Braziers are available in all shapes and sizes. They tend to be expensive and trying to find the perfect one can be a chore. Prices vary widely from merchant to merchant due to the size, style, materials used and more. Learn how to build a portable brazier that will serve your exact needs.
Simply put, a brazier is a bowl, dish or pot that holds burning substances. A hibachi is a form of brazier and so is an incense burner. Fire pans in commercial smokers are braziers. They are used to cook food, heat rooms and more.
To make your own portable brazier, you will need:
- · Four or more pieces of slotted angle iron
- · A thick metal bowl that has a lipped edge. This can be made of brass, cast iron or heavy-gauge steel.
- · Carriage bolts that fit into the angle iron slots, 1 ½” long with two washers, a nut and cap nut for each
- · Hacksaw with metal cutting blade
- · Measuring and marking tools
- · Pliers or socket wrench
Step One- Measure The Bowl
The bowl can be purchased from online auction sites, repurposed cast iron cookware or built from heavy-gauge scrap metal. A skilled metal worker or blacksmith can make a dish or pot that has holes in the sides a third of the way down the sides for ventilation.
The stand for the brazier should perform one or two functions: a) Hold the lip of the bowl with the bottom of the bowl inside the vertical corners, or b) Have crossmembers for the bowl or pot to sit on.
Step Two- Build The Stand
Take the measurements for the bowl, height x width x length, and begin the design for the stand.
The stand legs should hold the bowl at least four to six inches above the ground or floor. The top of the legs should be at least four to six inches above the top of the bowl.
Cut the slotted angle iron to the measurements. Use a metal file to remove any sharp edges.
Cut lengths of angle iron to make the sides- the lip of the bowl will fit over the edge of the angle iron.
Attach the sides to the corner pieces using the carriage bolts. Thread a washer onto the bolt, insert the bolt through the slot, thread another washer on and a nut. Tighten until the piece is sturdy. If the bowl is tall or heavy, cut additional side pieces and attach them at the top. The side pieces should have the flat side to the inside of the corners, forming a flat edge. It may be necessary to trim the ends of the pieces to make both pieces fit squarely and level.
For brazier pots, cut angle pieces that will attach to the underside of the four side pieces. Decorative metal grating can also form a floor for the pot to rest on. Make sure it can withstand the heat of coals or fire. If desired, cut grating to attach to the sides, thus creating a safety grate.
To Use Your Portable Brazier
Attach the sides to the four corners and place the bowl inside the frame. If using a pot, attach the cross pieces or metal grate flooring.
Fill with a few pieces of charcoal; the pieces should not be taller than the bowl’s height. Light and allow to burn naturally. A small wood fire may be used, but only outdoors.
For cooking, place a food-quality grate across the top of the bowl or pot.
Your portable brazier can go wherever you go, just remember to let it cool down before it is disassembled for travel.
Notes:
- · To use the brazier in a tent, do not build a fire in it. Heat rocks or bricks in a campfire and place them in the fire bowl. They will radiate heat into the tent area. Ensure it is set up securely and cannot be knocked over. Place terracotta or stone floor tiles under the brazier stand to protect the tent floor from the heat and do not set it up near the tent sides. It is possible for the tent to catch fire. Lava rocks are lightweight, reusable and available in the barbeque area of big box stores.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse subjects and skills such as DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and more.