The fire table: a fusion of smokeless cooking and campfire ambience

While the traditional barbeque has its benefits, a new generation of barbeque is taking the concept of outdoor cooking to a new level. Flame cooking offers both contemporary design possibilities and brings to life the very traditions of cooking. 

Seamlessly combining the notion of the fire pit with a modern barbeque, the latest design-led outdoor fire is a fusion of options, from charcoal cooking to wood burning. 

“Designed as a tool to bring people together and create interaction and moments, the Fire Table offers everyone the chance to sit around and partake in the process of cooking or tending the fire,” Escea’s design lead Alex Hodge says. “Whether it’s by adding wood to the centre or by grilling their own food just the way they like it, every aspect of operation is an invitation for connection between the users.”

Circular in form, the Fire Table originally came to life as the result of an investigation into efficient ways of burning wood without creating smoke - one of the downsides of traditional flame cooking.

Flames with less smoke

“What we were able to develop is the vortex firebox, which is designed to manipulate the intake of air to create a tornado of air and flame, stretching the flame higher and burning in a more efficient way, producing less smoke,” Alex says. “Smoke is the sign of a fire that is not burning efficiently. By reducing the smoke, users can sit or gather comfortably around the table without the need to move around to avoid smoke.”

The Fire Table incorporates vents all around the outside of the fire box, which creates the vortex effect in the interior, drawing up the flame to create a vibrant statement. “The tapered sides of the table reflect this, with a flower petal form that during operation allows for the intake of large amounts of air to spiral around the firebox and enhance the flame.”

The synergy of a fire and a barbeque 

Designed for versatility and use by multiple cooks, the Fire Table has three cooking rings. “The innermost ring is a high temperature grill, perfect for cooking steak and kebabs. The second is a medium temperature hot plate made from 5mm stainless steel, and the third and outer ring is the largest. This is isolated from all heating components, making it completely cool to the touch while running, and the perfect place on which to lean or rest plates or drinks.”

Making a statement with Escea’s Outdoor Fire Table 

The allure of real flames is hard to look past when it comes to creating a visually stunning outdoor entertaining area. Invariably, a fire becomes the centre of any outdoor space so it’s worth considering how best to incorporate a fire within the overall landscaping scheme. 

“The beauty of the Fire Table is that it’s both a place to sit around and a place to cook, as well as fire pit to enjoy as the night lingers on,” Alex says.

“By combining the dynamic excitement and interactions of a campfire with the sophistication and relaxation of outdoor dining furniture, this Fire Table defines any space, becoming the heart and soul of the garden, inviting connection and collaboration.”

Unlike traditional barbeques, which are generally placed up against a fence or a wall and are designed for just one or two cooks, the Fire Table is circular in form allowing it to become centrepiece. Due to the vortex design and smokeless operation, it doesn’t need to be sheltered from wind when cooking, becoming a versatile piece of furniture that offers more options in terms of placement. 

When used as a fire, consider the placement of more relaxed seating around the table such as bean bags or sofa settings. As a table and a place for cooking, bar stools can be the perfect accompaniment for ease of use and as a casual place to perch. 

Find out more about Escea’s range of designer flame cooking options.