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Pellet fire column: how a pellet patio stove works

A pellet fire column combines two things: the warmth of a patio stove and the sight of a real fire. Instead of logs or gas, it burns small wood pellets. Here is how the principle works, which pellets you need and how an evening with the Feuertube goes – from filling to cleaning.

8 min read

A hand pours wood pellets from a scoop into the Feuertube’s tank, with the flame burning in the glass tube beside it

How a pellet fire column works

An outdoor fire column is essentially a small stove whose fire you are meant to see. The Feuertube consists of three parts: the base with pellet tank, combustion chamber and ash drawer; the borosilicate glass tube; and the hat with reflector.

The pellets sit in the tank on the side of the base and pass into the combustion chamber, where they burn on a stainless-steel grate. Above it stands the glass tube: the draught turns the flame into a vortex that rises visibly. The hat closes off the tube and sends the warmth back towards the seating area. Ash drops into a drawer below.

At the back of the base is a ventilation grille. It controls the air supply – and so how high the flame rises.

Which pellets are suitable?

The Feuertube burns standard 6 mm wood pellets – the same kind used by many pellet heating systems. We recommend certified ENplus A1 quality: it burns evenly and leaves little ash.

  • 6 mm diameter – thicker pellets are not intended.
  • Certified quality (ENplus A1) recommended.
  • Store them dry: damp pellets swell, crumble and burn poorly. Keep opened bags closed and sheltered.
  • No other fuels: no wood, no charcoal, no firelighters in the tank.

Burn time: how long does one fill last?

The tank holds 3 kg of pellets, enough for around two hours of fire on average. You can top up at any time while it is burning – for a long evening, simply keep a bag of pellets within reach.

Ideally, top up while the fire is still burning well. If you wait until it has almost gone out, the new pellets cover the embers and smoke can form. About 10 seconds with the burner then gets it going again.

Step by step: an evening with the Feuertube

This is how operation works according to the manual – from assembly to the end of the evening.

  1. 01
    Assemble

    Insert the glass tube through the round ring into the holder on the base and place the hat on top. Fire-resistant sealing cords stop glass and metal from touching.

  2. 02
    Check the grate

    Before filling, take the grate out of its slot, check that the openings are clear and put it back.

  3. 03
    Fill with pellets

    Pour pellets through the lid at the top of the tank – up to 3 kg.

  4. 04
    Light

    Turn the small ring at the bottom of the glass until the opening is clear and light through it for 20–30 seconds with the supplied burner. It is enough for a few pellets to catch.

  5. 05
    Let the fire build

    After about 20 minutes the fire has lit the remaining pellets and burns at full flame.

  6. 06
    Adjust the flame

    Ventilation grille at the back open: the flame rises to the hat. Closed: it drops to about half height.

  7. 07
    Deal with the ash

    If the flame drops, move the grate by its handle left and right a few times without pulling it out. Empty the ash drawer every 5–6 hours.

Care, weather and safety

Clean the glass tube only when it is cold: wipe it several times with a damp cloth over a soft surface, or spray on a degreaser and rinse with water.

The Feuertube is for outdoor use only. Protect it from rain and dew both in use and when idle, for example with a cover or in a dry storage spot. A sudden gust can blow the flame out – smoke forms. Hold the burner to the ignition opening for a second and the smoke will reignite.

Never pull the grate out while there are pellets in the unit, keep a safe distance from flammable materials and do not leave the fire unattended.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a pellet fire column burn?

On the Feuertube, a 3 kg tank lasts around two hours on average. Topping up lets you extend the evening as long as you like.

Can I use ordinary heating pellets?

Yes, as long as they are 6 mm wood pellets. We recommend certified ENplus A1 quality.

How long until the flame is at full height?

Lighting takes 20–30 seconds. The fire reaches full flame after about 20 minutes.

Does a pellet fire column smoke?

In normal use it burns cleanly. Smoke appears if wind blows the flame out or if you top up only when the fire has almost gone out. A brief touch of the burner is enough.

How often do I need to empty the ash?

Very little ash is produced. Emptying the drawer every 5–6 hours is enough.

How do I store the Feuertube over winter?

Dry and protected from rain and dew, for example under a cover or in a shelter. Empty the ash drawer first and clean the glass when cold.

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