chicago brick oven CBO Americano Gas User manual

User Manual
Fire Up the Good Life!
CBO AMERICANO GAS
For more information, visit
chicagobrickoven.com
Chicago Brick Oven
1020 Davey Road, Suite 300
Woodridge, IL 60517
A MAJOR CAUSE OF OVEN-RELATED FIRES IS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN REQUIRED CLEARANCES (AIR SPACES) TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.
IT IS OF UPMOST IMPORTANCE THAT THIS OVEN BE INSTALLED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

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Welcome to a whole new dimension of outdoor cooking and entertaining with your
new gas assist from Chicago Brick Oven!
We invite you to visit (and frequent) our website, chicagobrickoven.com. It’s a great
source of information and suggestions that will help you enjoy your new oven to
the fullest:
• Choose from dozens of mouthwatering recipes for everything from appetizers
and breads to main courses and desserts, and of course, pizzas.
• Shop for accessories, like professional-grade griddles, skillets, pizza racks
and more.
• View dozens of photos of creative outdoor living spaces other owners across
the country have created around their ovens.
• Check out our blog and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for the
latest news.
We, and your fellow owners and fans of ovens from Chicago Brick Oven, appreciate
hearing from you. We encourage you to share your experiences, special recipes,
entertaining ideas and more.
We especially invite you to join The Hangout at chicagobrickoven.com/hangout.
Here you can share recipes and learn from other chefs—professionals and amateurs
alike. And take part in our “Picture Sweepstakes” by uploading your favorite photos of
how you’ve used your gas assist oven from Chicago Brick Oven to create your favorite
gas-fired foods, entertain family and friends or design a great outdoor dining space.
You can also send your photos to us at [email protected]. If your photos
are chosen, we’ll send you a Chicago Brick Oven vest and hat and post the photos to
our website.
Fire Up the Good Life!
Visit chicagobrickoven.com for more information.
Outdoor Entertainment

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Table of Contents
CBO Oven Operating Instructions................................ 5
CBO Oven Best Practices..................................................6
Gas-Fired 101
Firing Your Oven........................................................................ 8
How the Oven Works ...............................................................9
Cooking in Your Oven ............................................................. 10
Frequently Asked Questions......................................... 11
Limited Warranty................................................................. 12
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLING AND USING
THIS GAS BURNING OVEN. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Before installation, contact local authorities having jurisdiction
(municipal building department, fire prevention bureau, etc.)
about required permits, restrictions and installation inspection
in your area.
Please read this entire manual before you install the Oven.
Failure to follow instructions may result in property damage,
bodily injury or even death.
Install and use the Oven only in accordance with Chicago Brick
Oven’s installation and operating instructions (or equivalent).
NOTE: PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION AROUND THE OVEN. THE OVEN DOME,
HEARTH, ARCH AND DOOR WILL BE EXTREMELY HOT WHEN IN USE AND FOR HOURS AFTER USE.
KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY. CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS.
CAUTION: TO ENSURE THE STABILITY AND SAFE OPERATION OF THE OVEN, DO NOT USE MAKESHIFT
MATERIALS IN ITS ASSEMBLY OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ITS SUPPORT BASE OR DECORATIVE SURROUND.
USE ONLY THE MATERIALS SUPPLIED OR RECOMMENDED BY CHICAGO BRICK OVEN.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLS FROM CONTAMINATING THE SPLASH ZONE
AROUND THE MOUTH OF THE OVEN, THE SURFACE OF THE OVEN FACE MUST BE CONSTRUCTED
OF A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE MATERIAL.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: DO NOT STORE OR USE GASOLINE OR OTHER FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR LIQUIDS IN THE
VICINITY OF THIS OR ANY OTHER APPLIANCE.
WARNING: IMPROPER INSTALLATION, ADJUSTMENT, ALTERATION, SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE CAN
CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH. READ THE INSTALLATION, OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE INSTALLING OR SERVICING THIS EQUIPMENT.
TO PURCHASER: AFTER INSTALLATION OF YOUR OVEN, IMMEDIATELY CONTACT YOUR LOCAL GAS SUPPLIER
TO OBTAIN INFORMATION IN THE EVENT THE USER SMELLS GAS. THIS INFORMATION MUST BE POSTED IN A
PROMINENT LOCATION.
