How to Shop for an Outdoor Fire Pit

Evaluate a chiminea, a Mexican fire pit tucked into a round body that stands above the ground and houses the fire. Measure the height of its chimney to be sure it fits your location. Decide whether clay, cast iron or steel appeals to you. Use pine logs for fuel as it burns easily and keeps bugs at bay.

Test-drive a round table fire pit. Sit on the ledge encircling the wok-like pit where fire is contained to determine whether it is comfortable and far enough away from the heat for comfort. Decide whether copper, cast iron or steel appeals to you and whether embellishments such as mosaics or inset slate are worth the additional cost. Learn which fuel burns best in the table fire pit you prefer.

Purchase a simple, round wok-style fire pit with a screen guard dome if the effect of the fire pit is more important than the image. Choose copper, carbon-steel, cast iron or aluminum bowls that sit on a decorative rack. Understand the limitations of the different fuels you can use.

Hire a contractor to design a fire pit made of stone, brick, concrete block or another fireproof material. Create the environment you want surrounding your fire pit and determine the fuel you prefer to burn. Know your neighborhood fire regulations and check to see whether permits are required before having a custom fire pit built.

Use a propane or natural gas fire pit if you live in a dense environment because they give off little smoke. Hook up a gas canister to the pit or hire a professional to connect an in-the-home gas line to the appliance. Speak to your building manager if you live in a condominium or apartment to be sure fire pits are allowed.

Place a fire pit where it is safest to use, whether the fire shoots straight up or is contained in the bowl. Clear away tree branches from above and position it away from the house. Lay a pad of stone or tile underneath the fire pit if placing it on a wooden deck. Keep embers as far from the wood as possible.