The Pros and Cons of Cooking Over Wood-Burning Fire Pits

02. March 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Wood Burning Fire Pits · Tags: , , , ,

Outdoor cooking has been the current trend in recent years. This came about when home entertainment is being extended outdoors making it quite common for many homeowners to spend more and more time in their outdoor living spaces with family and friends.

There are many outdoor fire pits today that incorporate cooking features which allow an end user to cook on them, making their outdoor experience more practical and fun. However, among the three options available- natural gas, liquid propane and woods- many people find cooking over traditional woods way better. But for the sake of fairness, here are the pros and cons of cooking over wood-burning fire pit.

The Pros:

  1. The strongest argument that works for wood-burning fire pits is the fact that food cooked over it tastes much better. This is largely because the woods used have varying flavours that are being infused into your food. Different woods have different flavours.
  2. Cooking over woods is natural unlike when cooking over natural gas or propane- based fire pits that largely rely on chemicals to generate heat.
  3. Wood-burning fire pits undeniably generate far more heat that any of their gas counterparts. This makes them ideal for cooking especially when you are grilling or roasting meat.
  4. Cooking over woods is way more fun. Not only is the fire more attractive, there’s something about a traditional fire with its dancing fire and changing hues that always charm many people.The Cons:
  5. Cooking over wood-burning fire pits takes longer. This is because aside from the fact that you have to start your fire from scratch, you need to cook your food on glowing embers which usually takes time since an open flame will only end up charring and burning your food.
  6. While there are areas where woods come very cheap and sometimes free of charge, there are also locations where good seasoned firewood can be scarce and therefore costly. When cooking over woods, you particularly want that hot fire which can only come from hot embers and these not only takes time to build but also consume a lot of woods.
  7. There are people who love that distinct smoky flavour and aroma that only wood-burning fire pit can provide. However, there are also people who dislike them especially if they are preparing other recipes that don’t require smoky scents or flavours. In this case, a wood-burning fire pit is not an ideal choice.
  8. Cooking on a wood-burning fire pit may be a lot of fun, adventurous even but it calls for extra caution. As you know, in comparison to their gas counterparts, wood-burning fire pits have a less controlled burn. You have to be on the lookout in case your fire becomes too much to handle. Otherwise, you will not only have to face a badly burnt food but worse, you may even have to deal with accidental fire.
    At the end of the day, the choice you make on whether to cook over woods or not largely depends on several factors like your personal preference, the availability of resources and other crucial elements.

Natural Gas Fire Pits- The Pros and Cons

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

You have probably heard this again and again; that a natural gas fire pit is a much better alternative to fire pits that burn woods. And when you really think about the pros and cons, there certainly is a truth to this statement although at times your choice will greatly depend on your own personal preference. But then again, this type of outdoor heating solution is not considered one of the best choices available for nothing!

First, a natural gas fire pit is very easy to install. Once you hook it up to the main gas line, it’s all set and ready for use. And you don’t have to refill your fuel every now and then. It also has a much cleaner burn. It doesn’t inconvenience its end user with messy burning residue nor harm the environment with harmful and toxic gas emissions.

Second, a natural gas fire pit is a safe heating option. Aside from the fact that you don’t need to deal with too much smoke that gets in your eyes and at times aggravates those with certain medical condition, it also doesn’t have those notorious flying sparks and live embers that tend to fly around and cause accidental burn or fire.

And did I mention that it’s also easy and convenient to use? Yes, that’s right. With a natural fire pit, starting and putting out your fire is just a click away. No need to go through all the hassle of gathering woods, stacking and piling them up or having to start your fire from scratch. With this type of fuel you will instantly have the heat you want in just a matter of minutes or even seconds! This is important to people who live in areas where the cold season can be harsh. They want to heat up their outdoor spaces right away or face the consequence of chattering teeth and freezing hands and feet.

However, just like other heating devices, a natural gas fire pit has also its share of drawbacks. For one thing, compared to its wood-burning counterpart, it has a smaller flame which a lot of wood fire pit proponents find less attractive. Also, unless you already have gas line in your yard, installing one can be difficult and requires the services of a professional. It can also cost you a bit.

Finally, for some reason, food cooked over a natural gas fire pit doesn’t taste as good as those cooked over woods. Ideally marshmallows and grilled meat taste much better when prepared over a traditional fire.

But then again, if you’re like those hundreds of fire pit users who put safety and convenience above anything else, a natural gas fire is your top choice for obvious reasons.

4 Factors to Consider When Buying a Propane Fire Pit

21. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Propane Fire Pits · Tags: , , , ,

The proliferation of outdoor fire pits in the market in recent years has shown no signs of abating. For this single product alone, you are bombarded with different choices that make choosing the right outdoor heating device quite overwhelming. Among those that really manage to stand out are propane fire pits which boast of impressive qualities, making them one of the most preferred heating devices today.

But what are the things to consider if you plan on getting one? Here are some of the factors that you need to check out.

1. Quality: You’d be surprised to know that propane fire pits are not made equal. They differ from each other, often varying from one manufacturer to another. To make sure that you get a quality propane fire pit, it is necessary to check its features and what it is capable of. In particular, be extra meticulous in checking out the safety features of the unit since it will be dealing with fire and there’s just too much at risk when you end up getting a device that exposes you to too much risk.

