A fire pit offers a fantastic way to make the most of your backyard space, especially in cooler months. Different fire pits are available with unique advantages so that you can choose the perfect one for your needs and budget. When selecting a fire pit, you must consider the fuel type, material and shape. Here, we have put together nine fire pits to help you choose the one that fits your home’s backyard space and meets your needs.
1. Fire Pit Bowls
Fire pit bowls are available in diverse materials, such as steel, copper and cast iron and are a popular alternative. They are durable and easy to maintain, and prices vary depending on the material you choose. Fire bowls are wide at the top but deep within, often used as a centrepiece in a garden or outdoor space. It provides the best view of the radiant fire and keeps all the ash and embers inside.
2. Brick or Stone Fire Pit
Brick or stone fire pits are a cost-effective way to provide warmth and entertainment for your family and friends. Furthermore, you can quickly build your brick fire pit in a few days. You can source stones or bricks from your local hardware or landscaping supply store and assemble a brick fire pit yourself. You’ll get help from informative videos online for planning, designing and constructing an elegant brick fire pit in your yard.
3. Wood-Burning Fire Pits
Wood-burning fire pits trace back to the origination of human existence. When using wood-burning fire pits, you need to eliminate the risks associated with wood smoke. It’s imperative to select the best-suited fuel to get the best experience from your backyard fire. You should use well-seasoned firewood, untreated and unpainted and stored in a well-ventilated area, which will help keep your fires free from smoke as far as possible.
4. Propane Gas Fire Pits
Are you looking for a solution for keeping your outdoor social area warm in winter without bothering about wood and smoke? A propane fire pit might be perfect for you. Furthermore, it’s an elegant centrepiece that creates a “wow element” and a perfect ambience for a get-together or party, facilitating your guests to enjoy the fire’s warmth. A propane fire pit is pre-installed inside a ceramic bowl that conceals all proof of flames and smoke and can be used year-round without any threat to your landscaping. You can turn it on when you wish to warm yourself or your guests. After using it, you won’t have to clean ash, dirt or other untidy stuff, and it does not release flames or smoke. As there is no smoke, you’ll not face any problems concerning fire pit regulations in your area.
5. Fire Pit Table
A fire pit table is a work surface-sized pit to burn wood. Usually, the tabletop is made from steel and coated with stone, ceramic or porcelain to shield it from high temperatures and increase its longevity. The fire bowl on the top of the table must have sufficient space for airflow. The two types of fire pit tables are (1) Freestanding models – fully portable fire pit or with legs to facilitate placing on top of a deck or outdoor living space and (2) Permanent tables integrated into your entertaining outdoor area.
6. Gel Fire Pits
Gel fire pits burn clean, demand little maintenance and are easy to use. They provide you with the utmost enjoyment out of your outdoor space as you don’t have to worry about smoke pollution. Gel fuel is an excellent alternative to fire pits using standard liquid ethanol. Gel fuel is developed with water using a low-temperature reaction that generates no smoke, soot or odour. Gel fire pits are available in diverse fuel options; for instance, some brands also provide scented fuel to make it more appealing. Remember that gel fire pits generate less heat than wood-burning fire pits.
7. Collapsible or Folding Fire Pit
Collapsible or folding fire pits are usually made from lightweight steel, designed for camping and hiking, and are very portable. Thin sheets of steel are used to make collapsible designs, so they can be easily folded or disassembled to lay straight for easy handling, storage and transport. A folding fire pit is the best accessory for the enthusiastic outdoor adventurer, as you can take it anywhere from the campsite to a picnic in a park to the beach.
8. Chiminea Fire Pit
Traditional chiminea fire pits are usually tile or clay, while more modern models are made using steel. They have a smaller footprint than traditional fire pits, making them perfect for smaller backyards. Chimineas adorn a distinctive funnel shape and flared fire bowl area, making them an impressive addition to your backyard. Typically, chimineas are fuelled with lump charcoal or wood, so the fire is maintained for a long burning time, resulting in glowing coals that emit warmth for hours.
9. Barbecue Grill
Typically, a barbecue grill is made using metal, such as mild steel. The unique feature of a wood-burning grill is a flat grill over the coals. It is available with different accessories, such as flat grill plates and a commercial-style range hood. Wood-burning fire pits demand more maintenance than other fire pit alternatives. For instance, you’ll require a dedicated place to store the wood, arrange and chop it, and make it fire-ready every time, which requires some time.
Which Fire Pit Is Perfect For You?
You’ll get many options when shopping for a fire pit. It would help if you considered a few factors before deciding to buy the right one for your home; the three vital factors are:
- A fire pit must fit into the space you have.
- A fire pit must serve its intended purpose.
- It should be within your budget.
Other factors you need to consider are:
- Do you need a portable or permanent fire pit?
- How much warmth and light do you need?
- Will the smoke cause a problem for you or your neighbours?
If a fire pit meets your needs and style, it can provide you and your family with many hours of warmth and enjoyment during night hours.
