![Best Garden Incinerator [Buying Guide + Reviews]](https://www.gardendad.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/best-garden-incinerator-770x300.jpg "Best Garden Incinerator [Buying Guide + Reviews]")
Let’s face it guys; garden bonfires are not the solution to getting rid of your yard waste. Not only do these fires scorch the ground and leave it open to the elements, but they’re really not that effective in the first place.
And don’t even get me started on the smoke and pollution. I swear, the smoke used to get so thick that my indoor fire alarms would go off.
So, just how do you get rid of all your home and garden waste without killing your entire garden or pissing off your whole neighbourhood?
Simple, by getting your very own piece of specialised equipment designed to burn your yard waste on site. That’s right, I’m talking about a garden incinerator. These mini incinerators burn efficiently at higher temperatures, making them the most effective way to dispose of your rubbish and garden waste (together with garden shredders).
The average garden incinerator can be used to burn leaves, branches, allotment waste, clippings, card, paper, and several forms of rubbish. And as a bonus, the resulting ashes can be used as a soil amendment quite similar to compost.
Out of the hundreds of top ranking garden incinerators that I checked out, I found that the best models had a few features in common. For starters, they were sturdy, durable, and rust-resistant thanks to galvanised steel construction.
It also helps if the bin has a series of holes on the lower side to encourage continued airflow into the fire and handles so you can easily move the unit.
Similarly, a solid lid helps retain more heat in the bin while a small chimney helps even more with the airflow. Ensuring that your incinerator also has legs keeps it from scorching the ground.
I’ve narrowed down the best garden incinerators to make your search a whole lot easier.
1. CrazyGadget 90L Extra Large Galvanised Metal Incinerator
If there’s a brand that should be awarded for creativity, innovation and some pretty talented re-using, it would have to be CrazyGadget. These guys have literally taken a steel trash bin and turned it into quite the capable garden incinerator. The CrazyGadget Extra Large Galvanised Metal Incinerator lives up to its name since it can hold 90 L of whatever rubbish you need to get rid of.
This massive burner boasts of durable galvanized steel construction; so there’s no question about the durability or rust resistance. There are also the classic ventilation holes near the bottom to guarantee efficient combustion. CrazyGadget does seem overly proud of their exclusive locking system, but it does make sure that the lid doesn’t come off even when toppled.
What I like about it:
- Extra large 90L rubbish capacity
- Sturdy three-legged base
- Special locking system that secures lid to handle
2. Large Fire Pits MOOSE Incinerator Barrel
Here’s another great incinerator that takes the ordinary trash can and endows it with superpowers. We all know that nothing beats a product make right here in the UK, but there are some great products made elsewhere too. This one is made in the US, and you’re likely to spot it in every lawn in America.
But that’s not the main reason why these garden incinerators are incredibly popular. In addition to 2mm thick carbon steel plates for extra sturdiness that can take heat, it also has extra reinforcement cross supports. It has the perfect size for small to medium gardens, and the beautiful design makes it great not only for garden waste but also for your bonfire nights.
What I like about it:
- US made with quality 14 gauge steel
- Ideal for garden waste but also your bonfire night
- Beautiful design
3. Kingfisher SINSIN Square Incinerator
Here’s a unique and exceptionally sturdy piece of burning equipment. Just one look at this bad boy and you can tell that it means business. The Kingfisher SINSIN Square Incinerator is a solid steel square box with reinforced corners that extend to make up the four legs.
You’ll also notice that this particular incinerator has random holes cut on all sides top to bottom. This means that you get more airflow than with the larger 90l bins for sustained fire. Combine the additional holes with the lack of a lid and you can tell that the SINSIN is engineered for super hot burning of damper materials.
What I like about it:
- Incredibly solid galvanized steel construction
- More holes translates to improved airflow
- Easy to assemble
4. CrazyGadget 18L Garden Metal Incinerator Bin
If you have slightly less rubbish and garden waste to get rid of, then chances are that you don’t need a larger than life garden incinerator. CrazyGadget went ahead and built a smaller, more portable version of their burning bin – the Small Garden Galvanised Metal Incinerator.
This incinerator packs 18 litres of rubbish in its galvanized metal frame. Whether it’s wood, clippings, leaves, shavings, paper, or garden trash, this bad boy will turn all that into ash. The unit comprises of ready-made ventilation holes for consistent airflow and combustion while the lid makes sure that the temperature levels remain high. The handles allow for safer relocation while the sturdy three-legged base makes sure that your lawn remains unscathed by the heat.
What I like about it:
- Affordable garden incinerator
- Durable galvanized steel construction
- Aesthetically pleasing design
5. Keto Plastics Mini Garden Incinerator Small Fire Bin
Who says that you have to spend double digits to get a decent garden incinerator? If you’re working on a virtually non-existent budget but still want a convenient solution to your waste disposal, then we’ve got the perfect incinerator for you. And it’s called the Keto Plastics Mini Garden Incinerator Small Fire bin.
