Fireglass And Burner Pans: A Match Made In Heaven?

Fire glass is a type of non-flammable, tempered glass used in gas or propane fire pits in place of gas logs. It is both decorative and functional, designed to withstand high temperatures without melting, burning, or losing its colour. It is safe to use, highly heat-resistant, and does not produce toxic fumes when burnt.

When using fire glass, it is recommended to cover the burner with just enough glass to conceal it from view. This is especially true for propane fire features, as propane is heavier than air and needs to be dispersed close to the flame.

A burner pan is not essential when using fire glass, but it can be used to elevate the overall look of your fire feature. Burner pans are designed to make efficient use of space and minimise the amount of glass needed. They are also useful for supporting the weight of the glass and other media, such as logs or lava rocks.

Fire glass installation methods

Fire glass is a type of non-flammable tempered glass used in gas or propane fire pits in place of gas logs. It is available in a variety of colours and sizes and is both decorative and functional. Fire glass does not burn, create fumes or smoke, or require any maintenance.

• Measure and Add Your Filler: Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark 3 to 4 inches down from the top edge of your fire pit. Then, fill your pit up with lava rock or sand filler up to that mark. For a fire pit installation, the main difference is the amount and type of filler you use to fill the majority of your fire pit. If your fire pit is very large and originally built for wood-burning, you will want to use something like pea gravel or whatever filler is cheapest in your area. Just make sure that you use something that is not combustible and will not break down over time or your glass will sink.
• Install Fire Burner: On top of your lava rock or sand filler, install your fire pit burner with the gas holes pointing up to help maximise flame size and efficiency. Note that propane burners may require a pan to be installed underneath the burner.
• Pour in Fire Glass: Pour your fire glass on top of your lava rock, sand, or other filler. Using a large bucket can help control the pour, or you can pour straight from the bag. After adding the glass, wear protective gloves and use your hands to shape the fire glass as desired. The most common shape is a mound that is slightly higher in the centre or along anywhere the flames will be dancing above the glass.

If you are installing fire glass in an indoor fireplace, follow these steps:

• Out with the Old: Remove any faux logs or extra decorative material. Clean your fireplace with a wire brush to clear the walls of any soot or dirt that has accumulated.
• In with the New: Install a new burner if needed. The type will depend on the size and shape of your fireplace. You will need to attach the burner to the gas line inside the fireplace, ensuring it is a natural gas line. Centre the burner in your fireplace and test it before adding any fire glass.
• Pour in Fire Glass: Pour your fire glass crystals into the fireplace, taking care to cover the entire floor.
• Shape the Fire Glass: Wearing protective gloves, use your hands to gently shape the fire glass to your liking. You may want a uniform flat surface or a mound along the burner.

Burner pan shapes

Burner pans are available in a variety of shapes and styles, including flat pans and bowl styles. The shape of your burner pan will be determined by the design of your fire pit. If you're replacing an existing pan, you'll need to consider the opening in the fire pit. If you're designing a new fire pit, you can choose any shape that suits your needs.

Common shapes include linear, rectangular, round, and square drop-in fire pit pans. Custom burner pans can be made in almost any shape or size. Round burner pans are available in various sizes, from 6" to 48" in diameter. Square and rectangular flat burner pans are also available in custom sizes.

Flat burner pans are sheets of metal cut to a specific size, with additional cutouts for the gas connection to reach the burner and for any needed electronics. A flat pan will require a lip to sit on, which can be achieved with a flexible installation collar or custom hardware.

Drop-in pans feature an integrated lip that sits on the interior edge of the fire pit enclosure, making assembly easier and facilitating removal for maintenance. Bowl-style burner pans are another option that offers a more rounded shape to the fire pit design.

Burner pan support

Burner pans are an essential component of any fire pit or fireplace installation. They provide support for the burner itself, ensuring it is securely held in place, and also serve to contain the fire media, such as fire glass, logs, or lava rocks. Burner pans are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including round, square, and rectangular, to accommodate different burner configurations.

When selecting a burner pan, it is important to choose one that is compatible with your burner type. For instance, an H-burner, which is popular due to its ability to be concealed under fire glass and other media, pairs well with a pan burner. The pan burner's legs provide support for the pan and media, resulting in a neat and simplistic style. Another option is a drop-in burner pan, which is designed specifically for fire glass installations and minimises the amount of glass needed.

