If you find yourself dreaming of spending your evenings around an outdoor fire pit, you are not alone. Not only are fire pits an incredibly common backyard fixture, but they are also one of the most popular outdoor elements among homeowners across the country.
Due to that widespread popularity, there are many fire pit options for those who wish to purchase one. This article will help you narrow your search by introducing you to some of the best fire pits for your backyard. Read on to learn more about these leading products and to gain some knowledge on how to make the most of your new fire pit area.
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…
The 6 Best Outdoor Fire Pits
A quick online search will reveal a copious amount of fire pits on the market today. For that reason, finding the best one for you and your yard space can be a time-consuming search. To aid you in sifting through those many viable options, here are seven of the fire pits that we believe stand above the rest.
Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit
The Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit is a wood-burning fire pit that is ideal for any patio space. With a sleek design consisting of black alloy steel in a crisscross pattern, this fire pit will compliment nearly any design scheme while remaining durable through years of use. Along with the fire pit itself, you’ll also receive a poker, a spark screen, and a cover.
Yaheetech Multifunctional Fire Pit Table
If cooking over an open fire is what you desire, the Yaheetech Multifunctional Fire Pit Table is what you need. Combine this fire pit with its compatible metal grate, and you will have the perfect outdoor cooking surface. This product also has a durable square frame design and a waterproof cover that will increase the cleanliness and longevity of your fire pit.
TIKI Brand 25 Inch Stainless Steel Low Smoke Fire Pit
This fire pit falls on the higher end of the price range, but it does so for a few good reasons. First, the TIKI Brand 25 Inch Stainless Steel Low Smoke Fire Pit has a distinct appearance that is unlike that of most other fire pits you’ll come across. It also has a special internal airflow system that minimizes smoke. If that was not enough, this product also gives you a free wood bundle so that you can start using your fire pit as soon as you assemble it.
BALI OUTDOORS Propane Gas Fire Pit Table
Few fire pits are as sleek and efficient as the BALI OUTDOORS Propane Gas Fire Pit Table. This product has an appealing rectangular shape and runs on propane. Its decorative base and slate tabletop surface only add to that appeal. Beyond appearances, this fire pit functions well too, with a burner output of 60,000 BTU.
Best Choice Products Hex-Shaped 24in Steel Fire Pit
This fire pit stands out for its shape and several functional features. The Best Choice Products Hex-Shaped 24in Steel Fire Pit has a hexagonal shape and a pleasant lattice design. It also has a heat-retardant mesh covering that reduces the risk of burns and fires. You’ll also find that this product is both easy to use and incredibly long-lasting.
BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit
The BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit has a unique design that increases its functionality while remaining intuitive to use. One of the most notable features of this fire pit is its raised grill surface. This circular surface sits a few inches above the top of the fire pit and can swivel in a full circle. The fire pit also has a triangular log rack that encourages airflow to keep your fire burning as long as you want.
A Few Fire Pit Tips and Insights
There is more to creating a functional fire pit space than simply selecting your favorite fire pit. You’ll also need to understand some basics of fire pit safety and be familiar with some of the most common fire pit varieties. The following few sections will guide you on using a fire pit safely and help you understand your stylistic options.
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Best Places to Put a Fire Pit
The location of your fire pit is a critical topic. Where you place your fire pit determines how you will interact with your fire pit as well as how safe it is to operate.
Ideally, your firepit area should be easy to access from your home. Ensure that there is a clear path to your fire pit that is easy to navigate at night. A few landscape lights can go a long way in increasing visibility and helping you and your guest reach your fire pit without stumbling in the dark.
While access is important, what is more crucial is that your fire pit are is fire-safe. Avoid placing your fire pit in an area that is near flammable materials or structures. This means your fire pit should sit on a non-flammable surface. The area above your fire pit should be clear to allow sparks to dissipate into the air safely.
Different Styles of Fire Pits
The list we presented earlier consisted of one main style of fire pit. However, there are some other options that you can consider for your yard. Here are three types of fire pits that you should know about:
- Free-standing fire pits: Easy to assemble and move to new locations as you please
- In-ground fire pits: A fire pit built into a hardscape area so that the top of the fire pit is flush with the walking surface
- Stone fire pits: Built in a fixed position and rising above the ground level, often made of natural stone or paver material
The brief descriptions indicate why the fire pits on our list are all free-standing fire pits. Free-standing fire pits are the easiest to set up, and nearly any homeowner can assemble one as a weekend DIY project. The fact that these fire pits can move makes it convenient to rearrange the layout of your fire pit area whenever you want.
The second two types of fire pits require a more detailed construction process. Typically, you will need to hire a contractor to build them. While these fire pits can be more durable, their main downside is that you cannot move them after construction. Keep this in mind as you decide which style of fire pit is right for you.
Fire Pit Fuel Sources
Many of those who wish to own a fire pit are unaware that there is more than one option for fire pit fuel. While some are more typical than others, each one comes with its own benefits. Here are three ways to fuel your fire pit that you are likely to come across as you shop:
- Wood
- Charcoal
- Propane
Most fire pits rely on wood as fuel. However, there are also many fire pits that can use propane or charcoal. Before you select your fire pit, make sure that it is compatible with the type of fuel you feel most comfortable using.
Fire Pit FAQs
Although many homeowners desire a firepit for their property, they also have many questions about how to do so. To help you circumvent some common pitfalls, here are answers to some of the most common fire pit questions.
Generally, you should avoid putting a fire pit under a covered area. When a fire burns under a covered area, there is a greater potential for sparks to contact the covering and cause a dangerous fire. The safest approach is to place your fire pit in an area that has few structures nearby and open-air above.
Generally, you should avoid putting a fire pit under a covered area. When a fire burns under a covered area, there is a greater potential for sparks to contact the covering and cause a dangerous fire. The safest approach is to place your fire pit in an area that has few structures nearby and open-air above.
Try to find an area where the ground material is non-flammable. Often, hardscape areas such as patios will work best. Decks and vegetated spaces such as lawns pose a greater risk when using a fire pit as these materials can catch fire somewhat easily.
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John Haryasz is a freelance writer and landscape designer. In the field of landscape architecture, he has contributed to many successful design projects throughout the country. As a writer, John specializes in creating captivating and informative web content. Through that work, he aims to share his design knowledge and promote engagement with the outdoor world.
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