Copper Fire Pits—Historical and Practical Fire Pits with Style

Many online merchants offering outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and chimineas are also selling copper fire pits, a beaten copper brazier 24 to 35 inches in diameter supported by an iron stand. These outdoor fire pits are designed to resemble the traditional copper fire pit used in Turkey and other regions of Mesopotamia around 4500 years ago.

Why Use Copper?

Copper, like gold and silver, is a malleable metal which means it can be shaped without cracking when hot or cold. Pure copper is also a superb heat conductor and has been used in cookware from ancient times and is still used today in high-end saucepans. Best of all, copper does not corrode or rust even in wet conditions. Over time, the copper surface develops a green film or patina that provides further protection from the elements.

The art of smelting copper developed in the southern regions of present day Turkey (Anatolia) and in the region between Israel and Egypt. The island of Cyprus too was a center of copper production.

Shaping Copper Fire Pits, Tools, and other Artifacts

Molten copper can shaped either by casting (pouring into molds of various shapes or sizes), or by hammering. Hammering is a method by which cold metal is hammered and annealed (reheated and then cooled again) to create the desired shape.

In Ancient Turkey, craftsmen utilized both methods, hence, the copper fire pits you can purchase today are often described as “hammered” or beaten 20-gauge copper. The copper surface of the firepit bears the small indents of repeated hammering.

Even though their use in modern North American backyards is primarily decorative, Turkish fire pits are still perfectly acceptable as grills or barbeques. The copper basin, when hot, distributes the heat evenly which results in desirably even cooking of foods on the grill.

If artisan quality is important to you, make sure you check with the manufacturer to determine if the copper fire pit is hand made or machine made, and if the copper is solid or if it consists of a tin core. Remember, machine made copper braziers are still excellent quality and provide the same great look and atmosphere.

For more information on copper fire pits, see Outdoor fireplaces and patio heaters, or Copper Fire Pit Review.