Love at First Sight: Rae & Tom’s Backyard Oven in Belfast, Maine
Evenings at Rae and Tom’s now begin the same way: the soft crackle of flame, a breath of wood smoke drifting across the garden, and friends gathering around the newest centerpiece of their Belfast home — their Model 83 Corten Allagash, handcrafted by Maine Oven Craft.
Equal parts sculpture, gathering place, and culinary muse, the oven transformed their backyard into the heart of their home almost instantly.
“We’re just in love with it. It’s so pretty. We fell for it instantly.”
That spark began in Skowhegan, when they visited the Maine Oven Craft workshop. Among several freshly built ovens waiting to ship, one stopped them in their tracks. Its presence, finish, and personality felt unmistakably theirs.
“It was love at first sight”
They’d owned a wood-fired oven before — enough experience to know exactly what they wanted this time: durability for coastal weather, precision heat retention, and the kind of build that brings people together. Maine Oven Craft checked every box.
“It was so clear this is a personal, small-business vision. It was good for him, good for us, good for the town. That’s what Maine really represents.”
Core Crafted in France, Finished in Maine
Every Maine Oven Craft build begins with a Le Panyol core: hand-formed in France from pure Terre Blanche clay, known for its thermal performance and longevity. From there, each oven is shaped, housed, and finished by hand in Maine — including the weather-loving Corten steel exterior Rae and Tom chose.
When installation day arrived, the experience was almost cinematic.
“We were thinking two hours and seven men. But it was two people and 15 minutes. A giant crane came and just guided it in seamlessly… it was just so easy.”
Where Gatherings Find Their Rhythm
What began as a beautiful addition quickly became a weekly ritual.
At least once a week, Rae and Tom gather with friends and neighbors around the oven, cooking, experimenting, talking, and laughing. The fire sets the pace, the glow invites people in, and the Model 83 becomes both stage and soundtrack.
“We’ll be standing around… cooking together and laughing and making memories. It really is a focal point for any event.”
There’s a reason wood-fired cooking endures: it slows time just enough to notice the people around you.
For Rae and Tom, that’s where the magic is.
See Rae & Tom’s story come to life — watch the full testimonial here.
Ready to Begin Your Own Story?
Imagine your own gatherings — family, friends, food, and fire — illuminated by the glow of a handcrafted oven built just for your space.
Explore our residential models and begin designing your own oven → Start Here
