Why Get a Copper Fire Pit?

23. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Outdoor Firepit · Tags: , , ,

Copper is a popular material commonly used in many outdoor heating devices like fire pits. Whether you have a fire bowl, accents or an entire fire pit made of copper, this element offers certain advantages that explain for its growing popularity.

For example, copper fire pits take great pride in their unique and individual style and designs that have remained unparalleled by other types of fire pits. This is one of the selling points of copper fire pits. They are also manufactured with practicality and easy mobility in mind. They are made to be moved about that is why they are great options when you are looking for a portable fire pit. In addition, they boast of a very high melting point and are not prone to corrosion which makes it ideal for outdoor usage. Unlike iron, it does not rust although it is prone to discoloration if not properly and regularly maintained.

Copper fire pits have long usable life. You will never have an issue about your fire pit having a hole burned through it; and even when exposed to harsh condition, kicked or knocked over several times, the material is durable enough to be easily damaged. Aside from its durability and dependability, copper just has that unique beauty even if it loses its gloss overtime.

Drawbacks:

Like anything else, there are always two sides in a coin. Copper fire pits tend to be more expensive than other heating devices of different materials.  Also, copper tend to lose its shine overtime, and is prone to discoloration. In areas where external weather condition can be harsh, the shiny appearance of your copper fire pit will tend to fade and will be replaced by that “old” look.  This is the reason why to maintain the gloss and shine of your copper fire pit, you need to constantly clean it which many may find very time-consuming and too much of a hassle.

If you are planning on getting a copper fire pit, the pros and cons are presented above. While you can’t deny that it has certain issues that others may not like, it also boasts of several positive aspects that clearly overweigh the cons.

 

 

Basic Considerations When Getting a Fire Bowl

21. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Outdoor Firepit · Tags: , , ,

A fire bowl is a better and safer alternative to a bonfire. They contain your fire, ensuring that it won’t spread out and become too much to control. They are great for any outdoor setting, transforming the looks of your patio, garden or yard making it charming and cosy, a perfect venue for family gatherings.

Fire bowls can be used in burning real wood. But they can also be powered by liquid propane, natural gas and even clean-burning gel.

Just like your regular fire pits, having a fire bowl in your outdoor spaces requires a few basic consideration to ensure a safer outdoor fire experience. For instance, you have to consult the local fire department in your area to make sure that employing this heating device does not violate any existing laws.

You also have to check out the local codes and other guidelines when it comes to the installation of your fire bowl regardless of the fuel it uses. In general, codes and regulations on open fire activities vary from region to region so you need to be aware of them because the last thing you want are legal complications in the future.

Another thing that you should take into consideration is the placement of your fire bowl. Like any types of outdoor fire pits, you need to choose a location that is away from any material that can catch fire. As a rule, you have to place your fire bowl at least 6 feet away from any structures or any combustible materials. But then again, it is still wise to follow what is allowed in your location.

Also, you have to take note of the wind movement when choosing your fire bowl location especially if you are using one that employs real wood for fuel. A strong wind can blow your burning embers out of the bowl or it can entirely put your flame out.

However, the problems mentioned above can be easily remedied with a mesh cover. Most if not all fire bowls that are designed for burning woods come with it. Once you have your fire going, make sure to use the cover to keep sparks and live embers from popping out of your bowl. And speaking of fire, never take the short cut when building one no matter how tempting the idea is. Always start with a small fire and never use fire accelerants like gasoline as this can be very dangerous.

If you plan on getting a fire bowl that uses either gas or propane, you actually have the liberty to customize what you put inside your bowl for aesthetic purposes. They are usually fireproof spheres that make for great visual effects. However, you need to make sure that you pick those that are approved for the specific fire bowl model that you are using. Inaccurate choice might lead to your fire bowl exploding or shattering.

A fire bowl is an affordable device that you can employ to be able to make the most out of your outdoor living spaces. However, just like any other outdoor heating option, you have to put basic safety above anything else.

