Are you looking for the best garden incinerator bin? Read my guide, find out my reviews and my opinions.
These steel bins can become very useful in the garden, as they allow you to legally dispose of mowing, grass clippings, small twigs and other green waste produced by actions such as pruning. In summary, they allow you to burn organic waste in complete safety, thus avoiding producing the classic bonfire, among other things at the risk of reporting (but we will return to this aspect later). Additionally, you can use wood ash as an organic fertilizer due to its rich potassium content.
While they may seem like simple accessories on the surface, there are actually tons of interesting things to say that you should know.
Table of Contents
What is a garden incinerator and how does it work
It is a “simple” bin, often in galvanized steel or aluminum, with a lid and a base usually with feet, which keep it raised from the lawn or the floor. Know that the cylindrical or rectangular structure houses holes, which allow better air circulation, so as to increase combustion temperatures. This is an important aspect, as a higher temperature makes it possible to burn the grass clippings and branches, producing very little ash and no coal (pyrolysis process).
Note: the container could have a more or less large capacity. It starts from a minimum of about 80 liters up to over 200 liters, if you need a large garden incinerator.
The lid also has holes, for a reason: on the one hand the protection serves to prevent sparks from escaping, on the other the holes allow perfect ventilation of the incinerator bin, preventing fumes from accumulating inside the accessory. In other words, it is not only comfortable and practical to use, but also particularly safe: since it contains sparks, it will prevent the risk of unintentionally starting a fire on your ground (with the danger that it can expand).
Before moving on, there are a few more details you should know. The feet, lifting the bin from the ground, prevent the ground from overheating, isolating it from the heat produced during the combustion of the branches. Furthermore, it is a green system for disposing of green waste without causing problems for the environment. The only “defect” is a pinch of smoke that will come out of the lid, but it will not be such as to annoy the neighbors, therefore it will fall within the legal provisions envisaged in Italy.
How to choose the best one? Thin sheets cost less, but over time they can warp from high heat, or rust if you carelessly keep them out at the mercy of the weather and humidity. Only the top-of-the-range models have a double internal chamber, which prevents the outer layer from becoming hot, so as to avoid burns. Also, in some products you may find a grill and an ash tray, but in most cases this option is absent.
Best garden incinerator bins
1. Draper 53253 Galvanized Steel 85 LT
If you are not overly demanding and want to save money, but without sacrificing quality, then I recommend this bin from Draper. It has a cylindrical shape and a capacity of approximately 85 liters, so it is not huge, but the capacity is enough and more to be able to incinerate small leaves and twigs. The bin was made of galvanized steel, consequently it is able to resist rust, and also it is very light and therefore easy to move around the outside spaces.
- Materials: galvanized steel
- Capacity: 85 liters
- Lid: Supplied
It allows to reduce vegetable waste to ashes, producing little smoke, as long as it is used to burn only dry brushwood. The leaves that are still green or wet, in fact, could produce a lot of smoke and bad smells, and this would cause annoyance to the neighborhood. The overall height is 80 centimeters, including the lid (supplied) and the feet, and my advice is not to fill it to the maximum capacity, so as to facilitate air circulation through the special holes located on the structure.
Another advantage is the presence of the handles, but remember to be very careful and never touch them with bare hands and without gloves when the bin is burning, because they become incandescent. Of course the same goes for the cylinder in general. In other words, we are faced with an economic model but full of merits, although it is not the most robust of all, but at this price it is practically impossible to find better. Finally, the feet lift it off the ground and prevent the heat from damaging the lawn.
2. WerkaPro 10944 Galvanized 4.4 KG 100 LT
Do not be intimidated by the price, because the WerkaPro is a more robust garden incinerator than the average and with a rather large capacity, equal to 100 liters. It is a rust-resistant galvanized steel bin, therefore usable outdoors without having to fear humidity, and with the canonical holes for ventilation. It is not very light, but 4.4 kilos are not enough to worry you or to cause any kind of problem during transport or travel.
- Materials: galvanized steel
- Capacity: 100 liters
- Lid: Supplied
It is an excellent product, ideal for burning dry leaves, twigs, pruning waste and any other organic waste, in addition of course to paper. It is clear that you will not be able to use it for household garbage, but this applies to all the bins in circulation, as the law does not allow it. It produces a very fine ash that you can use as a natural fertilizer for the lawn, as it is rich in nutrients such as potassium. Know that in the package you will also find the lid with the smoke outlet cone.
Note: there is also a smaller version, the WerkaPro with a capacity of 75 liters, but the other features are the same.
