How to Buy an Outdoor Fire Pit or Grill

Are you looking to add a flair and grace to your backyard?  Consider an outdoor fire pit or fireplace to enhance your space and to provide an easy entertainment option.  Choosing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace can be difficult as there are many options and picking the one that truly suits your needs can be made simpler by answering these few questions:

1. 

   Outdoor fire
   How much space do I have?  Depending on the amount of space you have, you can choose from a variety of fire pits or fireplaces.  They range from the small, raised fire pits bowls to the larger, sturdier patio fireplaces.  There are even portable options on wheels so that your fire setting can go where you need it.  Either way, your outdoor fire pit or fireplace will fit into most outdoor spaces, from the small brick patio to the large deck.  If you are not willing or able to dig out a place in your yard for a fire pit, these pieces offer an easy solution.

1. What’s the best fire pit or fireplace material?  There are many options of materials when it comes to fire pits and fireplaces.  For a smaller, lighter version of fire pits, opt for stainless or black steel or even a copper material.  Keep in mind that the lifespan of these lighter materials may not be as long as a studier fireplace.  Some top of the line materials in fire pits and fireplaces include clay and cast iron.  These materials lend the fire pits and fireplaces a stability, however they tend to be quite heavy and more difficult to move. 

1. What do I want my fire pit to look like?  Not only can a fire pit add warmth to your backyard, it can also make for an attractive piece of outdoor artwork.  Some pits have decorative cutouts on their sides, particularly the clay and cast iron models that cast beautiful shadows as your fire dances.  Others feature decorative grates that not only protect but also provide architectural features to the piece.  Also, some fireplaces come with attractive exteriors including clawed feet, teak coverings and ceramic or granite tile work.  Certain materials will even change as they wear to add character to your fire pit or fireplace, such as the copper models that will turn to a gorgeous green hue after some weathering.

1. What about safety and storage?  Every good fire pit or fireplace should have safety features such as a spark guard for ember control, a fireproof handle or latch for safe access to the fire, or heat shields on the handles.  An optional feature is a safety ring around the perimeter or the pit or bowl that doubles as a foot rest and handle for carrying.  An option that may not come with your fire pit or fireplace but should be considered is a poker to ensure you can safely manage your fire.  Good pits should also come with a removable cover to keep out rain and debris when not in use and allow you to store your pit outdoors all year.

Above all, outdoor fire pits and fireplaces offer a fun and adventurous means of entertaining and relaxing.  Whether you’re looking to warm up on an early winter night, roast marshmallows on a balmy summer evening, or retell childhood ghost tales on a cool fall night, an outdoor fire pit or fireplace is the perfect setting.