Forged accessories for hobs

Forged accessories for cooking stations combine traditional craftsmanship with practical utility over an open fire – whether in a re-enactment camp, at a medieval market or in your own garden. Tripods, cauldron stands, pan supports and fire baskets made of carbon steel are the tools that make campfire cooking authentic and functional. This product range is not merely decorative – it is equipment that has served its purpose for centuries.

What does the range of forged cooking accessories include?

The range can be roughly divided into two groups: support structures and holding and carrying tools. The first group includes tripods, fire baskets and fire bowls – these form the stable base of the cooking area. The second group comprises cauldron stands (also known as ‘hales’), pan supports, wall hooks and grill grates, which are used in conjunction with a cauldron or pan.

In addition, there are supplementary small accessories such as wall hooks and fittings, as well as the fire iron as a historical tool for lighting fires. Cauldrons, pots and pans themselves constitute a separate product category and are not covered here – though they complement the accessories well.

The predominant material in the range is carbon steel, alongside which simple steel is also found. Neither material is rust-proof – this is not a weakness, but a characteristic of the material. Carbon steel is easier to forge, develops a protective patina over time and is historically accurate. Maintenance is simple, but must be carried out regularly: wipe down whilst hot after use, lightly oil, and store in a dry place.

Fire baskets and fire bowls: fire pits with a history

Fire bowls and fire baskets look similar but serve different functions. A fire bowl is an open, plate-shaped steel structure, available in diameters from approx. 44 to 75 cm and priced between €54 and €101. Models without their own legs can be placed on a separately available forged stand. The fire bowl is suitable both as a heat source and for cooking, and combines well with a tripod.

A fire basket is an enclosed structure made of bent and riveted steel struts that hold the firewood from the sides. Models with a base plate protect the ground from heat and glowing embers – often a requirement at events, markets and re-enactment sites. Fire baskets are priced between around 59 and 109 euros.

What do you need for a fire pit? The essential basic equipment for cooking over an open fire consists of: a fire basket or fire bowl as a fuel container, a tripod or foldable cooking stand as a support, and a kettle stand for height adjustment. If you also want to fry food, add a pan stand or grill rack.

Tripod and pan holder: the heart of the fire pit

The tripod is the most versatile component of the portable cooking station. The three legs form a stable pyramid, at the top of which a hook or kettle stand is attached to suspend the kettle over the flame. In our range, you’ll find tripods from small versions for around €19 right up to large models with a leg length of up to 115 cm for around €50. Smaller tripods are suitable for individual pots of up to around 5 litres, whilst larger models allow you to cook with heavy kettles and can also be fitted with a grill rack.

The term ‘Pfannenknecht’ is used inconsistently in German-speaking countries. Essentially, it refers to a low, three-legged trivet made of wrought iron, which stands directly in the embers or over the fire and supports a frying pan or a shallow pot. Unlike the tripod, nothing hangs from it here – the weight rests on the frame. Pan stands are available from around €19 and are well suited to smaller pots and shallow cooking vessels.

Both tools can be combined with suitable kettles, pans and grill grates to create a complete cooking station.

Kettle saw and hale: height adjustment over the fire

A kettle hook – also known as a hale or cooking hook – is a serrated iron hook that is hooked into the hanger of a tripod. By selecting the appropriate tooth, the distance between the kettle and the flame can be adjusted in stages. This is the only way to control the temperature when cooking over a campfire without a modern stove – and a decisive advantage over a simple, non-adjustable hook.

Small pot hooks for pots up to approx. 10 litres are available from around €27. Medium and large versions with more teeth and a higher load capacity cost around €42. Those who regularly cook with different pot sizes should opt for the larger version. The shape of these tools has remained virtually unchanged for centuries – proof of their functionality.

Overview: Products by function and price range

Material and care: treating carbon steel correctly

Carbon steel is the historically correct material for forged cooking equipment. It is more malleable than stainless steel, easier to work with and reacts naturally to heat and moisture: it forms a patina. This dark oxide layer is not a flaw, but a sign that the material is being used correctly. If neglected, however, carbon steel can rust – this is a characteristic, not a defect.

After-use care is simple: wipe the tool with a dry cloth whilst it is still hot, rub it lightly with oil (e.g. linseed oil or cooking oil) whilst it is still warm, and store it in a dry place. For prolonged outdoor storage, a cover is recommended to prevent direct contact with rain and dew.

Why sand in the fire bowl? A thin layer of sand on the bottom of the fire bowl protects the metal from direct, concentrated heat from glowing charcoal. This distributes the temperature more evenly, reduces the thermal stress on the steel base and noticeably extends the bowl’s lifespan. This simple measure is particularly useful for thin-walled models.

Uses: Reenactment, LARP, medieval markets and gardens

Anyone looking for medieval camp supplies for their entire camp setup will find, alongside cooking accessories, matching cutlery, wooden plates and bowls, as well as lanterns and lighting for an authentic camp atmosphere. It’s also worth taking a look at rustic forged tongs and forged candlesticks from the same workshop tradition.

Forged cooking accessories made from carbon steel are not decorative items – they are tools that have served their purpose for centuries. Browse through the range and put together a cooking set that suits your camp, event or garden.

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