The need for a backyard that meets the charm required for an extremely inspiring home is abundant in various architecture projects today. In addition, spicing up the patio is something many homeowners want to do.
What are the best fire pits for your patio?
While there are several backyard landscaping ideas that can shape your patio or backyard to become a serene, breathtaking space, the best fire pits do this with considerable ease.
There is something about having a fire to chat around when you are at home. This is the concept of the fireplace.
Fires create a focal point. People sat around a fire in ancient times and told stories all night long. So again, this is a concept around which campfires became the norm in outdoor activities around the world.
From giving your backyard the tweaks that it needs to move from good to great, to warming up the cold evenings and winter days, fire pits are more than an immense addition to any home around the world.
Technology continues to improve our lives. And not just ours, but for animals and pets too. Centuries ago, people would transport building materials using their own hands carrying one block after another to the building site. Then the invention of the wheel and consequent invention of vehicles made work easier.
The fireplace has evolved too. From people collecting wood and creating a fire every time they needed one, to fire pits that now use propane, you don’t really have to go through the whole process of collecting firewood.
And yes, the fire is mostly smokeless. No soot; no unburnt wood to worry about later.
We have tried various fire pits up to this point and come up with a list of the best fire pits for any homeowner seeking to improve their patio or backyard.
1. Outland Firebowl Propane Gas Fire Pit
This beautiful little fire pit is one of the best fire pits of its size. It is compact and lightweight, pleasing to the eye and very portable. If you are going out camping, it will fit very nicely in the car, if you are keeping it in the house somewhere, it can tuck itself on a shelf or a designated corner and still remain barely noticeable. You can use it on the balcony, backyard, or patio, and it will take up very little space.
It measures only 48 cm (19 inches) and weighs about 11 kilograms(25 pounds) but makes a ton of heat; more than 55,000 BTUs. For safety and to keep the propane gas tank far from the fire pit, the fireplace has a long hose to allow setting the tank away from the burner.
Additionally, it has decorative rocks which serve well to improve the beauty of the whole composition whether it is on the patio, yard, or campsite.
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2. Breeo Smokeless FirePit
This fire pit is one of the best bargains for adding some aesthetic feel to your patio or backyard landscape without breaking the bank too much. It has a nice feel and it looks like a permanent fixture in your space. The rugged look is safe enough for it to be left out in the cold, rainy, icy, or rough landscape. It is as outdoor as a fire pit can be.
Without having to mess with wood and ashes, you can enjoy the warmth and its easy setup. The pit has enough space around it to place a snack, beverage, or your feet if you are sitting back on a nice outdoor seat. Just don’t put either of these things too close to the fire, especially your feet.
The pit comes with a cover if you would like to cover it for the times you are not using it. However, if you forget to do that, no problem. The pit will still function at its best level.
The aesthetic appeal has been most appreciated. The propane gas fire pit is very well priced as well ensuring that customers don’t break the bank to afford it. This makes it one of the best fire pits on the market.
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3. TIKI Brand Stainless Steel Low Smoke Fire Pit
This low smoke fire pit is a proud Edison Awards Winner 2021 and has a patented internal airflow system that you'll love. This internal airflow system ensures that you have low smoke, less ash, and better fire.
The included ash pan also helps with the cleaning process because it lessens the mess created by the ash. The measurements of this TIKI brand fire pit include a diameter of 25 inches and 16 inches in depth.
You get a weather-resistant cover, a stand, and a wood pack with this purchase. If you don't want to use the wood pack, you can also use traditional firewood. However, there are benefits to using the TIKI brand wood pack such as getting an instant light fire and enjoying a 30-minute burn per pack.
Another advantage of using this outdoor fire pit is that it is durable. The 16-gauge stainless steel construction and the weatherproof powder-coated exterior mean that you'll be using this TIKI brand fire pit for a while.
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4. EAST OAK Fire Pit
This EAST OAK Fire Pit is made of durable material that is heavy-duty and rust-resistant. The stainless-steel used to make this outdoor fire pit is thick and is finished with black high-temperature paint.
This paint allows for better heat and rust resistance and also ensures that your outdoor fire pit can withstand any weather. When it comes to assembling this outdoor fire pit, you can be sure that it won't take any more than 5 minutes.
You can use it on your patio, backyard, deck, and even during your camping adventures. The fact that it's very affordable means that you can get it without breaking the bank.
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5. Ciays Large Propane Fire Pit 24 Inch
This fire pit includes a cast iron grate that’s perfect for heating food or liquids, though it’s important to avoid direct contact between food and the grill. The unit is easy to move thanks to foldable legs and a compact design. A 10-ft gas hose, hose hooks, and a lid come included, along with a propane tank holder for convenience.
We love how simple it is to use. The Piezo electric ignition is reliable, lighting up the fire pit every time with no external power required. With its 58,000 BTU heat output, it keeps you warm during cooler evenings. The flameout protection ensures safety in windy conditions or if the flame is extinguished. Overall, this fire pit is a great option for those who want warmth without the hassle of smoke or wood.
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What Are Considerations When Choosing the Best Fire Pit for Patio?
1. Fire Pit Type
As we've seen above, there are various types of fire pits. For example, you can get one in the shape of a bowl, a tabletop fire pit, and so on. Let's look at a few.
a). Fire Tables
Fire tables are available in several categories, including their size. There are usually Rectangular fire tables, square fire tables and the octagonal fire tables. Fire tables are mostly operated using natural gas, propane, and electricity as the fuel source.
