A clay tandoor oven is more than just a way to cook. It’s a centrepiece for long afternoons in the garden, shared meals with friends, and the rich, smoky flavours you can’t quite replicate anywhere else. But like any cherished feature in your outdoor space, a tandoor clay oven needs some attention to keep doing what it does best.
Looking after it properly also means you'll enjoy better cooking performance and get more years of enjoyment out of it. Because tandoors are made from natural clay, they're more vulnerable to the elements than other types of outdoor cooking gear. That’s why seasonal care is so important. Below, we walk through how to treat your tandoor through every part of the year in the UK.
Seasonal Maintenance Throughout the Year
Clay tandoors perform best when they’re treated with the same rhythm as the seasons. Each season in the UK comes with changes in temperature, moisture, and usage levels, all of which impact the clay. Here’s how to take care of yours all year round.
1. Spring
Once the frosts have passed, spring is a perfect time to get your tandoor back in action. Start off by clearing out any ash or charcoal that was left behind during the colder months. Use a soft brush or dry cloth and never soak a clay tandoor. Check the surface, both inside and out, for signs of cracking or moisture damage from freezing temperatures. If it’s been stored in the garage or under a cover, you’ll want to air it out for a day or two before using it again.
2. Summer
This is peak tandoor season, and your oven will get the most use during warmer months. While that’s part of the fun, there are a few things to keep in mind. Clay expands slightly when it gets hot, so don’t fire it up more than once a day unless it’s fully cooled down between uses. To prevent the clay from drying out too much, you can apply a light mist of water on the inside after every few uses. It helps keep the structure balanced and less likely to flake.
3. Autumn
As temperatures start to dip and rain becomes more frequent, it’s time to prep the tandoor for less frequent use. Give it a proper clean using a dry brush and by emptying the ash tray. Make sure no food residue is left behind, as this can attract dampness or pests. If you’re planning to use it through autumn, get yourself a sturdy, waterproof cover that still allows air to circulate. Avoid sealing it in tight plastic, as trapped moisture inside can cause mould to grow or the clay to weaken.
4. Winter
Clay is sensitive to frost, which means a full British winter can do some real damage if the oven is left exposed. Store it indoors if you can, such as in a shed or garage. If moving it isn't an option, raise it from the ground using bricks or tiles, and cover it in a breathable, insulated layer like old blankets under a waterproof top sheet. Make sure no water can settle inside the chamber, as frozen water will expand and crack the structure.
Cleaning and Upkeep That Protects the Clay
Cleaning your tandoor isn't just about presentation. It keeps the clay strong and safe to use. Natural clay can wear out if it's scraped harshly or exposed to too many chemicals. The focus here should be on gentle, dry methods and, when needed, a light wash with natural ingredients that don’t strip the clay's surface.
Here’s a helpful routine to follow:
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After every use: Scoop out ashes and charcoal once it’s cooled, then wipe the inside gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
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Weekly or after heavy use: Use a brush with soft bristles to dust off buildup from the inside walls. Avoid using wire brushes or anything with sharp edges.
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Monthly deep clean in active seasons: Fill a spray bottle with lukewarm water and a splash of lemon juice or mild vinegar. Lightly mist the interior and leave the tandoor open during a sunny day to air dry. Do not scrub or rinse heavily.
- Avoid: Soap, bleach, or anything chemical. Natural clay can absorb residues, which might affect the flavour or weaken the material over time.
Keep in mind that tandoors benefit from seasoning over time. Every time you cook with it, the inner walls darken and become more resistant to heat. This is completely normal and actually helps the performance. A good example of this can be seen with cast iron cookware. The more it’s used and looked after, the better it functions.
A big part of clay care is also about where you place it. If you’ve got yours set on a grassy patch, try moving it to a slab of stone or bricks to avoid pulling moisture from the ground. Small changes like that can make a lasting difference.
Maintaining Optimal Cooking Conditions
Getting the best out of your clay tandoor isn’t just about lighting it up and tossing in some skewers. Temperature matters. Clay behaves differently from metal or ceramic cookers, so you'll need a bit of practice learning how it reacts to heat. Each dish prefers a slightly different temperature zone, and a well-heated tandoor can bring out incredible texture and flavour.
To check when your tandoor is ready, place your hand near the mouth of the oven, never inside, and feel for radiant heat. A good rule is if you can only hold your hand close for two to three seconds, it's likely in the high-heat range, ideal for naan or kebabs. If you’re cooking something like marinated chicken that needs a slower roast, give it a few minutes to drop to a medium heat before placing it in.
Just as cast iron benefits from oiling to stay slick, the inside walls of a clay tandoor also benefit from regular seasoning. You can coat the inner surface lightly with mustard oil the first time you use it after a long break or after giving it a full clean. This helps reduce sticking and builds that natural layer of carbon that improves heat retention.
Here’s a small list of tools and accessories that can refine your cooking setup:
- Long-handled skewers for safely adding and removing food from deep inside the oven
- Clay bread cushions for pressing naan to the walls without burning your hands
- Infrared thermometer to keep an eye on internal temps, especially for larger dishes
- Fire starter cubes or chimney starters for a clean, even start without overloading on firelighters or liquids
Using accessories suited for clay ovens extends the life of the structure while giving you cleaner results. Metal tongs with sharp ends can chip away the clay surface over time, while tools with rounded or coated grips are gentler and more efficient.
Common Mistakes That Shorten Tandoor Life
Tandoor ovens are strong but not invincible. A few small missteps can cause long-term damage or even shorten the lifespan of your clay oven. Some of these can easily be avoided with a bit of know-how.
One of the biggest issues is overheating. Clay heats up slowly, then holds on to that heat for a long time. If you keep feeding it fuel nonstop without allowing it to stabilise, you’ll risk cracking the walls. It’s better to build up gradually. Start with a small amount of charcoal and let the oven warm gently, then add more once it’s glowing.
Another one to watch for is over-cleaning. It sounds strange, but too much cleaning, especially scrubbing, can strip away the darkened inner layer that naturally builds up from use. This layer acts like seasoning in a cast iron skillet. It protects the clay and improves cooking results. So you really don't want to keep resetting it unless absolutely needed.
Avoid these common mistakes as well:
- Leaving it uncovered in wet weather
- Using harsh bleach or chemical sprays to clean
- Cooking frozen or very wet foods that can cause thermal shock
- Using sharp metal tools that can chip the surface
Minor cracks can appear with age and heat, but patching them properly should be left to professionals. While some may try at-home solutions, incorrect sealing could do more harm than good, weakening the oven's structure or even reducing heat efficiency.
Keeping Your Tandoor Moments Memorable
A tandoor isn't just for grilling meat or baking flatbreads. It turns the act of making food into something people genuinely look forward to. There's nothing quite like sliding in a skewer of fresh paneer or pulling out blistered naan to share with friends under the warm afternoon sun.
Keeping your tandoor in prime shape means you’ll be ready every time the mood strikes, whether it's for a quick weeknight cook or a long, lazy Sunday gathering. With each use, your oven slowly becomes more personalised, picking up traces of spices, smoke, and stories. It's these little things that turn an everyday tool into something more meaningful.
Caring for your tandoor lets you savour more than just flavour. It gives you lasting experiences with the people who matter. From the first few coals in spring to shutting it down again come winter, good care builds more than just great meals. It creates moments worth returning to again and again.
For those truly passionate about authentic cooking experiences, investing in a tandoor clay oven can be transformative. As you savour every meal cooked to perfection, let Fire and Frost guide your high-end culinary adventures with elegance and expertise. Discover our collection of exquisite ovens and savour the moment with every use.
