Fire Pit Buying Guide: How To Pick The Right Fire Pit?
Fire pits are fun, but choosing the right one can be one of the most time-consuming and toughest decisions to make. But why is that, you ask? Well, today the market is filled with countless options. If you ever take a look at the market, you’ll come across tons of fire pit options. That being said, for anyone who is looking for a fire pit, the process of choosing the right one becomes challenging.
This is why when you’re buying a fire pit, make sure an expert who has knowledge of fire pits is alongside you. Otherwise, you can become an expert yourself. Here you must be wondering how? If you read this fire pit buying guide right till the end, you will become a fire pit expert yourself. If not, then at least you can be equipped to buy a perfect fire pit for yourself. In this fire pit guide, we will help people like you who are looking to buy a fire pit. So let’s start.
What to Consider When You Buy a Fire Pit?
Buying a fire pit is not like love at first sight. It’s more than just the appearance or the store you buy it from. There are more than 5 factors that you need to keep in mind when buying a fire pit. Factors like the price, how much heat it produces, the material used in making the fire pit, size, fuel type (probably the most important one), and tons of other factors. When you keep all these factors in mind while purchasing a fire pit, there is a 99% chance that the fire pit you will purchase is the correct option for you. Let’s dive in each of these factors in detail.
1. Cost
The cost of a fire pit can start as low as $80 and go as high as $2000. Why such a huge difference, you ask? Well, that’s simply because the cost of a fire pit depends on factors like size, quality of the material, and features. A large fire pit that will provide heat to more than 10 people will cost more than a solo fire pit designed for a single person. Similarly, the cost of a fire pit made from high-quality materials will be significantly more than one made from low-quality materials. Last but not least, if a fire pit is integrated with cutting-edge features, the cost will be higher. The fire pit with the highest cost is the customized fire pit.
2. Fuel Type
To make use of a fire pit you must need a fuel type. When it comes to fuel type there are multiple types of fire type. So when buying a fire pit you must keep which fuel type the fire pit must support.
1. Wood
Wood fire pits are the best option when you want to give your outdoor space a traditional look. Compared to other types of fire pits, they are relatively cheaper. Additionally, the heat they produce is natural, providing more warmth to the people sitting around them. That being said, if you live in a cold place, this might be the best option. However, along with the benefits come some downsides. The smoke they produce can be too strong, making some people uncomfortable. Also, they require a lot of effort to light. Furthermore, wood-burning fire pits can create a lot of mess, which can take several minutes to clean up.
2. Propane
If you don’t want to spend much time lighting a fire pit, you should go for a propane fire pit. These fire pits have a propane tank attached to them, making them convenient and easy to use. If you’re someone who travels frequently, a propane fire pit is a great option, as it can be easily transported. One of the best features of a propane fire pit is that adjusting the flame is quick and easy. Additionally, propane fire pits don’t require special cleaning since they don’t create any mess. However, it’s worth noting that propane fire pits are typically more expensive than wood-burning fire pits. Furthermore, the heat produced by a propane fire pit may not be as intense as that of a wood-burning fire pit.
3. Gas fire pit
Another fuel type, which is less popular than wood and propane, is the natural gas fire pit. These fire pits operate through the natural gas line located in your home. All you need to do is connect the natural gas line with the fire pit. The best thing about this fire pit is that it doesn’t create any mess. Additionally, it’s very simple to turn on.
4. Charcoal
A charcoal-supported fire pit is for people who want to cook food and prepare barbecue in their outdoor space. This type of fire pit isn’t the ideal option for providing heat to people sitting around it, but rather for grilling food outdoors.
3. Material
Fire pits are made up of various materials, and the materials used in making them can have a significant impact on the cost. It’s important to consider which materials a fire pit should be made of when choosing one.
1. Steel
If you’re seeking a lightweight fire pit that can be easily transported, a steel fire pit is the ideal option. Additionally, steel fire pits are relatively affordable. The best part about the corrosion-resistant metal coating on a fire pit is that it enhances its durability.
2. Aluminum
Another popular material used in building fire pits is aluminum. Aluminum fire pits are lightweight, similar to steel fire pits, making them easy to transport. They are highly durable and suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions. Additionally, aluminum fire pits are very affordable.
3. Stone
Another great material used in the making of fire pits is stone. A stone fire pit is the ideal option if you want to give your outdoor space an ancient look. However, when using a fire pit made of stone, you have to be very careful as it can crack if exposed to extreme changes in temperature.
4. Concrete
Concrete fire pits give your outdoor space a captivating and unique look that will grab your guests’ attention when placed in a gathering. But when you are placing a fire pit in your outdoor space, make sure to place it at a spot where you can keep it permanently. Because a fire pit made of concrete is heavy, thus moving them again and again is not possible.
5. Copper
Copper fire pits are not that popular, but people still use them. Due to their shiny and gleaming nature, they will give your patio or deck a modern and luxurious look. However, if you want copper fire pits to maintain their look for a longer time, make sure you clean them regularly.
4. Fire Pit Features
1. Spark Screen Included
If you have a fire pit, you must have seen that when you turn it on, you can see sparks flying. Well, to block them, a spark screen comes with the fire pit. This feature becomes necessary when you have a party or gathering so guests don’t get hurt by the fire sparks. Also, if you have kids and pets at home, you should look for a fire pit that comes with a spark screen feature.
2. Smokeless
Homeowners prefer fire pits that produce little to no smoke. These fire pits, called smokeless fire pits, operate on a mechanism that burns wood more efficiently and at higher temperatures, resulting in less smoke.
3. Portable
If you are a frequent traveler or looking for a fire pit that you can easily move from one location to another, you must consider a portable fire pit. Portable fire pits are lightweight and smaller in size, allowing you to move them from one place to another with ease.
4. Hidden Fuel Tank
A fuel tank can disrupt the look of the fire pit, which will ultimately affect the appearance of the entire outdoor space. However, a hidden fuel tank can save you from this issue. A fire pit with the ability to conceal the fuel tank is the ideal option if you want to give your outdoor space an astonishing look.
5. Size
The question of how to choose a fire pit will always remain unanswered without discussing the fire pit size guide. To select the right fire pit, you first have to determine the size of your outdoor space. If your outdoor area is small, opt for a smaller fire pit, and if you have a large area, go for a larger fire pit. Additionally, a smaller fire pit can provide heat for around four people, while at least ten people can gather around a large fire pit.
