Gather Around at Your Patio with the Best Fire Pit

Fire pits have essentially been around since humans first learned and understood about fire. The simplest fire pit was probably nothing more than a slightly hollowed out space on the ground where wood could be burned. To make it safer, rocks or stones may have lined the outside of the pit, which kept the fire better contained. Rocks also became useful to rest sticks or spears, with chunks of impaled meat or vegetables over the fire for cooking purposes. This type of fire pit has not changed much in the modern era with many campgrounds across the nation still incorporating a variation of this most basic style of fire pit.

Modern home-owner fire pits began by pulling the grates off of charcoal-fired barbecue grills and just building a fire inside. This became very popular for kabob and marshmallow roasting on sticks. In fact, during the population’s mass transition to suburbia in the 1950's, permanent stone and brick grills were constructed in back yards that doubled as a fire pit for entertaining family and friends. This was the beginning of an actual fire pit where fire, and not cooking, was one of the primary reasons to have one built.

Modern fire pits can be constructed of many different materials, and are designed almost exclusively to showcase off a fire above any other function they might have.

Fire Pit Types

Portable

Portable fire pits are the most common and the most popular. They’re generally made of lightweight metal so they can easily be carried from place to place and small enough to be loaded into the trunk of most cars. They use no exotic fuels, simply relying on wood or propane for burning. For a quick and basic fire pit, they can't be beat.

Semi-Portable

These types of fire pits can be portable, but because of their overall heft and size, they generally stay in place once situated. They’re usually more ornate, made of heavier weight steel, stone, bricks or composites. Semi-portable fire pits may also use fuel sources other than wood.

Permanent

Permanent fire pits are either so heavy that they can't be moved once they are put in place, or they are bolted down to one space as an actual permanent fixture. Most of these types use a different type of fuel other than wood, and their beauty, both burning and construction, are the main reasons to acquire one.

Materials

Metal

The most common fire pits are all made of metal. They can be steel, galvanized or coated steel, stainless steel, cast iron, copper or aluminum. The most popular style of fire pit, the tried and true bowl shapes, are virtually all made of some type of metal.

Regular steel types are the least expensive of the lot, but they also do not hold up as well to the environment. Steel types degrade the quickest, and may need to be replaced after only a few seasons of burning if they are left out in the elements. Cast iron would last considerably longer, but they will eventually rust and degrade over time.

Stainless steel, copper and aluminum may last a lifetime with proper care, but you will pay a premium for these types. Although metal types lend themselves best to a bowl shape, they can be crafted into virtually any configuration; however, the more complex the shape, the higher the initial price point.

Stone and Brick

These are some of the heaviest pits made but they will last a lifetime with minimal care. Most of these types are more decorative and many are permanent fixtures, but there are some stone and brick fire pits that can be classified as semi-portable. They are movable, but generally once they are put in place, they stay in place.

These types of fire pits are also some of the largest made, and they can be rectangular, round, or built upwards vertically. Although they are capable of giving off usable heat, their claim to fame is the beauty of the structure and the loveliness of the flame contained within.

Fired Clay

Many of these are constructed vertically and resemble the traditional Chiminea style which originated in the southwest and Mexico. These are very versatile units that can be used for cooking as well as a fire pit. Although heavy and bulky, they can be moved from place to place.

Tile

Virtually all tile fire pits would be classified as a permanent fixture. Usually, a brick or other substrate is used as the basic fire pit which is then tiled over for decorative purposes. As a result, the heft of a unit like this relegates it to permanent status.

Composite

Composite fire pits are the newest types available. They can be molded into virtually any shape, yet they are generally light enough to be either portable or semi-portable. These are the most ornate and decorative units made, but they are also some of the most expensive fire pits in their class.

Fuel Types

Wood

Wood is the most basic fuel out there, and it is one of the reasons why fire pits have become so popular.  Wood is easy to get, inexpensive if purchased, lights easily, and gives off a romantic fire that cannot be matched by any other fuel type. The more wood you stack on, the hotter and prettier the fire becomes. Without question, the original fuel is the best fuel.

