Choosing the right fire pit for your outdoor space can be a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market. From traditional fire pits to smokeless fire pits, there are a variety of factors to consider when making your decision. In this blog post, we'll go over some tips on how you can choose the right fire pit for your needs and we'll also highlight the benefits of choosing a smokeless fire pit over a traditional one.
First, consider the size of your outdoor space. If you have a small backyard or patio, you'll want to choose a smaller fire pit that won't take up too much space or create too much flame and heat. On the other hand, if you have a larger outdoor area, you may want to opt for a larger fire pit. Obvious - I know, but it's something a lot of people don't think about - is when the actual fire is burning rather than just how it looks sitting there.
Next, think about the materials you want your fire pit to be made of. There are a variety of materials to choose from for free-standing and inbuilt fire pits. Stainless steels and Corten steels are great options. Aerated concrete or stone are sometimes used, but are often chipped, heavy and not very visually appealing, not to mention, horrible to light and actually produce fire in! Most fire pits you find at a home improvement store or big box store will be cheaply made from thin mild steel (unless its ours!). This is a bad idea to begin with but worse for a fire pit. This is because heating and expanding the steel leads to moisture absorption much faster and hence rusting occurs almost immediately after the first burn. Within a year or so or sometimes even months the rust will end up destroying the fire pit and potentially the surface it sits on. Sad.
The good news is that Corten steel and Stainless steels are very unique in that they are extremely resistant to corrosion. Corten forms an oxidisation layer within a few months of being outside which protects the steel for the rest of time from corroding the iron in the metal - while looking great with a natural patina. Stainless steel is extremely resistant to rust in the same way by forming an oxidisation layer, only that it is invisible with no patina.
Another important factor to consider is the features and accessories of the fire pit. Some fire pits come with built-in seating, while others have cooking grates that allow you to use the fire pit for cooking. Other fire pits come with covers to keep the fire contained and to protect it from the elements. Consider which features are important to you and choose a fire pit that has them.
Now, let's talk about the biggest difference between traditional fire pits and smokeless fire pits, the smoke. Traditional fire pits produce a lot of smoke, which can be a nuisance to neighbors and can be bad for your health and the environment. Smokeless fire pits, on the other hand, produce significantly less smoke and are much better for the environment. Additionally, smokeless fire pits are designed to create less ash and soot, which makes them easier to maintain. You can find out how a smokeless fire pit works in detail here
Another advantage of smokeless fire pits is the ability to enjoy outdoor fires without the need for permits and restrictions, as the smokeless feature allows for a cleaner burn. This makes them a perfect choice for urban areas or for those who want to enjoy a fire without having to worry about potential legal issues or neighbours complaining!
In terms of cost, smokeless fire pits may be slightly more expensive than traditional fire pits, but the benefits in terms of safety, environmental impact, and enjoyment of an outdoor fire you've probably never experienced before make them well worth the investment.
When it comes to safety, traditional fire pits can pose a risk of flying embers and sparks, while smokeless fire pits are designed to minimize this risk. This makes them a safer choice for families with children or pets. They are a much deeper and more closed design as well which means the heat of the fire is in the body of the fire pit with just a beautiful tall decorative yellow flame out the top.
In summary, smokeless fire pits are a great choice for those who want to enjoy outdoor fires without the nuisance of smoke and ash. They are also better for the environment and offer a safer option.. While they may be slightly more expensive than traditional fire pits, the benefits they offer make them a smart investment.
When choosing a fire pit, consider the size of your outdoor space, the materials you want your fire pit to be made of, the features you want, and the benefits of choosing a smokeless fire pit over a traditional one. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to choose the right fire pit for your needs and enjoy many cozy nights by the fire!