About Outdoor Fire Pits

Types

• Outdoor fire pits come in three basic types: tabletop, fire ring and chimenea. A tabletop fire pit is a fire pit built into a low, usually wide, patio table. The table portion is usually made if iron while the fire pit is composed of copper, stainless steel or stone. Fire rings are outdoor fire pits designed to look like campfire rings. They are made of stone or iron rings designed to look like cut-off steel barrels often used at campsites. Some are even made to resemble clay pots. Chimineas are more like an outdoor furnace designed from a very large clay-like pot or vase. There is a hole in the front for loading in the wood and a hole in the top for ventilation. Some are designed to house a gas fire system.

Features

• Fire pits are made to use gas, wood or charcoal. The pit portion is rounded to allow enough ventilation to keep the fire going at a slow warm glow. Grills or rounded screens can top the pits, with the exception of the chiminea, which is left open.

  All fire pits are made from several materials including stone, granite and stainless steel. Gas fire pits are shaped to house either the propane tank underneath or gas logs within the pit. Wood and charcoal burning fire pits are designed to hold the materials without denting. All outdoor fire pits are made of durable materials that can easily withstand the high heat. They can be made to fit any size, shape or style requirements.

Warning

• Like any other device that heats with an open flame, take care to avoid burns. Do not touch an outdoor fire pit's surface when it is heating and keep it away from flammable chemicals and materials. Follow all instructions when using gas logs or propane tanks. Wood and charcoal fire pits may produce sparks, so keep them away from flammables like rugs and outdoor furniture.

Misconceptions

• Not all fire producing containers are fire pits. Outdoor fireplaces are not open enough to qualify as a pit. Instead, they are ventilated on top, but the hole is quite small and often connected to a larger chute. Wood stoves are like fireplaces in that they are not open enough on top to qualify as a fire pit, even when outdoors. Chimineas qualify because most have a lip that is open and pit-like.

Considerations

• When searching for an outdoor fire pit, consider the space it will inhabit. The fire pit must have enough space for both ventilation and movement so that guests can maneuver without getting burned. Choose a fire pit that fits the rest of your outdoor decor. Chimineas go well in rustic environments, but copper fire pits are better for the modern patio. Also, decide on gas, wood or charcoal burning before buying.