Summer is here, which means it’s time for cookouts and bonfires. One of the most important pieces of equipment you need for these activities is a fire pit. A fire pit can be used to keep food warm or provide heat on cool nights, but its main purpose is to create an atmosphere that will make your party more enjoyable. In this blog post, we are going to cover everything you need to know about buying a new fireplace.
If you enjoy sitting around a cozy fire with your friends and family, you might want to look into getting a fire pit. Purchasing a fire pit is a great way to build your fire while keeping the flames under control.
Fire pits can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, so you could choose one that fits your style while keeping the flames from setting anything else on fire. Having your gatherings around a fire pit enables you to relax, stay warm in winter months, and maybe even make s’mores or roast weenies over it.
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit Large Wood Burning
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Very Sturdy  | BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit Backyard with Cooking Grill
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Deepest Bowl  | Pleasant Hearth Sunderland Deep Round Bowl Fire Pit
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Great Value  | Amagabeli Portable Folding Fire Pit Outdoor Wood Burning Firebowl
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Brushed Bronze  | Fire Sense 60857 Roman Fire Pit Brushed Bronze
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Fire pits are available in huge price ranges, so you should be able to find one to fit your budget. They’re also ideal for just about any space, and they don’t all have to be wood-burning, you could choose a gas-burning type if you’d like.
Product Review
If you’ve set up an outdoor space to hang out in, getting a fire pit could be a perfect addition. It could be the right fit. It’ll serve as a focal point in your space, and you can choose one that will fit in your space. Many of them are black, so they’ll blend with any color scheme you’ve got going.
Fire pits aren’t very heavy, so you’ll be able to move them easily if you decide to shift furniture around. You can choose different fuel options for keeping your flames burning, but selecting a wood-burning fire pit is the most budget-friendly. If you sell your home, it could help interest more buyers. If you decide to move, you could take it with you to your new home.
Safety is always important, and that’s why fire pits usually come with a screen, a poker that doubles as a screen lifting tool, and grates for the proper flow of air. The best fire pit is by Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor.
Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit — Best Overall
Description
The fire pit is made from heavy-duty steel that is made to resist rust and is painted with heat-resistant paint that will help protect it from the elements. You can set it up in no time because all you need to do is attach the legs and the outer ring, then you’ve got a fire pit that’s ready to go.
Sunnydaze makes sure to include a weather-proof cover to go over the pit, and you also get the wire mesh screen to keep the flames under control, a fire poker, and the burning grate is built in. You would also get a one-year warranty on the fire pit should something go wrong with the product.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Sturdy, heavy-duty steel
- Heat resistant
- Comes with the cover
- Comes with a warranty
- Big enough for the entire family
Cons
- Reviewers say it rusts quickly in the weather
- Some buyers received damaged merchandise
- Some reviewers received defective product where holes did not line up for assembly
Recommended?
Of the fire pits reviewed here, the Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit comes with the best review. The biggest factor in determining this was that it comes with a warranty, so if something happened that shouldn’t have, you could contact the company and get a replacement.
The manufacturer made it easy to assemble, made sure it would be resistant to heat, and the company includes a waterproof cover to keep the fire pit dry. If you’re on the hunt for a great fire pit, this one might be the perfect one for you, especially if you have a large family that you’d like to have gathered around it.
BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit – Very Sturdy
Description
The Wood Burning Fire Pit made by BALI OUTDOORS is especially functional because it’s very sturdy and has a neat swivel feature. It’s made out of metal and has a steel ring that attaches to the four legs to stabilize it. It also has a barbecue rack that swivels all the way around, raised, or lowered. The rack secures with screws and a handle allows you to move it where you want.
The fire pit also has a ring around the outside of the bowl where you could place drinks or cooking utensils. It comes with a poker and a collapsible log rack to aid in keeping organized, and it’s easy to assemble.
The bowl is deep so you can have great flames, cook, and relax around the pit, and the entire fire pit is black so it might look great in your back yard or on a patio. It’s light enough that it can be easily moved, so it seems to be a pretty versatile choice if you’re looking for a good fire pit.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Adjustable
- Barbecue rack
- Big enough for larger flames
- Easy to move
- Includes a log rack
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Too big for smaller spaces
- Doesn’t come with a mesh screen to keep embers inside
- Some reviewers received broken items
- Paint is not heat-resistant
Recommended?
