Disco Oven: A Fusion of Art and Function

A Unique Outdoor Wood Oven Designed by Mark Cresswell

Mark Cresswell, a visionary designer, has created a truly unique and mesmerizing outdoor wood oven called the Disco Oven. Inspired by the enchanting allure of mirror balls and the joy of alfresco dining, this innovative design combines art, functionality, and a touch of retro chic to elevate the outdoor cooking experience.

The Disco Oven is a 110cm diameter sphere adorned with over 34,000 hand-fitted mirrors, creating a stunning disco ball effect. Its rotating feature allows for a 360-degree cooking experience, ensuring even heat distribution and optimal air flow. The traditional stone core oven, with a cordierite cooking base, heats up to 400 degrees within 20 minutes, making it perfect for cooking Neapolitan pizzas in just 90 seconds.

What sets the Disco Oven apart is its versatility. While it excels at cooking pizzas, it can also be used to prepare a wide range of dishes in skillets. Its good thermal mass enables slow cooking at lower temperatures, allowing for the creation of tender roasts and delicious breads. The oven's twin wall flue system ensures efficient ventilation, while the engineered stand provides stability on any hard surface.

Creating the Disco Oven was no easy feat. Mark Cresswell dedicated three years to its development, crafting five prototypes along the way. Extensive research was conducted to achieve the perfect balance of thermal mass and weight, resulting in a cast stone core oven that can withstand temperatures of up to 1200 degrees while weighing under 50kg. The shape of the stone core oven was meticulously designed to optimize air flow and draw, ensuring the best functionality.

One of the major challenges faced during the design process was creating a weather-resistant product that combined various materials and accounted for heat expansion and contraction. Safety was also a top priority, with industry standards and regulations carefully considered to ensure a safe and enjoyable user experience. Additionally, the team had to strike a balance between cost, weight, and thermal mass capability, all while maintaining the high level of design aesthetic that the Disco Oven embodies.

The Disco Oven has garnered recognition for its exceptional design. In 2023, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Garden and Outdoor Furniture Design category. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life. The Disco Oven's incorporation of art, science, design, and technology truly sets it apart as a remarkable addition to the world of outdoor cooking.

The Disco Oven is not just a cooking appliance; it is a work of art that brings people together. With its dazzling mirror ball exterior and exceptional cooking capabilities, it adds a touch of magic and excitement to any outdoor gathering. Whether you're hosting a pizza party or experimenting with skillet dishes, the Disco Oven is sure to impress both visually and gastronomically.