Factors to Consider when Choosing a Fire Pit
What should I look for in a fire pit? Answered.
Are you about to decide which fire pit is right for your backyard? With so many choices, it can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of selecting the perfect fire pit for your needs. From considerations on size and heat output to style and fuel type, we will make sure that you know about all the factors to consider when choosing a fire pit.
Let’s find the ideal fire pit for bringing light and warmth and creating a bonding experience for your family and guests.
10 things to consider when buying a fire pit
Your fire pit selection checklist
When buying a fire pit, you need to consider a few factors such as:
- Size
- Location
- Fuel type
- Heat output
- Maintenance
- Storage
- Design
- Budget
- Cooking function
- Local fire regulations
1. Size
The first thing that you need to think about is the size of your fire pit.
You’ll want to make sure that it’s big enough for you and your guests to sit around the fire safely and comfortably without worrying about having to constantly refill it.
When thinking about the fire pit size consider:
- How many people will sit around it
- will it fit in with your back yard leaving enough space to walk around and the distance to the nearest walls, fencing or plants
- The amount of fuel it will need to burn
- how long it will last before needing to be refueled
- How easy it is to handle, does it require more than one person to do the maintenance
2. Location
Another consideration is where to put a fire pit in your backyard or garden, whether it will fit into your existing landscape and match the design.
The location of your fire pit should be near enough to your home to access it easily, but at a safe distance so nothing will catch on fire. The fire pit area should be clear of any flammable materials like leaves, grass and trees, including tree branches hanging over the fire. Bear in mind that the heat of the fire may damage some types of plants growing near the fire pit. A safe location will also allow for easy access to water and fire extinguishers if needed.
And finally, consider the seating around your fire pit: how many people will sit around it, how much space the seating and other furniture will take, and whether there will be enough space to safely walk around the flames.
3. Fuel type
There are several different types of fuels that can be burned in a fire pit, including wood, charcoal, natural gas, propane and electricity. Gas and electric fire pits tend to be the cleanest to burn, don’t produce smoke and are the most reliable, but they require a source of gas or electricity for ignition, so there are limitations to where you can place them.
Gas fire pits tend to be more expensive to buy and run, while wood-burning bowls are usually the cheapest option. So before buying a fire pit, check how much fuel it uses, how much this type of fuel costs and how easy it is to obtain it. Check if you can buy the fuel for your fire pit in your local store or online and whether you will need to rely on a home delivery service.
Gas Fire Pit
Wood Fire Pit
4. Heat output
Heat output is another important factor when choosing a fire pit. If you have a large garden or patio, then you may want to look for a large fire pit that produces more heat. You should also consider how many people will be using it at any given time. A larger pit will be suitable for more people, making it more comfortable and effective at keeping everyone warm while they enjoy their drinks and conversation around the flames!
5. Maintenance
Many fire pit models need regular maintenance to keep them in good shape. A wood-burning fire pit for example will require cleaning at least once or twice a year, or even more often, depending on how much you use it. You will also need to dispose of fire pit ashes from your wood fuelled fire pits.
On the other hand, gas fire pits don’t require much cleaning, which is their big advantage. However, they have mechanical elements which may fail and require repair, while wood fire pits have simpler construction where there isn’t much to break.
If you have a gas fire pit, it’s important that you check the gas flow regularly to ensure good heat output and safety. Also, if you have a gas fire pit with a gas tank or bottle, you will need to replace or refill them every now and then. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions while doing this and know how long the fuel will last.
Another thing to consider when thinking about fire pit maintenance is the type of material used in its construction which will determine how long the fire pit lasts and how much care is required. For example, metal fire bowls are easy to maintain but don’t hold up well to weather conditions and sooner or later they rust or discolorate. That means that you will need to put some effort into maintaining or replacing a metal fire pit after some time.
6. Storage
The way you can store your fire pit will depend on the material it’s made of, whether it’s portable and the space you have available. It’s best to keep any type of fire pit in a dry place, sheltered from the elements. If your fire pit is portable, the ideal place to store it during the winter would be a shed or garage. If you store it outside, it’s a good idea to get a fire pit cover, which will make your fire pit last longer and reduce the amount of cleaning necessary.
7. Design
There are many different styles of fire pits to match any taste. The most common style is the traditional circular design, but there are also rectangular or square options available.
Apart from the shape, you will also have to decide on the material of your fire pit. The most common materials are stone, concrete, and metal. If you’re looking for something that is durable and won’t rust over time, choose a stone or concrete model. If you want something that is easier to move around, choose a metal model as those are lighter in weight.
If you have a smaller garden or prefer a cleaner look, a square or rectangular-shaped tabletop fire pit may be for you.
8. Budget
How much does a fire pit cost in 2023?
Fire pit prices range from $250 to $3,000, however, you can still get simple metal fire bowls for under $50 if you are looking for a budget-friendly option.
When thinking about the costs, apart from the price of the fire pit, consider the costs of fuel and maintenance. If you have access to free firewood, then a wood-burning fire pit will be the cheapest to run. Anyhow, firewood is usually cheaper than other fire pit fuel types.
9. Grilling and cooking
When shopping for a fire pit that you plan to use for grilling, it’s important to consider both the size and type of fuel you’ll need. Fire pit grills are generally measured in diameter and range from 17 to 36 inches. If you are cooking for 2 – 4 people a smaller fire pit grill will work fine, but if you have a larger gathering, you will need a BBQ option larger than that or a two-level grill.
It is also important to identify what fuel source you want your fire pit to use – wood or gas. Keep in mind that while wood fire pits provide a more authentic experience and can add a smoky flavor to your food, they require more upfront effort to start and keep the fire, while gas fire pits are easier to control the flame size and cleaner to maintain.
Fire Pit with Cooking Grill
Swivel Fire Pit Grill Grate
10. Local fire regulations
And last, but not least, check your local fire regulations. Some areas have very strict rules regarding what types of fires are allowed, the proximity to the nearest buildings or times of the year when outdoor fires are banned.
Final note
Now that you know all of the important factors to keep in mind when choosing a fire pit, it’s time to make your decision! Take into account how often you entertain guests outdoors, what type of atmosphere you want to create, and whether or not you need portability. Once you have your answers, narrowing down your choices will be much easier.
What were the most important factors for you when choosing a fire pit? Are there any other tips that helped you in making your decision? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
