Mastering the Heat Reflector: Ensuring Optimal Performance for Your Quaruba Fire Pit
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, your enjoyment of our handcrafted COR-TEN fireplaces starts with proper setup. A key component—often overlooked—is the heat reflector (sometimes called a heat shield) inside each Quaruba model. When installed correctly, it enhances both performance and safety, ensuring that your fire pit delivers maximum warmth with minimal smoke.
In this guide, we’ll cover what the heat reflector is, how to install it properly, why it matters, and how optional accessories like heat shields can help you enjoy your fireplace safely—especially in the Pacific Northwest climate.
1. What Is the Heat Reflector?
Every Quaruba fireplace comes equipped with a heat reflector panel. This simple but critical piece is designed to rest on four small hooks inside the combustion chamber.
Its purpose is twofold:
To redirect flue gases, slowing their escape so the firebox can reach higher temperatures.
To evenly distribute heat, ensuring that warmth radiates outward into your seating area rather than being lost too quickly up the chimney.
Think of the heat reflector as the difference between a fire that looks good but underperforms, and a fire that creates a truly cozy outdoor living space.
2. Simple Steps to Proper Installation
Because the reflector is a removable piece, it may shift during transport. If your Quaruba arrives and the reflector looks crooked or loose, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix.
Here’s how to install (or reseat) it properly:
Open the firebox and look for the four small internal hooks near the top.
Place the heat reflector plate so it sits snugly on these hooks.
Make sure it’s level and stable—the reflector should rest just above the flames when the fire is burning.
When seated correctly, the reflector works like a lid for the combustion chamber, keeping heat where it belongs and encouraging the fire to burn hotter and cleaner.
👉 Pro tip: Double-check placement after your first few fires. The natural expansion and contraction of steel can cause slight shifting, but once the reflector “settles,” it will stay put.
3. Why It’s Worth Doing Right
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of a properly installed heat reflector—but this small step makes a big difference.
Cleaner, More Efficient Burning
By redirecting flue gases back into the chamber, the reflector raises the internal temperature. This allows wood gases to re-burn before escaping, which reduces smoke and makes combustion more complete.
More Heat, Less Fuel
A hotter fire chamber means you’ll get more warmth with less wood. In a Quaruba, a well-positioned reflector can extend the life of each log, saving you both effort and expense.
Better User Experience
Nobody enjoys sitting around a smoky fire. With a reflector in place, you’ll enjoy less visible smoke, a clearer view of the flames, and more consistent heat distribution across your outdoor space.
In short: installing your reflector correctly is a five-minute step that pays off for years.
4. Safety Near Combustibles: Heat Shield Add-Ons
Another important aspect of performance is safety. Many homeowners want to place their Quaruba fireplaces close to seating areas, fences, or even under covered patios. While COR-TEN steel fire pits are designed for outdoor use, it’s crucial to respect heat clearance.
Optional Accessories for Safer Use
Concrete Back Wall: Adds insulation and pushes more heat forward. Great if you want to protect a wall or create a directional heating effect.
Heat Shield Kit: Works in combination with the back wall. It ensures the rear surface stays warm rather than dangerously hot, making it safe near combustible materials like wood siding or deck railings.
👉 Rule of thumb: If your Quaruba will sit within about 15 cm (6 inches) of wood or other sensitive materials, investing in a shield is a smart move. It lets you enjoy your fireplace placement without safety concerns.
5. Why the Heat Reflector Matters in the Pacific Northwest
Our climate in the Seattle and Puget Sound region is unique. We deal with cool evenings, damp air, and frequent rain. While this makes outdoor fires especially inviting, it also places demands on your fire pit.
Damp Wood Challenges: Even when seasoned, local firewood often carries more moisture. A reflector helps burn that wood more cleanly, reducing smoke.
Year-Round Outdoor Use: Many PNW homeowners use their Quaruba fireplaces from spring through winter. The reflector keeps efficiency high, no matter the season.
Small Backyards & Decks: With limited outdoor space in urban areas, accessories like heat shields make it possible to enjoy a Quaruba on patios or near fencing safely.
By combining COR-TEN steel’s natural durability with the right internal setup, you can create a fireplace that truly thrives in the PNW.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though reflector installation is simple, homeowners sometimes make small mistakes that affect performance. Watch out for these:
Running the fire without a reflector: The fire will still burn, but you’ll lose efficiency and generate more smoke.
Improper placement: If the reflector isn’t seated securely on the hooks, it may tilt, allowing gases to escape too quickly.
Skipping the shield near combustibles: Don’t underestimate how hot COR-TEN can get. Always add protection when placing your fireplace near wood.
Taking a few minutes to set up correctly prevents problems down the road.
7. FAQs About Heat Reflectors and Quaruba Fireplaces
Do I need to use the heat reflector every time?
Yes. It’s designed as a permanent component and ensures optimal performance.
Can I operate my Quaruba without the reflector?
Technically yes, but you’ll experience more smoke, less heat, and less efficient burning.
Will the heat reflector wear out?
No. Like the rest of your COR-TEN fire pit, it’s designed for longevity. Occasional checking for proper placement is all that’s required.
Can I install the reflector myself?
Absolutely. It’s a simple placement task that requires no tools. If you’re unsure, our team at Puget Sound Fire Pits is always happy to walk you through setup.
Do I really need a heat shield if I have a concrete back wall?
If your fireplace is close to combustible surfaces, yes. The combination of a back wall and shield provides the best safety protection.
8. Why COR-TEN Steel + Heat Reflectors Are a Winning Combo
At the end of the day, the beauty of the Quaruba lies in both its design and performance. COR-TEN steel ensures long-term durability, while the reflector and shield components maximize heat output and safety. Together, they create a fire feature that is as functional as it is artistic.
When you invest in a Quaruba fireplace, you’re not just buying a fire pit—you’re investing in:
Cleaner fires with less smoke
Efficient fuel use
Safe operation near outdoor structures
An evolving piece of art that only looks better with age
Final Thoughts
Taking a moment to properly install the heat reflector in your Quaruba fire pit is one of the easiest and most impactful steps you can take. It elevates your fireplace’s efficiency, boosts warmth, and reduces smoke—while optional shields ensure safe use in any backyard setting.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we don’t just sell fireplaces—we deliver, set up, and maintain them so you can enjoy every benefit of COR-TEN steel without worry.
🔥 Ready to experience the warmth of a perfectly installed Quaruba? Explore our collection of RB73 COR-TEN steel fireplaces today and discover why they’re the ultimate choice for Pacific Northwest living.