The depth of the burner pan is also an important consideration. For most fireplaces, a fire glass depth of 2 to 4 inches is recommended, with the goal of covering the burner without obstructing the flame. Therefore, the burner pan should be sized appropriately to accommodate the required depth of fire glass while also allowing for proper ventilation and flame dispersion.

Burner pans are manufactured from high-quality materials, typically stainless steel, to ensure durability and safe handling. They are designed with precision, often using laser-cutting technology, to ensure a perfect fit for specific burner models. Burner pans are also versatile, suitable for both indoor vented gas fireplaces and outdoor fire pit enclosures.

In summary, burner pans are a crucial component of any fire pit or fireplace installation, providing structural support, containing the fire media, and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the fire feature. With a variety of options available, it is important to select a burner pan that is compatible with your burner type and sized appropriately to ensure optimal performance and visual appeal.

Fire glass safety

Fire glass is a type of non-flammable, tempered glass used in gas or propane fire pits in place of gas logs. It is designed to withstand high temperatures and won't melt, burn, or lose its colour. It also doesn't leave any soot or ash and requires no maintenance.

Installation

Proper installation of fire glass is important for the performance of your gas fire feature. Simply dumping a pile of fire glass into your pit can cause problems such as difficulty keeping the fire lit, undesirable flame size or shape, and excessive soot.

To install fire glass properly, you need to know how deep the glass should be and how to optimally cover the burner. It is recommended to start with less fire glass than you think you need and add more later if necessary. Fire glass should cover your burner by about 1/2 an inch, just enough so that the burner is no longer visible.

Safety Considerations

• Always wear protective gloves when handling fire glass as there may be rough, jagged edges.
• Do not fill the burner pan all the way to the top. This can cause an uneven flame pattern and disperse the gas over a large area, leading to sooting.
• Propane is heavier than air and needs to be released close to the surface. It could get trapped below a thick layer of glass.
• Keep the area around the flame sensor (thermocouple) clear to ensure proper airflow and flame contact with the sensor.
• If using lava rocks as a filler, keep your fire pit covered when not in use to prevent popping due to moisture.
• Do not use fire glass in direct contact with the fuel source for alcohol/ethanol-fuelled fire features.

Fire glass maintenance

Fire glass is a type of non-flammable tempered glass used in gas or propane fire pits in place of gas logs. It is both decorative and functional, designed to withstand high temperatures without melting, burning, or losing its colour. It also doesn't leave behind any soot or ash and requires little to no maintenance.

However, fire glass may require some cleaning due to exposure to rain, snow, or incomplete burning of liquid propane (LP) gas, which can cause soot buildup. Dust particles can also accumulate on the glass over time, reducing its shine. Here are some tips for maintaining your fire glass:

Cleaning Fire Glass:

• Wear protective gloves when handling fire glass to minimise skin contact with sharp edges and to prevent cuts.
• Remove the fire glass and place it in a bucket or an old colander/strainer that won't be used for cooking.
• Clean the fire glass in small batches to effectively remove dust particles.
• Rinse the fire glass thoroughly with water to remove soot and other debris.
• Set the fire glass aside to dry completely, ensuring there is no moisture left. Leftover moisture in cracked pieces can expand when heated, producing a popping noise.
• Spread the glass out on a plastic bag or tarp to dry. It can dry in the sun or be left overnight in a non-sunny area.
• Do not reuse the metal strainer for cooking, as small shards of glass may get caught in the mesh and pose a health hazard.
• Do not use soap to clean fire glass, as it can leave a residue that may cause discolouration when heated. Vinegar is recommended for cleaning.
• Regularly dust the fire glass to maintain its shine, especially if it is used outdoors and exposed to the elements.
• Cover the burner and fire glass with a burner cover or vinyl cover to keep it sparkling.

Installing Fire Glass:

Proper installation of fire glass is important for optimal performance of your gas fire feature. It is recommended to use just enough fire glass to cover the burner by about 1/2 inch. Covering the burner optimally will ensure a desirable flame size and shape and prevent excessive soot.

• Use a fire glass calculator to determine the amount of fire glass needed for your fire pit or fireplace.
• When using a drop-in burner pan, gently pour the fire glass over the pan and distribute it evenly.
• Ensure the burner is not visible, but do not fill the pan to the top edge.
• Avoid using too much fire glass, as it can cause issues with flame dispersion, sooting, and uneven heat distribution.

By following these maintenance and installation tips, you can keep your fire glass looking beautiful and ensure the optimal performance of your fire feature.

Frequently asked questions