Searching For The Best Fire Pit For Your Backyard

After spending months and months inside while it is cold and miserable outside, spring begins to show its face and you can't wait to have a chance to spend some time outdoors.  Although the days can be seen to be warming up, the nights are just a bit too cold to hang around for any period without some sort of heating.  So how do you begin to heat things in the backyard?  You have 3 choices.  A fire pit or a patio heater.  There are different versions/models of both which we will go into detail about right now.

First, think of placement 

How big is the area you need to heat?  Is the area out in the open, or is there some protection from structures nearby? Do you need to keep a handful of people warm or are you looking to heat the masses?  Is smoke, sparks, and soot a concern?  Do you have access to any natural gas connections, or are they readily accessible? Are you looking for something that will add style and/or match your current decor?

If you are thinking about a fire pit, you need to consider these things.  First, fire pits that burn wood put out smoke, and sparks and leave soot behind.  This isn't a bad thing.  Just remember that you will not want to place your fire pit too close to an adjacent structure, and be aware that smoke will blow some distance, so allow some room for it to do its thing.  A fire pit that burns wood also does not have an on and off switch, unless you call pouring water into it to put it out your off switch.  Metal is not fond of water and getting your fire pit wet on purpose is a good way to take the life out of your product.  

A wood burning fire pit has its advantages over other types of pits.  You have the burning and the crackling of the flames and the ambiance that comes along with it.  You can also cook over it.  You have the glow of the embers, and if powered with enough wood for the size, the most heat that can be generated by a pit.  You can get something portable for a very inexpensive price, but be aware, just like anything else.  A more expensive pit made out of thicker metal will last longer but will be less portable.  So, if you are looking for something that you may want to take with you camping, or move around your yard, a less expensive model may be right for you.  Be sure to check with your local laws on the requirement of a spark screen.  Residential areas are more prone to have laws enacted to protect the community from it going up in flames. Most fire pits range in size from 20 inches to 72 inches.  These can run in price from the $200 range up to a couple of thousand of dollars.

Gas fire pits, be it propane or natural gas is an option as well.  These will burn cleaner and you will not have to be concerned about smoke or sparks.  They will burn cleaner and have a regulating valve to turn them on and off.  The one downside is the heat they will generate.  They will put out heat, and all gas fire pit models should come with a BTU rating, but not as much heat as a wood-burning pit.  They are usually better suited for those looking for something that will fill a smaller space with some protection from a nearby structure to help block the wind.  They are very popular for those wanting to put one in a stable environment as the distance that is taken up between the flame and chairs around the table usually makes for an acceptable distance to stay warm.  If you have a gas model that you know will be placed in a permanent location, natural gas is an excellent option to use and eliminates having to have full propane tanks available for a long night.  Just be sure that any gas hookups are installed by a professional.  Gas fire pit tables can also be turned on and off at a moment's notice, which makes the end of the night easier and safer.  Gas fire pits and tables come in a variety of sizes and shapes and they usually start in the $300-400 range and go up from there.

No matter which way you go, you are sure to enhance the ambiance around your backyard and keep your guests warmer on your next nightly outdoor event.  We will talk about patio and infrared heaters in the next article and give you some things to think about if you wish to go that route.