CBO Americano Gas Install Instructions

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CBO Americano Gas Install Instructions
• Clearance Around the Door Opening: A minimum 30-
inch clearance from combustible materials is required on
each side of the Door opening and 36 inches from the front
of the Door opening. (A Hearth extension may be required
to meet these clearance requirements.)
• Clearance From Wood Storage Area: There must be
a 7-inch clearance between the bottom Insulation Boards
of the Oven and any wood storage areas that are under
the Oven installation. To ensure the 7-inch clearance, it
is recommended that you incorporate a noncombustible
physical barrier or some other indicator of the distance
within the wood storage area.
The CBO Americano Counter Top Support Base must:
• be constructed of masonry or metal.
• have at least the same area dimensions as the external
footprint of the Oven
CAUTION: ALL BUILDING MATERIALS USED NEAR THE
OVEN. METAL SHROUD AND FLUE PIPE SHOULD BE
NONCOMBUSTIBLE AND NEVER MADE OF WOOD.
INSTALL AND USE ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHICAGO BRICK OVEN’S INSTALLATION AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (OR EQUIVALENT). CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OFFICIALS OR FIRE
OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION IN YOUR AREA.
Requirements for Outdoor Chimney Installations
The Support Base surface must be flat, level and strong enough
to support the total combined weight of the Oven (350 lbs.).
CAUTION: TO AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE,
NONCOMBUSTABLE MATERIALS MUST BE USED IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPPORT BASE AND ANY
FRAMING USE AROUND THE OVEN.
A good suggestion is to build a fire in a separate location and
place the coals into the Oven. You will generate heat without the
flame and the Oven will cure as required.
After you have cured your Oven and are ready to start cooking,
light a small fire and slowly build it up. Use a laser thermometer to
check temperatures inside your Oven. You can just point and shoot
to get a reading in any place in the Oven. The CBO Accessory
Store at chicagobrickoven.com stocks this thermometer.
Note: You should re-cure your Oven if it has not been used for
an extended period of time or if the Oven has been exposed to
excessive amounts of moisture.
Note: Your Oven is designed for burning solid, dried wood
only.Do not burn scrap wood, compressed logs, coal or other
materials. Failure to follow this instruction may damage your Oven
and void your warranty.
CAUTION: NEVER OBSTRUCT THE DAMPER OPENING
WHILE OPERATING THE OVEN.
CBO Oven Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
Please follow these instructions exactly as written.
Failure to follow instructions may cause permanent
damage to your Oven and void your warranty.
Although your Oven may seem dry once you complete the
installation process, there are small amounts of moisture
pockets that need to work their way out. If you build a large
fire in your Oven from the onset, you could compromise your
Oven’s longevity and cooking efficiency, and can ultimately cause
permanent damage, which may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
When lighting the first fire, keep the flames low so the moisture
can be slowly released from the Oven. This curing process
should be conducted at the temperatures illustrated on page 7.
CAUTION: NEVER USE GASOLINE, GASOLINE-TYPE
LANTERN FUEL, KEROSENE, CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID,
OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS TO START OR FRESHEN UP A FIRE
IN THIS OVEN. KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS WELL AWAY
FROM THE OVEN WHEN IT IS IN USE.
Note: Refer to “Curing Your Oven” on page 7.
TO PROTECT THE INTERIOR OF YOUR OVEN FROM RAIN AND OTHER
MOISTURE, A PROTECTIVE RAIN CAP MUST BE INSTALLED ON TOP OF THE
FLUE PIPE TO ENSURE THAT MOISTURE DOES NOT GET INTO YOUR OVEN.

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CBO Oven Best Practices
Other Precautions and Instructions
• LOCAL REGULATIONS ABOUT GAS-BURNING
EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE CONSULTED.
• DO NOT USE PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFIED FOR USE
WITH THIS OVEN.
• DO NOT INSTALL IN A MOBILE HOME.
• DO NOT CONNECT TO OR USE IN CONJUNCTION
WITH ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTWORK,
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY APPROVED FOR SUCH
INSTALLATIONS.
• DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR FLUIDS TO START THE FIRE.
• DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR FLAMMABLE FLUIDS,
SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPHTHA OR ENGINE OIL.
• NEVER ALLOW ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 TO
OPERATE THE OVEN.
• Each time you light a fire, make sure the fire covers as much
of the Hearth surface as possible.