This mini incinerator packs a fair 15 litres of rubbish and waste ready for combustion. Like all the best garden incinerators, Keto Plastics used durable galvanized steel for the construction to guarantee durability and rust resistance. This includes the secure rivet handles that allow for easy relocation and three-legged base that is edged at the end for more stability. The manufacturer also incorporated a lid with its own handle and a wide chimney to ensure all smoke is instantly expelled.
What I like about it:
- Extremely solid and durable steel construction
- Cheapest garden incinerator on the list
- Extra wide chimney for faster exhausting
Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Incinerators
Q: How to burn garden waste in an incinerator?
Incinerators are a great way to get rid of waste as they burn very hot, but you have to make sure that your incinerator is burning well before you add any organic material, so start it with dry twigs, paper and kindling.
Make sure your incinerator has a good firm base, such as paving slabs, and it’s best to burn on a day when there is not too much wind. Place your incinerator in a location that is not overhung by trees, washing lines or anything else that may catch light.
Always wear thick gardening gloves (here is a selection), strong boots, and keep your arms covered to avoid burns. It is a sensible idea to keep a full watering can or two near where you are burning, in case things get out of hand.
Q: Garden incinerator how to reduce smoke?
Smoke is caused when you burn material which is wet or damp, so to reduce the smoke from your incinerator then you should only burn the driest material. You can leave things to dry for a week or two before you burn them, which will reduce the smoke. Many incinerators also come with lids, which you can use if you are getting more smoke than you expected.
Q: What time can you use a garden incinerator?
You will need to check with your neighbours, or your allotment neighbours, or check your local government website to make sure that you are not creating an antisocial nuisance. If you live in the middle of nowhere with no neighbours then you can incinerate whenever you like, but if you want to avoid making enemies or ruining people’s washing then it is best to be responsible with your burning.
Q: How to light a garden incinerator?
Start with paper, kindling and small twigs at the bottom of your incinerator. This should take quickly and make a good hot fire, but if it does not then you could add a firelighter or two – this is not recommended but it can help start a fire that is being stubborn. Garden incinerators have excellent air flow, which is why they burn so hot, so starting a fire in one should not be a problem.
Q: What can you put in a garden incinerator?
Garden incinerators are designed for garden waste, such as hedge cuttings, weeds, fallen trees, and other woody, or organic materials. You should not burn household waste in them, as this can cause a health hazard (but paper is fine to burn). Avoid putting in material that is too wet, as this will create a lot of smoke. Wait until the flames have died down a bit before you add any new material to your incinerator.
A hot fire in any incinerator raises the temp ABOVE the melting point of zinc so the galvanising very soon melts off in drops. Then rust gets to work quickly. The right solution is to use really heavy gauge sheet steel. But no manufacturer seems to think of this.
Nice try, Jack – but I’ve learned more from trying all the above; and, as David Aris points out, they’re seriously flawed. In spite of the somewhat pretentious/contentious claims made for them, they are, in short, a waste of money!
as with the other commentators the life expectancy of a galvanised incinerator is 1-2 Years
for another tenner i would buy one made of stainless steel and then it shouldn’t rust.
If you can find one. I’ve looked at half a dozen of these pseudo-review sites and they’re all just lists of affiliate links to Amazon, no attempt to be genuinely helpful.
I have bought a few and none of them last longer than 12 months.
What I find odd is, our ‘expert’ reviewer is at pains to extol the virtues of the “galvanised” finish to prevent rust. The materials used for construction come with their very own self destruct mechanism. By its nature, your incinerator will live its life exposed to British weather. The physics demand that any galvanisation of the steel is rendered useless after the first or second usage. It will melt and roll off in the extreme heat both on the interior and the 3xterior. This leaves your steel bin wide open to rain, mist, frost, snow, and yes, even sunshine. Ferrous Oxide, or FeO3 , is implacable… you can’t argue with it, it just is what it is as a by product of iron or steel.
No, until they build and market these incinerators out of non rusting metals, you’re going to have to do like I do… buy one…every year…and consider it an annual investment of 25 quid.
It’s ferrIC oxide, not ferrous, and it’s Fe2O3. FeO3 does not exist.
Crap review – has he actually used one, or does he sell them on Amazon. These think bins don’t last a year, waste of money – unless the square one is any better?
Nah, ignore the reviews. They are all shite. All are too flimsy and last a couple of burns, then rust. Have a good old bonfire instead and piss off the neighbours!
The consensus appears to be inline with my experience. The galvanized incinerator becomes corroded after just a few uses. Looses its shiny finish and the legs begin to buckle then it not only looks terrible but is dangerous. If one of the 3 legs starts to go then it can fall over.
The corrosion starts up after the galvanization is compromised. Only good for one season then you need to throw it away and get a new one.
I buy one of these galvanised incinerators from my local budget supermarket every spring for around £15.
I use it to burn all my garden prunings in spring, and then again in the autumn.
Even though they do rust after a couple of uses and have to discarded, I consider them to be good value
compared to the cost of disposing of the significant amount of the material by alternative means.
I find it to be far less expensive and more convenient for me to purchase and use one of these cheap garden incinerators once a year than using a electrical garden shredder, or having to make several trips to the local council refuse facility.
Have to agree with the above comments. These things never last and you finish up with a rusty bin that these days is almost impossible to dispose of.