If you want to spend cool evenings in the garden, you need a fire bowl. But your heat source must not be lit without any preparation.
A fireplace in your own garden brings cosiness and a certain atmosphere in the evening hours. Whether for heating, grilling or baking stick bread - the open fire invites you to a relaxed get-together. In addition, the fireplaces are mobile and can be used on the balcony, terrace or meadow. But the open fire also harbors dangers that you should watch out for. We give you six important points to consider when handling a fire bowl or fire basket.
❶ Sufficient distance to other objects - the right installation location
It is important to leave enough space around the fireplace so that the fire does not damage or destroy objects such as furniture or plants, for example by flying sparks. Just as to the sides, the space above is to be considered. Awnings are to be retracted by you before heating up. An open fireplace with a fire bowl or fire basket has no place under a covered terrace or pavilion. Nevertheless, there are ways to integrate a fireplace on your terrace.
▶ Tip: Use a spark protection screen to protect yourself and your furniture from flying sparks and embers. You integrate a grid in the basket or mount it over the bowl.
Take the protection of your belongings seriously, because in the worst case your he alth is at risk until the fire is brought under control and you have extinguished it.
You should also choose the installation location so that children and pets cannot get to the fireplace without your knowledge. Otherwise, the risk of accidents and burns is very high. The fire pit must never be left unattended while there are still embers in it.
❷ Note the material of the fire basket and fire bowl
Fire baskets and fire bowls are available in different materials and designs. Metals and natural materials are among the most common. There is a suitable design and size for every type of garden.
Clay, ceramics and terracotta are popular with people who like something Mediterranean. They aredecorative and bring a certain flair with them. But the materials cannot withstand high heat. Therefore, pottery does not lend itself to being fired with charcoal. Because it generates more heat than with logs. But there are also models made of refractory ceramics or with an extra insert made of iron, steel or cast iron.
Fireplaces made of steel, iron or stainless steel are usually cheaper. Here you can use charcoal and use the fireplace as a grill. In addition, maintenance is much easier. Because pottery bowls are susceptible to frost or moisture. Cracks quickly form when water penetrates the open-pored surface and expands. In contrast, you can simply leave metal fire baskets and fire bowls outside at any time of the year. Only rust can form on an outdoor pitch over time. However, this gives the fireplace a vintage look that is often desired. If you want to avoid rust, choose a stainless steel version.
❸ Capacity
Once the fireplace is set up properly, you can fill it with wood. The manufacturer usually specifies the optimum filling quantity for the respective model. If the maximum is missing, follow the rule of thumb of one meter high and one meter wide.
❹ Avoid smoke generation
In order not to bother your neighbors with heavy smoke, you have to pay attention to certain things. The less smoke there is, the better the wood burns and the less pollutants are released. Although a fire bowl does not require a permit, the permitted fuels are based on the specifications set for fireplaces and stoves. Waste, painted furniture or wood waste from construction sites or the garden therefore does not belong in a fire bowl.
The following properties help to avoid smoke development:
- The logs that have been allowed to dry for less than two years lead to increased smoke formation.
- Similarly, wood that is at room temperature burns better than cold wood.
- Logs larger than ten centimeters in diameter are not suitable, as there is then insufficient combustion.
- Wood containing less resin reduces the risk of sparks as there are fewer small explosions through the resin.
▶ Tip: Stack the logs so that you can light them from above and the wood burns down from above.
Keep fire extinguishers handy in case of an emergency. Water or sand will sufficeoff to prevent heavy smoke or fire flashover.
❺ Set up on fireproof and safe ground
You always have to expect flying sparks with a fire bowl or a fire basket. In addition, the embers can fall out of a fire basket through the openings on the side and damage the floor. Therefore, choose a fireproof base for protection. These include, for example, stone slabs, tiles or a gravel substrate. If you want to put the bowl or basket on the lawn, water it well beforehand to avoid turf.
Meanwhile there are many creative ideas to implement a fireplace and to ensure a secure base. Also ensure that the surface is level so that the fireplace does not wobble and cannot tip over.
❻ Don't ignore weather influences
If you want to make an open fire on a beautiful summer night, remember that it has probably not rained for a long time and that it is dry. It is better not to start a fire if there is a high level of fire protection. The same applies in strong winds. Refrain from an open fire where the wind could cause enormous flying sparks.
Conclusion
If you follow all safety instructions, the most common sources of danger are minimized. Nevertheless, always be on your guard and nothing stands in the way of a cozy night by the crackling fire. With little effort, your fire bowl or fire basket is the highlight in the garden and will delight the whole family.