won't rise. If the mud is watery it won't hold its form and if it is too dry it will crack very easily. The mud is constantly folded, mixed, and mashed. It takes a rhythmic stomping to make good mud. Once all parts are thoroughly incorporated the mud is rolled into large clumps and moved to the work space. Now I'm unsure if throwing the mud into a pile is necessary, but it is certainly fun! With all our might we each took turns hurling mud into our working pile.

Next the banana husks are shaped into the molds for various parts of the stove. The size and shape of the banana husks are essential to the overall structure and integrity of the stove. The mud will be molded around them and allowed to harden for two months. When the stove has its first fire whatever remains will simply burn away. All of the essential air ducts of the stove are molded with banana husks. Using a machete and easy to remember measurements such as the width of your hand each banana husk piece is formed.

After literally slinging mud we plan out the dimensions of this massive stove. It will consist of three individual burners-- one for the main meal, one for veggies, and one for boiling water. All three burners will be fed by two charcoal/wood openings, and will all exhaust out the same chimney. It takes a lot of thought and planning due to the fact that the hot air must travel efficiently through the stove to keep all the burners red hot. After sizing, measuring, and drawing the plan the banana husks are put into place on top of a base of mud that is aggressively thrown into place.

As the stove is built upwards rocks are added into various parts. The rocks will help conduct heat throughout the stove. The stove will be able to maintain a high temperature for a longer period of time, and will require less fuel. The mud is molded and shaped around the various banana molds, as well as, the saucepans that will be eventually be used for cooking. The saucepans allows the builder, Simon, to make the burners the exact size they need to be. They will remain in place for about seven days.

After the mud is thrown into place the final touches begin. Smoothing, leveling, and filling in the gaps around the stove. Using a machete as if it were a paint brush Simon, the builder, smooths the surface of the stove. Occasionally dipping it in water to make the mud slide across the surface more easily. This is a long and tedious process that cannot be taken lightly. The stove must be level for stability. The cracks are filled in and smoothed over. A constant back and forth for over an hour. Finally, Simon steps away from the stove and gives me a thumbs up.

The stove will be ready to use in January. It takes nearly two months to dry properly. Naturally cracks occur during the drying process, but can be easily mended. Now let's eat!

*Note: the videos do not have audio
*Photos are posted in an additional blog