The structural quality of this bin is excellent, and the presence of the lid with the outlet cone prevents sparks from escaping into the garden, with the risk of starting fires. Secondly, the WerkaPro must be handled with care because it tends to get hot during use: it is equipped with handles that facilitate transport, but these also get hot, so watch out when you grab it. There is no shortage of feet that keep it raised from the ground, and it produces little smoke.
3. Profit Garden Galvanized Fire Buoy 90 LT
This garden incinerator bin by Profit Garden manages to combine two qualities together: it does not have an exorbitant price and is of excellent workmanship, despite having some small limitations. The thickness of the galvanized sheet is not very large, so it is better to avoid using it for many hours in a row, and also if you leave it outdoors it is likely that rust spots will appear. However, these are limits often present in bins with a cost below 100 euros, precisely because they are low cost.
- Materials: galvanized steel
- Capacity: 90 liters
- Lid: Supplied
It has an average large capacity, corresponding to 90 liters in total, while the structure is classic: in fact, we find a cylindrical bin with holes for ventilation, and a lid supplied with a cone that functions as a flue. It produces little smoke and is perfect for gardens, is quite light and easy to move, and is great for burning clippings, dry leaves and small branches. The holes are useful as they accelerate the burning of waste, and there are feet that lift it off the ground.
The lid naturally prevents sparks from escaping, so as to avoid the risk that a fire could break out. There are also handles, but always remember to handle them while wearing gloves, as they become incandescent, just like the surface of the bin. Secondly, you can also use it to burn paper, and know that it only produces ash and never coal, due to the pyrolytic combustion and the excellent ventilation allowed by the holes on the cylinder.
4. Nature Galvanized Steel Incinerator
Here is another bin incinerator that you can use in the garden to get rid of dry leaves, twigs and clippings. Although not specified in the technical data sheet, the capacity should be around 100 liters, based on the size of the barrel. Furthermore, it has a galvanized steel structure with good strength, although the sheet metal, as always, is not particularly thick. In summary, it’s great because it heats up quickly, but you don’t want to leave it out in the weather.
- Materials: galvanized steel
- Capacity: 100 liters (unspecified)
- Lid: Supplied
The bin has the usual feet that lift it from the ground, to avoid “heating up” the lawn, and side handles to carry it in comfort. Handles that will obviously become hot during use, so remember to always wear a pair of special gloves before touching it when it burns. Included you will also find the lid, with the classic cone for the dissipation of smoke, while the structure of the bin has the traditional holes that accelerate the combustion of the material, helping to incinerate it.
Always remember that the ash can become a precious ally for the fertilization of the lawn, since that produced by the combustion of wood is rich in potassium. Furthermore, the bin in question compared to other models has 4 legs and not 3: an important detail to consider, since it improves the overall stability of the structure. In conclusion, despite having a price slightly above the average, we are faced with a model that deserves a chance.
5. Feuerhand Pyron Brushed Steel
If you can start from a good budget, and if you are looking for the Ferrari of garden incinerators, then I suggest this model from Feuerhand. The Pyron can in fact count on some unique features, such as the double chamber that insulates the interior and which allows the outer steel layer to remain cold as ice, thus preventing any accidental burns. I would like to point out immediately its only defect: it does not have a lid, to be purchased separately.
- Materials: brushed steel
- Capacity: not specified
- Lid: absent
Compared to other models of incinerator bin, this one has an internal grid and a convenient ash tray. In summary, the collection of ash is facilitated, and in my opinion it is a feature that justifies the high price of the Pyron, together with the double insulating wall. Secondly, the bin is not made of galvanized sheet metal but of brushed steel: it means that it will last a lifetime, given its sturdiness much higher than the low cost models. In fact, brushed steel does not rust or deform due to high temperatures.
Note: it does not have a lid, but you can buy a grill plate that is also excellent for this purpose, although it is quite expensive.
The structure also includes three support feet, which raise the bin from the ground and therefore give the possibility to preserve the health of the lawn. It is not a cheap incinerator, but it is a product that offers options absent in all the others. Unfortunately the absence of the lid is a limit that affects the final evaluation, but you can buy the Feuerhand griddle to turn it into a sort of barbecue.
How to use an incinerator bin correctly?
First, know that these accessories (also known as fire boas) are to be used exclusively for burning organic waste, in addition to paper. On the other hand, they cannot be exploited for the combustion of household garbage, because in that case you would be committing a crime. In reality, there are those who also use the fire buoy to create an atmosphere in the garden in the evening, or to enjoy marshmallows and sausages. Personally I have never used it for this, but so be it.
