If you’ve invested in a fire table, you’ll know there’s nothing quite like gathering around it. A fire table provides warmth, lush smells of food cooking, a crackling flame and the enjoyment of preparing food outdoors. You might have wondered, how can I best make use of the direct heat from my firetable? What techniques really work? In this blog we will look at how to direct heat from your fire table.
If you’re looking to invest in a quality and luxury fire table, at Alfresco Fire Tables we offer different designs to choose from, please visit our website https://alfrescofiretables.co.uk/shop/.
What is “Direct Heat” from a Fire Table?
A fire table is a hybrid piece of outdoor furniture which is part table, part fire pit and part cooker. A lot of fire tables are gas powered for convenience, safety and cleanliness; this includes Alfresco Fire Tables. The “direct heat” refers to the heat coming straight from the flame instead of the radiant or ambient heat that spreads outwards or is retained and released slowly by materials around the fire.
Direct heat is great for:
- Grilling – Such as searing steaks, sausages and burgers etc.
- Quick cooking – Foods that cook fast and benefit from high heat.
- Roasting over flame – Such as kebabs, skewers and vegetables.
- Providing warmth – You might want to sit close or use the table to warm up plates or keep food hot.
Direct heat also requires managing the flame, distance and materials carefully, so you don’t burn too much or damage cookware or the fire table itself.
How to Direct the Heat – Useful Techniques and Tips
Here are some practical ways to get and manage direct heat from your fire table so you cook well, stay safe and enjoy the whole experience.
1. Positioning is everything
- Adjust the distance – If your fire table allows raising or lowering of the grill or cooking surface then start with the surface fairly high above the flame for delicate items. Lower it for things that need searing.
- Use deflectors or heat shields – Some fire tables allow metal plates or shields that help channel the flame upwards in a defined area.
- Wind protection – An outdoor flame is very affected by wind. Having windbreaks helps direct and steady the flame.
2. Fuel control – Particularly for gas fire tables
- Use the burner’s control valves to adjust flame height. If you want stronger direct heat, then open the values. If you want a milder flame you can reduce.
- Check burner performance – clean burners and remove debris. Make sure the gas supply is steady. Poor burner output or blockages reduce direct heat.
- Use add-ons such as ceramic logs, fire, glass, lava rock or lava pebbles. These materials can help diffuse flame, hold heat and moderate radiant heat.
3. Grates, grill surfaces accessories
- Use heavy grill grates or cast-iron plates- These absorb heat and stay hot which helps to sear well. Cast iron gets hot and gives excellent sear marks.
- Preheat the grill or grate thoroughly. Before placing food on your fire table, let the surface get hot. This helps avoid sticking and gives a nice caramelisation.
- Perhaps consider placing cooking surfaces over parts of the fire with more intense flame.
4. Choosing and managing fuel type
- Wood – Gives flavour and radiant heat but is harder to control. Let wood burn down to glowing embers for a more even direct heat.
- Charcoal/wood charcoal – Retains heat well and is good for high direct heat.
- Gas – This is clean, controllable and convenient. It gives a less smoky flavour but is much easier to start, adjust and stop.
5. Safety and surface protection
- Heat tolerance of surfaces – Table tops and the area around your fire table are subject to high temperatures. Use materials rated for high heat. Avoid placing flammable materials too close.
- Use insulation or protective barriers if needed.
- Use long handled tools, gloves and safety equipment when cooking over direct flames.
- Make sure gas fittings, hoses or connections are safe and periodically checked.
6. Cooking strategies
- Sear first then move to indirect – If you have areas or the ability to move food off the hottest flame, sear on direct heat then move on to cooler parts to finish cooking. This gives a great taste to your food and avoids burning.
- Rest meats – High direct heat sears the outside fast and resting lets juices redistribute nicely.
- Control flare-ups – Dripping fat causes flare-ups. Use thicker meats, trim fat or use a drip tray.
- Use foil, griddle plates or cast iron – These can help moderate very high direct heat or allow cooking smaller and fragile items without them falling through grates or being burnt.
Advantages of Direct Heat on your Fire table
Using direct heat well provides the following benefits:
- Quick cooking times – Direct flame means high temperatures which sears and cooks your food quickly.
- Better flavour – You’ll get better flavours from your fire table such as caramelisation, searing and smoky hints which all enhance flavour.
- Versatility – You can grill, sizzle, roast and even toast things on your fire table. Also, as a heat source your fire table can warm you and your guests.
- Ambience – Watching flames, hearing crackles and feeling warmth right at your fire table provides an enjoyable atmosphere.
Conclusion
If you have a fire table it’s useful to know how to direct heat well to cook your food in the best possible way. If you’re looking to invest in a luxury fire table, at Alfresco Fire Tables we sell top quality fire tables.
