Brazier made from wheel rims: 5 proven manufacturing methods with photos and videos

Old rims are not trash, but an excellent material for creating a functional and stylish barbecue. Instead of paying for ready-made structures made of cast iron or stainless steel, you can make portable or stationary grill literally in one day, spending a minimum of money. In this article we will look at 5 proven designs (from the simplest to the multifunctional), we will dwell on choosing disks, metal processing and assembly nuances. You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes, which spoil 80% of homemade barbecues.

We will pay special attention security: which disks cannot be used, how to properly attach the legs so that the grill does not tip over, and which fireproof coatings will extend the service life of the structure. At the end of the article - FAQ with answers to pressing questions (for example, is it possible to fry on aluminum disks and how to deal with rust).

If you already have old disks, great! If not, we will tell you where to get them free or for pennies. Main rule: do not take discs with cracks or severe corrosion - they may not withstand high temperatures. Now let's get down to business.

1. Which discs are suitable for the barbecue: selection criteria

Not every wheel is suitable for making a barbecue. Here are the key parameters to pay attention to:

• 🔧 Material: optimal - stamped steel wheels (for example, from VAZ 2101-2107, GAZelle or UAZ). They are thicker and stronger than cast ones and hold heat better. Aluminum wheels (cast) use not recommended - they can become deformed from the heat.
• 📏 Size: diameter from R13 up to R17. Discs R15-R16 - gold standard: roomy enough, but not too heavy. For a large company, discs from SUVs (for example, Nissan Patrol or Toyota Land Cruiser).
• 🔍 Condition: no through cracks, strong rust (surface corrosion is acceptable, which can be cleaned out). Check the welds on the old wheels - they should not come apart.
• 🚗 Origin: it’s better to take discs from passenger cars or minibuses. Wheels from trucks (for example, ZIL or KAMAZ) are too heavy and awkward to carry.

Where to get discs cheap or free:

• 🔄 Scrap metal collection points — they often give away old disks for a nominal fee (50–200 rubles per piece).
• 🚗 Car disassembly - especially those that specialize in domestic cars.
• 📢 Avito/Yula - search for “used wheels”, “wheels for scrap metal”, “wheels for barbecue”.
• 👨‍🔧 STO - many workshops throw away old disks after replacement.

⚠️ Attention: Never take discs that have been in serious accidents - even if they look intact on the outside, the metal could have internal microcracks. When heated, such a disk may burst.

2. Tools and materials: complete checklist

To avoid distractions while working, prepare everything in advance. Here is the minimum set:

Angle grinder (grinder) with cutting wheel for metal

Welding machine (or electrodes for manual welding)

Drill with a set of metal drills

Sandpaper (80-120 grit) or metal brush

Hammer and pliers

Tape measure and marker

Protective gloves, glasses and respirator

Metal paint (heat-resistant, for example, Kudo or Bosny)

-->

Additionally you may find it useful:

• 🔧 Pipes or fittings for legs (diameter 15–20 mm).
• 🔨 Hinges and latch (if you are making a grill with a lid).
• 🧲 Magnets (for fixing removable elements).
• 🔥 Fire brick (for stationary structures).

If you don’t have a welding machine, you can get by bolted connection, but such a grill will be less durable. An alternative is to use clamps or metal plates for attaching disks to each other.

⚠️ Attention: When working with an angle grinder Never use cutting wheels designed for stone or wood - they may fly apart at high speed and cause injury. Take only metal circles with markings A (for steel).

3. 5 proven designs of barbecue made from disks

The choice of design depends on your needs: whether you need a portable grill for picnics or a stationary one for your dacha, whether you plan to grill shish kebab or cook a barbecue. Let's look at the most popular options.

3.1. Classic barbecue made from one disk (the simplest)

Ideal for beginners. Suitable for preparing shish kebab for 6–8 servings.

• 🔧 Cut with a grinder half rim (in diameter), leaving the central part intact.
• 🔨 Weld or screw legs from reinforcement (length 30–40 cm).
• 🎨 We paint with heat-resistant paint (optional).

Pros: fast, cheap, easy to carry. Cons: small area for coals, inconvenient to fry large amounts of meat.

3.2. Brazier made of two discs (with lid)

A more functional option: the lower disk is for coals, the upper one (with holes) is for meat.

• 🔧 Cut out in the top disc holes (diameter 10–15 mm) for air access.
• 🔨 Connecting disks loops on the one hand and latch on the other.
• 🔥 In the lower disk you can do ash tray made of sheet metal.

This grill is convenient for barbecue — the meat will not burn, and the smoke evenly envelops the food.

3.3. Barbecue smokehouse (for cold and hot smoking)

For lovers of smoked meats. You will need three disks:

• 🔧 The lower disk is for coals.
• 🔧 Medium - for wood chips (with holes).
• 🔧 The top one is for food (with a lid).

Leave a gap of 5–7 cm between the discs. For cold smoking you need chimney from the pipe, which will remove smoke to the side.

3.4. Grill with grate

Suitable for cooking steaks, fish, vegetables. Construction:

• 🔧 Two disks (the lower one is for coals, the upper one is with a grate).
• 🔧 Grate made of reinforcement or ready-made (can be taken from an old stove).
• 🔧Adjustable legs to change height.

Tip: if the grille is removable, make grooves in the upper disk to secure it.

3.5. Stationary barbecue with brick base

For a summer house or gazebo. Here the disks play a role frying chamber, and the base is made of refractory bricks.

• 🔧 The discs are installed vertically or horizontally (like a shower stall).
• 🔧 You can do it on top chimney from the pipe.
• 🔧 We leave a hole at the bottom for blowing.

This grill lasts for decades and can withstand any weather.

