Original and modern, the garden brazier brings warmth and conviviality to your outdoor space. It allows you to create a safe fire corner to gather the whole family in the garden, in all climates. The brazier is also commonly used for grilling or cooking outside. What are the different types of garden braziers? How to use it? What are the safety rules to respect? Find out in this article.
What is a garden brazier?
A garden brazier is originally used for heating. Usually made of terracotta, it is filled with hot embers to diffuse heat in the house. Over time, the brazier is made of several materials, including brick or metal, and is used for cooking in the garden and for decoration. Burning coals are placed in its heart for leathering various foods outdoors. It is a very common piece of equipment in the garden to cook traditional tagines or to make grills. It also provides an optimal source of heat for cold winter nights, so that you can enjoy the garden in complete peace and quiet.
Depending on the material used and the model, there are several types of garden brazier. Many options can be included. It is a very common and fashionable object in Greek and Roman antiquity. The tank of the brazier is placed on a tripod to be able to consume wood or coal. It is a kind of large traditional stove that can be used for lighting, heating, spoon, barbecue and decoration. It adds elegance, while being very practical since it provides warmth in winter and can be used as a grill tray in summer.
The different types of garden braziers
The garden brazier is available in a variety of sizes, materials and colors to suit the personality and expectations of these owners as well as the available space. According to some characteristics, we can distinguish three types of brazier:
- Decorative braziers or garden fireplaces
They are generally cylindrical, square or rectangular in shape and are mounted on legs. Some models are to be suspended. These braziers are marketed in steel, wrought iron or terracotta. They are screened to make the most of the heat of the fire and to guarantee the safety of the users. They are easy to move and are ideally placed in a corner of the garden.
These have a more characteristic shape of large jars pierced in its center to create the cure. A hole is also made on its top to let smoke escape. The lower part of this model is used to hold embers, while the opening is designed to cook food. This brazier is very aesthetic and is used for a family barbecue as well as for decorative purposes only. It can also be used as a pizza oven or outdoor fireplace.
These braziers are usually made of cast iron, with a very clean and minimalist design. They are particularly decorative objects, especially in a garden with a swimming pool. They allow to create a contemporary atmosphere and to obtain a soft warmth in winter. You can choose between different materials and sizes, depending on your needs and especially your expectations.
How to use a brazier?
To operate a brazier, all you have to do is make it burn a fire. You will need small pieces of wood or coal. You have to wait until the embers are hot enough and stir them a little to have enough heat to cook a dish. No explosives or fuel should be used to start the fire to avoid explosions, splashes or fires. You must also remove the flue cap from the chimney flue for the draft to work. Now, depending on your intended use, you can place the grills for a brazier stove barbecue or tagine pot, while avoiding overloading the pot. Remember to put a layer of sand in the bottom of the tank to absorb grease and residues.
Don't forget to follow the precautions for use in the user's manual. Avoid lighting a fire outside the firebox to limit the risks. Remember to turn it off when you are finished using it. Do not leave the embers unattended and keep children away from the firebox for their safety. Remember to consult a professional for the installation of your garden brazier. Indeed, it must comply with certain safety standards and be in accordance with the urban planning of the region (especially for hard braziers). A consultation with neighbors may for example be necessary before installation, especially in case of co-ownership.
Accessories available for a brazier
Depending on the use and size of your brazier, the manufacturers have provided additional accessories. For example, there are tagine dishes specially dedicated for braziers, available in several different styles. The cooking grid is essential for a barbecue, such as the removable brazier plancha. The latter is the perfect solution for fans of low-fat cooking without fat. The accessories can be chosen according to your needs.
For the black patio heater, hats or covers are available to protect the firebox from bad weather during periods of non-use. Also consider purchasing a spark arrester to prevent fire hazards. This accessory also protects users from accidental burns. The poker is an ideal tool for stirring embers and fanning the fire without getting burned. The protective cover helps protect the equipment in winter. Remember to choose a model adapted to the dimensions of your brazier.
Safety rules for using a fire basket
Garden braziers should be cleaned daily with plenty of water. You can use black soap to remove the most stubborn stains. Avoid abrasive products that can deteriorate braziers, especially steel or cast iron braziers. Once a year, remember to sweep the top of the brazier to get rid of excess dirt and deposits. In season, you should also regularly get rid of ashes. You must also empty it completely, scraping the bottom with a brush to remove residues and persistent dirt.
To avoid the risk of fire, a chimney-style garden brazier should be placed on a hard, non-flammable surface. It is also recommended that nothing be placed or installed within a radius of at least one meter around the garden brazier. Avoid flammable plants and objects as much as possible. Always check that the fire is out and, as a precaution, always keep a container filled with water nearby to quickly extinguish it in case of fire. A bag filled with sand is also more practical. To prevent sparks from escaping, accessories such as grill bells are available. Thus, the garden brazier brings not only warmth, but also conviviality to a fireplace.
