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A fire basket creates an atmospheric, fiery atmosphere in the garden or on the terrace. Furthermore, it functions as a light and heat source and, depending on the look and equipment, as a decorative element and/or as a practical grill. Our guide explains how the fireplace is set up in detail and what to look out for when buying one.
With a fire basket, atmospheric fires can be set up in the garden
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Landmann fire basket with mesh grid to protect against flying sparks | panels and all-round carrying rim made of stainless steel | Body and base painted
To the product| material | steel/stainless steel |
|---|---|
| design | simple, modern |
| Size (HxØ) | approx. 68 x 50 cm |
| base plate incl. | Yes |
| poker incl. | no |
| grill grate incl. | no |
The Landmann fire basket convinces the reviewers on Amazon primarily with its good workmanship. Unlike most alternatives, at least parts are made of stainless steel. However, several customers recommend not letting the fire basket get wet, i.e. storing it dry in the rain and in winter.
our recommendation
blumfeldt Ithaca fire bowl - fire bowl made of steel, outdoor fireplace, stable stand, ideal for Swedish fires, 37.5 cm basket diameter, incl. stand for setting up and poker, black
89.99 EUR To the product| material | steel |
|---|---|
| design | decorative, modern |
| Size (HxØ) | approx. 73 x 38 cm |
| base plate incl. | Yes |
| poker incl. | Yes |
| grill grate incl. | no |
The decorative design of the Ithaca fire basket by blumfeldt inspires. In addition, this fire pit is made of steel and - as the Amazon reviews suggest - is very solidly manufactured. Another advantage is the poker, which is already included in the scope of delivery as a practical accessory.
our recommendation
Point-garden fire pit/fire pit with grill insert
EUR 45.90 To the product| material | steel, chrome |
|---|---|
| design | simple, modern |
| Size (HxØ) | approx. 66 x 52 cm |
| base plate incl. | Yes |
| poker incl. | no |
| grill grate incl. | Yes |
The point-garden fire basket is our price-performance winner. For hobby gardeners who want a decent model with a grill but don't want to spend too much on it, this version represents one of the best solutions on the market. However, the fire basket must not get wet, otherwise it will rust quickly, according to the reviewer amazon.de believes.
Purchase Criteria
material
Coated steel: A coated steel fire pit is extremely heat resistant. Another advantage is that no water can penetrate the material. This means there is no risk of cracks developing in the event of frost. However, steel is prone to rust if the coating is inadequate. An aspect that is not insignificant for many hobby gardeners: fire baskets made of steel cost relatively little.
stainless steel: Unlike fire pits made from "regular" steel, stainless steel designs are completely weatherproof and typically rust-free. They also score points for being extremely resilient and easy to clean, since no protective layer can be damaged during care. Furthermore, fire baskets made of stainless steel are characterized by a modern and elegant look. Note: In very high heat, they turn blue. And: stainless steel fireplaces are more expensive.
cast iron: Occasionally there are also fire baskets made of cast iron. These are characterized by a higher corrosion resistance compared to models made of "normal" steel. As far as heat resistance and optics are concerned, there are no significant differences to steel versions. But: cast iron is heavier than steel and stainless steel.
pottery or clay: Fire baskets made of ceramic or clay are rare. Although often visually elegant, we advise against fireplaces made of these materials. The main reason for this is the sensitivity to heat. The hot flames quickly lead to cracks and fissures in the open-pored structure. In addition, ceramics and clay are not very weather-resistant.
build quality
A good material alone is not enough - the fire basket must also be of high quality. With steel, a powder coating or nitro finish is a quality feature, but only if the welds are optimally sealed. To check this, you should read several authentic test reports and reviews from other customers before you buy and take a close look at your chosen fire basket after receiving it. During your practical test, check whether the connection points are clean.
design
Fire baskets often inspire with unusual designs. In your individual comparison, you may come across models with certain motifs or patterns that are burned into the material. Fire baskets with the logo of a football club, such as FC Bayern Munich or BVB, are very popular. Of course, other motifs are also available, such as dragons or horseshoes. In terms of color, most fire baskets appear relatively simple in black or grey.
size
In order to determine whether the fire basket fits well in your garden or on your terrace, you should not only pay attention to the design, but also take a look at the size - i.e. the height and diameter. There are small, medium and large versions, so you are sure to find a model that best suits your needs. The height is generally between 40 and 70 centimeters, the diameter is usually between 40 and 150 centimeters.
scope of delivery
Fireproof base plate/ash pan: A campfire with a fire basket generates temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius. If you use charcoal as fuel instead of normal logs, it can get even hotter. With such heat, the lawn or balcony or terrace floor threatens to be damaged. That is why a fireproof base plate/ash pan is the most important accessory that should be included with the fire pit. Choose a model with as large a plate as possible.
grill grate: If a grill grate is supplied, you can also use the fire basket as a special grill. Otherwise, it is often possible to order a suitable grill grate separately.
grill tray: 2-in-1 fire pits for making fires and grilling are sometimes also equipped with a grill tray. In this you can ignite the charcoal. The accessory prevents small pieces of coal from falling through the grid and makes cleaning easier after you have enjoyed the barbecue.
fire grate: The additional grate is hung halfway up the fire basket. It improves the air supply for the fire, ensuring even circulation.
poker: Poking with a poker causes the fire to burn evenly. In addition, you can use the tool to "push" more logs into the middle with relative ease, handle the hot grill grate more safely and examine the extinguished fire more easily for embers.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a fire basket?
A fire pit is a fixed fire pit for the garden. It is usually made of coated steel, stainless steel or cast iron. The body of the special fireplace, which usually stands on a three-legged frame and a base plate that acts as an ash grate, is conical - it gets wider towards the top. A fire basket can be used, among other things, as a radiant heater in the green oasis or as a patio stove.
How does a fire basket work?
By burning logs in the fire basket, you can create an atmospheric campfire in your green oasis. Thanks to the construction with grids or struts, light and heat are emitted on all sides and you can watch the idyllic play of flames well. With a suitable grill grate as an accessory, the fire basket takes on a leading role at your barbecues. Important: Never leave a fireplace burning unattended!
Fire basket and fire bowl - what are the differences?
A fire bowl basically has the same “capabilities” as a fire basket. However, it is relatively flat - similar to a tub - and wider, i.e. with a larger diameter. Since the fire bowl has no openings on the side walls, but is closed all around, flying sparks are (more) limited. Some fire bowls are heavier and less mobile than fire baskets.
Which brands offer good fire baskets?
The most popular brands for solid to first-class fire pits include Landmann, blumfeldt and Woodsteel.
Where is the best place to buy a fire basket?
Fire baskets are usually available in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers. However, the selection on site is often manageable. If you want the largest possible range and also a lot of convenience when shopping, we recommend that you look around online at Amazon.
How much does a fire pit cost?
Good fire baskets made of powder-coated steel are available from around 60 euros. You pay an average of 20 to 40 euros more for a first-class model made of stainless steel - provided that the rest of the structure and scope of delivery are similar. Design fire baskets and versions with plenty of accessories cost up to 150 euros.