At first glance, this seems to be a perfect fire pit to choose from since it’s so sturdy, and it looks pretty easy to use. The barbecue rack can be taken off or adjusted to cook directly over the fire or just swing nearby to keep the food warm. The pictures are very pretty, the description sounds nice, but in reviewing it, it seems like it might be a little too good to be true.
It’s light and easy to move, but it probably isn’t well suited for having heavy fires often because some reviewers say it rusted very quickly and the paint peeled off. It might not be worth fighting with if the paint isn’t heat-resistant because it could end up in your food and leave you with an unsightly fire pit.
Pleasant Hearth Sunderland Deep Round Bowl Fire Pit – Deepest Bowl
Description
The Pleasant Hearth Sunderland Deep Round Bowl Fire Pit might be a great option if you plan to have larger gatherings or want to burn a more robust flame. It has a deeper bowl than most fire pits at 12 inches deep so that it can hold a larger amount of wood than a lot of other ones.
This particular fire pit has a rubbed bronze finish and a large outer ring that you can use to transport the pit when it’s cooled. It comes with a mesh fire cover and a screen lifting poker, so you would be able to maneuver the screen and adjust the wood inside when you need to without a lot of hassle.
Pleasant Hearth uses Circulair technology so that your fire is properly elevated and it promotes healthy airflow to keep your flame growing and going. If you get hungry while hanging out around the fire, you can cook on it, too.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Deep bowl for more burn material
- Circulair technology built-in
- Outer handle for moving the pit around
- Double grates for burning and cooking
Cons
- Reviewers said it rusted very quickly, making it look much older than it was
- Some buyers were missing pieces needed to assemble
- One buyer tried to contact support and was never able to using the number provided
Amagabeli Garden & Home Portable Folding Fire Pit – Great Value
Description
The Amagabeli Portable Folding Fire Pit is a great value for such an easy product. The legs on the fire pit fold under to make it very easy to transport, so you could load it up to take camping, barbecue in the back yard, or just have a nice flame to relax by.
You wouldn’t need to assemble anything, and the fire pit is strong and sturdy. It comes with a fire screen to keep embers inside. It has two grates so that you can burn for fire and cook on, too. You would also receive a poker that is used to lift the screen for access to the flames.
Pros
- Light, easy to move
- No assembly needed
- Two grates for burning and cooking
- Poker doubles as a screen lifting tool
- Fits in smaller spaces
Cons
- Not large enough for big groups
- Rusts easily
- Not made for heavy usage
Recommended?
The Amagabeli Garden & Home Portable Fire Pit would be an awesome choice if you have a small outdoor space to use it in or really only have small gatherings. It would be perfect to take on a camping trip to cook on every once in a while, but doesn’t seem to be sturdy enough for prolonged use.
Fire Sense 60857 Roman Fire Pit – Brushed Bronze
Description
The Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit could be a gorgeous addition to your outside space. It has unique details with the brushed bronze look on the legs and an antique steel bowl with a hammered lip to burn wood in. It also comes with a one-piece mesh screen to keep your blaze contained and a tool to move the screen so you don’t burn your hands by getting too close.
The grate in the Fire Sense pit makes handling log placement easy and raises the material up so that it gets the right airflow to keep from smothering the fire out. This one is lightweight, so it’s easy to move and might look really nice no matter where you take it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy assembly
- Great look
- Cozy
- Unique brushed bronze color
Cons
- Rusts easily
- No drain for moisture
- Dents easily according to other buyers
Recommended?
If you need a cute fire pit that you don’t plan to have huge, heavy flames in, the Fire Sense pit is the way to go. It’s perfect for small fires on occasion and can be added to a custom fire pit if you just need a bowl. It has a look that won’t be just like any other fire pit, and it’ll keep you and the family warm.
Buyer’s Guide
What is your favorite outdoor activity? Is it grilling, relaxing by the pool, or maybe even cooking a delicious meal over an open fire? Whatever you like to do in the outdoors, chances are that you will want to find the perfect spot for some quality time. A backyard fire pit can be a great addition to any yard and enhance your enjoyment of life outside.
What is a Fire Pit and how does it work
- Fire pits are fuel-burning open-air hearth that is used for cooking and heating.
- Best fire pits use wood or gas to produce heat.
- Best fire pits are made of metal and stone, such as steel or brick.
- Best fire pits have a screen that prevents the flame from touching objects on the ground in order to prevent fires.
- Best fire pits are usually circular or square but can be any shape.
- Best fire pits are often a focal point of outdoor living spaces, such as decks.
