Remember when you go camping and you sit around a cozy campfire, exchanging stories while eating s’mores or hotdogs?
Well, you can bring the same experience and ambiance to your background. Instead of using large logs and digging a hole, you can replace the traditional campfire with an outdoor fire pit.
Fire pits will make a great addition to your patio. Aside from providing comforting warmth and roasting marshmallows in them, they also enhance the overall look and feel of your patio, deck, or yard. You can gather around a fire to relax with the family or entertain guests while watching the stars.
You should know there are different types of fire pits, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. For classic fire pits, you can either get a propane fire pit or a wood burning fire pit, which also come in different types. If you’re going to get one, make sure to choose the size, design, portability, added structures, and a fuel source that can accommodate your home. Read on to find out which outdoor fire pit is the best fit for your home.
Propane Fire Pit
The propane fire pit is the most convenient type. You don’t need wood or refilling gel to start the fire. Most of them are built large which provides more capacity for guests gathering around it. They can be made out of rock pebbles, glass, or faux wood.
The fire it produces is clean and smoke-free, plus there won’t be any ashes. It will also be easier to adjust and control the heat for most propane fire pits, decreasing the chances of causing a fire hazard. You also don’t have to worry about wet logs to start the fire. This pit easily turns on once it’s connected to a fuel source.
Compared to wood fire pits, the food cooked over propane will lack the nice smoky flavor. You may not need to get expensive firewood, but you still have to purchase propane, which isn’t cheap as well. Also, the flame can instantly die if the propane runs out while you’re cooking.
1. Propane Fire Pit Table
If you don’t want to sit on or near the ground when gathering around your fire pit, you should get the propane fire table. It’s elevated and comes with a ledge where you can place your cooking utensils, plates, and glasses. It also makes sure that children or pets can’t get close to the fire.
The propane fire pit table you see above can easily be ignited with a push of a button. It also comes with a control valve to set the height of the flame.
2. Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
If you don’t have the space for a fire pit table, you can get the portable kind. It offers similar ambiance and warmth, and you can move it from your patio to your yard or bring it to family gatherings. Some models come with wheels, so you’ll have an easier time transferring it.
You can still cook in it, but it will have a smaller capacity. This portable fire pit is easy to assemble since it requires no tools. It comes with a regulator so you can easily change the flame height.
3. Propane Copper Bowl Fire Pit
Aside from looking fancy, the propane copper bowl fire pit is extremely durable. Copper has a high melting point, making it a great heat conductor.
This material is also resistant to corrosion, so you don’t have to worry about its durability. With all these benefits, this fire pit is going to be more expensive. This copper bowl has lava rocks for a more natural-looking flame. You will also need your own propane cylinder to operate this product.
Wood Burning Fire Pit
Wood burning fire pits provide the closest experience to having the traditional campfire in your backyard. You can smell the burning wood, feel the same warmth, and see real smoke while being able to contain the fire. It produces and stronger fire and the food you cook will also taste better than when it’s cooked in a propane fire pit.
Unfortunately, it will be difficult to control the fire, and it will be harder to start, especially if the fire pit or log is wet. That’s why you need to keep it dry by either covering or storing it.
The fire will also produce smoke and you have to watch out for flying sparks and embers. Make sure to watch the embers until the fire has completely died. You also have to purchase and chop wood for its fuel, which can be expensive. It’s going to be annoying to store this fuel source since bugs are attracted to wood.
1. Fire Pit Table
If you prefer to have a fire pit that isn’t on or lowered to the ground, then you should get a fire pit table. It also comes with space around the fire, providing space for your plate, drinks, and cooking equipment. Most fire pit tables also offer a large capacity, just like the one below.
This patio fire table can accommodate around four to eight people. It can hold more wood, so you don’t have to keep refilling the logs which will give you more time to entertain your guests. On the other hand, its large size also means you’ll need more space in your patio or yard.
2. Wood Burning Fire Pit Grill
The wood burning fire pit grill can be used to provide heat and for cooking. It comes with a grill grate so that you can leave your barbecue cooking while you entertain your guests.
The grate for this fire pit grill swivels and can be adjusted up and down so that you don’t burn your meat. It also comes with a log rack to hold the wood for better ventilation and poker so that you don’t burn yourself.
3. Stone or Brick Fire Pit
This fire pit can be made out of bricks, stones, and cinder-blocks. You can easily source these materials if you want to build your own fire pit. If not, you can hire someone to do it or easily assemble one from kits, like the one below.
The fire pit above comes with a wire mesh screen so you and your guests don’t get burned with flying sparks. It also has a log grate so you can easily add or adjust the wood. It’s recommended that you place this one on stone or concrete surfaces.
4. Fireplace Wooden Fire Pit
Another option is an outdoor fireplace wooden fire pit. You can build one or have someone do it, or buy a portable design like the one below.
You can use firewood or artificial logs for this fire pit. It has a sliding door and ashtray so that you can easily add logs and remove ashes. Plus, it has a round roof so that you and your guests won’t be inhaling smoke or getting it in your eyes.