• Always pre-warm any cooking accessory (the CBO Grill, a
cast iron pot, etc.) before you put it in the Oven. If you place
a cold accessory on a hot Hearth, the thermal shock may
cause the Hearth to crack. You can also add an Oven Rack
so the pot or pan doesn’t sit directly on the Hearth.
• The manufacturer is not responsible for eventual environmental
damages, nuisance or smoke and carbon particles.
• In cold temperatures, bring your Oven up to temperature slowly.
• Never use frozen foods directly on the Hearth.
• Never use water, marinades or other liquids directly on the Hearth.
• With the exception of bread or pizza, always cook foods on
or in a cooking accessory (the CBO Grill, a cast iron pot, etc.)
to prevent spillage onto the Hearth surface.
• DO NOT OVER-FIRE! When flame spills out of the Oven, you
are over-firing.
• A protective rain cap is included with your oven to ensure
that moisture does not get into your Oven.
• Ash Disposal: Brush out the ashes after each use with a
Wire Brush. Ashes should be placed in a metal container
with a tight-fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should
be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground,
well away from all combustible materials, pending final
disposal. When the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil
or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be kept in the
closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
Regular Maintenance
Your CBO Oven will last years if you follow these simple,
regular maintenance tips:
• Never use any cleaning products inside the Oven! Heat the
Oven properly to clean it.
• The CBO Americano models come with a door that
is primarily for decorative purposes. Never close the
Decorative Door during oven operation.
• Creosote Formation and the Need for Removal.When
wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic
vapors that combine with expelled moisture to form
creosote. The creosote vapors condense in a relatively cool
Oven Flue and Exhaust Hood of a slow-burning fire. As a
result, creosote residue accumulates on the Flue Lining
and Exhaust Hood. When ignited, this creosote makes an
extremely hot fire. To reduce the risk of a creosote fire,
inspect the Flue on a regular basis. Make sure it is free from
any buildup. If you have buildup, use a wire brush to clean
it. Contact your local municipal or provincial fire authority
for information about how to handle a chimney fire. Have a
clearly understood plan for how to handle a chimney fire.
• Inspect the Flue Pipe on a regular basis. Make sure it is in
good repair and is seated securely into the Flue Connection/
Anchor Plate.
• If you can, cover the Shroud with an inexpensive grill cover
to help protect the Oven from the elements when not in use.
The Oven must be cool to the touch before it can be covered.
• When using any CBO accessory, please do not allow any
type of liquid to touch the Hearth or Dome. For example:
When cooking steak on the Grill Grate, you need to place a
Griddle underneath the Grill Grate to “catch” the drippings.
If you have any questions about the use and care of your CBO Oven,
please send us an email to [e-mail]
Curing Your Oven
Although your Oven may seem dry once you complete the
installation process, there are small amounts of moisture
pockets that need to work their way out.
The initial fire must be started slowly. When lighting the first
fire, keep the flames low so the moisture can be slowly released
from the Oven and the surrounding masonry work. If you build a
large fire in your Oven from the onset, you could compromise your
Oven’s longevity and cooking efficiency, and can ultimately cause
permanent damage, which may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Hearth Curing
Process:
150° F = one hour
300° F = one hour
400° F = one hour
500° F = one hour
Another method of curing your new Oven is to build a fire in a
separate location. Then take the coals and place them into the
Oven. You’ll generate heat without the flame and the Oven will
cure as required. Some new owners find this method a much
easier way to cure the Oven and ensure the temperature
doesn’t get too hot.
Note: You should re-cure your Oven if it has not been used for
an extended period of time or if the Oven has been exposed to
excessive amounts of moisture.

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Firing Your Oven
Once you’ve properly cured your Oven, you’re ready to fire it
for cooking.
A
Always start with dry kindling placed in the configuration
shown at left. Wood should always be at least one inch from
the burner.
B
Once the fire is going, add small pieces of wood to build
the fire. You want to raise the temperature slowly, so avoid
building a huge fire that pours out of the mouth of the Oven.
DO NOT put wood directly on the burner or ignition area.
C
When you are done using the gas burner, turn the key to
"Off" and turn the gas off at the supply.
D
DO NOT cook in the Americano Hybrid with the door
closed. Keep the door open at all times.
E
How the Oven Works
GAS BURNING BRICK OVENS ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE
OF ALL THREE COOKING METHODS—RADIANT HEAT, CONVECTION AND CONDUCTION.
