Outdoor Fire Pits | Quality Fire Pits

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

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:

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.
Cooking over woods is natural unlike when cooking over natural gas or propane- based fire pits that largely rely on chemicals to generate heat.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.

The Pros and Cons of Having a Portable Fire Pit

29. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Portable Fire Pits · Tags: fire pit, fire pits, outdoor fire pits, portable fire pits

Having a portable fire pit in your outdoor property is like shooting two birds with just one stone. You get to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the time of the year and at the same time are not limited to spending it in one place only. In fact with a portable heating device, you can have a fun and enjoyable outdoor fire experience in any places you want as long as it is legal for you to have it there. In short, you are not limited to having your fire within your property alone.

Think about this. What is more fun than going to one of your camping trips, be one with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of a routinary life and having a ball roasting marshmallows or grilling meat and telling stories with loved ones around your fire pit? This experience will certainly go down the book and is worth remembering for years to come.

Also, with a portable heating device, it is very easy and simple to bring comfort without endangering the area. You can have your outdoor fire but done in a safer and far more convenient method. You are ensured that your fire won’t spread out and harm everything around you, more so if you’re using a portable gas fire pit. No messy residue to leave behind, either.

Although it may seem hard to believe that there is a negative side to having a portable fire pit, like anything else, there are always two sides in a coin. For instance, some portable fire pits can be too bulky to carry with you. They take up so much space. If you’re planning on taking your fire pit with you on camping grounds, choose a design that allows you to break the device into smaller parts to make it easier for you to pack them in your car.

Also, compared to a bonfire where after making sure that the fire is properly extinguished and the area is cleared, you have nothing to worry about. But for portable fire pits which are usually made of metal, they often call for a considerable amount of time to cool down. They will remain hot to touch for hours before you can safely carry it back to your car and bring it home. But in more reasons than one, portable fire pits are still good choices compared to those that are built permanently and which will restrict your outdoor experience to one place only.

How to Care for your Liquid Propane Fire Pits

28. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Propane Fire Pits · Tags: fire pit, fire pits, liquid propane fire pit, liquid propane fire pits, outdoor fire pits, propane fire pit, propane fire pits

Perhaps, it is quite safe to assume that the only reason why the demand for liquid propane fire pits has not skyrocketed as much as their natural gas counterparts is because of the notion that they are extremely dangerous to work with.

This misconception may due to the fact that a lot of people have this fear that a propane tank can go off anytime; that the possibility of an explosion is high. While this fear is understandable, it however is unfounded. Unless your propane tank is subjected to very extreme conditions, the odds of it exploding are simply very rare. If truth be told, propane-based fire pits are very safe to use. In fact, they are as safe as or even way safer than gas or wood-burning fire pits.

Propane fire pits are as safe as their gas or wood-burning counterparts.

However, just like any outdoor fire pits, or any devices that deal with fire for that matter, there are things that you could and should do to ensure that your liquid propane fire pit continues to be a safe heating option.

For instance, to use your propane fire pit, all you need to do is turn on the ignition switch. You shouldn’t start a fire manually or use lighter or gasoline to start your fire. Also, make sure that your fire pit is regularly cleaned especially when you are also using it to cook your food. In addition, have it checked by a specialist on a regular basis to ensure that it is in perfect working condition at all times.

Like any other outdoor heating devices, propane fire pits call for regular maintenance to perform well.

When storing your propane tanks, make sure that the location is dry and airy. Choose an area that is not often crowded with people and that your tank is not exposed to high and extreme temperature or outdoor conditions.

If you suspect a leak in your propane container, using soap is the simplest way to check this out. Fixing this problem and other related concerns should be dealt with by a professional.

Liquid propane fire pits are very easy and safe to use. They offer benefits that could make your outdoor fire experience convenient, enjoyable and way safer than other heating options available. With the growing awareness of people on the many advantages of this type of heating option, it will definitely be here to stay for the long haul

Make Your Outdoor Fire Experience Safer with a Fire Pit Screen

23. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Fire Pit Accessories · Tags: fire pit, fire pit accessories, fire pit screen, fire pits, outdoor fire pits

Admittedly, one of the issues that is being thrown against wood-burning fire pit has something to do with safety. During a burning activity, sparks and live embers tend to pop out of your fire pit or randomly fly around and possibly land on people or any flammable materials.

While this scenario can lead to accidental burn (or worse fire), this however can be easily remedied with a fire pit screen.

Once you have your fire going, you simply put this fire pit accessory over your flames and that’s pretty much like it. The nice thing about fire pit screens is the fact that they are either made transparent, allowing you to watch the whole burning process and still protect you at the same time. There are also screens with pretty designs which greatly add to the aesthetics of your fire pit.

When shopping for your fire pit screen, there are a couple of things that you have to consider. First, you have to choose a screen that is tall enough to cover the pile of woods loaded into your pit. This is important especially if you intend to spend long hours burning woods. Otherwise, you have to contend yourself adding woods every now and then which can be a little inconvenient and time-consuming.

