An evening with a loved one is always cherishable. It becomes magical with the warmth and coziness that comes from a fire pit. Whoever has a fire pit in their home has the great privilege of enjoying leisure differently. And those who don’t have one are looking to have one. To beat with the winter and have the best time with family and favorites.
You must be surprised if you get to know about the types of fire pits available for purchase. They are so different in looks, style, features, and user interface that you will have to struggle to choose. This article has come with the introduction and main features and lapses of every type of fire pit.
In addition, you will also know the essential tips for maintaining a fire pit. Before jumping onto the primary writing, let us tell you the exclusive benefits of having a fire pit. After that, go through this article to get to know about all types of fire pit.
Benefits of having a Fire Pit
You can’t count how endlessly beneficial a fire pit can be. From dawn to dusk, a fire pit is an inevitable part of western life. You will get warmth, comfort, quality time with loved ones, delicious foods, and hundreds of moments to cherish for life.
- The heat of the fire pit gives you comfy warmth and keeps you safe from chill weather and cold snaps.
- Winter makes us sluggish, and a fire pit keeps us active.
- A cozy ambiance created automatically when your fire pit is lit.
- To make your nights alive and light up the darkness with natural light, no one can beat the flaming glaze of a fire pit.
- Fire pit grills give you an option for cooking and grilling delicious and savory foods that make the time more enjoyable.
- Firepit opens up so many options for having fun and quality time that it feels like your patio life will not reach an end.
- It creates a focal point on your backyard or patio that no guest can resist from complimenting you.
- Want to go back to school’s summer camp days? A fire pit can be the best alternative to a campfire.
- With full of light and warmth, chatting and giggling with loved ones, a fire creates a festive vibe every day.
Types of Fire Pit
Fire pits are not only amazingly efficient; they are also versatile in design, features, and style. There are so many types and kinds of them prominent in the market and among the users. Some of them run on wood, some on propane, some are chiminea, some of them are portable, some come in the form of a bowl, square table top, or column. We have categorized more than 20 types of fire pit into six major categories.
1. According to fuel
The main classification of fire pits is based on their fire fuel. It controls the heat outcome, maintenance procedure, user experience, and other policies. Wood burning ones are the classic one. Propane, CNG, and other liquified gas fuel are most safe and clean for burning. The gel is safe and burns clean but requires more amounts to produce efficient heat.
I. Wood Burning Fire Pit
A wood-burning fire pit is the most classic one. It burns most efficiently, and its heat output has no match. People like wood-burning fire pits for their traditional outlook, crackling sound, and misty smell of wood.
It will render you coziness, warmth, and light on a different level. Woodfire pits have benefits. After use, you can use the coal for specific dishes like a grill, BBQ, etc. And wood ash has its extraordinary benefits.
Because of wood smoke hazards and environmental policies, make sure your local law and neighborhood approve burning wood. While using a wood-burning fire pit, try to use a spark screen that will keep the debris, soots, and chars from popping out.
Pros
- Heat output
- Classic
- Traditional vibe.
Cons
- Wood smoke
- High maintenance
II. Gas Fire Pit
Gas fire pits are now on-trend because of their excellent heat efficiency, clean-burning, and almost zero smoke and chars production. Fire pits that run on LPG/Propane and CNG/Natural gas are popular among them.
Gas fire will also give you a safe user experience. You can control your fire pits flame and output instantly. For so many safety factors and advantages, many people convert wood-burning fire pit into propane ones.
You can customize your fire pit’s design according to your preferences and choices. Also, you can safely decorate a gas or propane fire pit with artificial ceramic logs, fire glass, and others to enhance its beauty and efficiency.
Pros
- Clean fire
- Smokeless experience
- Budget-friendly
- Easy maintaining
Cons
- The repairing process is multifaceted.
III. Gel Fire Pit
The gel is a preparation of isopropyl alcohol. That burns clean without producing any smell or smoke. You will find gel as cans and as gel-fueled logs. Both are great for any type of indoor or outdoor fire pit.
The flame of gel fuel looks appealing and soothing. You can enhance your gel fire pit looks with the addition of fire glass and lava rocks. Some gel cans contain organic particles that give a mocking crackling sound like woods. Adding fire glass will lift the heat radiation.