Radiant heat comes from a direct source. In a gas oven, radiant heat can come from
two direct sources—the fire and the heat that’s stored in the Oven walls and Hearth.
Radiant heat is very even and will cook food from all directions. The special shape of
your CBO Oven reduces all cold spots and ensures that the stored radiant heat is used
efficiently. By slowly building the Oven’s stored heat, you’ll be able to take advantage
of the radiant heat for longer periods of time. You’ll also be able to use radiant heat by
leaving a fire or hot coals in the Oven. Use this method of cooking if you want high heat
and a short cooking time, especially for pizzas.
Radiant Heat
Convection is heated air circulating in an Oven. Cool air is drawn into the Oven through
the open Door. As the cool air is drawn into the Oven, it’s rapidly heated by the fire and
the stored heat in the Oven. This heated air passes over the food evenly. As the air
continues to heat, it passes to the back of the Oven and rises. The heated air now again
passes over the food on the way out of the Oven Flue. This draw causes a steady flow of
heat to pass over the food, causing convection.
Convection
The third method of cooking in your gas brick oven is through conduction. Conduction
occurs when a cooler object comes in contact with a warmer object and heat is
transferred. The amount of conduction that takes place depends on two things—the
temperature difference of the two items and the material (if any) that’s between them.
For example, you may want to sear a steak by placing a cast iron grill in a very hot Oven.
Make sure any cooking device you put into your Oven is at 75°F or above to avoid thermal
shock to the Hearth. Once the grill is at temperature, you’ll place room-temperature
steaks on the grill. This contact will cause conduction to take place and sear the steaks.
Another example of conduction is putting a pizza directly on the Oven’s heated Hearth.
The heat transferred from the Hearth to the pizza will cause an excellent crust to form.
Conduction
Only our proprietary low-dome construction creates the perfect FlameRoll ™from front
to back. In this unique cooking method, the vent pulls the flame horizontally across the
top of the Dome and then vertically back down the side. Not only does this “funnel
effect” create higher temperatures for superior cooking, the rolling flames being drawn
across the Dome are aesthetically beautiful, giving you a full gas cooking experience. In
competitive high-dome brick ovens, the flames get trapped in the upper portion of the
Dome, too far away from the food to properly cook it.
FlameRoll ™
WARNING: DO NOT STAND in front of the oven when lighting.
1. Connect your Gas Supply, check for tightness.
2. Plug in the 120 Volt power cord.
3. Make sure the key is turned all the way to the right or OFF.
4. Press the on switch to start, switch will turn to red.
5. The ignition will spark.
6. Turn on the gas to the left.
7. Check the burner to ensure the flame bar is lit.

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Open-Door Cooking
Open-door cooking is used to cook pizzas and other
foods that require medium to high temperatures. Keep
the fire going in the back of the Oven. Sweep out the
front of the Hearth with a wire brush and you’re ready
to cook. The Oven will become hot enough and the
small fire on top will generate radiant heat. For pizzas,
the purpose of the flame is to melt the cheese and
crisp the top.
Maximize Your ‘Real Estate’
After you have fired your Oven to the proper
temperature, it’s time to maximize your cooking “real
estate.” Do this by removing the ashes and keeping
just enough of the embers to create a small ember
bed—about 4 inches wide by 8 inches long—on the
Hearth at the very back of your Oven.
Cooking in Your Oven
YOU’RE READY TO COOK USING THE OPEN-DOOR METHOD.
Gas Burner
22.5"
30"
Frequently Asked Questions
What besides pizza can I cook in my gas
burning brick oven?
There is no limit to what you can cook in your CBO brick oven.
Anything you can cook in your home oven, you can cook in your
CBO oven—whole turkeys, bread, grinders, chicken, steaks,
chops, vegetables, stews, empanadas, desserts and more.
When using any CBO accessory, please do not allow any type of
liquid to touch the Hearth or Dome. For example: When cooking
steak on the Grill Grate, you need to place a Griddle underneath
the Grill Grate to “catch” the drippings.
Can the oven be used in all climates?
Yes, you can use the Oven year-round. The structure you build
around the Oven must keep the elements out and the Oven dry.
Can I install my own oven?