Basic Considerations When Cooking On Your Fire Pits

19. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Outdoor Firepit · Tags: , , ,

Let’s face it. Nothing compares to the experience of cooking and eating outdoors in the midst of a beautiful scenery, surrounded by friends and family and having fun around the charming and cosy ambiance provided by your fire pit.

However, given the issues on safety, dwindling tree resources and environmental concerns, laws and regulations concerning an open fire activity have become more stringent than ever before. In some areas, ground fire is not even permitted. And still in several regions, you have to get a permit before you can even employ an outdoor fire pit even in your private properties. Needless to say, given the many concerns, the freedom to experience an open fire, much more the cooking has now become a luxury which only requires utmost caution and appreciation. There a few considerations that you need to think of and here are some of them.

  1. Consult with your local fire department prior to buying or owning an outdoor fire pit. This is to check whether employing these outdoor heating options is legal in your area.
  2. When cooking over a wood-burning fire pit, make sure that you use well-seasoned woods. Otherwise you will end up with too much smoke that won’t only cause unnecessary pollution but will also give you a poorly-cooked food that most likely tastes and smells like smoke, too.
  3. Make the selection of your fire location a serious consideration. If building your fire can’t be feasible on a concrete ground, it should at least be on a bare mineral soil. This is because a fire that has been going on all night long on an organic layer of a soil can’t be extinguished with a pail of water alone. If possible, choose an area that has been used for fire pits before not only for added safety but also to prevent more areas from being damaged.
  4. When building a fire outside, the wind can be your friend or foe; a friend because it can help you start your fire. However, it can also work against you in a very dangerous way. The wind can help spread out sparks and cause fire. This is why in areas where the winds can be too strong, a gas fire pit may be advisable.

In addition, aside from having all the ability to make your fire too big for you to control, with too much wind, your fuel (wood or coal) can burn too quickly and provide less time for you to warm up or cook your food; a waste of resources.

The next time you decide to have your fire outdoors, make it a point to respect and be grateful for the opportunity. An outdoor fire pit is a great way to make the most out of your outdoors but it entails extreme caution which you have to understand.

Effective Tips on How to Care for Your Outdoor Fire Pits

19. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Outdoor Firepit · Tags: , , ,

Outdoor fire pits are the latest trend in outdoor entertainment today. They have continuously captured the hearts and of course the outdoor living spaces of many homeowners across the country. And by the looks of things, they will be here for the long haul.

With the widespread use of these outdoor heating options, it is crucial not only to observe all precautionary measures but to equally ensure that your heating devices receive proper care. This will not only guarantee the safety of your property and the welfare of your loved ones but also ensure the longevity of these products for a long term enjoyment. After all, you want to get your money’s worth as some outdoor fire pits don’t come exactly cheap.

  1. Position your fire pit in a spot where there is less traffic to prevent it from being knocked over.
  2. Clean your fire pit regularly. Make sure that burners and valves are meticulously clean as the build-up of dirt overtime can block the flow of gas and this can be extremely dangerous.
  3. Aside from cleaning your fire pits on a regular basis, it is still recommended that they be checked regularly by a professional. For those employing a gas fire pit, contact your gas supplier.
  4. For heating options that are also regularly used in cooking, clean them after every use. The drippings from your meat often stick to the surface of your fire pit.
  5. Fire pits made of cast iron tend to rust over time. To avoid this, oil them regularly, at least after 10-12 fires. You can use vegetable oil for this purpose.
  6. Some fire pits need to be painted not only to make them look more attractive but more to protect the material they are made of. Choose the kind of paint that can withstand extreme heat. If you’re not sure which paint to use, consult anyone from your local paint store.
  7. When your fire pit is not in use, store it in an area where it is protected from the harsh conditions outside. Don’t expose it to rain, snow, molds and other elements that can hasten or contribute to the deterioration of your heating device.
  8. For permanent outdoor fire pits, make sure to protect them with a fire pit cover. Invest in a good one that can do the job of ensuring that your fire fit stays dry, and not exposed to the harsh condition of your outdoors.
  9. Never pour water on your wood or gas fire pits while they are still hot. Wait for your fire pit to cool down.

