Rec and Sports

Outdoor Fire Pits: What’s The Big Deal?

More and more friends and family members are finding the warmth and pleasure of coming together around an outdoor fire pit. What’s so great is they no longer have to wait for the annual camping trip to experience the enjoyment of a campfire. An outdoor fire pit allows them to do this in the comfort of their backyard, patio or deck. Outdoor fire pits are showing up at a number of other social gathering places as well.

There are lots of ways outdoor fire pits can add something to your life, including your relationships. Sitting with friends around a fire somehow creates a friendlier environment. It’s as if the warmth of the fire warms each heart. Together in the quiet of the evening, away from TV, computers, video games and other distractions, perhaps people just pay a little more attention to one another.

Tired of saying good-bye to your backyard in the wintertime? A well-made outdoor fire pit can turn that loss to gain. In fact, there’s something special about coming together around a warm fire in the fresh air of winter.

Outdoor fire pits are not without practical uses. Cooking is one that comes readily to mind, especially as it relates to wood burning fire pits. Beyond just roasting marshmallows, some outdoor fire pits may prove very useful when the electricity is down and you can’t use the range or microwave.

Especially in residential areas, building a large campfire that can easily become a bonfire is not wise. In fact, in most places there are laws against such a thing. A portable outdoor fire pit, however, serves the best of both worlds. They specifically are designed for small, manageable fires. At the same time, the joy of a campfire is just as real.

Some of my favorite outdoor fire pit experiences have come at the end of a particularly busy and trying workday. Watching the stars in the cool of the evening next to a crackling fire is transforming. In such a natural, peace-filled setting, my thoughts relax and refocus. And, somehow, the concerns of the day don’t seem so concerning.

It takes the right kind of outdoor fire pit, of course, to ensure such a rewarding experience. How the type and style of the fire pit fits your setting, needs and preferences can make a big difference.

Outdoor fire pits come in a large variety of types, designs and levels of quality. Therefore, before you buy, it’s important to think about a few things. For example, how will it be used in your setting, who will be using it, what kind of “look” are you trying to achieve, how long do you want it to last?

What material is used to make your outdoor fire pit can influence how it works, how long it lasts, and what it will add visually to the space where it will be located. Wrought iron, aluminum, ceramic, stainless steel, copper, and cast iron are good examples of the kinds of materials used to make outdoor fire pits. Concrete, slate, and marble are used to make some beautiful custom-made portable outdoor fire pits.

Although there are many shapes, sizes, and names given to outdoor fire pits, most are fueled in one of three ways: wood, propane, or natural gas. The choice is one of preference, availability, and convenience.

For example, natural gas and propane fire pits are an excellent choice in places where wood burning is restricted, or where wood is not easily available. Natural gas may be more convenient, unless you don’t already have natural gas lines installed.

Wood burning outdoor fire pits have their own huge fan base. Many people prefer the cooking option, the sounds and smells of firewood burning, and even cutting and stacking wood. So, there are a few things to consider before deciding what kind of fire pit to buy.

In terms of price, you probably can find an outdoor fire pit under $100 that looks okay. However, you may wish you hadn’t jumped at the deal when you see it rusting out after a few months in the weather. Quality does matter.

On the other hand, there are portable outdoor fire pits that cost well over $1,000. Many people who have the ability to purchase those products feel that the kind of materials used and the hand-crafted quality are well worth it.

Generally speaking, you can find quality made portable outdoor fire pits in a large variety of shapes and styles for $200 to $600. They truly are the perfect investment for people who want an affordable outdoor, low maintenance fire without the expense, space requirement, and restrictions of a solid stone outdoor fireplace structure.

In summary, portable outdoor fire pits are the perfect addition to any backyard, patio, deck or other place where people gather outdoors. They are a very effective way to bring people together in a relaxed, natural setting. With the variety of styles and prices available, there should be no problem finding just the right outdoor fire pit to enhance your favorite outdoor area.

Chris Basher is regarded as an expert on nearly all aspects of outdoor fire pits, including their safe use. Be sure you check his other helpful and free articles and special offers before buying an outdoor fire pit or other backyard, deck and patio products, including outside patio fireplaces, chimineas, gel bowls, outdoor patio heaters, wood racks, ash vacuums, and outdoor mosquito traps.