However, if you expect to spend less time outdoors, the height of your fire pit screen won’t really matter a lot since you only have to reload woods once or twice., Needless to say, the length of time that you expect your fire to burn should determine the height or diameter of your fire pit screen.

Additionally, you also have to think of the material of your screen. Obviously, it has to be a material that can withstand the extreme heat of your fire pit. Stainless steel is a popular option as it is one of the few materials that is strong enough to tolerate very high temperature. Iron is also another material to consider since it is affordable but on the downside, it is prone to rust especially if not properly taken care of.

Another point to consider is the design of your screen. It is ideal to choose one that makes it easier for you to tend to your fire. Look for a screen that has a large hinged door so you can conveniently stoke your fire, and add woods every now and then without having to lift the entire screen. In addition, consider a screen with a comfortable and long handle to enable you to lift your screen without the risk of getting too close to the flame. Or you can look for a fire pit screen that come with a lifting tool to make it much easier for you to lift the cover without the risk of burning your hands.

How to choose the right fire pit cover?

23. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Fire Pit Accessories · Tags: fire pit, fire pit accessories, fire pit cover, fire pits, outdoor fire pits

A fire pit cover is one of those fire pit accessories that you should be investing in. This item is typically used to protect your fire pit when not in use. As you know, it is never a good idea to leave your heating device exposed to outdoor elements like snow, rain, and molds as they can contribute to the quick deterioration of your outdoor fire pit. Without any protection, the rain and snow will not only cause your fire pit to be wet, they will also gather inside your pit and once combined with the ashes and other burning residue, they will cause the unit irreparable damage. Since fire pits are considered investments that most of the times don’t really come cheap, you always want to ensure that they last you from season to season.

To choose the right cover for your fire pit, first it has to be the exact size and shape as your heating solution. Make sure that the cover is big enough to cover the entire device but not too large as it may be easy for the wind to blow it away.

Another consideration is that it should be made of a material that will aptly protect your pit from the elements. Fire pit covers come in a wide variety of materials like metal, fabric, or plastic-coated. If it is meant to cover a permanent fire pit that sits in the open space, make sure to choose a material that can withstand the elements like wind, rain and snow. For this purpose, you are better off with a cover made of metal or plastic although the former can be quite expensive. One that is made of heavy fabric is also a good option since it can also protect your pit from water.

If you are looking for a cover for your portable fire pit, then maybe one that is made of cloth will do since you can store your portable fire pit in an area that is not exposed to rain and water, anyway. But make sure that when using a cover made of cloth your heating device had enough time to cool down before you wrap it with the cloth or other similar material.

You should also think of the color of your fire pit cover. Since it will often be out on display, you want a shade that complements the rest of your outdoor surrounding, and blends well with the rest of your outdoor decoration.

A fire pit cover is an essential accessory that is both functional and attractive. It can extend the longevity of your heating device so you can enjoy your outdoors for a long time.

Why Get a Copper Fire Pit?

23. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Outdoor Firepit · Tags: copper fire pit, fire pit, fire pits, outdoor fire pits

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.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Propane Fire Pit s

21. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Propane Fire Pits · Tags: fire pit, fire pits, outdoor fire pit, outdoor fire pits, propane fire pit, propane fire pits

If you’re looking for an alternative to a wood-burning outdoor heating device, you should check out a propane fire pit as it makes a great choice. It is environmentally-friendly, efficient, and convenient; typical characteristics of gas fire pits.

Propane fire pits are made available in countless styles and designs. More popular models include the decorative table top design which is actually a patio table that incorporates a fire pit in the center. They are popularly known as fire pit tables. Another equally preferred style is the one that sits low on the ground shaped like a square and commonly resembles the traditional fire pit. No matter which style you choose, all propane fire pits share one thing in common. They have hidden receptacle that houses a propane cylinder tank. This tank stores your fuel and needs to be refilled once emptied. They sometimes come with your unit but in many instances you have to buy it separately.

Like any types of fire pits, you need to consider which style to get when shopping for a propane fire pit. Once you have chosen one, you can then narrow down your choices although there a few more things to consider like your heating needs, efficiency rating, and cost just to name a few.

Installation:

In general, propane fire pit installation is quite easy and simple. You simply position it in a spot that you have previously selected. Ideally, it should be placed on a level ground that has either a concrete or brick surface. Some models have certain guidelines for proper placement and all you have to do is refer to the instructions that are written on the manual that comes with the unit.

In addition, place your fire pit away from any flammable materials or structures and anything that gets in the way of your fire when you are using your fire pit. You also have to choose a spot where it is convenient for you and your guests to sit around so you can enjoy your outdoor experience around your propane fire pit.

A propane fire pit is a great addition to your patio, garden or backyard. They are nice, effective, and functional outdoor investment that you can enjoy for the long term.

4 Factors to Consider When Buying a Propane Fire Pit

21. February 2012 · Comments Off · Categories: Propane Fire Pits · Tags: fire pits, gas fire pits, outdoor fire pits, propane fire pit, propane fire pits

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.

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