Our In Depth Guide to Fire Bowls?

Choosing the Perfect Fire Bowl for Your Outdoor Entertainment Space

Fire bowls are an exciting addition to your outdoor space. Not only do they provide warmth, but they are also visually inviting and create an enjoyable ambience for evenings outside with your friends and family.

• What Are Fire Bowls?

• What Are Fire Bowls Made From? 

• Which Is Best, Wood Or Gas?

• How To Light A Fire In A Fire Bowl?

• Top 5 Fire Bowl Do's and Don'ts.

• Fire Bowl Accessories.

What Are Fire Pit Bowls?

A fire pit bowl is an outdoor heating fixture that provides warmth and light while creating a cosy and inviting ambience.

They are typically made of metal, stone, or ceramic and come in various sizes and designs; as the name suggests, they are round.

Fire bowls are fueled by wood, gas, or bioethanol and can be used on patios, decks, or other outdoor spaces.

Fire bowls offer the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones, unwind, and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

Whether you're looking to host a cosy dinner party, share stories around the fire, or enjoy a quiet night outside, fire bowls provide the ideal ambience for any occasion.

They create a warm and inviting atmosphere and help extend your outdoor spaces' use into the cooler months, allowing you to enjoy your garden oasis year-round.

Fire bowls can also be used for cooking, with some designs including grills or other cooking surfaces.

What Is a Fire Bowl Made From? 

Fire bowls are available in a variety of materials, with each offering unique advantages.

For wood burners, corten steel is the ultimate material for the best fire bowl for those seeking longevity, durability, and a rustic feel.

Popular materials include cast iron, mild metal, clay, stainless steel, and copper, each providing distinct aesthetic and functional benefits.

Some other materials, such as aluminium, concrete composite, and zinc, are also used for gas and bioethanol fire bowls. 

When building your own fire pit, there are many materials to choose from. Stone or brick provides a natural and rustic look, while concrete offers versatility and a modern style.

Steel or metal provides durability and an industrial feel, while some fire pits even incorporate natural elements like tree stumps or rocks. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Corten Steel Fire Bowl?

• Corten Steel Fire Bowls develop a protective rust layer when exposed to the weather.

• Durable, long-lasting, and resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and weathering

• Fully recyclable, and due to durability and low maintenance making it a sustainable choice

• A unique and attractive appearance adds character and depth to outdoor spaces.

• Requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy their outdoor space without spending too much time on upkeep

• During weathering, it may give off rusty water for the first few months; use a heat-proof mat or pad underneath when not in use to avoid staining the surface, or build a base using paving slabs or bricks.

Cast Iron Fire Bowls 

• Cast Iron Fire Bowls are known for their classic and timeless look that can complement any outdoor space.

• They are versatile and can be used for cooking, with some designs featuring grills or cooking surfaces.

• Cast Iron Fire Bowls can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for wood or charcoal fires.

• They generate a lot of heat, providing an inviting atmosphere for outdoor gatherings.

• They are very durable and can maintain their shape even after prolonged use.

• However, Cast Iron Fire Bowls can be heavy and difficult to move around. Consider placing them permanently where they can be enjoyed without frequent relocation.

Clay Fire Bowls 

• Clay Fire Bowls are lightweight and easy to move around

• They generate great heat, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere

• They cool down quicker than cast iron fire bowls

• Resistant to rust, making them suitable for outdoor use

• The natural texture and earthy clay tones enhance your garden's rustic vibe

• Clay Fire Bowls have been used for centuries and have a long history in various cultures worldwide

• They can be affordable, making them accessible for those on a budget

• However, clay is a porous material and can be more susceptible to cracking if not handled or stored properly.

Bioethanol Fire Bowls

• Stylish façade and a sophisticated combustion system that uses the cleanest, most efficient fuel source on the market: bioethanol, the future fuel.

• Fuelled by bioethanol, a renewable liquid fuel produced from agricultural by-products which burns clean - this is a smokeless fire pit, no sparks, no fuss.

• Aesthetically pleasing.

• Low maintenance, no servicing, no gas and, best of all, Eco-Friendly.

• The initial cost can be higher than that of a gas or wood fire bowl, but it has an incredibly long lifespan.

