Can you use a Dryer Drum for a Fire pit?

Stainless steel dryer drums are designed to withstand high temperatures. Therefore, they make a perfect fit to be used as fire pits. Just make sure to clean the drum thoroughly before using it, and avoid using any chemicals or cleaners that could be flammable.

So, if you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting fire pit, a dryer drum is a great option.

In order to make a fire pit out of a dryer drum, simply clean out any debris from the inside of the drum and remove the rust from its surface if any. Then, add some sand to the bottom for drainage, and set it up in your backyard.

What is a dryer drum?

A dryer’s drum is simply the inner tub of a clothes dryer, where you load your damp garments after the wash for machine drying.

It is one of the most active components of the appliance since it constantly tumbles your clothes during the drying process.

In most cases, the dryer’s drum is either made of steel or porcelain-coated steel.

Both stainless steel and porcelain-coated ones are durable and won’t rust or chip easily. Furthermore, most dryer drums include a coating over their surface that makes them non-sticky.

This prevents the clothes from sticking to the drum due to excess heat generated during the dry cycle.

These drums can tolerate immense heat and can be an ideal choice to be used as fire pits.

Is it safe to use a washing machine drum as a fire pit?

One of the safest methods to make a fire pit in your backyard is by using either a recycled washing machine drum or a dryer drum.

With that said, since washing machine drums are not as heat-resistant as dryer drums, they are not recommended to be used as fire pits.

This means that they could potentially warp or melt if used as a fire pit.

Instead, use a dryer drum made out of durable stainless steel for your DIY project.

Make Diy smokeless fire pit from washing machine drum or a dryer drum

If you have an old dryer or washing machine drum lying around, you can repurpose it into a DIY smokeless fire pit.

All you need is a drill, some screws, and a little bit of elbow grease.

Before jumping into the procedure, let’s understand why a good quality stainless steel drum is a must.

Why is a stainless steel washing machine drum fire pit the best?

As we know, fire pits generate a lot of heat.

So it’s only logical to use a material that can withstand high temperatures without warping or melting.

This is where stainless steel comes in.

It is one of the most durable materials available and can resist high temperatures without any problems.

Another reason why you should use a stainless steel washing machine drum or a dryer drum is that it doesn’t rust.

This means that you won’t have to worry about your fire pit rusting and falling apart after a few uses.

Furthermore, the tiny holes in the drum allow the air to flow freely, thereby allowing the fire to burn efficiently.

What can be used under a fire pit?

Ideally, the base of your fire pit should be made of sand, and then you can overlay it with gravel, river rocks, fire pit glass, or bricks.

This will help to prevent the fire from spreading and will also protect the ground from the heat.

Just make sure that the bricks are heat-resistant so that they don’t crack or break when exposed to heat.

How to make a fire pit out of a dryer’s drum?

Guys, this is exactly where the rubber hits the road!

For this, you will need some basic tools and the user manual of your dryer’s model for reference (i.e., to dismantle the drum).

Remove washing machine drum for fire pit

The very first step is to access the drum and then remove it from the dryer or washer.

For this, you will need to unscrew the dryer or washer cabinet and then detach the drum from its motor.

In order to do so, follow the below step-by-step instructions.

• First, disconnect the power supply to the machine and then unplug it from the wall outlet.
• The next step is to take the front panel off by unscrewing the screws holding it in place.
• Once the front panel is removed, you should be able to see the washing machine drum.
• Now, all you have to do is remove the screws that hold the drum in place and then lift it out of the machine.

And voila! You now have a durable stainless steel drum that you can use for your fire pit. Make sure to clean it thoroughly before using it.

Make fire pit from dryer drum illustration

Washing machine fire pit dangers

While a fire pit helps you to keep warm and look cool, there are some dangers that simply cannot be ignored.

Some of the well-known dangers associated with a fire pit made out of a washing machine drum are listed below.

Washing machine drum fire pit explosion

The first and foremost danger is that the washing machine drum can explode due to the immense heat it produces.

When creating a DIY fire pit, it is important to use materials that will not trap water and cause an explosion.

For instance, a fire pit that contains materials such as concrete blocks or river rocks may trap the water inside, which may build up immense pressure and cause an explosion.

The other danger is that the washing machine drum may not be structurally sound enough to withstand high temperatures and can collapse.

Contaminate Soil and Water

Another danger is that the toxic chemicals present in the washing machine’s drum can seep into the ground and contaminate the soil and water.

Thus, it is important to use a drum that is made of stainless steel or any other material that does not contain toxic chemicals.

Injuries

Another danger is that the fire pit can cause injuries.

For instance, if the drum is not placed on a level surface, it can tip over and cause burns.

Similarly, if the edges of the drum are not smoothened out, it can cause cuts.

Fumes may be harmful

Last but not least, the fumes emitted by a fire pit made out of a washing machine’s drum can be extremely harmful to your health.

So, if you’re planning to make a fire pit out of a washing machine’s drum, then it is important to take all these dangers into consideration.

Things you should avoid putting into the fire pit

Now that we have discussed the dangers of a washing machine fire pit, let’s take a look at some of the things you should avoid putting into the fire pit.

Plastics

When plastics are burned, they release harmful toxins into the air that can be extremely harmful to your health.

Similarly, when plastics are burned, they produce black smoke that can be very dangerous to inhale.

Thus, it is important to avoid putting plastic into the fire pit.

Tires

Another thing you should avoid putting into the fire pit is tires.

When tires are burned, they release harmful toxins and chemicals into the air that can be very dangerous to your health.

Paint cans

Paint cans are also another thing you should avoid putting into the fire pit.

When paint cans are burned, they too release harmful toxins and chemicals into the air.

Styrofoam

Styrofoam releases harmful toxins and chemicals into the air when it is burned.

Garbage

Last but not least, you should also avoid putting garbage into the fire pit.

Garbage includes a variety of things such as food wrappers, cans, bottles, etc.

When garbage is burned, it releases harmful toxins and chemicals that can be harmful to the respiratory system.

Treated Wood

Treated wood contains chemicals that can react when burned, and they release harmful toxins into the air.

Final Thoughts

A fire pit made out of a washing machine’s drum can be a great addition to your backyard. However, there are some dangers associated with it that you should never ignore.

Thus, it is important to take all the necessary precautions before making a fire pit out of a dryer or a washing machine’s drum.

That being said, the dryer drum makes an ideal choice, especially because of its ability to withstand higher temperatures.

Lastly, always make sure to place them on a level surface and away from flammable objects. You can use your backyard or other outdoor areas.

Frequently Asked Question