Every year, thousands of owners search for how to protect a fire pit, prevent rust on a steel plancha, choose a protective cover for a fire pit, or find out if it is possible to leave a fire pit outside all year round. In this comprehensive guide, we detail the best solutions to effectively protect your plancha fire pit against rain, humidity, UV rays, dirt, and corrosion.
A plancha fire pit is designed to live outdoors and withstand the elements. Exposed all year round to rain, humidity, UV rays, dust, leaves, and temperature variations, it does require appropriate protection to maintain its aesthetics, performance, and longevity. Many owners wonder how to protect a fire pit from rust, how to prevent corrosion of the plancha, or what is the best solution for winterising a fire pit. The answer lies in the combination of several complementary accessories: the snuffer lid, the large cover, the protective wax, and the protective cover.
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Summary
- Protection brasero : les indispensables
- Comment éviter la rouille sur un brasero ?
- Comparatif des couvercles pour brasero
- Protection de la plancha : cire et entretien
- Housses de protection pour brasero
- Hivernage d'un brasero plancha
- Questions fréquentes
At COEO, we have developed a comprehensive range of solutions to effectively protect your plancha fire pit from external aggressions while simplifying its daily maintenance.
POURQUOI UN BRASERO PEUT-IL ROUILLER ?
Even quality equipment can be affected by oxidation when steel remains exposed for long periods to moisture and air. Rain, condensation, fog, temperature fluctuations, and long periods of non-use promote the appearance of corrosion marks, mainly on the cooking plate.
Rust is generally superficial at first, but without appropriate protection, it can gradually deteriorate the appearance of the fire pit and increase the maintenance operations required before each use.
That is why it is advisable to implement a proper protection strategy as soon as you install your plancha fire pit.
COMMENT PROTÉGER EFFICACEMENT UN BRASERO CONTRE LA ROUILLE ?
The best protection relies on four complementary elements, each having a specific function.
| Protection | Main function |
|---|---|
| Coversnuffer circle | Extinguish the fire and secure the embers |
| Large lid | Protect the plancha and the hearth |
| Protective wax | Prevent rust and oxidation |
| Protective cover | Protect the entire fire pit from the elements |
THE SNuffer LID: SAFELY EXTINGUISH THE FIRE
After cooking over a wood fire or an enjoyable evening around the fire pit, it is essential to secure the hearth before any other operation.
The COEO smothering lid is specially designed to naturally smother the embers by removing the supply of oxygen necessary for combustion. It allows you to extinguish the fire without using water, which avoids thermal shocks and helps preserve the equipment.
In addition to its extinguishing function, it limits the flight of ashes and still hot embers and contributes to securing your terrace or garden.
The smothering lid is therefore the first step in protecting your fire pit.
LE GRAND COUVERCLE : PROTÉGER LA PLANCHA ET LE FOYER
Once the fire pit is completely cooled, the large lid takes over.
Unlike the smothering lid, it is not intended to extinguish the fire but to effectively protect the plancha and the hearth from external aggressions.
Thanks to its enveloping edge, it completely covers the cooking plate and limits:
- Rainwater infiltration.
- The accumulation of dead leaves.
- Dust and pollen.
- Vegetable debris.
- External dirt.
This protection helps to keep a clean cooking surface for longer while limiting the direct exposure of the steel to moisture.
COMPARATIVE: WHICH LID TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR PLANCHA FIRE PIT?
One of the most frequent questions when purchasing a protective accessory for a fire pit is whether to choose a smothering lid or a large protective lid. In reality, these two accessories meet different needs and are perfectly complementary.
SMOTHERING LID OR LARGE LID: THE DIFFERENCES
| Criterion | Smothering lid | Large lid |
|---|---|---|
| Main function | Extinguish the embers and secure the hearth | Protect the fire pit and the plancha |
| Allows you to extinguish the fire | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Prevents the flight of embers and ashes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partially |
| Protects from rain and moisture | ⚠️ Partially | ✅ Yes |
| Protects the cooking plate | ⚠️ Partially | ✅ Yes |
| Reduces maintenance of the fire pit | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with a protective cover | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Suitable for winter storage | ⚠️ In addition | ✅ Yes |
| Can serve as an additional surface when installed | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Main advantage | Quickly secure the embers | Durably protect the fire pit |
| Recommended use | After each cooking | Between uses and during winter storage |
WHEN TO USE A SMOTHERING LID?