Yes, it can be a do-it-yourself project. You’ll need to have some
skill in concrete and masonry in order to keep your Oven safe
from the elements. (Check out our Assembly Instructions section
for more details.)
Is the oven safe around children?
Any time you have fire there is some potential danger. The
outside of the Oven will be hot to touch; just how hot depends on
your design and use of insulation. If installed properly, the Oven
should not pose any more danger than a BBQ grill.
How long does it take to heat the oven?
We recommend building a small fire and slowly adding to it to
bring up the temperature of the Oven. This process can take an
hour or more, depending on the size of your Oven. Once it’s hot,
you can use your Oven for hours.
How much does the oven weigh?
Americano Counter Top = 295 lbs. Americano Stand = 350 lbs.
How do I shut down my oven?
Let the flames burn down, and when the Oven cools down to
below 200°F it is safe to close the Decorative Door on the
Americano gas model. The Oven will slowly cool down over
several hours.
Can I have a CBO Oven indoors?
Yes. For Indoor Installation, a CBO oven certified to UL Standards
is required. You must check your local building codes to find
out all of the permits, restrictions and inspection requirements.
You must also install and use the Oven only in accordance with
Chicago Brick Oven’s installation and operating instructions (or
equivalent). The Americano is not certified for indoor use.
A comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions is
available at chicagobrickoven.com/support

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Limited Warranty
Chicago Brick Oven, a manufacturer of ovens, warrants the products to be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment.
Local regulations about gas burning equipment should be consulted.
Qualifications to the Warranty
The complete Warranty is further subject to the
following qualifications:
1. The oven must be installed in accordance with CBO
installation instructions and local building codes.
2. Moisture can cause significant damage to the oven/hearth.
Therefore, the enclosure/shroud (stone, brick, stucco,
etc.) that surrounds the oven/hearth must be sealed and
waterproof. Failure to do so will void this Warranty.
3. The oven is subjected to normal use, including burning
such natural gas fuels as non-treated wood. Fuel products
with abnormal burning characteristics including, but not
limited to, fuel such as driftwood, coal or plywood and
wood products using a binder, may burn at excessive
temperatures and may cause damage to the oven or may
cause it to function improperly. CBO does not warrant the
oven when such fuels have been used.
4. This Warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear. Note
that all refractory materials will form small cracks over time.
These cracks will not affect the performance of the oven.
5. This Warranty does not apply to any cracking caused by
over-firing or the failure to follow a proper curing schedule
as outlined in the User Manual supplied with your oven or
found online at www.chicagobrickoven.com.
6. All CBO ovens are shipped FOB Factory by a third-party
carrier. It is the recipient’s responsibility to inspect the
product(s) for damage before accepting/signing for the
delivery. Damages incurred during shipment must be
addressed with the carrier at the time of delivery.
7. A certain amount of pitting naturally occurs during the
vibration and screeding (leveling and smoothing) techniques
used in manufacturing refractory precast shapes. Also, due
to the blending of minerals used to create refractory and the
high temperatures used to kiln-fire the oven’s dome, hearth
and arch, some color variation may occur. These cosmetic
variations are not detrimental to the function of the oven.
8. Any alterations made to prefabricated ovens without written
approval from Chicago Brick Oven, will void Warranty.
Limitation on Liability
It is expressly agreed and understood that CBO’s sole obligation
and purchaser’s exclusive remedy under this Warranty, under
any other warranty, expressed or implied, otherwise, shall be
limited to replacement, repair, or refund, as specified above.
In no event shall CBO be responsible for any incidental or
consequential damages caused by defects in its products,
whether such damage occurs or is discovered before or after
replacement or repair, and whether or not such damage is
caused by CBO’s negligence. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. The
duration of any implied warranty with respect to this oven is
limited to the duration of the foregoing warranty. Some states
do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,
so the above may not apply to you.
Investigation of Claims Against Warranty
CBO reserves the right to investigate any and all claims against
this Warranty and to decide upon the method of settlement.
Dealers Have No Authority to Alter
this Warranty
CBO employees and dealers have no authority to make any
warranties, nor to authorize any remedies in addition to or
inconsistent with those stated above.
How to Register a Claim Against Warranty
In order for any claim under this Warranty to be valid,
CBO must be notified of the claimed defect in writing
([email protected]) or by telephone
(630.359.4793) to CBO. Claims against this Warranty
in writing should include the date of installation and a
description of the defect.