Abstract
This study reports on the design, construction and performance evaluation of a domestic gas oven. The oven was designed and was fabricated with an outer dimension of 860 mm length × 660 mm width × 1150 mm height made up of mild steel and the inner dimension of 759 mm length × 559 mm width × 835 mm height made up of mild steel and fiber glass of 40 mm thickness was used as an insulator to reduce cost to a minimal level. The aim of this research work is to improve on the already existing gas baking oven through the incorporation of a vent/chimney for removal of humid air and roller (wheels) for easy movement. Cooking gas is supplied to the burner located in the lower chamber of the oven via a pipe connection to the gas cylinder. Perforations allow for heat dissipation within the lower chamber. Capacity of the baking oven is 12 loaves of bread of 0.5 kg per bread per tray (batch). Using a temperature regulator and from practical determination, the maximum temperature of 210°C was recorded. The performance test on the oven showed that the efficiency of the oven is of 90.7 percent. The oven can be adapted for both domestic and industrial purposes and have been found very useful in bakery industries. The oven was constructed with locally available materials. Estimated production cost is N56, 470 which is $156.86 at the exchange rate of 360 Naira to a US Dollar as at the time of this design. This can be seen in the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) shown in the report.