How to Maintain Your Fire and Cooking Table

Want to keep you Alfresco Fire and Cooking table in the best condition? Read on to find out more.

How to Maintain Your Fire and Cooking Table

If you own a fire and cooking table from Alfresco Fire Tables then you’ve made a brilliant investment. These luxury fire and cooking tables combine ambiance and versatility. This makes them perfect for gardens, patios or terraces. To help you keep your fire and cooking table looking great and functioning safely and at its best, we’ve put together this step by step maintenance guide. It covers everything from daily cleaning basics to winter care.

Why Maintenance is Important for Your Fire and Cooking Table

Your fire and cooking table should remain looking great as well as being functional. Regular maintenance will:

•Prolong lifespan - Minimal rust, corrosion and wear means you’ll enjoy your fire and cooking table for longer.

•Keep it performing well – Your fire and cooking table should keep producing efficient heat.

•Ensures safety - Any leaks or blockages can be dangerous so checking can prevent accidents while using your fire and cooking table.

•Preserves appearance - Avoids rust, faded finishes and discoloration from the weather. You want to keep your fire and cooking table looking brand new.

At Alfresco Fire Tables we design tables for year-round use but that doesn’t mean that they are maintenance free.

Daily and After Use Care

Right after using your fire and cooking table:

•Allow your fire and cooking table to cool down completely. We recommend at least 30 to 60 minutes. Never clean your fire and cooking table while it’s still hot. You can test it by gently touching your fire and cooking table with the back of your hand.

•Remove any debris from the surface. This includes food scraps if you’ve been cooking, any leaves, dust or bird droppings if your fire and cooking table has not been used.

•Wipe down your fire and cooking table with mild soap and water. For stainless steel, powder coated metal or ceramic finishes, you can use a soft cloth without abrasives. Afterwards rinse and dry thoroughly.

•Store any cooking accessories safely. If you removed grilling plates or utensils, make sure to clean, dry and keep them indoors or under cover.

Weekly and Monthly Checks

Depending on how often you use your fire and cooking table, every week or at least once a month you should:

•Check the burner and igniter area. Make sure to clean away any food residue or grease.

•Check for debris in the burner ports and mixing tubes. You can use a pipe cleaner or soft wire to clear any spider webs, leaves or grit that could block the gas flow.

•Check the gas hose and regulators, look for kinks, abrasions or cracks. Make sure fittings are tight by hand. We recommend to not overtighten.

•Test for leaks by applying a soap and water solution to connections with the gas turned on. Never light your fire and cooking table while testing. If you notice bubbles this indicates leaks. You can tighten or replace as needed.

•Check the flame performance on your fire and cooking table. An uneven or weak flame can mean blocked ports or low gas pressure.

Deep Cleaning and Inspection

For a thorough mid season or spring maintenance of your fire and cooking table:

•Turn off the gas and disconnect the cylinder after cooling.

•Vacuum or brush out the burner well and base compartment to remove any trapped dirt, leaves or insects.

•Clean the burner ports by gently inserting a pipe cleaner or soft brush into each port. This is to ensure free gas flow and remove any spider webs.

•Clean the burner surface and tabletop of your fire and cooking table. You can use mild soap, rinse and then dry. If your fire and cooking table has stainless steel surfaces, polish them to restore shine. For powder coated or painted finishes use mild detergent and water only.

•Check the structural surfaces. Look out for rust, scratches and cracked finishes. Light rust can be removed with sandpaper or a wire brush and touched up with rust resistant paint or sealant.

•Check gas lines, valves and controls visually for any wear and tear. Any loose, damaged or worn components on your fire and cooking table should be replaced.

•Reassemble and then run a leak test again. Afterwards test the fire, making sure there is a steady and full-length flame on your fire and cooking table.

Seasonal Care and Winter Storage

At Alfresco Fire Tables our products are made from high quality stainless steel and powder coated metals for durability. However, we still recommend carrying out protective measures. If you wish to purchase a luxury fire and cooking table, click on the following link to check out our range www.alfrescofiretables.co.uk .

Before Winter

•Disconnect and store the propane cylinder in a dry, ventilated and frost free area away from children and ignition sources.

•Clean and dry thoroughly your fire and cooking table. This includes the burner and top surface. Make sure to allow it to dry fully. This is to avoid moisture trapping.

•Apply a breathable and weatherproof cover. If you don’t have a cover for your fire and cooking table, you can purchase one from our website www.alfrescofiretables.co.uk . Covers made from polyester with vented lining, elastic hems or straps are great to secure snugly and prevent condensation.

•Store your fire and cooking table in a sheltered spot, if possible, such as a garage, shed or covered patio. This will help to prevent frost, rain or UV damage.

During Winter

•Keep your fire and cooking table covered whenever not in use, even if it’s left outdoors.

•Clear off snow or ice buildup quickly to avoid added weight or moisture damage to your fire and cooking table.

•Avoid using your fire and cooking table in windy conditions as this can extinguish the flame and cause poor combustion. Keep a windbreak or use the highest flame setting if needed.

Conclusion – How to Maintain Your Fire and Cooking Table

It’s important to keep your fire and cooking table maintained to keep it looking and performing at its best. At Alfresco Fire Tables we specialise in manufacturing and selling premium, luxury fire and cooking tables. If you wish to purchase a fire and cooking table from us, please visit our online store to view our full range www.alfrescofiretables.co.uk