So how does this thing keep the smoke down?
It's all in the dual skin. The firepit has got a wall-inside-a-wall design, and as it heats up it pulls air through the gap and feeds it back in through a ring of holes in the inner wall. That extra oxygen re-burns a good chunk of the smoke before it ever reaches you — so you get a cleaner, hotter flame and a lot less of the haze. Use good dry wood and you'll really notice the difference.
Why does that matter?
Nobody wants to spend the night dodging smoke and going to bed smelling like a campfire. A cleaner burn keeps the air around you clearer, gets more heat out of every log, and keeps the neighbours happy too.
Can I sit it on my deck?
The fire pit is built for outdoors or an open, well-ventilated alfresco, and the fold-out feet lift it off the ground. But fair warning — it gets properly hot. Timber and composite decking handle heat very differently, so if you're going on a deck, pop a non-combustible heat-proof barrier underneath and keep an eye on it. Never walk away while it's hot, even while it's cooling down — ash can hold its heat and flare back up. If you're not sure, stick to pavers, stone, or bare ground.
Where's the best spot to use it?
Backyard, patio, open alfresco — anywhere with good airflow. And because the feet and handles fold in and it comes with its own carry bag, it's just as at home at the campsite or a day trip away. Just keep it outdoors or somewhere properly ventilated — never anywhere enclosed.
Can I cook on it?
Too easy. The stainless grill's made for it. Get a solid bed of coals going and you've got yourself a cooktop for the night.
How do I clean it out?
Let the fire burn right down and make sure the unit's stone cold first. The ash drops straight through to the tray underneath, so all you do is slide the tray out and tip it. No wrestling the whole pit upside down.
Is it easy to move and pack away?
Yep. Feet and handles fold in, it slips into the supplied carry bag, and it tucks away neatly in the boot or the shed till next time.
Will it be hot when it's going?
Treat it like any open flame — no bare hands while it's burning or cooling and keep anything that can catch well clear.
What wood should I throw on?
Dry hardwood is the trick to getting the cleanest burn. Seasoned or kiln-dried Aussie hardwoods — Ironbark, Red Gum, Box, Blackbutt, good Stringybark — all burn hot with low moisture. Steer clear of pine and the softwoods; the resin chucks out black soot and works against you. Hardwood heat beads or pellets do the job nicely too — just check the packet says hardwood.
Can I get it branded?
You bet. The panel interchange system makes custom branding a breeze — minimum 50 units for your own cut-out logo. Or grab one off the shelf with popular CUB beer branding (model SK-PIT49-CUB).
Will it rust?
It's built from 430-grade stainless steel, which holds up to the heat and weather a lot better than mild steel — it's far less rust-prone than your average pit. That said, no steel is bulletproof outdoors. Give it the odd wipe-down, don't leave it sitting full of wet ash, and it'll go the distance.
The steel's changed colour after a burn — is that a fault?
Nope, that's completely normal and nothing to worry about. Stainless steel takes on a "heat tint" when it gets hot — you'll see golds, blues, and bronze tones around the hottest areas. It's just the metal reacting to high heat, not damage, and plenty of people reckon it gives the pit a bit of character once it's been broken in.
How do I light it so it actually runs clean?
Start small and let it build. Get a good little base of kindling and firelighters going first, then add your dry hardwood once you've got real flames. The dual skin needs a bit of heat before the airflow kicks in and starts doing its smoke-cutting job, so resist the urge to choke it with big logs straight away. A hot, well-fed fire is a clean fire.
How many people will it suit?
At 490 x 490mm across with a 50L capacity, it's a solid size for a backyard, patio, or campsite — big enough to be the centre of the night for a small group, without being so huge you need a trailer to shift it.
Can I leave it outside or should I pack it away?
It'll handle the elements, but it'll thank you for being put away. Easiest plan is to let it cool right down, empty the ash tray, and slip it into the supplied carry bag — keeps it tidy and out of the weather between uses.
Is it safe around kids and pets?
Treat it like any open fire — the whole unit gets hot, not just the flame, and stays hot for a while after. Keep the little ones and the four-legged crew back at a safe distance the entire time it's lit and cooling and never leave it unattended.
What about total fire ban days?
Always check your local fire authority before lighting up. On days of Total Fire Ban, solid-fuel fires like this generally can't be used, no matter how tidy the burn is. When in doubt, leave it for another night.
How long will a load of wood last?
Depends on your wood and how big a fire you're running, but good dry hardwood will give you a long, steady burn — top it up as you go and it'll happily see you through the evening.