Here at EasyFirePits, we produce heavy duty stainless steel pans and inserts to accompany our lifetime-warranted burners. This blog post is designed to help you determine if one of our pans or inserts may be right for your custom fire feature project.
Why should I consider a pan/insert?
Our high quality fire pans are designed to make your project easier and provide a professional finish to your DIY gas fire pit or fire table. We consider them a must-have for any fire table, as they’re designed to accompany our T-burners, H-burners, or any ring burner up to 24 inches in diameter. Once installed with your burner, fill your pan with fire glass or lava rocks to give it that modern fire feature appeal.
Is there a DIY alternative to stainless pans?
Absolutely. There’s always an alternative, but it will take a lot more time and effort to find them and fit to your burner’s specs. You also may not achieve the same sleek look that our pans provide. If you’re a hardcore DIYer, feel free to try cement board (a water-durable, mold-resistant panel for use under tile and other finishes in a variety of interior and exterior applications). They’re sold as “Hardie Board,” “Durock,” or “Wonder Board” from your local hardware store. Also try cooking/pizza pans, pots, or mixing bowls from your local restaurant supply. Ceramic or concrete bowls/planters (anything heat retardant that you can also find in a statuary or home improvement store) can easily substitute as well.
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What suggestions do you have when installing a pan/insert?
Like any metal, our stainless steel pans experience expansion and contraction when subject to intense heat. We suggest making the cutout in your fire table or fitted fire pit to be ¼ inch than the diameter or circumference of the pan. This should allow for plenty of space if the pan expands. The best way to reduce this effect is to fill the bottom of the pan with pea gravel, then layer your decorative fire glass or lava rocks on top. Not only will this reduce the heat to the bottom and edges of the pan, it will save you money on the more expensive glass and rocks.
If your fire table or gas fire pit will be exposed to the elements, we also suggest drilling a few ¼-inch holes in the bottom of the pan. This will help drain away any water or moisture that collects. The pea gravel is perfect for promoting drainage to these holes as well.
Need advice or have any more questions about our pans/inserts, burners, installations? Simply visit EasyFirePits.com and navigate to our Q&A page. Additionally, our customer service team is always available to answer your questions via email or phone. Email us at info@easyfirepits.com or call 813-600-5592.