The Weber 2726 fireplace makes a good sized fire that generates plenty of heat and will burn for a long time, making it well suited for a backyard party. It has a clean and simple appearance, and the smooth porcelain coating gives it an attractive look. It also provides a clear view of burning logs and glowing embers.
The fireplace has three separate pieces: the base that supports the fire; the lid; and a lifter that holds the lid over the fire. When placed on the riser, the lid prevents heat from escaping into the sky and instead directs it towards you and your guests. The cap can also provide protection from light drizzle, which is a blessing when you’re unlucky with the weather.
The lid also fulfills an important safety function. When the party is over, you don’t need to wait for the fire to die down, and you don’t need to resort to dousing the fire with water (which could damage the fireplace). Rather, just use a fire tool to remove the riser (it will be hot) and place the lid directly on the base. This will smother the flames and extinguish the fire safely, as well as save unburned wood and charcoal for the next fire.
Assembly takes about 20-30 minutes. There are a couple dozen screws and bolts to insert, so you’ll need a screwdriver and adjustable wrench. You will also need two pounds of sand to put in the bottom of the container. This is easy to overlook in the assembly instructions, but it is important to isolate the bottom of the container.
The assembly instructions themselves are a bit cryptic, basically because they are a series of diagrams with no words written on them. This means that Weber can service 25 different languages in one instruction booklet, because they only need to translate the warnings and warranty, but they don’t need to translate the instructions (because they are just pictures). I guess this helps keep the cost down, but makes the build more challenging than it needs to be. That said, construction is relatively straightforward as long as you take the time to study the diagrams beforehand so you know what goes where. The pieces themselves are precision made and will fit together easily without having to bend or force anything.
When placing the fireplace for use, make sure it is on a non-combustible surface (stone, brick, etc.). Also, because the chimney does not have a screen and is open to the air, sparks will escape and can travel in the air. drafts, so be sure to place it a good distance (for example, 35 feet) from flammable materials. The aluminum heat deflector under the brazier can also be made more effective by putting a bit of sand (or even water) on it.
The product comes with a two-year limited warranty, which basically means that Weber will replace any defective part, as long as the fireplace is assembled and operated according to the instructions.
This is the latest version of a Weber design that has stood the test of time. With normal maintenance, you can expect it to last for many years. Although not particularly heavy, it feels solid and well made. Some other fire bowls will deteriorate after a few years, but not the Weber. The bowl and lid are the same type of porcelain-enameled steel construction Weber uses in its outdoor grills, and both are strong and resistant to heat and corrosion.
In short, with the Weber 2726 outdoor fireplace you get a highly functional and durable fire pit that is worthy of the Weber brand. It generates a lot of heat, with an open fire setting that makes it ideal for a backyard party or a quiet, romantic evening.