A Comprehensive Guide on Choosing the Best Fire Pit for Your Patio

Whether you’re spending a cozy evening with your loved one or enjoying a family gathering in your patio, adding a fire pit can definitely add that touch of warmth to your space. They lifts up the aesthetic appeal of your patio and creates a welcoming atmosphere for entertainment. However, choosing the right fire pit for your patio is not easy with the varieties of designs available in the market.

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After all, choosing them is not about picking the best design anymore. It requires thoughtful consideration and comparison between several factors such as material durability, fuel type, and much more. 

This article takes you through  the types of fire pits, features of good pits, factors to consider while buying one, and much more.

Table of content 

● Understanding the Types of Fire Pits

● Features of Good Patio Fire Pits

● What to Consider Before Buying a Fire Pit for Patio

● Fire Pit Maintanence and Care Tips

Understanding the Types of Fire Pits

Fire pits come in several varieties, each with its own benefits. Below are the most common types of fire pits. 

● Wood-burning fire pits: These firepits offer the feel of campfire and bring in that classy vibe. Having said that, wood burning fire pits require consistent maintenance and proper ventilation.

● Natural gas fire pits: They are the best choice if you need a long-term solution that can be attached to the gas supply in your house. These fire pits are affordable and provide a consistent fuel supply even though you may have to install them at first. 

● Propane fire pits: A propane fire pit is the best replacement  if natural gas is not an option for you. They require limited maintenance and are convenient to use. With a button push, they ignite without producing any smoke or ash residue. The only drawback is that you may have to refill or replace the tanks.

● Gel fuel fire pits: These fire pits are portable, smokeless, and easy to use. They are stylish and won't produce much heat, making them the perfect choice for small patios.

Features of Good Patio Fire Pits

The right fire pit can transform the look and feel of a patio. However, choosing one needs careful consideration. Below are some features of good fire pits.

● Durable material: A good fire pit should be constructed of sturdy, non-flammable, and long-lasting materials. When it comes to fire pits, always choose ones made from cast iron, steel, stone, etc. Such materials can tolerate the heat and, hence, reduce damage. 

● Sturdy construction: Choose a fire pit that has a sturdy construction, with strong welding instead of fragile models. Cheaper models can break quickly and may cause safety issues. Additionally, make sure the fire pit has rust proof features too.

● Smart design: A smartly designed fire pit can reduce the production of smoke. Some versions available in the market even boast advanced airflow technology to control the smoke. You may even find smokeless fire pits these days. Such variants ensure a cleaner environment. 

● Safety features: Good firepits always give importance to safety. Such fire pits may include additional features such as heat resistant coating, spark screens to prevent the ashes escaping the pit, protective shields, etc. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Fire Pit for Patio

So, you’ve decided to purchase a fire pit for your patio. Now before finalising a product, it is important to consider some factors to ensure your decision was right. Following are some of them. 

Consider the purpose

When buying a fire pit, a good practice is to consider the purpose to ensure you make the right choice. While some models have multiple uses, others are precisely designed for a specific purpose. Hence, it is really essential to think about its function. Are you looking for a fire pit that could give the campfire vibe during gatherings? Or do you want a permanent pit that could act as the focal point in your patio? Asking such questions helps you understand the real purpose of the pit and thus guides you while making a decision. 

Understand the local regulations

Before purchasing a fire pit, you must consider the rules and regulations of your area regarding wood burning or its placement. Understanding these rules is crucial as they differ from place to place. For safety reasons, most countries have special rules regarding fire pits. Some countries may advise keeping fire pits at least ten feet from fences and buildings, while others demand site inspection from professionals. To avoid legal issues, it is important to check those regulations.

Know the location

A fire pit cannot simply be placed anywhere in the patio or backyard. The location of the pit must be carefully selected. As a general thumb of rule, it shouldn't be placed near anything that could catch fire. It is always safer to place the fire pit in an open area away from buildings, trees, and other flammable objects such as curtains. You should also consider the direction of the wind when installing a firepit. 