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Pros
- Attractive Flame
- No mess burn
- Easy to use
Cons
- Less heat efficient
2. According to material
Building material and its quality is a crucial factor of a fire pit. The strength, durability, longevity, and how much maintenance your fire pit needs depends on which material made fire pit you will have.
I. Steel Fire Pit
When it comes to a metal fire pit, the steel fire pit is the top of them. Steel is a sturdy, strong, and durable metal. Plus, it is not as heavy as other metals. Firepit made from steel comes with a versatile design and multiple features of cooking, grilling, having a campfire, and so on.
They are especially suitable for use on combustible ones like wooden decks. Steel may rust or weathered over time if not appropriately kept. But with a coat of weather and rust resistance powder paint, it becomes the most durable one.
Pros
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Suitable for any patio
- Multiple uses
Cons
- Have to maintain regularly if not coated with powder paint.
II. Cast iron Fire Pit
Cast iron is the cheapest among all metals. Its excellent heat conduction efficiency makes it demandable to make utensils related to use in the fire or radiate a large amount of heat, like a fire pit. This metal is heavy, firm, and strong.
You will get a cast iron fire pit in various styles and colors like black, ash, and white. This metal is prone to rust over time, but with a coating of rust-proof paint, you can revitalize your fire pit every year.
Pros
- Utmost heat conduction
- Inexpensive
- Variety of choice
Cons
- A large fire pit can be too heavy to move frequently.
- Tend to rust quickly.
III. Copper Fire Pit
This metal has a significant aspect of traditional and durable outlook. Fire pits made of copper have a different fan base. It’s sturdy, spectacular, and equally heat efficient. The exceptional softness of this metal allows fire pit artisans to mold it in any shape.
The patina build-up is the main issue of a copper fire pit. You have to keep it under supervision and regular cleaning, to keep it as new always.
Pros
- Lucrative outlook and tempting glaze.
- Easy maintenance
- Excellent heat radiation with lots of collection.
Cons
- Patina build-up
- A high-end copper fire pit is a bit expensive.
IV. Stainless steel Fire Pit
A fire pit made out of stainless steel is solid and durable. You can find it in any color, style, brushed, engraved, polished or unpolished. It is high in heat endurance, and its heat radiation makes it the best suit for a fire pit.
This metal is affordable, sustainable, long-lasting, and available. Also, you will need the lowest effort in cleaning and maintenance as this metal does not get rusted or weathered easily. These basic features increase the wide acceptance of stainless steel-made fire pits.
Pros
- Heat efficient and available.
- Looks good in any type of interior.
- Low keeping and recyclable.
Cons
- A high-end stainless steel fire pit is costly
- Leaves scratches and dent.
V. Aluminum Fire Pit
This metal is an excellent option for fire pits. It is lighter than stainless steel yet sturdy, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Aluminum also scratch and dent-proof. You will need not coat or color the aluminum fire pit. This metal has a natural silver-like, witling, and smooth finish.
The firepit made of this metal is lighter in weight even when the size is massive. So if you are thinking of having a large fire pit but that should be easily movable and transportable, this type is for you.
Pros
- Natural shiny look
- Low maintaining
- Available and affordable
- Lightweight and long-lasting.
Cons
- Costlier than stainless and other steel.
VI. Brick or stone Fire pit
When it comes to DIY a fire pit, using brick or stone as materials open up a thousand possibilities. You can adhere to any shape, size, and design suitable to your backyard or patio. This type of fire pit creates a surreal focal point in your yard and makes your fire pit time more enjoyable and cozy.
Abiding your local law and community, you can run your brick or stone fire pit in any fuel you want. It can be natural gas, propane, or wood. You can pick lava rocks, artificial logs, and many more to give your self-made fire an extraordinary look.
Pros
- Custom design
- Budget solution
- Extended patio life
- Creates a cozy and festive ambiance
Cons
- Limited for outdoor uses only.
- Non-transporting and permanent.
3. According to style
In a fire pit, the different style has different aspects and mechanisms. The style of your fire pit decides how your fire pit will work and how much it will be efficient for you. Fuel load, maintenance, and using policies also depend on the style of the fire pit.
I. Smokeless Fire Pit
It is a special kind of fire pit that burns the cleanest and efficient. The specialty lies in the structure of the combustion system. Exclusive air circulation helps the process of producing no to zero smoke while burning.