The smothering lid is designed to be used immediately after cooking. By depriving the embers of oxygen, it promotes their natural extinction without using water. It also limits the flight of ashes and still-hot embers, while securing your terrace or garden.
It is the ideal accessory for:
- Quickly and safely extinguishing the fire.
- Limiting risks associated with still-active embers.
- Avoiding the flight of ashes in windy weather.
- Securing the fire pit after use.
WHEN TO USE A LARGE LID?
The large lid is used only when the fire pit is completely extinguished and cooled down. Its purpose is to sustainably protect the plancha and the hearth from external aggressions.
It allows in particular to:
- Limit rainwater infiltration.
- Avoid the accumulation of leaves and dust.
- Preserve the cleanliness of the cooking plate.
- Reduce the maintenance of the fire pit.
- Facilitate wintering.
- Transform the fire pit into an elegant element when not in use.
WHAT IS THE BEST SOLUTION TO PROTECT A FIRE PIT?
For optimal protection against rust, moisture, and bad weather, we recommend combining several levels of protection:
- Snuffer lid to extinguish the embers.
- Protective wax to protect the steel of the plancha.
- Large lid to protect the cooking plate and the hearth.
- Protective cover to preserve the entire fire pit from rain, UV rays, and dirt.
This combination is the most effective solution to extend the lifespan of your plancha fire pit and keep it in perfect condition all year round.
TO REMEMBER
✅ Choose a snuffer lid to extinguish the embers, secure the hearth, and prevent the escape of ashes and hot embers.
✅ Choose a large lid to protect your fire pit from rain, moisture, leaves, dust, and reduce maintenance needs.
✅ For maximum protection against rust and the elements, combine the large lid with a protective cover and regularly apply a beeswax-based protective wax to the plancha.
✅ The snuffer lid and the large lid do not oppose each other: they are complementary and serve two essential uses of the plancha fire pit.
LA CIRE DE PROTECTION : L'ARME LA PLUS EFFICACE CONTRE LA CORROSION
When a fire pit remains unused for several weeks or months, especially during winter, protecting the plancha becomes essential.
To address this issue, COEO has developed a natural protective wax made from French beeswax.
Applied to a slightly warm plancha, it creates a protective barrier between the steel and the external environment. Once cooled, it forms a protective film that prevents moisture and oxygen from coming into direct contact with the metal.
This protection allows you to:
- Prevent the appearance of rust.
- Limit the oxidation of the plancha.
- Facilitate maintenance.
- Preserve the aesthetic appearance of the plate.
- Extend the lifespan of the fire pit.
The wax is the ideal solution for winterising a plancha fire pit or for any prolonged period without use.
LA HOUSSE DE PROTECTION : LE BOUCLIER CONTRE LES INTEMPÉRIES
The final step is to protect the entire fire pit with a suitable cover.
Even equipped with a large lid, a fire pit exposed continuously to the elements suffers the effects of sun, rain, wind, and dust.
A quality cover allows you to protect:
- The base.
- The firebox.
- The plancha.
- The painted parts.
- The accessories.
- The possible fire pit surrounds.
The COEO covers are made from a waterproof, breathable, and UV-resistant fabric specially designed for intensive outdoor use.
They are available in several versions to adapt to each configuration, whether it is a TRIO Ø82, a TRIO Ø98, or a fire pit equipped with a fire pit surround.