This type of fire pit can be easily placed as fire pit between two patio seats that create a dining area. The best about them is the smooth appearance and the fact that around the pit area there is a ledge on which one can put the cups or glasses.
Hence, if you’re intending to have a glass of wine, a hot mug of coffee or anything to get some warmth, you know where to put that.
b). Fire Bowls
The regular fire pits you may place in your outdoor area are usually made in metal and are in form of a large bowl. Popular materials that are used to construct fire bowls are copper and steel.
But you can also likely find those that are made of concrete. The benefit that these kind of fire pit has over the fire tables is that they are more movable.
It is portable enough in that you can easily transfer your fire bowl from one part of the patio or from the backyard to the other. These include propane, natural gas, as well as wood They are some of the most commonly used fuels. Consequently you can obtain a get wooden burning fired en-shrine fire pit is a fire bowl.
c). Tabletop Fire Bowls or Tables
You can think of these as mini fire bowls and fire tables. You'll need to place these fire pits on a table so that they can act as a focal point. The advantage of these smaller versions is that they are more portable.
These types mostly use propane and gel fuel gas fuel. These are great options if you have a pool area, a deck, or a small patio.
d). Chiminea
Traditional chimineas were made from terracotta (clay). However, modern chimineas are made from metals such as copper, aluminum, and cast iron.
Chimineas have been used for heating and have been around for years. However, they are very heavy and can be a hassle to move around. Nonelethess, they produce plenty of heat and use wood as a source of fuel.
e). Fire Columns
Fire columns are tall but rather thin. For instance, if you have a limited space in your yard, which contains the fire pit, a fire column is the way to go. These fire pits use propane or natural gas for their fuel to provide your area with an elegant ambiance.
2. Fuel Type
When choosing the type of fire pit you want to use, look at the type of fuel the fire pit will use and how easy it is to get that fuel. This is important to consider since you don’t want to be with a fire pit product that you cannot use since cannot find the fuel.
Another feature that can be taken into account when selecting the fuel type itself is the type of atmosphere is desired with the fire pit. For instance if you fancy the idea of having a fire place in the middle of winter with your mug of cocoa you should consider using wood fuel.
On the other hand, if you wish total no noise at all or do not mind a hissing sound of a propane fire pit, then propane gas is the fuel you use. If you go for the wood burning fire pit ensure that you have a place to store the wood.
More advantage of natural gas or propane fuel is that less smoke, debris, and ash produced as compared to the solid fuel.
3. Safety
How safe is it to have a stone fire pit, wood fire pit, or any other fire pit in your patio or backyard? You have to consider this before you get a fire pit. For example, do you have pets or kids that love to play in the backyard?
Ensuring that you get a good fire pit that matches your household is a big deal. Also, before you purchase your fire pit of choice, talk to everyone in your household about the dos and don'ts when dealing with the fire pit.
Another safety consideration to note is that you can't use a wood-burning fire pit under low branches, in windy areas, or on covered porches.
4. Construction
What materials are used to construct the fire pit you want? Ensure that you choose one that has a durable construction so that it lasts the longest. Although cast iron is the most reliable choice in terms of durability, it's also heavy.
Therefore, take this into consideration as you choose the kind of material you want to get. Cast aluminum is also another great choice, but it's prone to rust.
Copper is also cool, but you have to take into account the fact that it might stain. Therefore, you just have to choose your battles when it comes to material.
5. Wood-Burning Laws
Before getting a wood-burning fire pit, ensure that you're familiar with the wood-burning laws in your area. If need be, check with your home owner's association if they have any restrictions. You can also diligently check with your city or county laws for any restrictions about fireplaces, fire pits, and burning wood.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Fire Pits for Patio
1. How does an outdoor firepit work?
Depending on their source of fuels, fire pits work differently. However, a propane fire pit works in an interesting way. The fire pit burner sits in a pan and is surrounded by fire-resistant glass, lava rocks, or ceramic logs.
What you'll see is the propane fire that burns clean without producing any smoke or ash. This is why these fire pits are a common feature in many modern homes. You get to enjoy the heat of an outdoor fire without having to deal with the smoke or ash.
2. Can you place your fire pit on top of pavers?
Yes. It is recommended that your fire pit is placed on pavers because the concrete will be strong enough to support the structure and it is non flammable.
So if someone wants a nice location for your outside area fire pit and do have some nice pavers then don’t worry you won’t wreck them.
If you have to risk placing your fire pit on the grass, then you should make sure you get a fire proofing mat first. For the pavers and the grass you should make sure that the fire pit is firmly anchored such that it cannot move in any direction.
3. Do fire pits give off much heat?
Unlike a wood burning fire pit, a gas fire pit does not produce as much heat. However, they emit enough heat where those whom you love can be comfortable while you sit out there and enjoy the yard or patio.
We do not encourage people to use the ‘‘gas fire pits’ for the preparation of foods. The benefits of thus using gas fire pit are that the entire process is smokeless and it does not involve flying sparks.
4. What stones should you not use in a fire pit?
The stones and rocks that you should avoid when dealing with a firepit are porous rocks that may contain water.
Some of these stones include pumice, shale, limestone, sandstone, basalt, soapstone, conglomerate, metaphoric rocks, river rocks, and pea gravel.
These stones and any others that have been lying in a riverbed are unsuitable for fire pits because they can explode if they still have water in them.