2. Efficiency: Gas fire pits are rated in terms of efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. This basically means that a propane fire with a higher efficiency rating can provide sufficient heat with less fuel consumption. Normally fire pits with higher ratings tend to be more expensive than those with lower ratings. However, in the long run you can definitely save more in fuel when you use superior models with a high efficiency rate.

3. Features: Choose a propane fire pit with various features, particularly features that that make it easier and convenient for you to operate the unit. For instance, consider those which have changeable speeds and temperature controls to allow you to have control of the heat. The more features you can find in a unit, the better it would be.

4. Cost: Try to find a propane fire pit that has a good quality and is priced reasonably. Don’t settle for something largely because it is very cheap. Remember, in many cases, you always get the kind of quality that you paid for.

When you are ready to purchase your propane fire pit, consider buying online. There are many online shops that offer quality fire pits at very competitive prices. Most also have a large selection of functional fire pit accessories which you may consider checking out also to make your outdoor fire experience safer and more enjoyable.

Are Wood-burning Fire Pits Safe?

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

Wood-burning fire pits have often been thought of as less safer compared to their gas counterparts. Various arguments against this type of outdoor heating option have been exhausted but like they say, you can never bring a good man, errr, a good heating solution down. The fact that there are a number of individuals patronizing wood fire pits over the years is a clear indication that they are widely used across the country and have remained popular heating choice until today.

Wood-burning fire pits take pride in having the most authentic outdoor fire experience among the many outdoor fire pits available nowadays. Think about the smoky scent, the crackling sound of burning woods, the dancing flames ad their ever-changing hues. They are simply magical! No matter what critics say, this kind of experience has never been equalled or matched by any other heating options that are flooding the industry today.

Now, let’s go back to the issue on safety. Think about this. When you’re dealing with fire, regardless of the heating device you employ, there is always that risk involved. However, with the right precautions and in many times plain common sense, you can greatly reduce the risk of any unforeseen accident. This is especially true for wood fire pits.

While it is true that they require more attention, this is only because wood-burning fire pits need to be properly cared for to ensure that they perform at their optimal level and are safe enough to be used. For instance, they should be cleared of any ashes and other burning residue after every use.

As to the live embers or sparks that many found dangerous, you can always solve this problem by investing in a spark screen that prevents live embers from popping out of your pit. In many wood fire pits, the spark screen comes with the unit while others, you have to buy it separately. It is also recommended to have a fire extinguisher nearby so that if something goes wrong, you can always put out the fire instantly and effectively.

And even if you want to have a instant fire, it is always advised to start a small fire. Use kindling to slowly create your fire instead of using fire starters that are not recommended and risk getting a huge and unpredictable fire that may end up too much to control. To tend to your fire, invest in fire pit accessories like a log grabber or a poker to move or shift logs in your fire pit. There are also other accessories that will keep yourself protected while you tend to your fire.

Last but definitely not the least, take time to choose the spot for your wood-burning fire pit. Aside from making sure that you maintain the proper clearance, choose a place that has less traffic to protect your pit from being knocked over.

Wood-burning fire pits are great heating options. With just the right care and maintenance plus a lot of common sense, you are guaranteed of a safer outdoor experience just like any other heating options available today.

How Important are Fire Pit Accessories?

20. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Fire Pit Accessories · Tags: , , , ,

Sometimes, you can’t help but wonder if fire pit accessories are just that- mere decorations. Don’t be fooled by the name, though. There are many accessories that do more than give pleasant aesthetics to your outdoor fire pits. They are practical, useful and in many instances play a crucial role in the performance and longevity of your heating devices, not to mention the safety of your property and loved ones.

For instances, accessories like wood racks, fire pit cover, spark screen, and log grabber are examples of perfect items that you should get for your wood fire pits. They will help ensure that your outdoor fire experience is a lot more convenient and safer.  Wood racks make it easier for you to stack your woods so you don’t have to keep fetching outdoors for more every now and then while burning.

A fire pit cover on the other hand ensures that your heating device is well protected from the elements outside when not in use. Being exposed to rain, snow and other outdoor conditions will contribute to the quick deterioration of your fire pits. A spark screen is your protection to the live embers and sparks that tend to pop out randomly during a burning activity while a log grabber or a poker helps you tend to your fire without getting burned.

For your gas fire pits, there are also equally beneficial accessories that you should invest in. There’s the stainless steel ring for instance which will help you make the most of the heat generated by your fire pit. There are also fire domes, decorative stones, glasses, and a lot more. They not only enhance the beauty of your gas logs but also help in making sure that your gas heating devices perform as expected.

If you plan on cooking on your fire pits, as many do, you should get a few cooking accessories that you can incorporate into your pits. Cooking grates, for examples are perfect for outdoor cooking. They are positioned above the flames for you to cook your food on it. You can also choose to invest in an outdoor kitchen complete set to make your outdoor cooking easier and convenient.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other functional fire pit accessories that you should be checking out. Needless to say, just like your outdoor heating devices, they make your open fire experience way more fun and convenient. But choosing the right items to complement and accessorize your fire pits is important so you won’t end up wasting your hard-earned money.

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.

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.