The Flame Engine Buddy fire bowl from Madlener Grillshop made an excellent impression during our test. The Flame Engine Buddy promises unforgettable evenings full of warmth and atmosphere. The manufacturer advertises the product for its cozy warmth, easy transport and low-smoke combustion. Only the heavy weight and size may restrict some users during transportation. Made from high-quality stainless steel with a simple design, the Flame Engine Buddy is versatile and stable thanks to its feet. However, the stainless steel lid must be ordered separately to extinguish the fire safely. A practical, high-quality carry bag is provided for transportation and storage. Instructions and detailed safety instructions are included, providing essential information on preparing, using and cleaning the fire bowl.
Advantages
✅ Made from high-quality stainless steel
✅ Low-smoke combustion
✅ Elegant design
✅ Easy cleaning thanks to ash drawer ✅ Carrying bag included
Disadvantages
❌ heavy weight
❌ Lid not included ❌ Packaging is not sustainable ❌ Limited 2-year warranty
The first impression
Packaging and contents
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | The packaging is made of plastic and polystyrene. | 50 points |
| Package contents & scope | 1x Flame Engine fire bowl with fold-out feet 1x windbreak 1x carrying bag 1x instruction manual 1x safety instructions | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Written in German and English, easy to understand | 100 points |
| Total | 88 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The fire bowl from Madlener Grillshop was delivered for our test in the company’s own cardboard box with the product name printed on it. Despite the heavy weight, the box was undamaged on arrival and could be opened without any tools. The fire bowl was in a plastic bag and packed in double-sided polystyrene. The package also contained a plastic transport bag , operating instructions in German and English and extensive safety instructions. The packaging optimally protects the product from external influences. Product protection is therefore fully guaranteed and the fire bowl was delivered in perfect condition . Although the packaging effectively protects the product, polystyrene and plastic packaging are considered harmful to the environment and are the only point of criticism.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Very good visual appearance, high-quality materials | 100 points |
| Processing | Very good workmanship and well thought-out design | 100 points |
| Stability | Very robust product due to the fold-out legs; weighs 10 kilograms (height (without feet) 40 cm; diameter: 51 cm) | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | No information on sustainability, but high-quality workmanship made of durable stainless steel (E 304) | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Unboxing
To begin with, it should be mentioned that the Madlener Grillshop fire bowl and the accompanying transport bag with the product logo make a good aesthetic impression. The engraved product logo on the fire bowl gives the product a classy look and recognition value. We are impressed by the appealing yet simple design of the product. There are no scratches or processing defects to be seen on the material. The weight is 10 kilograms with a height of 40 cm (without feet) and a diameter of 51 cm.
The robustness of the product is an advantage, but transportation is more difficult over longer distances. Accessories for the product include a lid to extinguish the fire immediately and to protect the fire pit and a base ring to improve the aesthetics of the fire bowl. Both accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Comprehensive operating instructions and safety instructions are included. A windscreen is included, only the cover for complete protection is missing. | 80 points |
| Handling | Simple operation with no assembly required. Lighting the fire is quick and easy. | 100 points |
| Cleaning | Cleaning is easy thanks to the integrated ash catcher. | 100 points |
| Combustion efficiency | Low-smoke combustion thanks to design with raised air inlets at the bottom of the fire table and double-wall technology to promote recombustion and secondary combustion | 100 points |
| Stability | Stability is ensured by pre-installed fold-out legs without the need for a base. | 100 points |
| Total | 96 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The high-quality fire bowl from Madlener Grillshop has been extensively tested and has impressed in all areas. The fire bowl is supplied with a comprehensive instruction manual containing all the important safety instructions. A windbreak is also included to protect against gusts of wind. However, there is no lid to fully protect the fire.
No assembly was required and lighting the fire was quick and easy . The bowl could be set up and used without much effort.
Cleaning the fire bowl was also easy thanks to the integrated ash catcher. This allowed the ash to be removed quickly and made it easier to maintain the bowl.
The combustion efficiency of the fire bowl was impressive. The design with raised air inlets at the bottom and the double-wall technology achieved low-smoke combustion. This promoted recombustion or secondary combustion and ensured efficient use of the fuel. Pallets can also be used as fuel.
The stability of the fire bowl was ensured by pre-installed fold-out legs. This meant that the bowl stood securely and firmly without the need for a base .
The fire bowl from Madlener Grillshop proved to be extremely versatile. In addition to its function as a fire bowl , it could also be used as a fire basket, barbecue or even as a piece of outdoor furniture .
Overall, the fire bowl from Madlener Grillshop impressed in the practical test. Only the lack of a lid to completely cover the fire could be noted as a minor point of criticism .
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good performance in the mid-price segment | 80 points |
| Rating cut | Not rated as no customer reviews yet. | |
| Total | 80 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to €389.99 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as € 164.70. The Flame Engine Buddy fire bowl from Madlener Grillshop is therefore currently in the mid-price segment with a price of € 239.20. The price-performance ratio is reasonable for the quality and performance received.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & contents | 20% | 88 points |
| 2. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 3. in the practical test | 45% | 96 points |
| 4. price/performance & consumer ratings | 15% | 80 points |
| Total | 93 points |