Why You Need a Fire Pit
A fire pit isn’t just for sitting around a warm, cozy flame on those cold days. It’s also great when you entertain because it provides light and warmth to your guests as they admire the ambiance of an outdoor fire. Best of all, there is something about the crackling sound that makes even the most stressful day feel more relaxed and inviting.
Types of a Fire Pit
There are three different types of fire pits: indoor, outdoor, and chimenea. The decision to purchase an indoor or outdoor pit will usually depend on how often you use it – if the answer is frequently then go for the outdoor one; otherwise, choose the more convenient option of indoors. As for a chimenea, this can be used both inside and outside in certain weather conditions but they cannot be brought into your home like an indoor fireplace so bear that in mind before buying.
Those are the three most common types, but there is also a fourth option: novelty. Novelty pits are for those who want to create an experience rather than just have something functional and practical, such as adding color or creating different forms of fire (such as one that shoots sparks). So keep this in mind if you’re looking for something more decorative.
The good news about choosing your type is that they all come with their own pros and cons so it’s up to what you need personally! Of course, before making any big decisions make sure to consider things like style preference, size options available, maintenance requirements etcetera.
What to Look For in a Fire Pit
The Best Fire Pit for your yard may not be the best fire pit for someone else’s. The size and shape of your backyard, budget constraints, desired features are all factors to consider before purchasing a new or used fire pit. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a place where you can build up some fun with friends and family while enjoying this long spring/summer season. Below we’ll cover three basics that should help narrow down what type of fireplace will suit you best:
Size
You want something big enough so that everyone in your party has plenty of room around the flames but small enough so as not to take over an entire area in the backyard (unless you have plans for other projects in that area).
- The average fire pit should be at least 24-inches across. This is a good size for most backyard patios and decks, but keep in mind you may need to go bigger if you have a larger space or plan on gathering around the flames with more than six friends or family members.
- Larger Fire Pit? A large fire pit can hold up to one hundred gallons of logs, which will last an entire evening so long as it’s not too windy outside. If this sounds like what you’re after then make sure your safety screen has enough room for the amount of wood needed (at least three feet high by four inches wide) otherwise use two screens placed back-to-back.
- Best Size – The size of the fire pit should always be proportional to your space so if you have a smaller patio or deck then it’s best not to go too big, but keep in mind that you want enough room for everyone in your party.
- Best Shape – Fire pits come in many shapes and sizes with some even looking like animals! Who doesn’t love an animal-shaped fireplace? When choosing what shape is best for you, consider how well the design will fit into your backyard landscape (e.g., circular vs square) and how much shade from trees or neighboring houses might interrupt the view of the flames during certain times of the day.
Burn Type
The Best Burning Type: There are a few different types of burning materials you can use in your fire pit. Some people prefer natural wood which has an earthy, rustic smell to it whereas others prefer man-made logs with their bright colors and pre-lit coals for easy fireside cooking.
But the type that’s best all-around is gas because they provide consistent heating even on windy days and produce no smoke or odor making them perfect for areas where there might be sensitive neighbors like condos next door. And if none of those options suit your fancy then you can always choose electric which provides a clean burn without any unwanted odors so no matter what type of outdoor living space you enjoy outfitting with your new fire pit, you have a suitable fuel to use.
Additional Features
A fire pit can be made of several materials, but it is always a good idea to use something that will not rust or burn. If you are looking for a more permanent installation, you might want to consider brick pavers and cement blocks as they hold up well against weather conditions and are very durable in most cases.
A wooden table may also work well if constructed properly and kept away from the elements as much as possible; however, this type of build would need some maintenance every year or so depending on how often it is used. These types of installations make great conversation pieces because guests love sitting around them on cold evenings while sipping their favorite beverage.
Can you put a Fire Pit on a deck?
One of the most common questions we get about fire pits is can you put one on a deck? It turns out that this is something homeowners are often interested in. The answer to the question depends on a few factors, but for many people, it’s possible if certain precautions have been taken.
- A good rule of thumb is not to place any type of combustible material closer than 18 inches from an open flame or object like embers and ash – according to Best Practices Guidelines set forth by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 100 as well as local codes.
- If there are no combustibles within 18 inches then placing your fire pit on wood decking should be fine. However, with anything less than 12″ clearance below the fire pit it is recommended to have a ground clearance on all sides of 18 inches.
- If you are going to put your fire pit on concrete, whether decking or other types, then check local codes and Best Practices Guidelines before doing so as there may be some stipulations for where combustibles can be placed within 12 inches from any open flame.
