When a burn cage keeps filling up before the pile does, you need the XXL. It is the largest portable residential incinerator we build: a six-panel hexagon about 41½" across the flats — 48" corner to corner — and 48" tall holding over 30 cubic feet — about two and a half Large cages, or four 55-gallon burn barrels, in one load.
That capacity is the point. Storm cleanup, a season of brush piles, a barn full of flattened cardboard or years of sensitive documents go in at once instead of over six trips. Six panels instead of four make a much wider fire, with half again as much slotted steel feeding air into it, so a big load still burns all the way down.
Half again as much slotted steel as the Large, feeding one wide fire
Which panel thickness for a cage this big?
Both versions are the same hexagon and the same 48" tall. Only the steel changes.
- PRO Series — 11 gauge (0.120"): 60% thicker steel, about 35 lb per panel. If you are buying the XXL because you burn big and burn often, this is the one.
- Standard — 14 gauge (0.075"): about 21 lb per panel and easier to move single-handed. A sound choice if the XXL is for occasional big cleanups rather than a weekly routine.
XXL lid and riser base
The XXL takes its own lid and riser base — they are larger than the ones that fit the Small, Medium and Large. The lid keeps embers and light ash contained, which matters more the bigger the fire gets. The riser base lifts the fuel about 4" so the lower vents feed the fire from underneath, protecting the ground and collecting ash for easy cleanup. Each is a two-piece design that bolts together with three bolts and stores flat; hardware is included.
The XXL lid in place
- Made in America from hot-rolled mild steel
- American steel construction is nearly 2x thicker than competing burn cage models
- Hexagonal, six panels — 41½" across the flats (48" corner to corner) × 48" tall, over 30 cu ft
- Tab-and-slot assembly — no tools or hardware needed. Most owners leave it standing year-round; it breaks down flat for off-season storage or a move.
- Integrated handles for easy transport
- Panels ship in 2 boxes; the optional lid and riser ship in 1 more
One honest note on taking it apart: fire is hard on straight lines. After a season of full-heat burns the panels grip their slots, and separating them takes a rubber mallet and more leverage than first assembly did. Plan on leaving the cage standing between burns — that’s what the cover is for — and pulling it apart once a year, not weekly. If you burn hard and often, the thicker PRO panels hold their shape better, which makes take-down easier too.
A season of brush in one load
FREE UPS Ground Shipping — standard items ship free (excludes freight and Hawaii).
Covers
A custom-fit storage cover for the XXL is sewn in-house in Kansas. See the Pyro Burn Cage Cover.
Instructions
Specifications
| Overall width | 41.5 in |
|---|---|
| Overall depth | 48 in |
| Overall height | 48 in |
| Burn capacity (cu ft) | 30 |
| Footprint | Hexagonal — 6 panels |
| Steel gauge | 14 |
| Panel thickness | 0.075 in (14 ga) · PRO Series 0.120 in (11 ga) |
| Material | Hot-rolled mild steel, made in USA |
| Finish | Uncoated mill finish (patinas with use) |
| Shipping weight | 131 lb |
| Assembly | Tab-and-slot panels, no tools required |
KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Do the Pyro Cages warp?
All metal expands when heated. We have carefully designed the Pyro Cages to minimize the warpage that can result when the metal is hot, but the metal WILL warp to varying degrees. When burning organic material like limbs and leaves the effect is less than processed artificial material like cardboard, plastic. or wood that has adhesives. While the panels can distort it does not impact the effectiveness of the unit - any gaps that can develop are still small enough to safety contain the burn. Generally, the effect is most noticeable during there first couple of burns and tends to even out with use. The thicker PRO Series panels are fabricated from 1/8" steel and is designed for heavier and more frequent use. Even with this very thick material the PRO Series panels are not immune to expansion from heating and will warp to some degree.
Is it hard to take apart later?
First assembly is tool-free and takes a few minutes. Take-down after a season of hot burns is a different job: heat cycling tightens the tab-and-slot joints, so plan on a rubber mallet, some leverage, and working corner to corner. Most customers simply leave the cage assembled year-round — a fitted cover keeps it ready — and break it down once a year at most. If hand strength is a concern, plan on the cage living assembled, or line up a helper for the annual take-down.
How do you light a fire in the Burn Cage?
We use a long lighter to ignite our fires from the top of the unit. We burn a lot of boxes and there is always some loose paper that ignites easily to get things going. There's no need to light from the bottom - once you get things started at the top the fire will quickly work its way down. This is actually safer too - lighting the fire from the bottom can cause hot air to rise quickly to the top which can force lighter materials out of the cage if a Burn Cage Lid is not used. Starting from the top can prevent these "flyaways" from happening as the fire moves it's way down.
Will the Pyro Cages rust?
It's important to note that our Pyro Cages are cut from Mild Steel, and are not made from Stainless Steel. We made this decision very deliberately because we were able to make a burn barrel replacement that was nearly 2x thicker than the competition while still providing a larger cage for less money. If left out in the elements untreated, the Pyro Cages will develop a layer of surface rust that is an aesthetic issue only. The cages are much thicker and made from high quality American steel compared to cheaper import alternatives. Over time the Pyro Cages will turn a deep, dark red that we find much more natural in appearance than tarnished stainless steel.
While the cages are designed to be left outdoors in the elements, to extend the life of your cage it is important to prevent ash from accumulating in the bottom of the unit. When it rains, the ash will retain moisture like a sponge. When left in extended contact with the steel panels this can cause deep rust and premature failure.
We do offer a line of custom fit covers for each size of Pyro Cage to add additional protection to your cage that will add many years to the lifespan of the unit.
What kind of material can I burn in a Pyro Cage?
The Pyro Cage is designed to burn organic materials like brush, limbs, leaves, and common paper items including cardboard, junk mail, and old files to name a few. We do not recommend burning plastics, rubber, or manufactured items that may include adhesives or other chemicals that may create dangerous fumes or extreme temperatures.
Can I use gasoline or other accelerants to start a fire?
No - you should never use an accelerant to start a fire in a Pyro Cage. We've got years of experience burning in these cages and have never found it necessary, either. The most important thing to getting a good, clean burn is to make sure that your burning things that are dry with a low moisture content. Burning fresh cut leaves or limbs will be difficult and will result in excess smoke.
How do I extend the service life of my Burn Cage?
The most important thing to do to maximize the service life of your Burn Cage is to avoid extended exposure to moisture. There are two specific things that lead to premature failure: leaving ash to accumulate inside the cage and sitting the Burn Cage directly on top of soil. Ash will hold water like a sponge allowing the moisture to stay in constant contact with the steel leading to excessive rust to develop and eat away at the steel panels. We recommend placing the Burn Cage on top of a gravel or rock base or on top of concrete pavers to prevent extended exposure to wet ground. Following these guidelines will add years of service to your unit.