TABLE OF COEO PROTECTION COVERS FOR FIRE PITS
| Référence | Dimensions | Compatibilité | Type de protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPT82 | Ø86 cm × H110 cm | TRIO Ø82 | Full-length cover protecting the base, the fire bowl, and the plancha. Ideal for winter storage and installations exposed all year round. |
| HPT98 | Ø102 cm × H110 cm | TRIO Ø98 | Full-length cover protecting the base, the fire bowl, and the plancha. Recommended for maximum protection against the elements. |
| HPT82S | Ø82 cm × H30 cm | TRIO Ø82 | Short cover protecting the fire bowl and the plancha while keeping the base accessible for regular use. |
| HPT98S | Ø101 cm × H30 cm | TRIO Ø98 | Short cover protecting the fire bowl and the plancha while maintaining access to the base and storage. |
| HPTB82 | Ø130 cm × H30 cm | TRIO Ø82 with Fire Pit Surround TB82 | Short cover specially designed to protect the fire bowl and the plancha when the fire pit surround is installed. |
| HPTB98 | Ø148 cm × H30 cm | TRIO Ø98 with Fire Pit Surround TB98 | Short cover specially designed to protect the fire bowl and the plancha when the fire pit surround is installed. |
| HPTB82L | Ø130 cm × H110 cm | TRIO Ø82 with Fire Pit Surround TB82 | Full-length cover protecting the fire pit and the fire pit surround from rain, UV, and the elements. |
| HPTB98L | Ø148 cm × H110 cm | TRIO Ø98 with Fire Pit Surround TB98 | Full-length cover protecting the fire pit and the fire pit surround against the elements all year round. |
THE BEST ACCESSORIES
CAN A FIRE PIT BE LEFT OUTSIDE ALL YEAR?
Yes, a COEO fire pit is designed to be installed outdoors all year round.
However, as with any high-end equipment, its longevity directly depends on the level of protection put in place. A properly maintained and protected fire pit will retain its aesthetic and functional qualities for many years.
For maximum protection, we recommend the following method:
- Use the snuffer lid to extinguish the embers.
- Clean the plancha and remove the ashes.
- Apply protective wax during long periods of inactivity.
- Install the large lid on the cooled plancha.
- Cover the entire unit with a suitable protective cover.
WHAT IS THE BEST PROTECTION FOR A PLANCHA FIRE PIT?
The best protection against rust and the elements relies on the combination of the four COEO protective accessories.
The snuffer lid secures the extinguishing of the fire. The large lid protects the plancha and the fire bowl. The protective wax prevents the oxidation of the steel during winter storage. Finally, the cover protects the entire fire pit from rain, wind, sun, and external aggressions.
This multilayer approach offers the highest level of protection available to keep your plancha fire pit in perfect condition season after season.
EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR FIRE PIT
Un brasero plancha est un investissement destiné à durer de nombreuses années. En adoptant les bons réflexes d'entretien et en utilisant des accessoires spécifiquement conçus pour sa protection, vous réduisez considérablement les risques de corrosion, facilitez son entretien et préservez durablement ses performances de cuisson.
The combination of the snuffer lid, the large lid, the protective wax, and a suitable cover is now the most comprehensive solution to effectively protect a fire pit from rust, moisture, and the elements throughout the year.
HOW TO WINTERISE A PLANCHA FIRE PIT?
Winter is the most sensitive time for a plancha fire pit. Moisture, rain, frost, temperature fluctuations, and long periods of non-use can promote the appearance of oxidation on the cooking plate and accelerate the aging of your equipment.
To properly winterise your fire pit, start by removing the ashes and thoroughly cleaning the plancha. Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of COEO protective wax made from French beeswax to create an effective barrier against moisture and corrosion.
After applying the wax, install the large COEO lid to protect the plancha and the fire bowl from leaves, rain, and external dirt. Finally, cover everything with a COEO protective cover suitable for the configuration of your fire pit to sustainably preserve the equipment from the elements, ambient moisture, and UV rays.
This multilayer protection is the most effective solution to keep your plancha fire pit in perfect condition throughout the winter and have it ready for use as soon as the nice days return.
THE 5 STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL WINTERISATION
- Remove the ashes and clean the fire pit.
- Perfectly dry the plancha.
- Apply a layer of protective wax.
- Install the large lid on the cooled fire pit.
- Cover the entire unit with a suitable protective cover.
Thanks to these few simple gestures, you significantly reduce the risk of rust, decrease maintenance in spring, and sustainably extend the lifespan of your plancha fire pit.
