Bad Idea Pyro Cage 48" Incinerator

Comments on the “Bad Idea Pyro Cage 48" Incinerator”Let me say that I like my incinerator, very much. It was easy enough to assemble, even if it was a bit heavy. As an engineer, I fully understand the need for heavy gauge of steel used for this incinerator. Being a senior citizen, I likely should have used one of the grandsons to help with movement of the incinerator. The incinerator is attractive in its construction and does the job quite well.Here are some useful suggestions concerning the use of the incinerator:◉ I have been clearing a lower yard area of much downed trees and limbs. The lower yard is on a bit of a slope …. About 20 degrees. I bought this incinerator to allow me to control burn of this brush.◉ For the initial test burn with burning brush, I set the incinerator over a dead stump. I then filled the incinerator with small twigs and limbs that were cluttering the lower yard. For this burn, I set the incinerator up on the natural grade of the ground (with about a 20 degree slope). I understood the unit was out-of-level so I placed a heavy concrete downspout against the downslope side of the incinerator in hope this would keep the incinerator from turn over. Note: The incinerator is top heavy when the heavy cover is placed on the incinerator.◉ I started the test burn and placed the lid on the incinerator. Everything went well for 15 minutes. As the incinerator contents burned they shifted positions and the incinerator turned over. I intentionally stayed close in the event of such a collapse. See attached photo.◉ For my next burn, I set the incinerator up around another stump, but this time I placed the concrete downspout under the downslope side to level the incinerator. Additionally, I used rebar tie-wire to secure the two upslope corners using long tent stakes. See attached photos.The second burn went quite well. The incinerator contained the fire nicely.There are two further process improvements I will employ for my third burn. First, I will tie something to each length of tie-wire to act as a flag to improve the visibility to minimize tripping over the wire. Second, it would be good the clean any pine needles away from the downslope edge of the incinerator as that edge is a bit elevated compared to ground level to mitigate chances of the fire leaving the underside of the incinerator enclosure.I think this is a very good product. With the small process improvements, noted above, the incinerator performs its function admirably.

I am very glad I bought this. It is like an incinerator. My yard waste and branches that I cut off from my numerous trees are long gone into ash. The metal does get very hot so make sure to be wearing fire resistant gloves while loading up more materials into the cage while its raging. It did start to rust while waiting for future use, but of course, I already knew it would. Overall, it was a great purchase! Looking forward to next years yard waste burn.Update 2021 - Had this over three years now. It still works awesome. We leave it outside all spring, summer and fall all three years and no issues. Wintertime it goes in the corner of our garage. It is rusty from the years in the elements but the strength is still there. Love this thing. Used it yesterday and all the branches are gone. Whenever this thing finally finds its last day, I’ll buy another one because it works that good. If you need one, buy this. I’m not getting any royalties on this, just works that good that I took the time to update my rating from 5 to still 5.

I am pleased that I purchased the medium size incinerator so that I will have plenty of room for larger loads in the future. The airflow is amazing and results in rapid hot burning of material. The lid is tricky to put in place after it heats up, but plan to get a good pair of welding gloves to do this in the future. When really hot and metal turning red, metal distorts, but goes right back into shape when it cools. Do not plan on picking this up to put aside after you are done, it is heavy and awkward to move as one piece, because sides will pull apart with lifting. To be sure it would be there on my return, I simply ran a chain through the 4 handholes at the top of each panel and included the lid and closed it with a single padlock. It won't go anywhere without a small crane.

I have had this burn cage for over a month to burn yard debris. I also purchased the base which I feel makes burning faster and more complete. I end up with nothing but fine ash. I highly recommend it. Works as advertised. Why only 4 stars? Because I do have some suggestions and one problem. Look at the photo attached. One side warped after the first burn. Would be less of a problem if I left it up all the time but after it cools I disassemble and store in my garden shed. I don't see any point in leaving it out to rust when I am not using it. This warp makes it hard to assemble. Each time I have to use some "persuasion" to get it assembled. Not a huge deal but it would be better if it did not happen.I have some suggestions to the manufacturers that I think would make it more user friendly. 1. Design the feet for the base so the tabs can be bent after assembly. The feet cannot be secured so fall off easily. Sort of a pain when putting it back together. Constantly falling off. If the feet tabs could be bent a little they would not fall off. 2. Put a 1-2" hole at the bottom just above the base. The way it is designed now the only way to start a fire is from above. Again, kind of a pain as one has to drop everything down. If there was a hole at the base I would use a torch to start a fire. But even if one did not use a torch there should be a place to insert a match or lighter. 3. I would be great if the tabs for the top were bent so it could be securely place on the cage. Once a fire is going it is really hot and even with welding (or fireplace) gloves one cannot linger to place the top on. Placing the top on just using the handle requires the user to put hand/arm over the flames. Clearly not a good idea. The other way is to hold each side an place it on the top. Again requiring the user to get too close. If I have to walk away for awhile I want the top on for safety reasons. It is easy to get it on at at angle and not that hard to drop it in entirely. With a bent tabs it seems it would be easy to catch the back tab using the handle then it will be somewhat aligned and then drop it down. Maybe tabs is not the best way to do make it easier to put the top on but some thought needs to go into this.I have used the cage a lot and like it alot but some modifications would be great.12.12.18 update: I have used this cage a extensively and the sides continue to warp (see pic). At this point all sides have warped quite a bit so I have to use a rubber hammer to put it together. It is a challenge to get it back together. At some point all owners wiil need to assemble/disassemble if they are to apply the precribed linseed oil which will be problematic if their cage warps like mine. The sellers need to address this problem. There are other similar products sold and I would be open to looking at competitors product if I needed to buy again. I am reducing to 3 stars as the warping is a PITA for me as I assemble/diassemble with each use.2.10.20 UpdateBefore you read this new review I will point out again that I assemble/disassemble with each use. I don't understand why anyone who uses this device would not. If you plan to leave it in place then there are stainless steel versions on the market. After hearing my problems my neighbor got the SS version and it worked just as well. As I have mentioned before the manufacturers recommend to take it apart to oil it (LOL) so it has to be taken apart some.I have changed my rating from 4 stars to 1 and would make it zero stars if I could. I have used this burner quite a bit for 18 months and at this point the bottom sides have warped so much it takes two of us to assemble and about 20-30 min and a lot of pounding with a rubber hammer. The base is worthless for me. It fits exactly in the bottom but the warped sides are not longer the same size so it does not fit. I liked using the base as it ensures everything burns to ash. Used it yesterday without the base and ended up with more solid residue than I would like. You will notice the manufacturers have yet to respond to my suggestions or problems as I am sure they are aware . My suggestion is to keep looking. Don't know if alternatives are better but I do know this one is not acceptable it its current form.