Pingewood

Pingewood Barbow Outdoor Fireplaces

Pingewood is a British outdoor-living brand specialising in large sculptural wood-burning fireplaces designed to create a focal point within the garden rather than simply provide another patio heater.

The current Bonfire collection centres on the Barbow 210, a freestanding outdoor fireplace standing approximately 2.1 metres tall with a large three-sided fire opening, substantial wood capacity and Pingewood’s patented Air Vortex Technology™.

Bonfire is an authorised Pingewood dealer, with the CorTen Barbow available to view at our showroom near Reading, Berkshire.

What Makes the Barbow Different?

The Barbow was developed specifically to address two common problems with outdoor wood fires: smoke around the seating area and poor flame visibility.

Its design combines:

• Over 2 metres of overall height
• A tall chimney to improve draw
• Large three-sided fire opening
• Raised firebed for improved flame visibility
• Capacity for logs up to approximately 50cm
• Air Vortex Technology™
• Moulded fuel bed
• Heavy-duty British construction
• Pre-assembled delivery

The result is much closer to a permanent outdoor fireplace than a conventional chiminea or portable fire pit.

How Does Air Vortex Technology™ Work?

Pingewood spent more than three years developing its Air Vortex Technology™.

The system is designed to create a controlled swirling airflow inside the firebox. Smoke moving towards the front of the opening is pushed back towards the fire and carried upwards through the chimney rather than spilling directly towards people sitting nearby.

The tall flue also helps create stronger natural draw, moving smoke and debris higher above the seating area.

This should be understood as reduced smoke spillage rather than a guarantee of zero smoke. Dry, well-seasoned wood and correct operation remain essential.

Pingewood Barbow CorTen

The CorTen Barbow is the most distinctive version visually.

CorTen is a weathering steel designed to develop a stable rust-coloured outer patina. Rather than being deterioration, this oxidation layer helps protect the steel underneath from further weather exposure.

Pingewood offers the Barbow either naturally weathering or pre-weathered, allowing customers to achieve the characteristic orange-brown finish sooner.

The material works particularly well within contemporary gardens, landscaped terraces and more natural planting schemes where the fireplace should gradually blend into the outdoor environment.

Pingewood Barbow Satin Graphite

The Satin Graphite Barbow uses the same core fireplace design but replaces the weathered CorTen appearance with a dark architectural finish.

Pingewood uses an Italian heat- and corrosion-resistant powder coating designed for prolonged outdoor use.

This version works particularly well alongside:

• Dark aluminium pergolas
• Porcelain patios
• Modern outdoor kitchens
• Black-framed garden rooms
• Contemporary furniture

The choice between CorTen and Graphite is therefore primarily aesthetic rather than a different firebox or heating concept.

Over Two Metres Tall

The Barbow measures approximately 2110mm high, significantly taller than a typical chiminea.

This height serves two purposes.

Visually, it gives the fireplace the scale required to become an architectural garden feature. Technically, the taller chimney helps improve draw and directs smoke higher away from the immediate social area.

Before ordering, check the overall height against nearby pergolas, overhangs, trees and other garden structures.

Large Three-Sided Fire Opening

The fire opening is approximately 600mm wide by 500mm high and is visible from three sides.

This makes the fire easier to see from different seating positions and provides enough room for logs up to approximately 50cm long.

The raised position of the firebed also places the flame closer to natural seated eye level than many low fire pits.

Barbow as a Garden Feature

A Barbow is physically substantial enough to be planned into the garden design rather than positioned as an afterthought.

It can work particularly well:

• At the end of a patio sightline
• Within a dedicated seating area
• Alongside an outdoor kitchen
• Between separate garden zones
• As a central feature in larger contemporary gardens

The fireplace looks architectural even when it is not burning, which is an important distinction from many portable outdoor heaters.

Can You Cook on a Pingewood Barbow?

Pingewood positions the Barbow as a multifunctional outdoor fire, with cooking accessories available within the wider range.

The large fire chamber can also be used for simple live-fire cooking where the correct Pingewood accessories and fuel are used.

If cooking is a major part of the purchase, check current grill and cooking-kit availability against the exact Barbow before ordering.

Barbow Interior Lining

An optional interior lining system can be added to selected Barbow configurations.

This introduces additional rear secondary air and an internal baffle, helping improve heat retention, combustion and the overall flame presentation.

The lining also adds reflective surfaces inside the fireplace, creating a more immersive view of the flames.

Floor Plate & Cover

A dedicated floor plate is available to visually frame the fireplace and provide protection beneath it.

Pingewood also offers a fitted outdoor cover for additional protection when the Barbow is not being used.

The supporting surface must still be suitable and non-combustible where required; a floor plate should not be used to make an otherwise unsuitable combustible surface safe.

Built in Great Britain

Pingewood states that its fireplaces are designed, developed and hand assembled in Great Britain using locally sourced materials wherever practical.

The Barbow is supplied pre-constructed, so the main considerations on delivery are access, final positioning and ensuring the supporting area is suitable for the appliance’s size and weight.

Planning Your Barbow Position

Before ordering, consider:

• Distance from combustible fences and structures
• Overall 2.1m height
• Prevailing wind direction
• Patio or ground construction
• Clear access to the fire opening
• Nearby seating
• Delivery access
• Whether a floor plate is required

The Barbow weighs approximately 70–85kg depending on configuration, so it should be placed where it can remain securely and safely positioned.

Pingewood FAQs

Where is Pingewood made?

Pingewood states that its outdoor fireplaces are designed, developed and handmade in Great Britain.

How tall is the Pingewood Barbow?

The current Barbow 210 is approximately 2.1 metres tall, helping improve chimney draw and move smoke higher above the seating area.

Is the Pingewood Barbow smokeless?

Its Air Vortex Technology™ is designed to minimise smoke spillage by directing smoke back into the fire and upwards through the chimney. It is still a real wood fire and can produce smoke, especially with wet fuel or during lighting.

What size logs fit in a Pingewood Barbow?

The current Barbow can accommodate logs up to approximately 50cm long.

What is the difference between CorTen and Satin Graphite?

CorTen naturally develops a protective rust-coloured patina, while Satin Graphite uses a dark heat- and corrosion-resistant powder-coated finish. The underlying fireplace concept is the same.

Does the Barbow arrive assembled?

Yes. Pingewood states that the Barbow is supplied pre-constructed rather than as a flat-pack outdoor fireplace.

Can I see a Pingewood before buying?

Yes. Bonfire currently displays the CorTen Barbow at its showroom near Reading, Berkshire. Contact us before travelling to confirm current display availability.