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.

Things to consider when choosing a fire feature:

Fire bowls with a diameter of less than 1,200 mm do not require a permit for use in a private garden. However, tenants must obtain their landlord's permission before setting one up. As with barbecuing, open wood fires should only be lit occasionally out of consideration for neighbors. In situations where a traditional wood fire is not feasible, gas-powered fire pits are available. Like wood-burning models, these radiate pleasant warmth and create an inviting atmosphere.

Metal fire pit for the garden

Decorative fire for the home

Set up fire baskets and fire pits in the garden and enjoy

User Information: FIRE OBJECTS

What are these garden fire features suitable for?

With fire pits from Gartenmetall, you can light a cozy campfire in your private garden and enjoy evenings outdoors. Furthermore, wood-burning and gas fire pits can also serve as convenient barbecue areas or pizza ovens for preparing meals al fresco. These fire pits are also suitable for businesses—for example, in the display gardens of landscaping companies or as decorative outdoor fire features on corporate premises.

Fire pit ignites flames on a metal table with a glass frame, next to it stands a wooden box. Surroundings: concrete floor. Text: 'gartenmetall®'.

Corten steel fire basket

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 setting up and operating metal fire bowls and fire baskets?

All wood-burning or gas-fueled fire features must be used exclusively outdoors and in uncovered areas. They must be placed on a fireproof surface, as models such as the wood-burning TROJA or SPARTA fire pits radiate significant heat downwards towards the ground. Additionally, ensure the fire features—especially fire baskets—are positioned securely to prevent them from tipping over. Maintain a sufficient distance from buildings, trees, and shrubs. Official minimum clearance distances exist, though these vary by region. Additional local regulations may apply during specific weather conditions or periods of drought; the local fire department can provide information on this. Also, take wind conditions and wind direction into account. As a precaution, place a stainless steel base 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

The following must be observed regarding fuel for metal fire pits:

Wood: The same rules apply to garden fire pits as to
fireplaces: Only dry, untreated wood is permitted. Store the wood at a sufficient distance from the fire pit so that the dry wood cannot catch fire from flying sparks. The local chimney sweep is authorized to inspect the stored firewood. Burning trash is strictly prohibited and will result in a fine.
Gas: Do not store gas cylinders that are not needed for operation near the grill area. Before using the fire pit, check the gas cylinder for damage and ensure all valves and hoses are leak-free. When in use, do not set the gas too high, as this can cause flashbacks. If dripping fat causes the flames to flare up too high, close the gas valve and wait until the flames go out.
If you smell gas: Shut off the gas supply to the appliance and at the gas cylinder, and extinguish all open flames.

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

Fire pit burns calmly in a modern metal structure. Two people sit outdoors, holding wine glasses, next to a table with crisps. Text: 'gartenmetall'.

Decorative Fire 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