10. Never burn anything in your fire pit that isn’t recommended. For instance, plastic thrown into your fire pit will not only be difficult to clean after, it is also harmful to the environment.

Your fire pits are great partners in your outdoors. Making sure that they are properly taken care of guarantees a long term partnership, which basically means longer outdoor entertainment.

Fire Pits Do’s and Don’ts

16. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Outdoor Firepit · Tags: , , , , ,

With the help of outdoor fire pits, you can now enjoy your outdoor spaces more. Regardless of the time of the year, you can take full advantage of your patio, garden or backyards especially during these times when outdoor entertainment is the name of the game.

Given the surging popularity of these outdoor heating options, and the eagerness of many individuals to install one in their outdoors, extra caution is needed to ensure that nothing and no one is exposed to extreme danger. As we all know, fire is an element that shouldn’t be taken lightly largely because there’s so much at stake when something goes wrong as it sometimes does.  Here are some fire pit safety do’s and don’ts that you might learn from.

  1. Do consult with your local fire department even prior to your buying an outdoor fire pit.
  2. Do take time to be familiar with the existing laws and regulations concerning open fire activities in your area to make sure that there won’t be any legal impediments later on.
  3. Do spend time to consider the perfect spot for your fire pit. Don’t position it in an area where flammable materials can get in the way of your fire.

    Do invest in a spark screen particularly with your wood-burning fire pits.

  4. Do observe at least 10 feet clearance from any combustible surfaces or structures.
  5. If you have to position your fire pit on your deck, DO make sure to sit it on a protective mat or any concrete non-flammable material and never directly on your deck.
  6. Don’t use any fire starters on your wood fire pit that aren’t recommended. Remember, it is much better to start a small fire rather than begin with a HUGE one that has all the probability to spread out and become too much to control.
  7. Don’t leave a fire unattended. If kids are around, make sure that there is at least an adult present.
  8. Never take chances with your fire. Don’t leave your fire pit and retire for the night unless you are sure that the fire is properly extinguished and there’s no chance of it starting back again long after you have turned your back.
  9. Do have a fire extinguisher near you. If you don’t have one, a bucket of water or sand will do.

10. Do invest in useful fire pit accessories to help reduce the risk involved in an open fire activity.

 

45 Inch Outdoor Fire Pit With Ceramic Tile Product Review

09. January 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Outdoor Firepit · Tags: , , ,

45 inch outdoor firepit with ceramic tile

What: 45 in Outdoor Fire Pit with Ceramic Tile
Who: Manufactured By Uniflame
Where: Buy From www.NorthlineExpress.com
Price: Average Price $224.00 + FREE Shipping

I got a chance to actually burn this fire pit in my back yard this summer and I’m happy to say you’re getting a lot for you money.

This fire pit is large, not like the dinky firepits you see at the big box stores.  Measure it out, 45 inches in diameter…

The 45 In Outdoor Firepit with Ceramic Tile Includes:

The Ceramic Tile Fire Pit is made out of a heavy duty wrought iron base with tile surround and a stainless steel fire bowl.  The mesh spark screen comes in handy to keep sparks in the fire pit where they belong.  The ceramic tile surround makes for a nice foot rest and is plenty sturdy for it.  There’s an included removable ash pan as well, similar to a charcoal grill that makes for easy ash removal and dumping.

    • Size; 15 1/2″ High x 45″ Diameter
    • Fire Bowl Diameter; 35″
    • Ceramic Tile Surround
    • Removable ash collector
    • Mesh spark screen Included
    • Construction Materials; Wrought Iron Base, Stainless Steel Fire Bowl
    • Weighs Approximately 73.00 LB
    • Requires some assembly

The assembly isn’t bad at all.  Basically the base comes in a few pieces that you bolt together and then drop in the stainless steel fire bowl and your done.  It goes together very fast.

If you’d like a simple fire bowl but don’t want one of the cheap tiny ones from the big box stores this is a great alternative.