Here’s a step-by-step guide that you can easily follow to set up a fire inside your Wizard Fire Pit. A great skill that every kiwi should have, whether you’re camping in the bush or chilling in your backyard.
To begin, make sure that you have everything you need to get your fire started and then to keep it going. Here is a list of the essentials.
- Fire starters (Natural ones work best)
- Kindling (ie smaller pieces of wood, think pencil size)
- Larger chunks of wood (picture thicker logs)
- Lighter
- Wizard Fire Pit
Step 1: Unbox your Wizard Fire Pit
First things first, take your Wizard Fire Pit out of its box or remove your outdoor cover if you have one. Get your Fire Pit ready by opening the airflow adjuster to the maximum. You can identify this by looking for the “+” sign engraved into your fire pit. This will create maximum airflow.
Step 2: Build your foundation
They say building a strong foundation is important and this is no different when it comes to building a roaring fire. You will want to start by laying handfuls of your kindling (the smaller pieces of wood) into the fire pit. Laying your sticks parallel (side by side) works effectively.
You want to use smaller pieces of wood first because they catch fire easier than larger pieces of wood. This is because there is not enough heat in the beginning to get the bigger pieces going. Think of it as foreplay for your fire.
Step 3: Light your firestarter
Now for the fun part: Next, you can use your lighter to set one of your fire starters on fire. Bunched and tied cabbage tree leaves also work great as fire starters. Now drop the fire starter right next to (or ideally underneath) your kindling so that your smaller pieces of wood can begin to catch ablaze.
Step 4: Add wood to your fire
Now it is time to feed the beast. But don’t go throwing large logs on willy-nilly. You still need to add bits of wood slowly so that you do not snuff out the fire. Gradually increase the size of the pieces of wood and you will find that you build a nice hot bed of embers. We recommend using kiln-dried pieces of hardwood such as Manuka, Macrocarpa also works great.
Note that pine is the easiest wood to get but because of the resin, it will burn with a lot of black soot.
Step 5: Enjoy your fire
You know what we are going to say now: It's time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. The Wizard Fire Pit will take approximately 20 minutes to heat up to the temperature at which you can expect the smokeless effect to take place. When you start seeing flames shooting out the holes in the top, you are in business.
And there you have it, folks – your guide to starting a ripper fire!
Frequently Asked Questions?
1. What do I need to start a fire in a fire pit?
You’ll need fire starters (natural ones work best), kindling (small sticks), larger logs, a lighter, and of course, your Wizard Fire Pit.
2. Can I use any type of wood in my fire pit?
Not all wood is ideal. Kiln-dried hardwoods like mānuka or macrocarpa are recommended. Avoid pine due to its resin, which can cause black soot.
3. Is it safe to use fire starters like newspaper or cardboard?
While they can work, natural fire starters or materials like dried cabbage tree leaves are safer and more effective.
4. How long does it take for the Wizard Fire Pit to become smokeless?
It takes roughly 20 minutes to heat up. Once flames are coming from the top holes, you’ll notice the smokeless effect.
5. How do I adjust airflow in the Wizard Fire Pit?
Open the airflow adjuster fully by locating the “+” symbol on your fire pit. This maximises air intake and supports combustion.
6. Can I cook food over the fire in a Wizard Fire Pit?
Yes, but wait until you have a solid bed of embers and minimal smoke. Always use a safe, approved cooking grill or attachment.
7. Where should I place my fire pit for safe use?
Place it on a flat, fireproof surface, well away from overhanging branches, dry grass, or flammable materials.
8. How do I safely extinguish the fire when I’m done?
Let the fire die down naturally, then spread out the embers and carefully douse them with water until completely cold.
