4 Basic Considerations When Purchasing Your Gas Fire Pit

20. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Gas Burning Fire Pits · Tags: , , ,

In general, gas fire pits are more expensive than other outdoor heating devices, say wood-burning fire pits. This is the reason why you need to seriously consider all underlying factors prior to getting yourself this popular outdoor fire pit to avoid any regrets from your end later on. After all, fire pits fuelled by gas don’t exactly come in cheap price tags. Here are a few considerations that you need to think of.

  1. BTU range- Gas fire pits are basically heat providers. To efficiently warm your outdoor space, you need to compute the amount of heat you want and then choose the gas fire pit that matches your heating requirements. The BTU number found on the box of the unit tells you how hot the unit can get when it is at its optimum performance. Based from this information, you will know which fire pit to get.
  2. Space- The location of your fire pit, whether powered by gas or wood should be a crucial consideration. To begin with, the size of your patio or backyard will also determine the size of the fire pit that you will be getting. In addition, you have to choose a spot that is at least 10-20 feet away from any structure and other combustible materials. An ideal spot would be one which has less traffic to eliminate any chances of your fire pit being knocked over. It should also be away from any plants or trees that might interfere with your flame.

    Fire pit tables are great for outdoor entertainment.

  3. Style- Gas fire pits come in a variety of designs. You have a lot of choices to choose from. For instance, you can opt for one that is made from a certain type of material like stone, bricks and many more. Additionally, you have to choose a design that suits your purpose or preference. There are those, for instance that come in the form of a table top. These are called fire pit tables and are great for your backyard especially if you plan on cooking for and entertaining a large number of guests. There are styles  that look like your regular fireplace. Needless to say, the designs can be overwhelming. But as long as you know exactly what you need, the selection will not be as difficult or complicated.
  4. Budget- As with any investments that you make, you always make sure that the gas fire pit you intend on buying is something that you can afford to pay. And of course, it should also be worth every penny that you will spend on. While it would be nice to splurge on high end models, not many people have that kind of money to spare. On the other hand, stay away from very cheap gas fire pits with questionable standard or unreliable brand names. Try to find the right balance between cost and quality.

Gas fire pits are your modern take on the traditional fire that our ancestors used to make to survive. They are safe, effective and reliable heat providers that can also do magic to your patio, deck or backyard. With the right information and enough resources, you will be able to find one that is perfect for your outdoor living spaces.

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.