How do you choose the right fire pit for outdoor use?

It depends on what you want to do. If you want ambience and simple grilling, a fire bowl or fire basket like Lillhälla suits well. If you also want to bake, grill and cook properly, a wood-fired oven like Faster Greta is a better choice.

Material matters. Corten steel lasts for decades and needs no maintenance. Thin sheet metal rusts through after a few seasons. Cast iron holds up well but is heavy to move. Consider size in relation to your garden and how often you plan to light the fire.

1. Faster heating
   Think of Eldvakt as the function that a lid has on a pot and how much faster the water heatens if you use a lid.
2. Protects the frame
   Eldvakt's plate protects the frame against burns. Please note that burns on the wooden frame do not normally occur if you follow the instructions in the quick guide and if you keep the lid on the stove at all times when having a fire in the stove.
3. Protects against debris and leaves when heating the water

Corten steel forms a protective rust patina that stops further corrosion. Regular steel keeps rusting until it is ruined. That is the whole difference.

Lillhälla is made from 3 mm corten steel. It handles rain, snow, frost and sun year-round without needing to be moved indoors, repainted or treated with any coating. The patina deepens over time and gives the fire pit a warm, living surface that belongs outdoors.

Basically nothing. As Lillhälla is made of corten steel, it can withstand being outside all year round. So the only maintenance you need to do is empty it of ash and clean the grill grate a little now and then.

No, not normally. A freestanding fire pit placed in the garden requires no building permit in Sweden. This applies to fire bowls, fire baskets and wood-fired ovens that are not permanently installed.

A permit may be needed if you build a masonry, permanent fire pit or a large outdoor installation. Always check with your municipality if you are unsure, especially in areas with a detailed development plan. Also keep in mind that fire bans may apply during dry periods, regardless of the type of fire pit you have.

Yes, it works really well!

Yes. A corten steel fire pit like Lillhälla can stay outdoors and be used in all weather. Frost, rain and snow do no harm. The patina protects the steel.

Winter is actually the best time. Dark evenings, cold air, a fire. That is precisely the scenario a fire pit is made for. Keep in mind that the ground surface can be slippery, and embers on snow may melt down to the ground beneath. If children are nearby, a spark screen like Eldvakt adds extra safety.

It works great as a fireplace! Start by removing both doors before firing. Sitting around a crackling fire with good friends on a cold autumn evening is magical. With our baking oven Faster Greta, there will simply be more time for outdoor enjoyment in autumn and winter.

Yes you can. But rather see it as a movable fireplace in your garden. It is made of 3 mm corten steel and weighs almost 20 kilos, so you do not take with you on an excursion.

Lillhälla is an open fire pit that gets very hot during use. Follow these rules for safe operation:

• Children and pets: Always supervise children and pets near the fire pit. All surfaces become hot
• Distance: Place Lillhälla at least 1 metre from combustible materials such as wooden furniture, hedges and fences
• Surface: Always place the fire pit on a non-combustible surface such as stone, concrete or paving slabs. Never directly on a wooden deck or lawn
• Fire extinguishing: Always keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher within reach
• Ash: Empty ash into a metal bucket with a lid – never into plastic or a waste bin. Ash can remain glowing for several days
• Indoors: Never use Lillhälla indoors or in enclosed spaces

Never leave a burning fire pit unattended and let it cool completely before moving it.

Correct placement is important for both safety and enjoyment:

• Surface: Place Lillhälla on a flat, non-combustible surface – concrete slabs, paving stones or natural stone work well. Avoid wooden decks, lawns and gravel
• Distance: Keep at least 1 metre of clear space in all directions from combustible materials such as walls, fences, hedges and wooden furniture
• Wind protection: Position the fire pit so it is sheltered from strong wind, or use a spark screen. Wind can blow sparks and embers a long way
• Overhead cover: Never place Lillhälla under a roof, pergola or overhanging tree branches

Lillhälla is made from 3 mm corten steel and can stay outdoors year-round. During the first year, while the rust patina forms, it may leave rust marks on the surface beneath – avoid placing it directly on light-coloured natural stone if you want to prevent staining.

Yes! Lillhälla comes with a grill grate that sits on top of the fire pit. This makes it perfect for simple outdoor grilling:

• Light the fire and let it burn down to embers before placing the grill grate on top
• You can use both firewood and charcoal – charcoal gives more even heat for grilling
• The grate is made of stainless steel and withstands high temperatures
• Perfect for sausages, burgers, vegetables and other food grilled directly over embers

Clean the grill grate with a wire brush while it is still warm – food residue comes off most easily then. Lillhälla is fundamentally a fire pit, but the grill grate turns it into a practical combination of ambience fire and cooking.

Starting a fire in Lillhälla is simple, but the right technique gives a better fire experience:

• Lighting: Start with newspaper or firelighters at the bottom, add kindling on top, then smaller pieces of firewood. Light from below
• Firewood: Use dry, split wood for best results. Birch, oak and beech produce fine embers. Avoid softwood if you do not want lots of sparks
• Charcoal: If you want even grilling heat, you can use charcoal instead. Light with firelighters or a charcoal starter
• Wood size: Lillhälla has a diameter of about 45 cm – split the wood into suitable pieces that fit without sticking out over the edge

Do not overfill the fire pit – give the fire room to breathe. A moderate amount of wood that burns well produces more heat and comfort than an overstuffed fire pit that smokes.

It is not required, but it makes a difference in certain situations. A spark screen catches sparks that might otherwise land on decking, furniture or dry grass. If you burn softwood like spruce or pine, which sparks more, it is particularly worth using.

Eldvakt is a corten steel spark screen that fits Lillhälla. It is designed so you can still see the fire and feel the heat, but without sparks around your feet. If you have children or pets in the garden, it is a good accessory to have.

Dry wood is the most important thing. Damp wood produces heavy smoke and bad smell. Use wood with below 20 percent moisture. Do not burn large amounts at once. Keep the fire moderate and add wood gradually.

Wind direction matters. Do not light the fire when the wind blows straight towards your neighbour's house or outdoor area. Use hardwood like birch, beech or oak instead of softwood. Softwood produces more smoke and sparks. With the right wood and the right wind, an evening fire need not be a problem for anyone.