Propane

Propane fire pits use a cylinder of gas as their fuel source. You can literally have a fire pit virtually anywhere, as long as you have a propane canister with you. Some of these fire pits are the smallest and most portable types, and for camping in a no-fire zone, a certified propane fire pit may be the only option.

Natural Gas

Many permanent fire pits are fueled with natural gas. A gas line needs to be piped in and much like a natural gas fireplace, there will be an igniter and a regulator. This fuel is the most expensive way to have a fire, but it is also the most convenient way since all you need to do is light the fire pit, kick back and relax.

Bio-Fuel/Gel Fuel

These alternative types of fuel satisfy a niche for either the eco conscious, when no other fuel is present, or for fire pits specifically designed for their use. They are exceptionally clean burning fuels, and as such, these fuel-specific fire pits and fireplaces can be designed without a flue or a chimney.

Some bio fuels can be piped in and therefore are a viable alternative for permanent structures. However, the latest types are semi-portable, and although a bit cumbersome, they can be taken apart and moved from place to place. And because they give off no soot or fumes, designers have taken the liberty of creating glass sided fire pits that allow 360 degree viewing without ever having to worry about being burned.

Food, Heat, Beauty or All of the Above

Since all fire pits give off a flame, you'll have to decide what to do with it. Virtually any fire pit flame will look appealing, and if that's all you want in a fire pit, feel free to choose the one that best suits your area.

If you plan to use a fire pit as an integral barbecue cooker, than you need one that comes with a cooking grate. Many metal bowl types and Chimineas are perfect for cooking, and these are also the most common kinds that have included cooking grates supplied, or as an option.

Every flame gives off heat, but different types of fuel burn hotter than the others. A traditional wood burning fire pit may be the best choice for gathering around on a crisp fall day, sipping hot toddy's or warming up next to one after a day spent outside. They also make gorgeous fires and no fire is more pleasing than a crackling pine wood flame. Plus, any camper will tell you that wood is one of the best and most flavorful mediums to cook over.

Propane is also a good choice as well. This fuel is equally adept for cooking, gazing and giving off heat. A propane fire may not be the most economical way to fuel a fire pit, but it is relatively hassle free when lighting.

Now, you might think that a natural gas fire pit would be a perfect place to get the chill out, but most of these kinds are made for aesthetics rather than heat or food making production. You would generally sit back from the fire which functions mainly to establish a mood. They can be cooked over and you could be warmed by the flames, but that's not the reason why a permanent natural gas fire pit is mainly designed for beauty above all else. This also applies to eco fuels and gel fuels as well so don't expect much warmth and you might only attempt to cook food over them only in an emergency.

What's Best for You

Form and function are the key words when deciding on a fire pit for your home or living area. City regulations may not give you much of a choice in the matter, but if you live in the country, the options become almost limitless.

The City

For those in the city, you will need to find out what regulations, if any, govern the type of fire pit you’re allowed. Smaller bowl types are very popular in the city, mainly because they don't take up much space and are self contained. Many have wire guards surrounding the flame pit which keep burning embers from potentially causing a fire. If your fire pit also doubles as a grill, you'll have a much easier time with regulations than if your pit is dedicated only to burning a fire.

Some propane models are specifically made to be used in a no burn zone and these are safe enough to use on a wooden deck or a porch. These types might be a viable alternative to a wood burning fire pit for city dwellers.

Gel and eco fuel designs can be either transported to a home, retro fitted or built in. Since they need no chimney to vent fumes, they make a perfect indoor addition to any city dwelling.

The Suburbs

Just like the city, you may have to abide by local air quality regulations, but many of these laws are a bit more relaxed. It may depend more on overall space for a fire pit of your choice, but as a general rule of thumb, as long as you have a back yard you should be able to get a fire pit for outdoor burning.

Large suburban estates might make the perfect place for a permanent fire pit, especially if you have a large porch, patio, gazebo or any other area where people are likely to gather. They are lovely to behold and you'd never run out of fuel if it is supplied by a natural gas pipeline.

Country Living

Choose a fire pit or pits that suit your needs out in the country. There may be few, if any regulations, regarding the use of a fire pit, and many fire pits are naturally made by digging out a hole and lining it with rocks. However, entertaining on a developed area (such as by a pool) a commercially made fire pit would be the perfect addition to your property.