Brown, structured surface shows a uniform texture, appears wooden, without visible details or text in a simple, monochromatic context.

Safely planning and operating a garden fire pit

Set Up and Enjoy Fire Baskets and Fire Pits in the Garden

Especially on balmy summer evenings or cool fall and spring days: fire features create a cozy, atmospheric ambiance and spread warmth throughout the garden and on the patio. To ensure safe handling of open flames, there are a few things to keep in mind when setting up and using these items. Here you’ll find tips and important information for planning, caring for, maintaining, and setting up metal fire pits, fire baskets, and fire bowls in your garden. The natural play of flames from wood fires in fire bowls, fire baskets, and fire pits magically draws everyone’s attention, radiates pleasant warmth, and contributes to a cozy, inviting atmosphere in the garden. Fire features made of genuine Corten steel are durable. The rust-brown, earthy surface fits perfectly into a classic garden setting.

What to consider when choosing a fire feature:

Fire bowls with a bowl diameter of less than ø1,200 mm do not require approval for use in a private garden. Tenants should, however, obtain permission from their landlord before installing one. As with barbecuing, open fires should only be lit occasionally out of consideration for neighbours. Gartenmetall fire features are designed for use with wood or charcoal and provide pleasant radiant heat and an atmospheric open flame in the garden.

Metal fire pit for the garden

User Information: FIRE OBJECTS

What are fire features suitable for in the garden?

Gartenmetall fire features allow you to enjoy a cosy open fire in a private garden and spend relaxing evenings outdoors. Fire features designed for wood or charcoal can also be used for grilling or preparing food outdoors. They are also suitable for commercial settings, for example in the show gardens of landscaping companies or as a fire feature in outdoor areas of businesses.

These metal fire pits made of wood are especially popular

The classics are the TROJA fire bowls with wood fires. Depending on personal taste, you can choose from square or round shapes and various sizes. There are also plenty of accessories available, such as grill rings, grill grates, or various covers. On balconies or in smaller gardens, where the TROJA fire bowl is too large, the fire baskets from the VESUV series are ideal. This design is also square, but narrow and tall. Instead of the ventilation slits required on the sides, the surfaces are ideal for laser-cutting custom designs, sayings, or names. Particularly popular are logos of favorite sports teams, floral designs, or personal motifs, which make the fire baskets the perfect, personalized gift for milestone birthdays or weddings.

What should be considered when installing and using metal fire bowls and fire baskets?

All fire features designed for use with wood or charcoal may only be used outdoors and in uncovered areas. Fire features must be placed on a fireproof surface, as models such as TROJA or SPARTA can generate considerable radiant heat towards the ground. Make sure that all fire features, especially fire baskets, are positioned securely so that they cannot tip over. Sufficient distance must be maintained from buildings, trees and shrubs. Official minimum distances may vary depending on the region. Additional local regulations may also apply during periods of extreme weather or drought. Your local fire department can provide further information. Wind conditions and wind direction should also be taken into account. As an additional precaution, place a stainless steel base plate underneath to protect the surface.

A rectangular fireplace with a visible fire burns in a living room. To the left is a plant, to the right a black leather sofa. In the top left corner is 'gartenmetall®'.

Decorative Fire for the Home

Two children are grilling meat and vegetables on a large barbecue in the autumnal woods. They are wearing warm jackets and standing on a leaf-covered ground.

Metal Fire Pit for the Garden

What should be considered when choosing fuel for metal fire features?

Wood: Only use dry, untreated natural wood. Store firewood at a sufficient distance from the fire feature to prevent it from being ignited by flying sparks. Treated, painted or coated wood and waste must not be burned.
Charcoal: Only use suitable barbecue charcoal or charcoal briquettes. Charcoal and briquettes should also be stored in a dry place and at a sufficient distance from the fire feature. When lighting and operating the fire, take potential flying sparks and the high heat output into account.
General: Only use fuels that are intended for the respective fire feature and follow the relevant safety instructions as well as any applicable local regulations.

Fire bowl burns brightly on a stone floor, surrounded by wooden benches and metal chairs. In the foreground, bright red roses are in bloom, with green bushes in the background. Text: 'gartenmetall®'.

Fire pits in the garden and on the patio

Meeting point for a lovely evening

Follow the safety guidelines for outdoor fire pits

As a general rule, the following guidelines—among others—must be followed for all outdoor fire pits:

Never leave the fire unattended!
Make sure that water, sand, or a fire extinguisher is always available in case of an emergency.
Maintain a safe distance from the fire. This is especially important for children.
Never use accelerants such as gasoline or rubbing alcohol to start the fire. These can ignite even at low temperatures. The resulting gas-air mixture is highly explosive!
Metal fire elements can become very hot when fueled by wood. Therefore, always place them on a heat-resistant surface, such as natural stone. Asphalt, wood, or WPC decking are not suitable.
Use only approved fuel and dry wood.
Extinguish the fire immediately if it’s windy or if sparks are flying heavily.
In an emergency, stay calm and don’t hesitate to call the fire department: Emergency number in Germany: 112, Switzerland: 118, Austria: 122

That’s why Corten steel is particularly well-suited for fire bowls

High-quality, durable Corten steel—which develops a rust-red patina—is ideal for wood-burning metal fire baskets. Corten steel does not tarnish at high temperatures; the protective layer continuously regenerates—even after exposure to high temperatures. Unlike cheap structural steel, fire elements made of weather-resistant structural steel remain stable and do not rust prematurely. As an alternative to Corten steel, all fire elements can also be supplied in shiny silver, Rotex-polished stainless steel. With stainless steel, it is important to note that it can discolor and turn dark in temperatures of 200°C or higher. We do not recommend paint-finished fire baskets for real fires, as even so-called temperature-stable specialty paints soften at high temperatures, and the finish can be damaged by firewood and embers.

Barbecue with meat, vegetables and sausages is being prepared in a garden on a sunny day on a round metal grill. In the background there is a garden bench. Text: 'gartenmetall®'.

Fire pit for grilling