• Usually made from a concrete composite, they are strong, durable and weather resistant. 

Which Is Best, Wood Or Gas?

There are pros and cons to choosing between a wood-burning fire pit and a gas fire pit. Check out our in-depth look if you want a detailed insight into which one we prefer.

Here is a quick look:

Gas Fire Pit

• Gas fire bowls can be more expensive.

• They are quick to light.

• Low maintenance to clean, but you must check the gas lines regularly to ensure they operate safely.

• Clean burning, no fumes, no smoke.

• Continuous burn, no need to add logs or coals.

Wood Fire Pit

• Authentic experience of lighting a real fire. 

• Affordable, all you need is good quality, seasoned hardwood.

• Fire bowls have a fast installation with no fuss.

• Aesthetically pleasing watching a real flame dancing in the bowl.

• Wood ash is an ideal garden fertiliser.

How To Light A Wood Fire In A Fire Bowl

Ready to light up your outdoor space?

Follow these simple steps to get your wood-burning fire pit going. 

For a more comprehensive guide, check out our other post.  

• Firstly, make sure you have some kindling. The perfect kindling would be small pieces of kiln-dried wood and some wood wool.

• Using kiln-dried wood means you get maximum heat and minimum smoke.

• Stack the kindling in a Jenga shape with the wood wool in the middle. 

• Stack your chunks of dry, seasoned hardwood around the Jenga stack of kindling. Start with your smaller pieces of wood; you can add more once the fire has started. 

• Use a long neck lighter to light the kindling. It may take a few minutes for the larger logs to catch.

• Once you have a good fire going, add your larger pieces of seasoned hardwood. 

Our Top 5 Do's and Don'ts When Using Your Fire Bowl

It's so important to us that you can enjoy your fire bowl for as long as possible, so we've come up with some do's and don'ts to help prolong the lifespan of your fire bowl and how to maintain it long term.

• DO make sure you clean your fire bowl regularly. This will protect the lifespan of your bowl and ensure you have the ultimate experience every time you use it. Check our top tips on cleaning your firepit for more detail.

• DO cover your fire bowl when it's completely cooled. Weatherproof covers are available and will protect from weather and prevent rust.
  
  
• DO ensure your fire bowl is in an open space and no bushes or branches are close to the fire. 
  
  
• DO Use dry and seasoned hardwoods in your fire; you'll get less smoke and a clean burn.
  
  
• DO place your fire bowl on a flat and solid surface; you can place it on gravel if you have a large base to sit securely on. 

 And here are our top 5 Don'ts:

• DON'T place your fire bowl on a flammable surface, e.g. decking. A stone/brick surface is best. If you use your fire bowl on decking, use a heat-proof mat/pad underneath.
  
  
• DON'T use flammable liquids to start your fire; they can damage your fire bowl and could cause a safety risk.
  
  
• DON'T use water to extinguish the fire; this sudden change of temperature could cause damage to your fire bowl. Leave the fire to die out naturally, or use a snuffer cover to help extinguish it. Only use water in an emergency. 
  
  
• DON'T attempt to move your fire bowl when a fire is lit. Your fire bowl will become extremely hot. Wait until completely cooled before moving positions.
  
  
• DON'T burn plastics or household rubbish. This could release harmful chemicals into the air. Always use quality seasoned hardwoods or charcoal. 

Fire Bowl Accessories

Here are some of the items that are useful to have when you own a fire bowl.

• Weatherproof cover - Vital to protect your fire bowl and reduce the risk of rust or damage.

• Fire-resistant tongs - To add logs / spread the coals.

• Long lighter - Safer than standard pocket lighter or matches.

• Heat-resistant ash bucket - Never remove ash immediately after use, but you can store wood ash here once cooled and ready to dispose of.

• Spark screen - This will stop sparks or embers from escaping.

• Heat-resistant gloves - Protect your hands when adding logs, cooking on your fire bowl or adding the spark screen. 

• Cooking accessories - Skewers to toast marshmallows, a popcorn pan for a delicious snack or a grill to roast some chicken or ribs, the endless possibilities for cooking outside. 

Cooking over your fire bowl will highlight your evening, from toasting marshmallows to delicious ribs and steaks. The possibilities are endless! Check out our guide on fire bowl cooking coming soon!