Check the measurements

Fire pits come in a variety of sizes, and not every fire pit suits your patio space. Hence, it is essential to measure your patio space before purchasing one. In other words, the space of your patio decides the size of the fire pit. For example, the use of a larger fire pit in a smaller space makes it look even smaller. Having a clear understanding of the space helps you avoid these mistakes.  

The right fuel type

The fuel type is another important factor to consider. Fire pits use different types of fuels such as wood, propane, natural gas or gel, each of them designed to match different use cases. For example, wood-burning fire pits offer a traditional and rustic vibe, but they do emit smoke and require regular maintenance. Hence, this may not be a good choice for those who are looking for a fire pit that is smokeless and easy to maintain. Below are the common fuel types and their uses.

● Wood: It offers that traditional feel and adds a rustic vibe and is excellent for cooking. However, it creates smoke and requires maintenance. 

● Natural gas: It is a smokeless fuel. But requires expensive installation and produces odor.

● Propane: This fuel gives that hottest flame and offers a clean burning experience. It requires minimal care and is considered safer than wood. However, it may be expensive to install.  

Material and durability

The material of the fire pit also determines its durability. Fire pits usually come in a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, concrete, stone, etc. It's always advisable to choose a material that matches your patio layout, the climate conditions of your country, your budget, and your style. For example, if you are looking for a stationary option, then stone or concrete pits could be the perfect choice. Likewise, stainless steel is an easy-to-clean option. 

Give importance to safety

Safety should be your top priority when buying a fire pit. Choose a model that conform to all local safety requirements. The location where you wish to place the fire pit in your house and any surrounding buildings should be taken into account for your protection. For example, a wood-burning fire pit shouldn't be placed beneath a deck or other building. This may later cause accidents. Hence, keep safety in mind when planning to purchase a fire pit. You can even use additional safety elements such as fire pit ring insert to prevent the spread of sparks and heat. 

Cost considerations

Fire pits come in different price ranges. The price of a fire pit depends on the type of product you choose and its size. If you're on a limited budget and want the cheapest alternative available, a small portable fire bowl should be sufficient. But if you conduct parties constantly, you may have to spend more on fire pits. Although cost-effectiveness is crucial, compromising on quality in favor of cost would backfire later. Hence, it is advisable to find a balance between the qualities you look for and your budget.

Maintenance 

You must take into account the maintenance effort required for the fire pit. In contrast to gas or gel fire pits, wood-burning fire pits need more maintenance and cleaning. This is because they produce ash, and you may have to empty them out every time after use. Generally, propane fire pits are easier to maintain. You only have to refill the tanks and do some regular maintenance.

Design

Fire pits are available in several designs and shapes. There are numerous patterns and styles to pick from, from modern to rustic. However, every design may not suit your patio. Keep in mind that its design should blend in with the rest of your outdoor area when planning to buy one. 

Fire Pit Maintanence and Care Tips

● After every use, ensure you keep the fire pit clean. You can use a moist cloth or brush to remove debris or ash. However, refrain from using harsh cleaning agents or chemicals, as they can damage the product, especially if it is made of materials like steel.

● After cleaning the fire pit, use a fire pit cover to protect it. This will help avoid the excess accumulation of dust and dirt.

● Never keep a fire pit close to flammable objects, trees, or plants. Keep it in an open space with proper ventilation.

● It's better to use seasoned wood in a wood-burning pit as it burns cleaner. 

● Avoid splashing water to extinguish the flame. Water may cool it quickly, which could eventually lead to cracks.

● Read the user's manual thoroughly to check the cleaning instructions. 

● Keep plastic materials out and away from the pit. Melted plastic is difficult to remove and may harm its surface. 

Selecting the right fire pit is not just about visual appeal. You have to compare and contrast factors such as the location, size, material durability, fuel type and much more. Whether you want to use them for gatherings or to enjoy a peaceful evening, the right firepit can help you bring in that vibe. 

If you're also planning to buy one, check out some best options on Garvee.com. 

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