Open fires have been attracting new attention in recent years. This is no longer just about heat sources or classic barbecues, but about social places in outdoor areas.
The fire kitchen from Flare picks up on precisely this idea. At its centre is a fire plate that combines cooking, warmth and communication. The concept is deliberately open: The fire burns in the centre, creating a usable area all around it where food can be prepared directly. At the same time, the construction forms a meeting point where several people can stand, talk and cook at the same time.
The fire plate forms the functional centrepiece of the entire design. Flare uses a specially manufactured plate that is hydraulically pre-stressed and annealed to minimise stress. This creates a slight inclination towards the centre. This design fulfils a practical purpose. Liquids such as fat, water or marinade do not run over the edge in an uncontrolled manner, but collect in the centre in a controlled manner. At the same time, the surface remains sufficiently even to prepare a wide variety of dishes. The temperature distribution on the plate is not homogeneous, but staggered. Temperatures between around 300 and 400 degrees are generated in the inner area, while the outer zones remain significantly cooler. Constant areas of around 100 degrees are possible at the edges. This allows you to work in parallel with different cooking levels:
Smoke development is an often underestimated issue with open fires. Flare addresses this issue with an optional smoke pipe. This deflects the resulting smoke upwards. In combination with the air supply, this ensures that the smoke passes over the heads. This keeps the area around the fire plate comparatively free of smoke, which is particularly important for longer stays. The fire kitchen is designed for both wood and charcoal. While charcoal provides a more even heat, wood creates a much stronger visual effect. This aspect plays an important role, especially in the context of social evenings.
One practical detail of the design is the variable installation height. The entire unit can be adjusted by rotating the plinth. This creates two different utilisation scenarios. One variant results in a classic standing height. In the other position, the height is around 80 centimetres, so that you can also work while seated. This makes the fire kitchen more versatile, for example for families or mixed groups. Regardless of the height selected, the grilling surface remains identical. This means that the functionality is not restricted, only the ergonomic utilisation varies.
Flare offers various extensions around the fire plate. The all-round oak handle strips are striking. They not only serve as a design element, but also as a functional shelf. Accessories can be attached to them, such as holders for oil or drinks. This integration reduces loose objects on the work surface and ensures greater organisation during grilling. When it comes to tools, the concept does not rely on classic barbecue tongs, but on barbecue spatulas. These make it possible to work, cut and turn food directly on the plate. Cleaning is also carried out directly on the plate. Residues are pushed into the centre and burnt in the fire. Oiling is then sufficient to obtain a natural non-stick layer - a so-called patina.
Maintenance of the fire kitchen is deliberately kept simple. Sweeping or vacuuming is not necessary. Instead, there is an ash container inside, which can be removed if necessary. The system consists of several components: a fire grate and an ash container underneath. This can be easily removed and emptied without having to dismantle the entire construction. This minimises the cleaning effort and is not tied to each use, but is carried out as required.
The fire kitchen is designed for year-round outdoor use. Nevertheless, the question of protection from the weather arises. Flare offers two solutions for this. A simple variant is a plastic cover. Although this protects against rain, it can favour condensation. This occurs when moisture collects under the cover. A stainless steel cover has been developed as an alternative. It consists of several elements and is fitted directly. The design keeps the interior ventilated so that no condensation forms. At the same time, rain is drained away in a controlled manner. This solution is more complex, but reduces the effects of moisture on the material and surface in the long term.
The fire kitchen is offered as a modular system. The entry-level price is around 2,900 euros and comprises the basic equipment including fire plate, smoke pipe and selected accessories. Further elements can be added individually. These include additional shelves, brackets or covers. This creates a system that can be customised to suit different requirements. Flare thus positions the fire kitchen in the upmarket segment. The focus is not just on its function as a barbecue appliance, but on the combination of design, material and user experience. The design shows how a classic element - the open fire - can be translated into a modern product that combines cooking, entertaining and the design of the outdoor space.