Get warmth and ambiance with a fire pit
What is a fire pit and why get one?
Fire pits are structures made of stone, brick, metal, or pre-cast concrete that are designed to contain fire. Rather than dig a hole in the ground, plop one of these down and safely enjoy the warmth and ambiance you get from a crackling fire.
Along with providing heat during a chilly summer or spring evening, fire pits offer a lot of other benefits. The fire that emits not only keeps you warm but also produces light, perfect if you're outside with friends and family sharing stories over drinks. Some fire pits can be used to cook food or roast marshmallows, essentially doubling as portable grills.
Fire pits add ambiance to a space as you enjoy the sounds, sights, and, with wood-burning fire pits, smells of a roaring fire. Even when they aren’t being used, they are pretty stylish and add to the look of the patio, deck, or backyard.
What types of fire pits are available and which is best for you?
Fire pits come in sizes from as small as 22 inches and as large as 32 inches and in shapes like round, square, tall and cylindrical, spheres, oval, or even hexagonal. Some even have handles and are light enough to move around or take with you.
A wood burning fire pit is a safe receptacle to burn firewood while a propane and gas firepit uses propane tanks or a gas line. These have an ignition button, control knob, regulator and hose, and vary in BTUs depending on how hot you want them to get.
Wood burning fire pits are best if you live in a remote location, have enough space to accommodate one, or live in a city or town that does not have a fire ban. They usually come with fire pit accessories like a poker to stoke the fire, cooking grid, and safety lid to prevent sparks and embers from flying up. Propane gas fire pits, on the other hand, are smokeless and odorless and safer to use. They won't disturb the neighbors and won't break local laws. Made of materials like iron and stainless-steel, they might come with accessories like a rain cover. Some even have space around the perimeter for placing your drinks.
What should you consider when getting a fire pit?
First and foremost, check for fire bans in your neighborhood. If you live in a suburban area, you legally might not be able to use a wood-burning fire pit, making a propane fire pit your only option. If you opt for a propane or natural gas fire pit, keep in mind that you will have to buy propane tanks or, if you have a gas line in the house, have it hooked up to the table.
If you plan roast marshmallows for S'mores or char sausages while you chat, look for one that comes with roasting sticks or has an optional grill accessory.
Finally, consider size relative to your space, accounting not only for the pit but also seating around it. Typically, there should be about five feet of clearance above the pit and 16 inches around the circumference of the exterior. If you're using a wood burning fire pit, make sure it is at least 3 metres away from any structure.
Discover other outdoor heating products such as patio heaters, fire pit tables or outdoor fireplaces.