For thousands of years fire has been a necessity to humans and although today the reasons we gather around fires may not be as vital as it was decades ago, the qualities we enjoy from fire remain much the same. Today’s fire pits are functional and stylish, rugged yet elegant. At Outdoor Fire Pits Only we have a tremendous selection of fire pits and outdoor heaters to choose from. Our goal to make your buying process as easy and enjoyable as possible so we’ve listed some information below to help you navigate your buying process and find that perfect pit.
Consider placement
The first thing to consider with a fire pit is where you intend on using your pit, as the question permanent vs. portable will come into play. As you begin to narrow down your search consider how frequently you plan on moving your fire pit. This is important if you intend on moving your fire pit often as some pits weigh hundreds of pounds and are designed to be stationary, typically utilized on patios and in yards. You will find that the larger gas and propane fuel fire pits and fire pit tables are the heaviest and stationary.
On the contrary, other fire pits are built with mobility in mind and are made from lightweight materials that work especially well for tailgating and camping. No matter what size fire pit or outdoor heater you are considering sure you have ample space in every direction to prevent any unplanned fires.
Propane or Wood Burning?
This can be a tough decision to make considering each fuel type has great qualities and benefits. If you’re the spontaneous, now type of person, Propane is the way to go. Most propane-fueled fire pits utilize simple push-to-start igniters, so getting your fire started can be as easy as pushing a button. Propane fueled fire pits are easier to manage than wood because the fuel consumption is regulated by the pit. This prevents larger or smaller than desired fires and eliminates the need for stoking and maintaining your fire.
If you have space constraints propane is a great option because you can avoid those unexpected flare ups and there are no embers to fly out and burn or stain your deck. You don’t want to light the trees on fire or lose your eyebrows! Propane is a clean burning fuel which subsequently makes cleaning a propane fuel fire pit almost unnecessary. No cleaning out ash or disposing of half burned logs. However one of the drawbacks is that propane pits won’t fair as well to prolonged outdoor exposure. They are more complex than wood fire pits, comprised of a variety of materials, so we recommend covering your pit when you are not using it.
Generally, propane fueled pits are more expensive than wood and do not come with a propane tank. With that said they provide a beautiful low maintenance fire you can enjoy instantly!
The best thing about a Wood Burning Fire Pit is not the fire pit but rather the natural fire itself. The smells, crackles and colors of a wood burning fire are irreplaceable and there is no better way to enjoy it than with a wood fuel fire pit. Wood burning pits tend to have simplistic yet sturdy structural design which increases the lifespan and decreases the cost. And because there is no need for a fuel attachment they are easier to move. As mentioned above, wood burning fires have great characteristics but they are also practical and functional as well. Many of our wood fuel fire pits come with steel or porcelain cooking grates that can be placed over top for grilling and cooking. To improve heat circulation most pits have an opening or lattice which better radiates heat through the side of the pit. Wood is also a cheaper fuel than propane.
However unlike propane, wood burning fires do require more work to get started, and must be tended to once the fire is burning. After use they also require cleaning and disposing of ash. In our opinion this small amount of work is well worth the enjoyment and the company you will receive from a wood burning fire pit.
A chiminea is also a great way to enjoy your yard or patio. Chimineas are short, round tubes that have a bowl like opening on the bottom and a chimney like smoke vent. They are typically made from steel, iron or clay and use wood fuel.
Fire Pit Materials and Care
Today’s fire pits are built for durability and aesthetic appeal. To find the perfect blend of each characteristic you must take into consideration of the material the pit is made from as each material has its strong points. Materials such as concrete and steel will provide a long lasting durable fire pit.
Tile, copper and wood built fire pits are especially pleasing to the eye, but not as durable against prolonged exposure to the elements. The most common fire pit material is steel and is present in at least the legs or bowl of the pit. The most important thing to keep in mind when referring to fire pit material is exposure to elements. If you plan on leaving your fire pit or heater uncovered outside be sure the majority of the pit is made from either steel, concrete or copper.
Cleaning will help to preserve your fire pits aesthetic look for years to come. Our fire pits are built to last and cleaning out the bowl after use will help prevent tar and ash from discoloring your pit. We recommend a fire pit cover while not protect your pit from the elements.
Safety
Fire pits are a great way to enjoy a patio, companionship and the outdoors, but no matter what type of fire pit you choose, caution needs to be taken before, after and while enjoying it. Before lighting-up your fire pit consider placement. This is the most important factor to take into consideration as you plan a fire. Be sure to give at least 10Ft. in every direction and 30 Ft. above the fire. Limbs, branches and overhangs need to be well clear of the pit as sparks and ambers may rise up. We don’t recommend using your fire pit on a wooden deck because flying ambers could damage or ignite the deck. Us a spark screen when possible. NEVER use a fire pit inside or burn fuel that is not recommended by the manufacturer because they are not designed for it.
When possible, avoid using your fire pit during windy conditions and never leave a fire unattended. Be sure the flames are fully extinguished after use and for cleaning your fire pit out after use will prolong its life.
