Grilling on fire pits is becoming increasingly popular and is a real trend among outdoor enthusiasts. What many people don't know: With a little skill, you can easily build your own fire pit from an old oil drum.
We'll show you step-by-step instructions on how to build a real eye-catcher for your garden.
Materials:
- 200 liter oil drum
- Laundry drum from an old washing machine (available on eBay, for example) – forms the fire basket
- fire plate
- Spacers or support strips – necessary to prevent the fire plate from resting directly on the fire and to allow air to circulate (three pieces to ensure stability)
- 3 shelf rails
- 3 angle brackets/shelf supports – for hanging the fire basket
- Optional: 3 wheels to make the bin easier to move
- Various fastening materials, screws, etc.
- Heat-resistant paint
A notice:
Use an unused or thoroughly cleaned oil drum. Old, contaminated drums could release dangerous fumes, especially in the presence of sparks or fire.
Directions:
1. Remove the lid from the oil drum :
- Drill a hole in the lid of the oil drum to attach the jigsaw.
- Cut out the lid with a metal saw blade.
- Sand the edges with a grinder to make them smooth and minimize the risk of injury.
2. Prepare the washing drum :
- Flex the top edge of the washing drum to distribute the flame evenly through a larger opening.
3. Remove residues in the barrel :
- Remove any residue from the inside of the barrel with a burner. This will ensure it burns out completely.
- Also burn the outside of the barrel to remove any old paint, as this paint could release toxic fumes when the barrel is fired.
4. Clean the surface of the barrel :
- Clean the barrel thoroughly with brake cleaner and then coat it with heat-resistant paint.
5. Attach shelf rails :
- Optional: Burn the rails before using them.
- Mark the position for the shelf rails on the outside of the barrel.
- Center punch the material where you will drill to prevent the drill bit from slipping.
- Attach the perforated rails inside the drum with 6mm screws. The angle brackets that will later hold the laundry drum will be mounted to these.
6. Drill air holes :
- Drill several small holes in the bottom of the barrel for air supply.
7. For more individuality: Apply fire-resistant paint :
- Apply the heat-resistant varnish to the cleaned outside of the barrel.
- Give your fire barrel an individual design and make it unique.
8. Attach the support bar and position the fire plate:
- Attach the support strip or spacers to the upper edge of the fire barrel at an equal distance from each other and place the fire plate on top.
9. Burning in the fire plate :
- The fire plate must be burned in to develop a protective patina.
You can learn how to season your fire plate properly in our Tips & Tricks section. You 'll also find plenty of inspiration for recipes for grilling with a fire plate and creative ideas for your next grilling adventure!
Recommended products:
FENNEK fire plate
Grill grate for fire plate
BBQ wok attachment - crown
FENNEK poker
BBQ accessory stand for fire bowl Allround with Eurobox
BBQ board and cutlery holder including cutting board
FENNEK fire plate adapter for flame salmon holder
FENNEK stainless steel flame salmon holder
FENNEK stainless steel flame salmon holder "Shorty"
FENNEK grill spatula for fire plate
FENNEK grill tongs large
Grill gloves
BBQ apron cotton, waxed
