How to Buy an Outdoor Fire Pit
September 07, 2011, By Tina Foreman 0 comments
With temperatures dropping and autumn nearly upon us, your time on the patio can be seriously compromised. It’s just not as much fun in your outdoor living space when there’s a chill in the air. But you want to get as much out of it as you can all year long. So how do you handle this dilemma? We go back to one of man’s oldest fascinations—fire. More specifically, we look to a traditional wood-burning fire pit. Here are some basics to help you find a great fire pit for your home to keep your patio warm even in the cold months.
Bowl Material
Choosing the proper material is essential for getting the best in form and function. Copper is one of the most common bowl materials for a fire pit because it's a good conductor of heat, making it ideal for keeping warm. Its high melting point makes it well suited to heavy use. However, leaving it outside without a cover can lead to a green patina forming due to oxidization, so make sure you cover it up or give it a good cleaning when necessary.
Cast iron is just as strong as copper but a bit more affordable. It's a strong metal, which is reflected in its weight—it tends to be heavy, which can hamper portability, but is useful when you want something that will stay securely in place. Its melting point is lower than other metal, so corrosion and thinning can be a problem, though only after years of heavy use.
Steel remains a popular choice due to its look, relatively light weight and durability. With a heavy gauge steel fire pit, you’re guaranteed years of regular use with virtually no problems. Whether stainless or carbon, it blends well with any patio setting.
Size
Finding the right size comes down to two main questions: Do you want to use your fire pit as a centerpiece or do you prefer it as an accessory?
If you want your fire pit to be the focus of your outdoor space, go with a large model, preferably 40 inches or more in width. The larger size gives you more room to build a big fire. A round style is the best choice for a centerpiece fire pit, as you can arrange chairs around it and give everyone a spot to sit and enjoy.
For a fire pit that serves more as an accent piece, not taking up too much room but still providing heat and entertainment, 30-inch and smaller models work best. They’re convenient enough to work on a patio with other furniture and a grill but still serve their intended purpose
Accessories
Got your fire pit picked out? Then don’t forget about a couple of essential accessories. Many fire pits come with a spark screen, but if yours doesn’t, make sure you pick one up. These screens sit on the bowl of your fire pit and keep any stray sparks or embers from escaping and causing fires. A high-quality cover is mandatory to keep your fire pit looking great for years. You don’t want to come out to a fire pit filled with rain from a storm or covered in a layer of ice after a cold January day. Covers are quite affordable and definitely worth purchasing.
Buying a fire pit shouldn't be complicated. It’s a fun accessory and purchasing one should be enjoyable too. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find the perfect one in no time!
Tina Foreman is a writer with OutdoorLiving.com/learning-center/ and loves spending time out on the patio.
