Would a hole help?

Last year, we got ourselves a firepit which is essentially a stainless steel bowl, a metal grate that sits part way up inside that bowl to support the fuel, and a mesh fireguard style lids - all of which mounts onto a set of three legs.

We used it a few times, and ended up going mostly for smokeless coal as a fuel as it produced the least smoke - - however, the heat from the coal is significantly higher than it would be from wood (and of course the coal is generally more expensive), and the grate ended up deforming due to the heat. I am dreading on seeing the grate now, as it was left with spent fuel in it and has been outside over winter (I know, I know...)

I was wondering though, would the fire be less smokey if I were to drill a few air holes in the bottom of the bowl? I am aware that the fuel quantity would have to be moderated with the additional air flow, but my thinking was that the combustion would be more complete and therefore give off less nasties?

 

Blimey, they are expensive! Nearly £16 for a bag - I am sure that it costs significantly less at my local place.... Of course, they may not to ecoal though

 

We have used that too @Sheal, and it works reasonably well - however, it is short burning and still smokes.

 

Some smoke is fine @pete, but when the neighbours cannot see their back garden........

 

Ach, there is something I like about the neighbours having barbecues - that smell of firelighters and hot charcoal followed by sausages or burgers being cremated......... well, like freshly cut grass, its almost a confirmation that summer has arrived (if only for a day)

 

Fair point - that and the sound of grown men yelping at the big rain drops and shouting at the family to unplug the extension lead while they throw the Flymo back into the shed

 

Hmmmm.... I have this sneaking feeling that Mrs C might prefer me to use my fire warden training @WeeTam