Things to consider when purchasing a fire pit.

Fire Pit Options

There are multiple brands, styles, and options for fire pits on the market today and choosing the right fire pit for you can be overwhelming. The endless options include shapes such as rectangular, round, square, fire bowls, fire tables, and fuel choices such as natural gas, liquid propane, BBQ propane tank and wood burning in a variety of materials and finishes. Hopefully the information in this article will break it all down and help you in finding the perfect outdoor fire pit to match your lifestyle.

Gas Fire Pits

When looking for an outdoor gas fire pit there are some things you will definitely want to consider. First off, how easy is it to ignite and extinguish the flame? Do you want a manual match lit fire or a convenient and efficient electronic ignition? An electronic ignition will cost you more but if the cost isn’t a hindrance it is great feature for a fire on demand at a moment’s notice. You won’t even need to get up to start or stop your flame. Most electronic ignitions for fire pits also have a built in safety feature that if your flame is blown out, it will automatically relight it for you.

Also you will want to look for an easy control valve which is an imperative safety feature. You need to have the ability to adjust your flame height easily and securely depending on whether you need warmth, would like to do a little cooking, or just want to set the mood. Fire pits come with a variety of heat settings but most commonly will heat from a three to five foot radius around the fire pit. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat the fire pit is able to generate. BTU ratings for most gas fire pits start at about 40k BTUs. Additionally, if you go with a BBQ tank style fire pit you will want to make sure your fire pit has easy access to that tank. You don’t want to have a big hassle every time you need to switch out the propane.

Quality for an out door fire pits is an essential concern if you are looking for a longer term investment. With the price of fire pits ranging anywhere from $200-$5,000, you probably want something that will withstand the elements and last for years to come. Your outdoor fire pit will be subjected year round to often harsh environmental elements. For a fire pit that will resist weathering, rust, and corrosion look for solid construction and a durable finish.

Powder coated aluminum alloy is an excellent option for gas fire pit. It is lighter than steel which is ideal for areas like roof top terraces or decks where weight may be a concern but it is also extremely durable and resistant to rust. There are different types of grading for aluminum alloys but 5052 is ideal for fire pits because of its tensile strength. Not only does it have a higher fatigue factor than other choices, it is also resilient against marine atmospheres such as salt and water corrosion hence durable aluminum is especially desirable in these climates. Aluminum has exceptional work-ability which allows it to be formed in many clean shapes with crisp lines for whatever design you desire. When aluminum is finished with a powder coating it makes the ultimate combination for a great looking style to match the color you are looking for. Powder coating comes in an array of different colors and textures. It can be made to look like hammered bronze or hammered steel but if you prefer a natural rust weathered look, there are options that can give that appeal without the corrosion and transfer of color that rust will.