Fire plate
Are you looking for a fire plate or a complete fire barrel barbecue? We are the market leader and have the largest selection of fire plates, grill plates and accessories for fire plate barbecues. We are not a dealer, but develop and sell our own products as a manufacturer.
FAQ for Fire plate
Which fire plate is right for me? (Buying guide)
The choice of the right fire plate depends on the space you have available and the number of your guests. Use this quick guide to find your ideal size:
1. The bestseller: 80 cm fire plate
Ideal for: families, small groups & relaxed after-work grilling. If you’re looking for a compact setup that’s ready to use quickly, the 80 cm version is the right choice. It’s easy to handle, fits almost any fire barrel, and offers enough space for up to 15 people.
2. The pro class: 100 cm fire plate
Ideal for: large events, clubs & grill enthusiasts with plenty of space. Do you often host more than 15 guests or love preparing full menus (meat, sides, and vegetables) at the same time? The 100 cm plate offers maximum heat zones for more flexibility and excellent heat retention.
3. The kettle grill upgrade: 47–67 cm or 80 cm
Ideal for: kettle grill owners who don’t want to set up an extra barrel. You can choose between a perfectly fitting insert plate (directly inside the grill) or a 80 cm plate placed on top, turning your kettle grill into a full fire barrel setup.
In the following sections, we go into detail to answer all remaining questions:
- 80 cm vs. 100 cm: the ultimate comparison at a glance.
- Kettle grill tuning: which plate technically fits best on my kettle grill?
80 cm or 100 cm fire plate for the fire barrel? The direct comparison
Both sizes guarantee the authentic fire plate experience. The choice mainly depends on how much space you need and how many guests you regularly host.
| Feature | 80 cm plate (The all-rounder) | 100 cm plate (Maximum grilling freedom) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for... | Families & BBQ evenings with friends | Multiple dishes at once & large groups |
| Number of people | Up to 15 people | From 15 people upwards |
| Temperature zones | 3 clearly usable zones | 4 zones (extra space for resting) |
| Heating time | approx. 15–20 minutes | approx. 25–35 minutes |
| Material thickness | Solid 5 mm fine-grain steel | Extra solid 6 mm fine-grain steel |
| Handling | Still manageable alone | Very heavy (two-person handling) |
| Advantage | Quick to heat up, compact | Maximum surface & heat retention |
Matthias’ decision guide:
- Choose the 80 cm fire plate if you’re looking for a simple setup that heats up quickly and is perfectly sufficient for “normal” home use. It’s our best-selling model and fits almost any fire barrel.
- Choose the 100 cm fire plate if you have the space on your terrace and love cooking burgers, steaks, vegetables, and sides for many friends and family at the same time without running out of space.
What sizes are available for a fire plate?
The most common fire plate sizes for fire barrels and grill barrels are 80 cm fire plates and 100 cm fire plates, with the 80 cm version being the most popular.
For kettle grills, there are suitable fire plates ranging from 47 cm to 67 cm. mini fire plates are especially ideal for camping, small terraces or balconies.
The size of a fire plate automatically creates multiple temperature zones, allowing you to cook meat, vegetables and side dishes at the same time on the fire bowl grill plate.
Can I upgrade my kettle grill with a fire plate?
Yes – that’s exactly what we offer solutions for. This turns a standard kettle grill into a large plancha and cooking surface.
With a kettle grill, you have two options:
1. Large 80 cm fire plate on the grill (with spacers)
- placed on top of the grill
- multiple temperature zones like with a fire barrel
- ideal for frying, cooking and grilling at the same time
2. Custom-fit insert fire plate (approx. 47–67 cm)
- sits completely inside the grill
- more even heat distribution across the entire surface
- more like a large grill plate / plancha
This allows you to upgrade your existing kettle grill without having to buy a new one.
What temperature zones does a fire plate have?
The temperature zones are created automatically by the distance from the fire – without any controls.
On a 100 cm fire plate, four zones are typically created:
- Center: approx. 250–350 °C → high-heat searing
- Second zone: 200–250 °C → strong grilling
- Third zone: 150–200 °C → finishing / cooking through
- Outer area: 80–150 °C → keeping warm / buns / vegetables
With an 80 cm fire plate, there are usually three clearly usable zones. This is exactly why a fire plate works like a complete outdoor kitchen on a single cooking surface.
How do I achieve the right temperature zones on my fire plate?
You control the zones through the amount and position of the wood.
- Wood in the center = strong heat in the middle
- Spread the embers = larger cooking area
- Add small logs regularly = stable temperatures
This way, the hot zone for searing remains in the center, while lower temperatures are created on the outside for cooking and keeping food warm.
Can I use different zones at the same time?
What thickness should a fire plate have?
Very thin (2–3 mm): warps quickly and stores very little heat
Very thick (8–12 mm): extremely heavy and slow to heat up
Proven in practice:
- up to 80 cm → approx. 5 mm
- 100 cm → approx. 6 mm
- kettle grill → approx. 4 mm
These material thicknesses are based on practical experience and the production of many thousands of fire plates. This ensures the fire plate remains stable, heats up quickly and provides even cooking results.
What materials are available for fire plates?
Why does a fire plate warp?
Due to the high heat, steel expands unevenly. As a result, the plate may slightly warp – this is normal and intended.
Ideally inward:
Fat runs into the fire, creates flavor and protects your terrace or ground. If it bends the other way, simply turn it over.
Does a fire plate need to be seasoned?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended.
Seasoning creates the patina – it protects against rust and prevents sticking. It improves with every use. Simply heat the plate slowly and season it with a heat-resistant cooking oil, or even easier: with our seasoning paste. Just apply the paste, heat it up and a protective layer will form – for optimal non-stick performance and perfect cooking results.
Important: oil regularly and avoid using cleaning agents that could damage the patina.
How do I properly clean and care for my fire plate?
Right after grilling, clean the warm plate with a spatula or scraper. Then pour a little water or ice onto the hot surface and wipe it off.
Do not use dish soap – it destroys the patina. Afterwards, lightly coat the surface with oil. For maintenance, you can also use our seasoning paste.
Light surface rust is normal and can be easily removed and re-seasoned.
No grill is easier to clean than a fire plate – just a few simple steps and it is ready to use again.
Can a fire plate rust?
Are you looking for a fire plate or a complete fire barrel barbecue? We are the market leader and have the largest selection of fire plates, grill plates and accessories for fire plate barbecues. We are not a dealer, but develop and sell our own products as a manufacturer.