Nothing beats hosting gatherings in the garden with loved ones around a cozy firepit. The calming crackling of the fire, the enticing dance of the flames, and the scent of woodsmoke—a few upgrades may change your outdoor living area like a fire pit.
Whether for entertaining, cooking, relaxing or just enjoying the great outdoors, your family and guests will certainly have a great time around the fire pit.
In addition to providing the perfect gathering spot, a fire pit can also be a great source of heat during cool evenings. This means you’ll be able to spend a lot more time outside, having fun in your yard.
With a fire pit, you won’t have to head indoors as soon as the weather becomes chilly. By staying warm and cozy, you will get to enjoy the outdoor space you’ve created much longer into the evening and season.
So, without further ado, here is everything you need to know before shopping for a firepit.
Firepit Styles
Firepits come in different styles, which can range in shape, size and purpose. Learning a bit about them will make it easier to decide on the right one for your yard.
Fire Pits or Fire Bowls
A structure designed to contain a fire. It’s a great option for those looking for a traditional campfire or a cozy ambiance.
The bowl-shaped design of fire pits is their most prominent feature. Most bowls, including metal, are made of sturdy materials that can tolerate high temperatures.
The bowl’s function is to contain the fire and prevent it from getting out of control. Certain fire bowls might have intricate patterns or decorations applied to their surface to improve their aesthetic appeal.
The fact that fire bowls can be moved around is one of their best features. In contrast to built-in fire pits, fire bowls are portable and may be placed anywhere you like.
This allows you to rearrange your outside area to suit your requirements and tastes, including moving the fire bowl to different locations.
Fire Pit Table
A fire pit table is a sophisticated outdoor piece that combines the utility of a table with the ambiance of a fire feature.
It offers a useful platform for placing down food, drinks, or other items while enabling you to congregate around the fire table for warmth and enjoyment. Fire pit tables are ideal for entertaining guests or having meals outside due to their adaptability.
Glass guards or protective enclosures surrounding the fire pit are common features found on fire tables. These components aid in keeping the fire contained, thereby preventing unintentional contact with the flames.
Additionally, gas-powered fire tables’ increased control over the flame reduces the possibility of sparks or embers spreading.
Material
Your choice of material will depend on where you’ll place the fire pit and how often you will use it.
Steel
Steel fire pits have a metal coating that prevents corrosion, which gives them exceptional weather resistance. They are lightweight and portable due to their construction.
Cast Iron
If you’re looking for a traditional yet rustic option, go for a cast-iron fire pit. It’s robust, so you can rest peacefully knowing that it won’t topple over easily. Furthermore, cast iron disperses heat effectively and is a superior heat conductor.
Copper
A fire pit made of copper has a beautiful, inviting appearance that adds a cozy element to your patio or garden. It may though, take on a green patina from sitting outside. This means you will need to clean and maintain it regularly to preserve its original copper hue.
Aluminum
Aluminium is a commonly used material for making fire pits. It is lightweight, durable, heat-conductive, reasonably priced, and requires little upkeep.
Fuel Type
There are several fuel options for fire pits. Although wood is the most common, other options require less upkeep.
Wood
Wood is the most common fuel source found in most fire pits. Wood is affordable, natural, warm the space, and has the comforting aroma and glow of a bonfire.
On the other hand, wood-burning fire pits can be more difficult to start and maintain and they also emit more smoke. To ensure the fire keeps going on, you’ll need to make sure there’s a stack of wood at hand.
Charcoal
If cooking over your fire pit is your goal, then a charcoal fire pit is for you. Food prepared with charcoal will have a flavor and texture similar to that of a charcoal barbecue. With a smaller flame and regulated, uniform heat production, this material is easy to deal with.
Propane
These fire pits come with propane tanks connected to them, so they can be moved from one place to another if necessary. Compared to a traditional wood or charcoal fire pit, a propane fire pit allows you greater control over the flames. However, propane doesn’t provide as much warmth or heat as other fuels.
Bioethanol
Clean-burning, efficient, and biodegradable, bioethanol produces no embers, smoke, or ash during combustion. Because it is a pourable liquid, you may fill the burner pan with it repeatedly and maintain the fire for as long as you want. It doesn’t provide much warmth, but it’s a great choice for adding ambiance to your outdoor space.
Fire Pit Features to Consider
Spark Screen
A spark screen keeps sparks and embers burning inside the pit. By preventing sparks, the protective screen lets you enjoy the fire with peace of mind. If you have young children or pets or plan to have large gatherings around the fire, spark screens are a wise investment.
Cooking Feature
If you enjoy grilling meals over a fire, go for a fire pit that has cooking capabilities built in. With a grill-like slatted insert, you’ll be able to place food over the fire instead of directly into it.
Hidden Fuel Thank
Choose a fire pit with a concealed fuel tank if the idea of a fuel tank linked to your fire pit bothers you. After the fire pit is put together, the fuel tank is concealed within it, so visitors won’t even know it is there. It will help keep the attention on your fire pit while staying conveniently accessible.
A final piece of advice: It’s important to consider where to put your fire pit for safety. A minimum of three meters should separate your fire pit from your house, any other buildings, and any trees in your yard.
Maintaining sufficient space between your fire pit and other objects helps prevent them from becoming overheated. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the laws in your city regarding the installation of a fire pit in your backyard.