- Numbers: Best Practice guidelines set by NFPA 100 say that anything less than 12″ below an object with an open flame should have clearance around the perimeter of 18″ in order to avoid heat damage to wood decks. It also states that when putting up wooden fencing more than 30 feet away from structures like houses and sheds, they must meet minimum height requirements according to local codes.
- Best Practices guidelines set by NFPA 100 say that anything less than 12″ below an object with an open flame should have clearance around the perimeter of 18″. It also states that when putting up wooden fencing more than 30 feet away from structures like houses and sheds, they must meet minimum height requirements according to local codes.
- Bullets: Best practice guidelines for building fences state it is necessary to meet minimum height requirements when building a fence more than 30 feet away from structures like houses and sheds.
What can I put around a Fire Pit?
You can put anything around a fire pit. A common question is what you should place on the ground to protect it from heat damage and for comfortable sitting. This includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Tiles or stones (recommended)
- Stones of varying sizes
- Grass (not recommended)
- Rocks/gravel
We recommend using tile or stones as they are easier to clean up after a party has ended! Best yet, many tiles also have built-in designs which make them great for impressing your guests. You may be wondering how often do I need to cover my patio? It really depends on where you live but typically if there is an average of at least one fire every two weeks, you’ll need to cover it.
How do I clean a Fire Pit?
Cleaning a fire pit is sometimes more difficult than the installation. The best way to do this is by using water and bleach in a ratio of one cup of water to two cups of bleach. It’s important not to use too much liquid as it may cause unwanted results like discoloration or corrosion of metal parts.
- Prepare for cleaning: Put on gloves before coming into contact with any raw metals from your fire pit (so as not to corrode them).
- Remove all ash: Use an old shovel with holes at the bottom so that you can sift out only the ashes without touching anything else. Also be sure there are no hidden items such as trash, rocks, or other materials under the ashes if they’re piled high.
- Keep the water bucket close by You’ll need at least two gallons of water in a clean, sturdy container
- Mix bleach and water together as described above.
- Take your time to scrape off any dirt or soot from the inside walls of the fire pit before applying your cleaning solution with a scrub brush (the bristles should be clean) – this may void the warranty but it will increase performance. Be careful not to scratch anything when you’re using an abrasive cleaner like steel wool or sandpaper. Scrub all surfaces thoroughly until they are shiny; use paper towels for stubborn areas that won’t come up on their own. Rinse well with cold running tap water and then allow cooling completely before storing again.
- If you don’t have access to a hose, try using the power of your garden sprayer. Fill it with water and add one cup of bleach for every gallon of water used (you can also use an empty cleaner bottle). Spray out all ashes on top first, then clean inside surfaces as described above. Rinse well before storing again.
Safety Tips and Precautions
- If you have small children, make sure it is a fence or barrier at least three feet tall before using the fire pit.
- Keep pets away from an open flame to avoid injury.
- Make sure that your smoke alarm has fresh batteries and test it regularly.
- Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.
If you want to create ambiance with lighting, look into using LED lights instead of candles which could become dangerous when left unattended near combustible materials.
Keep pets away from an open flame, make sure there is a barrier of at least three feet tall for small children close by, and always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
If you want to set up an outdoor space that’s cozy and great for entertaining, you may want to look into buying a fire pit. It is a great way to gather your friends and family for any occasion, and it looks nice outside, too.
Fire pits help you keep a controlled burn while being pretty and many of them include pieces that help keep sparks and embers contained. They make great places to sit and relax, sip warm drinks and stay comfortable in the cold, and even cook food. They’re made to last with heat-resistant materials, and a lot of them are easily portable so you can take them with you on camping trips, to a friend’s house, or to a new home.
Some of the things you might want to consider when you’re looking for a fire pit to buy are the material it is made from, the dimensions of it, the safety tools that come with it, and how it’ll look with your outdoor set-up.
Features to Think About
It is important to think about what you need in a fire pit, so you can use this guide to help you decide what kind will work best for you. Some extras to think about are how easy you can put it together, how easy it would be to move it, and if it comes with a warranty or not.
Material
You should first consider what kind of material you’ll want your fire pit to be made of. Many are made out of some type of metal, but some are better for handling the high temperatures of fire than others. Many are made from steel because it has a naturally high melting point, so a steel fire pit is a great option.
