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The next barbecue in your garden should be something special. You want to surprise your friends and family with a campfire. With fire pits and fire baskets you can easily put this idea into practice. They offer a safe base for relaxed flames, can be set up in different places as needed and quickly put away again. In this guide you will find out what types of fire pits and fire baskets there are, what you should look out for when buying one and how you can ensure safety when lighting a fire.

Fire pits and fire baskets – crackling campfire in the garden

Only a few people have a permanently installed and bricked place for a campfire in their garden or on their terrace. But luckily there are fire pits and fire baskets that can be used flexibly due to their small size and low weight . This means you can light a fire in your garden quickly and easily. After it has cooled down and been cleaned, you can simply put it away in your shed or garden house.

Three legs usually ensure stability, supporting a flat bowl or basket in which you can light your fire safely . Fire pits and fire baskets are built in such a way that enough air can reach the embers and the fire can burn evenly. With some models, it is even possible to prepare food like on a charcoal grill, in a pot or a pizza oven.

Different models and what makes them special

Mobile fire pits and fire baskets are available in various designs.

Fire bowls

The classic fire bowl consists of a round basin that is usually attached to a three-legged frame. The fire burns directly in the bowl; fire bowls do not have a second level to collect ash, for example.

Fire baskets

Unlike fire bowls, fire baskets are made of grids or bars. This allows you to watch the flames without the burning wood falling out. These models are also suitable for larger fires and the recesses allow them to spread more light than fire bowls. Some are also equipped with a second level for the falling ash.

Square Fire Pits

These fire pits are reminiscent of the classic campfire. They are similar to fire baskets, but are usually square and made of solid metal without any recesses.

Special shapes

Some fire bowls and fire baskets are equipped with additional functions. For example, they also have a pizza stone above the fire bowl, on which you can prepare not only pizza but also sausages or steaks. Also available are so-called goulash cannons with an integrated pot , which can be used to prepare meat dishes and other foods. Other models have a flue and are therefore also called garden fireplaces.

Technical details for fireplaces and fire baskets

In addition to the design, the material, but also the size and weight play a role in choosing the right model.

material

The materials used are usually cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic or normal steel, which is sometimes oiled. This makes mobile fire pits and baskets very robust and durable. A few models are also made of copper or a magnesium mixture that acts like concrete.

height and weight

To avoid them becoming too bulky and heavy, most fire pits and fire baskets have a diameter of between 40 and 100 cm. The height is usually between 50 and 60 cm. Garden fireplaces reach a height of up to 160 cm. The weight is usually between 3 kg for the smaller models and a maximum of 20 kg for the large and particularly solid fire pits.

Accesories

Some models are also equipped with accessories such as iron pokers or a matching grill grate. Some are also equipped with a fine-mesh grille to protect against flying sparks.

The right mobile campfire for your garden

Depending on what you want to use your fireplace or fire basket for, different models are available.

• If you only want to light a small fire every now and then , then a smaller fire bowl or a small fire basket is sufficient. You can set up these models either on the floor or on a fireproof surface on a table on the terrace or balcony. Small fire baskets are available from €35, while small fire bowls are available from €50.
• If you are planning larger parties or simply prefer a larger fire , then choose a fire pit or fire basket with a diameter of at least 60 or 80 cm. However, you will need a fire-safe area with sufficient distance from trees and bushes. Larger models cost from €100.
• If you like to grill or cook outdoors , you can expand your fire pit with the right grill accessories – or you can go straight for a model that is already equipped for grilling or cooking. You can get a simple fire pit with an integrated grill grate from €65, a goulash cannon for €110 and a model with a pizza stone for €140.

Important tips for safe operation

Embers can fall out of both fire bowls and fire baskets with their side recesses. You should be aware of this. Sparks can also fly in windy conditions. Therefore, place your fire as far away as possible from flammable materials such as wooden garden furniture  and dry trees and bushes. This also applies to models that are equipped with grates to protect against flying sparks. Remember that with these fire pits, the grate must also be lifted occasionally to add new fuel. This can cause sparks to escape.

Mobile fire pits sometimes emit a lot of heat downwards. Therefore, place them on a fireproof base, for example on a stone patio or on gravel. Alternatively, you can also water the lawn under the fire pit thoroughly. Nevertheless, place a bucket of water next to the fire or have the garden hose ready so that you can react immediately to any fires. In any case, make sure that children and animals do not stay near the burning fire and do not play there unsupervised.

Conclusion: Mobile fire pits for your own garden

A fire pit or fire basket allows you to have a nice campfire. Here you will find all the essential information that you should consider when making a purchase.

• To get started, a smaller model is often sufficient, one that is not only light but also small enough to set up anywhere you want a fire. For as little as €35, you can get a fire basket that weighs less than 4 kg and has a diameter of just under 40 cm. A comparable fire bowl is available from €50.
• For family celebrations and parties, you can choose a fire bowl or fire basket up to 100 cm wide. Larger fire pits are available from €100.
• For culinary enjoyment in your own garden, we recommend a model with which you can also grill, cook or even bake pizza.