FAQ PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE FIRE PIT
HOW TO PROTECT A FIRE PIT?
La meilleure façon de protéger durablement un brasero plancha consiste à combiner plusieurs accessoires complémentaires. Après utilisation, utilisez le couvercle étouffoir COEO pour éteindre le feu en toute sécurité et empêcher l'envol des cendres et des braises. Une fois le brasero totalement refroidi, protégez la plancha avec le grand couvercle COEO, puis utilisez une housse de protection adaptée pour préserver l'ensemble de l'équipement des UV, de la pluie, de la poussière et des intempéries. Pour les longues périodes d'inutilisation, notamment durant l'hiver, l'application de la cire de protection COEO à base de cire d'abeille française permet de protéger efficacement la plaque de cuisson contre l'oxydation.
HOW TO PREVENT A FIRE PIT FROM RUSTING?
Pour éviter la rouille, il est important de limiter durablement l'exposition de l'acier à l'humidité. Après nettoyage, appliquez la cire de protection COEO sur la plancha lorsque celle-ci n'est pas utilisée pendant plusieurs semaines. Nous recommandons également l'utilisation du grand couvercle COEO afin de protéger la plaque de cuisson contre la pluie et les salissures, ainsi qu'une housse de protection COEO pour protéger l'ensemble du brasero. Cette combinaison constitue la solution la plus efficace pour préserver votre équipement année après année.
HOW TO KEEP METAL FROM RUSTING?
La rouille apparaît lorsque l'acier est exposé simultanément à l'humidité et à l'oxygène pendant une période prolongée. Pour limiter ce phénomène, il est recommandé de conserver les surfaces propres, sèches et protégées. Sur un brasero plancha, l'application d'une cire de protection naturelle (cire d'abeille) sur la plaque de cuisson, complétée par un grand couvercle et une housse adaptée, permet de limiter fortement les risques de corrosion.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LEAVE A FIRE PIT OUTSIDE?
Oui, les braseros COEO sont conçus pour rester en extérieur toute l'année. Pour préserver leur esthétique et optimiser leur longévité, nous recommandons toutefois l'utilisation d'une housse de protection adaptée à votre configuration. Pour les longues périodes sans utilisation, il est conseillé d'appliquer la cire de protection sur la plancha puis d'installer le grand couvercle avant de mettre la housse.
HOW TO AVOID MY FIRE PIT RUSTING?
Regular maintenance is the best prevention against corrosion. Remove the ashes after use, protect the plancha with COEO wax during prolonged periods of inactivity, use the large lid to protect the cooking surface, and complete the whole with a suitable protective cover. This method helps keep your fire pit in excellent condition for many years.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A FIRE PIT?
L'entretien d'un brasero plancha consiste à retirer régulièrement les cendres, nettoyer la plaque de cuisson après chaque utilisation et protéger les surfaces métalliques lorsqu'elles ne sont pas utilisées. Pour un hivernage optimal, COEO recommande l'application de sa cire de protection à base de cire d'abeille française, complétée par le grand couvercle et une housse adaptée. Cette protection multicouche permet de préserver durablement les performances, l'aspect esthétique et la longévité du brasero.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A STEEL FIRE PIT?
Après chaque utilisation, retirez les cendres du foyer et nettoyez la plancha à l'aide d'une spatule adaptée. Lorsque le brasero reste inutilisé pendant une période prolongée, appliquez la cire de protection COEO afin de créer une barrière naturelle contre l'humidité. Pour une protection maximale, complétez avec le grand couvercle et une housse de protection COEO. Cela permet de limiter considérablement les risques de corrosion et de faciliter l'entretien au fil des saisons.
CAN I CLEAN MY FIRE PIT WITH WHITE VINEGAR?
White vinegar can be used occasionally to clean certain metal parts of a fire pit, but it is not recommended for regular maintenance of the cooking plancha. Its acidity can promote oxidation if the steel is not properly protected after cleaning. For the plancha, prefer cleaning with a spatula after use and then apply suitable protection during long periods of disuse.
WHAT OIL SHOULD I USE FOR SEASONING A STEEL PLATE FOR A FIRE PIT?