Construction	Difficulty	Capacity	Mobility	Suitable for
One disk	⭐	6–8 servings	✅ Easy to carry	Shish kebab, sausages
Two discs (with cover)	⭐⭐	10–12 servings	✅ Portable	BBQ, fish
Smokehouse	⭐⭐⭐	5–7 kg of products	❌ Stationary	Smoked sausage, cheese, meat
Grill with grate	⭐⭐	8–10 servings	✅ Portable	Steaks, vegetables, fish
Stationary with brick	⭐⭐⭐⭐	15+ servings	❌ Not transferable	Banquets, large companies

4. Step-by-step instructions: grill made of two disks

Let's consider the most universal option - a grill with a lid. You will need: 2 steel disks (for example, R15), leg fittings, hinges and latch.

Step 1: Prepare Disks

Clean wheels from rust metal brush or a grinder with a petal circle. Degrease the surface with solvent.

B top disk Use a marker to draw holes (diameter 10–15 mm) in a checkerboard pattern. Drill with a drill or cut with a grinder. Holes are needed for air access and smoke removal.

Step 2: Making the legs

Cut 4 pieces of reinforcement 30–40 cm long. Weld them to lower disk (if there is no welding, use bolts and nuts). For stability, the legs can be connected to each other with jumpers.

Step 3: Attaching the Cover

Weld loops to the upper and lower disk on one side. On the other hand, install latch (you can use a magnet or a hook). The lid should open 180°.

Step 4: Processing and Painting

Clean all welds. Cover the grill heat-resistant paint (withstands up to 600–800°C). It is better to paint in 2 layers and let it dry.

Optional: you can put it inside fire brick for better heat retention.

How to make a grill without welding?

If you do not have a welding machine, connect the disks using metal plates and bolts. For legs use clamps or corners. The main thing is to ensure the rigidity of the structure so that the grill does not wobble. Suitable for lid piano hinges, which are attached to metal screws.

5. Mistakes that ruin 90% of homemade barbecues

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to distortion of the structure, fire hazard or inconvenience of use. Here's what not to do:

• 🔥 Use discs with cracks - when heated, they can break.
• 🌡️ Make your legs too low - the coals will quickly cool down and the meat will burn.
• 🔧 Save on lid fastening - if it is poorly fixed, smoke will flow to the sides.
• 🎨 Paint with regular paint - it will burn and release toxic substances.
• 🚫 Place the barbecue on the grass or wooden flooring - risk of fire!

Another common mistake is lack of airflow. Without air flow, the coals burn poorly and the meat takes too long to cook. Solution: Drill holes in the bottom disk or leave a gap between the legs.

⚠️ Attention: If you do smokehouse, never use for smoking pine or spruce firewood - they emit resin, which spoils the taste of food. Best option: alder, oak or fruit trees (apple tree, cherry tree).

6. Safety: how to use a barbecue made from disks

A homemade grill is not only convenience, but also responsibility. Here are the rules that will protect you from burns and fires:

• 🔥 Distance to flammable objects - at least 2 meters.
• 🌬️ Do not use gasoline or kerosene for ignition - only special liquids or dry alcohol.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Do not leave the grill unattendedif there are children or pets nearby.
• 🚰 Keep water or a fire extinguisher handy (especially in dry weather).
• 🧤 Use oven mitts or gloves — the metal heats up to 300°C and above.

After use, give the grill cool completely before transportation. If the discs are painted with heat-resistant paint, they cool faster, but still remain hot for 15–20 minutes.

If the grill is rusting, treat it after it cools down. vegetable oil (in a thin layer) - this will create a protective film. For long-term protection, use anti-corrosion sprays (for example, WD-40).

7. Alternative ideas: what else can be made from old disks

If you have extra disks, don't rush to throw them away. From these we get:

• 🪑 Gazebo table - just weld the legs and put glass or a board on top.
• 🌿 Flower garden - cut out the center, paint and plant flowers.
• 🔦 Sconce or street lamp — place an LED strip inside.
• 🚪 Wicket or gate — discs can be used as decorative elements.
• 🎣 Fishing rod stand - if you cut out segments and fasten them vertically.

Discs from trucks (for example, ZIL-130) are suitable for making potbelly stoves or chimney. And if you cut the disk into segments, they will turn out to be original garden sculptures.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use aluminum (cast) disks for barbecue?

Technically possible, but not recommended. Aluminum does not hold heat well, deforms at high temperatures and can release oxides that are harmful to health. If there is no other option, use alloy wheels only for cold smoked (temperature up to 100°C).

What disc diameter is best to choose for a barbecue for 10 people?

Optimally - R16 or R17. This grill can hold up to 12–15 servings of shish kebab or 5–7 kg of barbecue meat. If you take a disc from SUV (for example, Nissan X-Trail), check its weight - some models are too heavy to carry.

How to paint a barbecue made from disks so that the paint does not peel off?

Use heat-resistant paints based on silicone or acrylic. Good options:

• Kudo (withstands up to 750°C),
• Bosny (up to 600°C),
• Certa (up to 800°C, for stoves and fireplaces).

Before painting it is necessary clean the metal until it shines and degrease it.

How to make a grill from disks without welding?

Instead of welding, use:

• Bolts with nuts (diameter 8–10 mm) - for attaching legs and connecting plates.
• Clamps - for fixing disks to each other.
• Rivets - if you have a riveter.

Suitable for lid piano hinges on metal screws. The main thing is to ensure the rigidity of the structure so that it does not wobble when carried.

How many coals do you need for a barbecue using an R15 disk?

For one layer of shish kebab (6–8 skewers) is enough 1–1.5 kg charcoal. If you are barbecuing or smoking food, take 2–2.5 kg. The coals should occupy no more than 2/3 of the disk volume, otherwise they will burn too quickly.