1. Positioning
My advice is to place them sheltered from the wind, to prevent the fumes produced from “traveling” until they get to bother the neighbors. Furthermore, for safety reasons, it is always advisable to use them away from the heaps of dry leaves on the garden, to prevent a spark from escaping and starting a fire. I suggest you place it in an area with only earth, avoiding contact with the grass, because in any case the heat (even if reduced by the raised structure) could damage the lawn.
2. Management and filling
Know that the surface of the cylinder becomes hot, so do not dare to touch it without wearing the appropriate protective gloves. The same obviously applies to the handles, if any, as they overheat and can cause a bad burn. Also consider that a garden incinerator bin should never be filled to the maximum capacity, and that it is better to stop about halfway. Once you have it turned on, don’t forget to keep it under control and never leave it alone.
Also, grass clippings and other organic waste do not need to be compacted, as this would prevent the air from circulating properly. Another tip? These are products designed to burn mainly leaves and small twigs, therefore not suitable for larger waste. In that case, you should opt for something more professional, as in the case of a branch shredder.
3. Other useful tips
The lid is also very useful for a second reason, in addition to protection: it keeps the internal temperatures of the bin stable, allowing waste to be transformed into ash. Returning to the subject of safety, when in doubt it is always advisable to have a bin with water next to it, so that you can act immediately in the event of a fire hazard. It is a precaution that basically costs no effort, so it is always advisable to adopt it. Here are other tips you should follow:
- Never burn different waste such as plastic
- Do not burn wet or still green material
- Do not put your face on top of the lid
- Wet the nearby grass to avoid problems
- Don’t weigh it down to avoid breaking it down
- If there is no lid, always buy it separately and use it
- Don’t leave it on for too long
- Never use fuels other than foliage
- Do not leave it outdoors as it may rust
Even if the risks are very low with a garden incinerator, it is always advisable to follow these tips to avoid any problems. As they say, prevention is better than cure.
Advantages and disadvantages of garden incinerators
1. Benefits
The first advantage is quite clear: an incinerator bin allows you to dispose of waste produced for example by pruning, along with dry leaves falling from trees and so on. In this way they make your work easier and you will avoid having to eliminate sacks and grass clippings in any other way. Secondly, as I mentioned at the beginning of the guide, wood ash can be used as a natural fertilizer, since it is rich in potassium, or it can be used with your domestic composter. Also, due to the pyrolysis process, no coal production will occur.
Remember that a bin of this type reduces the risk of fire to a minimum, as long as it is used correctly. It produces little smoke so it does not cause annoyance to the neighbors, but only if you avoid using chemical fuels and if you do not burn wet or still green materials. In that case the smoke and the stench would be terrible. Furthermore, it is always advisable to use it not downwind, and to protect the bin from any gusts. Finally, since it does not come into direct contact with the ground, you can also use it on wet surfaces.
2. Disadvantages
The incinerator cannot be used to dispose of waste such as rubbish, or to burn heavy or large-diameter branches. Furthermore, you will not be able to leave it there alone to burn, but you will always have to keep it under observation: a sudden gust of wind could in fact overturn it, with the risk that it could start a fire. Finally, remember that it gets hot and you can’t touch it with your bare hands.
The disadvantages are however minimal, and can be completely eliminated by using it in the right way and with a pinch of due attention.
Is the incinerator bin legal?
In the matter of jurisprudence we enter into a complex topic, where there are more than anything else guidelines to follow. In summary, you can burn organic waste in your plot of land, as long as it is in limited quantities, precisely to avoid the risk of flare-up of fires. So the bin in question is great, even if you opt for a large garden incinerator, because the quantities would still be limited.
Secondly, smoke production needs to be limited (a bit like barbecues), because if it annoys the neighbors you will be fined. Also from this point of view the bin, if used correctly, fully complies with the law, since it produces very little smoke. Also, the incinerators from the garden contain ash and prevent it from fluttering around: this is also a plus, because the ash that ends up in other people’s lands due to the wind is illegal.
Likewise, it is important that any bonfire does not produce enough heat to cause damage or nuisance to the neighborhood, and with the bin there is absolutely no risk. Finally, remember that any green waste disposal activity if carried out by an intermediary is a crime. In summary, you will not be able to use the bin to burn someone else’s undergrowth, unless you have a proper authorization.
Wood ash as fertilizer
Wood ash can be used as a fertilizer, and this is an additional benefit guaranteed by the use of a garden incinerator bin. This is because it contains a good amount of plant nutrients such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, useful for promoting the development of our green friends. Not surprisingly, the use of ash as a fertilizer is a very common practice in organic crops, even if it is nitrogen deficient and therefore unsuitable for vegetables such as tomatoes. In that case, in fact, it should be enriched with other elements such as earthworm humus or manure.
