When looking for a fire pit to purchase, one of the critical thing to consider is your overall space - and not just the size and location. Is your physically space small? Are you considering a fire bowl for ambiance, warmth, or are you looking just for a multi-purpose solution –- like a fire pit with a grill or maybe a fire table? Do you like metal, ceramic, stone, or glass? Do you want a portable unit? What type of fuel do you want to use?
Evaluate your location and determine what size (diameter) best fits your location needs, along with any fuel type installation requirements.
How large of an area can your fire pit safely occupy?
Check the dimensions of the fire pit and your allowable physical space. The most important measurement is the width. Look at your location to see if the width of the unit will accommodate your selected location. If you are having any trouble visualizing space, grab a piece of newspaper, measure a circle or square based on the diameter of the widest part of the fire pit that you are considering, cut it out and lay the newspaper on your location. Only you have figured out the width, then evaluate the height. Look at your space and determine if the height is appropriate and nothing flammable is overhead. Additionally, don't forget to look at the base. Fire pits come in a variety of different base designs and be sure that you have proper protection if you are placing a metal fire pit that will leave rust rings on any porus surface that will leave a ring or other marks.
Fire Pit Styles & Sizes:
Table Top Fire Pits: The fire pit resides on the center and a table encircles the fire pit. This style allows your guests to gather around the fire and enjoy the ambiance. The tables often have a tiled mosaic pattern to them. The fire pit can be fueled by propane or natural gas, gel or wood. The heat generated from fire pit tables are generaly less then a standard fire pit.
Chimenea's are ?an increasingly popular portable outdoor fireplace. They were traditionally constructed from terra-cotta clay but can now be found in many assorted types of material including steel, iron as well as copper. Chimenea's were typically used as wood burners, but now in increasing numbers are now equipped with gas.
Do you have a material preference?
Fire pits ?are now made in a wide variety of materials. Look at your outdoor space and determine what style suits your location. Evaluate your flooring and make sure it will be safe for your fire pit. If not, there is a product called “Deck Protect” you may need to purchase to keep the heat from ruining the surface underneath and suggest keeping a garden hose available near by. Fire pits are fabricated with many materials including copper, iron, steel, aluminum, stainless steel, natural stone, manufactured stone, as well as ceramic.
Does it need to provide heating?
If your fire pit needs to provide heating then Gels may not be the best choice. Gels will crackle and pop and the heat they provide will not generate significant heat compared to wood or gas.
Do you need to be able to move the fire pit?
Some fire pits are portable while others are a little more cumbersome. If you are looking for a wood fire pit to take camping or tailgating, a smaller or one that can be broken down into sections may be perfect. Additionally, if you like to ba able to rearrange your outdoor space regularly a fire pit weighing a few hundred pounds will be a little cumbersome.
Do you need to have a LP Gas, Natural Gas, Gel, or Wood Fire Pit?
Gel will snap, crackle and pop and are usually used as more of a decorative flame instead of one that will actually put out heat. Gels come in a canister, and we suggest carefully stirring the container (unless the box states otherwise) to ensure the mixture is evenly dispersed. NOTE: Some gels may not fit other gel units. When using wood, we suggest looking up information on the best wood to burn as some will burn fast and put out more sparks than others. With ?n? fire pit, we suggest using a screens for safety.
Gas gives you the option of controlling the flame height as well as turning it off in an instant when you are finished using it. There is no need to have wood on hand and sparks are eliminated of course when using gas. Be sure to check all the fittings at the beginning of the season and do not use if the ring shows signs of rusting or leakage.
Price:
Fire pit prices can range from $100.00 to over $5,000.00 or more for a custom fire pit. For an upper end fire pit, they are usually made to order, so be sure to understand there is a waiting period of usually a few days to a few weeks from the day the order is placed until delivery. Fire pits that are more expensive usually use a thicker gauge of metal that will last a lifetime and not rust through. When it comes to fire pits, you do get what you pay for.
Safety & Other Concerns
* Place your unit on stable ground and keep dry grass and brush safely away from the unit.
* Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
* Be aware of your local fire ordinances - some local governments will not allow a wood burning fire pit in certain locations because of burn bans. Others have specific installation requirements when installing gas models and it is your responsibility to ensure your fire pit meets their specifications.
* Use your fire screen to contain sparks.
* Look at the surface you place your fire pit on. If you are using wood, be careful. Consider purchasing a deck protector as well as use a spark screen to protect your home.
* Make sure the fire is attended to at all times and fully put out before leaving.
Chimeneas must be "cured" to insure longevity and safe burning. Follow the manufacture's guidelines before use.
Lastly, be careful with fire at all times. Never leave an open fire unattended. Be careful with children at all times. Use your head.
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