The 5 Best Burn Barrels

A burn barrel is a modified barrel that has been designed to safely incinerate some household trash and yard debris. These barrels are made from fire proof material, such as stainless steel. They are typically warp resistant, so they can be used over and over again. Some have holes along the sides, to allow better air flow. This will allow for a hotter, cleaner burn. If you're ready to purchase a burn barrel, here are reviews for five of the best available.

Burn Right Products Incinerator Cage X-Large

Extra Large Burn Barrel

This lightweight burn barrel includes an ash catcher, angle grates, and other great features.

Best Overall

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Do you want an extra-large trash barrel? This one is 42-inches high and has a diameter of 29-inches. It’s larger than a traditional 55-gallon drum. The unique design of the angled grates and internal flanges help ensure your flames get plenty of air flow. This burn barrel can withstand burn temperatures of over 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. With such a hot fire, you will be able to efficiently burn yard waste and confidential documents. There are three stainless steel clips that secure the cover. This helps contain the embers so they don’t float off and start a wildfire. This barrel comes with an ash catcher, the angle grates, a cover, and a handle.

Pros

Designed to withstand really hot burns
Angle grates for maximum airflow
Cover to help contain the ash

Cons

Assembly takes a lot of time and effort

Bad Idea Pyro Cage 48″ Incinerator

Easy to Assemble

You won't need tools or a lot of time to assemble this burn barrel.

Runner Up

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This burn barrel assembles quickly thanks to the tab and slot design. You won’t need any tools or hardware to put it together. Made with American steel, this thick barrel is built to last. There’s a removable lid that helps keep the debris inside. The angled slots promote airflow that will keep your fire burning hotter. It’s a large barrel, that holds nearly 50% more volume than a traditional 55 gallon drum. When assembled, this product is 24-inches square by 48-inches tall. This means you can burn a lot of yard waste or paper trash. There are integrated handles so it’s easy to move from around the yard. Each of the panels weighs approximately 20 pounds. Each panel comes hand-oiled to protect the metal. You can reapply this finish to add more protection.

Pros

Easy to assemble
Large capacity
Oil finish to protect the metal

Cons

Need to let it cool completely before disassembling, or leave it up all the time

Justrite 26054K Cease-Fire Steel Drum

Simple Burn Barrel

This burn barrel doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but it sure gets the job done.

Best on a Budget

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If you’re looking for a simple burn barrel that doesn’t cost a fortune, this is a good option. It’s more budget friendly than other burn barrels on the market. This is a heavy gauge steel drum. It’s very thick and well constructed. It weighs just over 35-pounds, and has a 55-gallon capacity. The inside has a rust preventative coating so you don’t have to worry about it rusting out. The black paint on the outside will get burned off, so it won’t always look as shiny and new. There aren’t any air holes along the sides or bottom of this barrel, but many people have decided to drill their own.

Pros

No assembly required
Very thick construction
Rust prevention coating on the inside

Cons

The paint on the outside comes off when you burn

Pyro Cage 48″ XXL Incinerator Barrel

Superior Airflow

The angled slots on this burn barrel ensure air reaches the bottom.

Largest

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This burn barrel is huge. It’s 35-inches in diameter and 47-inches tall. With those dimensions, it holds over 30 cubic feet of material to burn. It’s made from American steel, which is a very thick product. This means it holds up to heavy use and won’t warp from the heat of the flames. There are handles integrated into the design to make it more portable. You can assemble this product without using any tools or hardware, since it features a tab and slot design. The steel has been oiled to help keep rust and corrosion at bay. You can reapply an oil finish if necessary to increase the protection.

Pros

Huge size
Easy to assemble
Handles for portability

Cons

May need to reapply an oil finish to prevent rust

Professional Grade Products 9900000 Stainless Steel Burn Barrel

Comes with a Lid to Trap the Flames

You won't have embers flying all over your yard thanks to the lidded design of this burn barrel.

Best with a Lid

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If you’re looking for a burn barrel that does a complete burn, check this one out. It’s designed with an open bottom, that lets air in all around. This feature promotes a hot fire. The lid on top traps the material inside, so it burns completely. The lid has vent holes, which also allow air to get in. Made from heavy gauge stainless steel, this burn barrel won’t deform from heat. It’s available in two different sizes, large and extra-large. The large is 14-inches square and 24-inches high. The extra-large is 22-inches square and 32-inches high. Since the stainless steel parts are sharp on the edges, you will need to wear thick gloves whenever you handle this product. You will need to assemble this product, and will need a screwdriver or screw gun to put it together.

Pros

Open bottom design
Pre-drilled holes for simple assembly
Available in two sizes

Cons

The pieces are sharp before assembly and you’ll need to wear gloves to protect your hands

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a burn barrel in my yard?

Burn barrels are illegal in many communities. You will need to check your local ordinances to see if you are legally allowed to use a burn barrel. When you burn, make sure to take proper precautions so you don’t start a wildfire. Make sure the fire is out completely before you walk away.

What types of trash can I burn in a burn barrel?

A burn barrel will incinerate many types of trash. Many people use one for yard debris, such as leaves, dead branches from trees, and dried grass clippings. Some people also use them to get rid of household trash such as boxes and paper. You can also burn food waste and cardboard. There are also people who burn trash such as plastic containers and aluminum cans. However, it’s important to note that products such as these do not typically burn completely in a fire. You will then have burnt waste to dispose of in a different way.

Why do most burn barrels have holes?

Fire needs oxygen to burn. If you have a bunch of paper and boxes piled up in a steel drum, it will take a long time to burn. There just isn’t enough air getting to the bottom of the stack to allow the flames to go quickly. However, if you add a few holes to the drum, more air will get in. When you use a burn barrel with holes, it will typically burn faster than burn barrels without holes. Since a hotter fire burns more cleanly, you won’t have as much smoke.