fire bowl hofats

Fire bowls are a thrilling addition to your outdoor space. They are inviting and create a cosy environment for evenings outside with your loved ones during fall and winter. Moreover, fire bowls are an alternative to a chimenea or a standard fire pit. You can enjoy the cosy warmth and dancing flames from a bowl-shaped fire pit. If you’re thinking about getting one, read on to learn more about this product and our expert opinion.

Were you looking for the best winter grilling accessories? We got you!

What is a fire bowl? Do I need one?

A fire bowl is a metal bowl that functions a bit like a portable outdoor fireplace. They can use wood, propane, or natural gas as fuel. Moreover, fire bowls come in different sizes, designs and materials, but ultimately, the shape will stay the same. The bowl shape draws people to gather around it as well as being the focal point of your garden or terrace during fall and winter evenings.

#ProTip Know that you can cook anything on a fire pit that you would a grill. BUT FIRST, remember, always treat fire with respect! Hire only licensed professionals and follow your city’s local and federal laws for fire-related installations.

What is the best fire bowl material?

Fire bowls are constructed of heavy-duty materials like stainless steel. Powder-coat options will allow you to coordinate and match deck and decoration elements or other outdoor furnishings to your outdoor features.

Even more, fire features can even be made of concrete. However, some of the disadvantages of concrete include cracking and delamination, which can occur when it’s improperly cured.

On the other hand, metal bowls may have a higher cost but are usually more durable than concrete.

No matter the material, we assure you a fire bowl is one the best winter grilling accessories you can get to enhance your grilling experience during winter and create the much-needed cosy, warm vibe during chilly days.

Types of tabletop fire bowls

There are two main types of tabletop fire bowls: outdoor and indoor. Let’s take a look at how these differ:

Indoor

Indoor tabletop fire bowls are used in indoor spaces such as living rooms and kitchens. Depending on the purpose, you can use them either for heating or for decorative purposes. Indoor options are generally safer to use.

Outdoor

Outdoor fire bowls are commonly used outside the home, on the garden or patio. Just like indoor fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces can also be used for either decorative or heating purposes. During winter nights, a tabletop fireplace can increase the ambience of the space while also keeping you and your family warm. It is, without hesitation, one of the best winter grilling accessories for your backyard.

What fuel should I use in my fire pit?

The most common and right assumption is firewood. To avoid lots of smoke and also get the maximum heat from your fire, it is important to use only dry, quality firewood.

We would also recommend using hardwoods, such as oak, ash and beech, which are best for heat when cooking and will provide a long burn and flavour. If you’re looking to add a little more flavour, applewood provides a fantastic flavour, or why not try adding a little hickory at the end of cooking for a smokey taste?

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Moreover, charcoal is a great fuel to use when cooking in one of our handcrafted fire pits. Charcoal provides a less smokey alternative to wood and can reach and retain high temperatures for long periods.

Enjoy cosy evenings with our best selection of fire bowls!

Factors to consider when buying a fire bowl

There are several factors you should consider when looking for the right fire bowl. Below, we go over some of the most important ones:

Product dimension

Since you’re going to be placing the fire bowl on a table, you must determine the size of both the bowl and the table it’s going to be placed on. If you don’t have enough space to accommodate a large fire bowl, you can find several compact options (contact us for guidance!). Also, keep in mind that the smaller the size of the tabletop fire bowl, the easier it will be to carry it from one place to another.

Material and durability

As we mentioned before, tabletop fire bowls come in different materials. Fire bowls that are made from materials such as stainless steel and iron tend to be the most durable. Marble and stone fire bowls are also a great option in terms of both durability and style.

Maintenance

Since fire bowls can collect ash and fire residue from all the burning, they may require frequent cleaning. Therefore, we recommend choosing a fire bowl that’s easy to clean. Make sure to check the cleaning instructions of the product when buying.

Installation

The last thing you’d want is to purchase a fire bowl that is a hassle to install, which is why we recommend choosing one that is easy to install. Usually, tabletop fire bowls don’t need tools for assembly and also don’t require an expert’s help. The ideal tabletop bowl is easy enough to set up yourself. For added help, look for a unit that comes with a user manual.

hofats triple fire bowl
Create that cosy vibe during cooler and colder months!

Top 3 pieces of advice for using a fire bowl

Always keep a bucket of fresh water nearby

The fundamental rule of having an outdoor fire pit is that you absolutely must have fresh water nearby at all times, just in case the earth is a little bit drier than you thought it would be. And at the end of the night, you will want to use that water to ensure that the fire is properly extinguished.

Don’t expect perfection at first

A fire pit is like a grill in that it provides the heat to cook, but it’s also more difficult to control than a grill. You have no lid to close or vents to open, so you have less say in how hot the heat is. You might find that some things get burned or take longer to cook all the way through. Just chalk it up to being part of the rustic experience!

Use the right accessories

We’re not talking about anything fancy here: Skewers, tongs, a grill rack, a heat-resistant pot, and even aluminium foil can be game-changers when you’re cooking over an open fire. Also, a grill rack can turn a fire pit into a backyard grill, allowing you to use indirect and direct heat and cook multiple things at a time. (Check our grilling accessories available)

bowl grid the best winter grilling accessories

Cooking over your fire bowl will definitely be a highlight of your evening. From toasting marshmallows to delicious ribs and steaks. The possibilities are endless!

#ProTip Use aluminium foil to make anything. You can cut up chicken, steak, or fish and place it in a foil packet with chopped vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil. Then seal the packet by rolling up the edges so grease and oil don’t spill out, and you can place it directly on the fire to cook.

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Ready to have the perfect barbecue of your life in Portugal? Try our recipes and tips, and let us know in the comments. Visit our showroom in Almancil or make sure to check our products online. See you soon!

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