Steel fire pits are sturdy and are also more budget-friendly than other types. You will need a material that can hold up, not only to the heat but the weight of the wood you burn. Fire pits made of steel are portable, efficient, and easy to clean.
Dimensions
Another very important factor to consider if you want to buy a fire pit is the dimensions that you can accommodate for one. You need one that is going to fit in your space properly, rather than one that is far too big or one that is way too small.
Measuring the available space you have to place a fire pit is the first step, but it’s always a good idea to give the space some wiggle room in case the fire pit you choose is a little off. You can find the dimensions of the fire pits that you look at in the descriptions, so choosing one that fits where you want it to should be pretty easy.
Safety Tools
It’s important to know how to have a fire safely, but it’s also important to have the tools you need to handle it properly because you can’t tend to a fire with your hands. It’s a good idea to buy a fire pit that has a wire mesh screen to go over it so that it keeps any sparks, embers, and flying ashes inside.
You’ll also need a fire poker to move wood around, stoke the flame, and it’ll double as a tool to pick up the safety screen when you need to get under it. Buying a fire pit that comes with these safety tools makes it easier for you to get everything all at once rather than having to purchase individual pieces.
How Does it Look?
Maybe you have a vision for exactly how you want your outdoor space to look, and you need to add a fire pit to complete it. You’re probably going to want to choose one that matches the rest of your space while also being functional.
The design you choose is entirely up to you, and since most fire pits are black, they’re suitable for just about any arrangement and will stay looking nice because they won’t show much outdoor dirt.
Is it Easy to Put Together?
When you go looking for a fire pit to buy, you’ll want to consider how easy it will be to assemble because they won’t arrive put together. You might need a couple of tools, and you’ll definitely need to pay attention to the instructions so that your fire pit doesn’t become unstable.
If it takes a lot of pieces or a long time to set up, you might not want to buy it. Some fire pits are insanely easy to put together, having just a couple of bolts to put in, and anyone can handle it.
Can You Move it?
Being able to easily move your fire pit is a good quality to look for. Maybe you like to rearrange your furniture fairly often or you enjoy camping and would like to carry it with you. Buying a fire pit that you can easily load up into your car or that is light enough that you can carry it across the yard could be a very important factor.
Does it Have a Warranty?
Many consumers only want to buy a product that comes with a warranty in case anything goes wrong with their purchase. Buying a fire pit with a warranty is no different. Having the assurance that your fire pit will work like you expect it to makes purchasing one more comfortable.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Fire Pit
One of the best tips you can use when you want to get the longest use out of your fire pit is to put sand underneath it. While that may sound odd, putting sand under your fire pit can protect the bottom from the extreme heat that could compromise the integrity of the bowl. The sand works by conducting some of the heat away from the metal.
You could also use a fire pit mat if you don’t have or don’t want to use sand. A fire pit mat would be a cleaner option than sand because it won’t scatter. The mat will also protect your patio if that’s where you place your fire pit, so you won’t end up with scorch marks on the concrete.
Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit — Best Overall
Check PriceFAQs
Why Do I Need a Fire Pit?
Firepits allow you to keep a controlled, safe burn outdoors. They also look nice with outdoor furniture and make a perfect place to gather.
What Can I Burn?
You could opt to burn wood, which is the most common material to burn. You could use other fuel options like gas or charcoal, too.
Why Do I Need to Cover It?
Covering your fire pit will prevent it from damage due to weather. Keeping it dry will prolong its use.
What is the Best Way to Light It?
Heat rises, so you’ll want to put a match underneath your burn material in the center of the bowl. Doing this will keep you from fighting so hard to light it.
Do I Really Need the Mesh Screen?
The mesh screen protects the flame from shooting out ash and embers, so it helps to prevent a potential fire somewhere else. It’s a great safety option.
Conclusion
The Best Fire Pit is the perfect outdoor companion for those who love to enjoy some quality time with their friends and family. This fire pit kit includes everything you need, including a 12-inch round gas or charcoal grill, sturdy legs that can support up to 250 pounds of weight, an adjustable cooking grate that allows you to adjust your cooking height from 18 inches in front of the flame all the way up to 36 inches!
Along with these features are three stainless steel mesh screens – one at each end and one on top so you don’t have any worries about sparks flying out onto your patio furniture or landscaping. Order today and be ready for summer fun!
If you’re in the market for a fire pit, picking out the right one for you is important. The Sunnydaze Crossweave fire pit comes with the best benefits and the nicest design, so it can match anything you put around it.
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