To achieve the initial seasoning of a steel plancha, it is advisable to use a vegetable oil that can withstand high temperatures, such as sunflower oil, grape seed oil, or rapeseed oil. Once the seasoning is done, the COEO protective wax effectively protects the plate during storage or wintering periods.
HOW TO CLEAN A COLD FIRE PIT?
Once the fire pit is completely cooled, remove the ashes and combustion residues from the hearth. Then clean the surfaces using a soft brush or a dry cloth. Avoid aggressive products and protect the plancha if the fire pit is to remain unused for a long period.
WHY PUT SAND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FIRE PIT?
Some fire pits may require the addition of sand to improve thermal insulation or protect the bottom of the hearth. COEO plancha fire pits are designed to operate without the addition of sand due to their specific design and materials suited for high temperatures.
WHY PUT SAND AT THE BOTTOM OF A FIRE PIT?
Sand can help distribute heat and limit the overheating of certain areas of the hearth. However, its use depends on the model of the fire pit. On COEO fire pits, no addition of sand is necessary for normal use.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LEAVE A BARBECUE OUTSIDE?
Yes, a barbecue can stay outside all year round as long as it is properly protected. Using a suitable cover helps limit the effects of moisture, UV rays, dust, and bad weather to preserve its appearance and lifespan.
HOW TO AVOID SMOKE IN A FIRE PIT?
To limit smoke, use exclusively dry wood with a moisture content of less than 20%. Avoid green, damp, or resinous woods that produce more smoke and always encourage good air circulation in the hearth to achieve cleaner and more efficient combustion.
WHAT SHOULD I DO FOR THE FIRST USE OF A FIRE PIT?
When using your COEO plancha fire pit for the first time, carry out a gradual temperature increase to stabilise the materials and eliminate any residues from the manufacturing process. This initial heating also prepares the cooking plate before the first culinary uses.
HOW LONG SHOULD A FIRE PIT BE HEATED FOR THE FIRST TIME?
During the first commissioning, it is recommended to gradually heat the fire pit for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This gradual temperature increase allows for even heat across the entire cooking surface and properly prepares the plancha.
HOW LONG BEFORE COOKING SHOULD A FIRE PIT BE LIT?
Depending on the type of wood used, the weather, and the outside temperature, it is generally advised to light the fire pit between 30 and 45 minutes before cooking begins. The plancha must reach an even temperature to ensure optimal cooking results.
WHY PROTECT THE PLANCHA OF A FIRE PIT DURING WINTER?
During wintering periods, the humidity present in the air can promote the appearance of oxidation on steel. The application of COEO protective wax creates a natural barrier between the plancha and the outside environment. Combined with the large lid and then an appropriate protective cover, it allows for the long-lasting preservation of the performance and aesthetics of the fire pit.
WHAT IS A DAMPER LID FOR A FIRE PIT USED FOR?
The COEO damper lid is used to safely extinguish the fire after use. By depriving the embers of oxygen, it promotes a natural extinguishing of the fire without using water. It also limits the escape of ashes and still-hot embers while securing your outdoor space.
WHAT IS THE LARGE LID OF A FIRE PIT USED FOR?
The COEO large lid is designed to protect the plancha and the fire when the fire pit is completely extinguished and cooled down. It limits the accumulation of rainwater, leaves, dust, and dirt while helping to sustainably preserve the cooking surface.
WHAT IS THE BEST PROTECTION FOR A PLANCHA FIRE PIT?
The most comprehensive protection consists of combining several complementary accessories: the damper lid to secure the extinguishing of the fire, the COEO protective wax to protect the plancha during long periods of inactivity, the large lid to protect the cooking surface, and an appropriate cover to preserve the entire fire pit against the elements. This combination offers the highest level of protection throughout the year.
CAN A FIRE PIT BE LEFT OUTSIDE ALL YEAR ROUND?
Yes, the COEO fire pits are designed to be used and installed outdoors all year round. However, to optimise their longevity and preserve their appearance, we recommend using a suitable protective cover as well as specific protection for the plancha during long periods of non-use.