A smokeless fire pit produces competitively higher heat than normal ones. Yet you will need minimum fuel, and it burns the fuel entirely and efficiently. Whatever it is, gas or wood. It burns clean and keeps your surroundings warm, comfortable, and breathable.
Pros
- Smokeless flame
- High heat efficiency
- Friendly to the user and the environment
Cons
- Don’t leave unattended
II. Chiminea Fire Pit
Chiminea fire pit is a uniquely structured fire pit that is classic and indigenous. This fire pit is functional. Cause its release it’s smoke and fumes through its architectural vent part, which also provides fresh oxygen circulation for efficient burning.
Traditionally, it’s been used as a heat source for cooking and keeping people warm during cold days. It keeps up its popularity till nowadays. A chiminea fire pit is made of thermal clay or sturdy metal; it always looks antique and attractive.
Pros
- Traditional and classic
- Easy to use.
- Suitable for cooking.
Cons
- Only well-seasoned wood logs are allowed.
- Incautiousness in maintenance can produce tacky smoke, char, and soot build-up.
III. Tabletop Fire Pit
We like multifunctional appliances. Don’t we? So a tabletop fire pit is the type of fire pit that can be used as a bistro table beside a fire pit. Mostly this type of fire has an option to cover their fire opening with a firm lid.
When not in use, you can put your drinks, coffee, tea, or snacks on it. A tabletop fire pit extends our patio life. Propane is a standard fuel for this type of fire pit. It burns warmer, cleaner, and smokeless.
Pros
- Multiple uses
- Efficient and smokeless
- More time on the patio with loved ones.
Cons
- Not for indoor uses
- Moving and transportation is tiring.
IV. Fire bowl
This type of fire pit is most common, and we see them often. Firebowl comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. However, you can decorate your one with lava pebbles, a ceramic log, and install fire glass. A fire bowl fire pit is excellent for use both indoor and outdoor.
Wood or any other wood alternatives are eligible for use in a fire bowl. You can get the most heat output depending on which type of fuel you are using. This fire pit is convenient to use, easily transportable, and you can store it in minimum space.
Pros
- Handy
- Wide range of variation
- Low maintaining
- Easily useable
Cons
- Efficiency may differ when it comes to large gatherings.
V. Fire Pit Column
This type of fire pit shapes like a column. It can be round, square, or rectangular. Column fire pit mostly runs on gas or propane. They render excellent heat output and look unique on any patio. If your place is congested, then a column fire pit is an excellent option for you. It occupies a little space and still draws the attention of the viewer.
Pros
- Looks matchless.
- Fit into any amount of space.
- Excellent heat output in minimum fuel.
Cons
- In larger spaces, column fires may make it less efficient.
VI. Fountain Fire Pit
A fire pit with a fountain feature is a true elegance for your patio or outdoor. This type of fire pit is incorporated with a water motor that provides an uninterrupted water flow. In contrast, fire is on in the middle top.
The fire spread mild warmth with its reflection in the water. The continuous running water imitates the sound of a serene spring. The whole thing together looks so soothing and natural. A chilly summer evening besides this fire fountain is the heavenly escape from a regular busy day.
Pros
- Fire Pit feature with tranquility
- Relaxing
- Unique and eye captivating
Cons
- Not heat efficient as a regular fire pit.
4. According to portability
Portability is a significant factor when it comes to having a fire pit. There are different advantages and shortcomings of both types of the fire pit. You need to decide which one you need most. If you travel now and then, a portable fire will be your best companion. Or, if you are a homely person with a large circle, the non-portable one is good for a stable service.
I. Portable Fire Pit
A portable fire pit is the most convenient fire pit among all types. You can enjoy your fire pit’s warmth anywhere you want. They come in a mediocre structure that is handy and needs little or no assembly. Typically portable fire pits are capable of rendering a significant amount of heat.
Expect the wood-burning one portable propane fire pit is the safest, ban-proof, and burns the cleanest. You can also cook on this type of fire pit, which means a complete package to carry while traveling.
Pros
- Easy to carry, move, and transport
- Quick assembly and user friendly
- Impressive heat output
- Safe and Clean burn
Cons
- It can be much or less effective for a large gathering.
II. Non-portable Fire Pit
This type of fire pit is hefty and heavy to move or port often. It comes in a robust structure that serves durability and longevity for years. This type of fire pit needs a time-consuming assembling process. This reason is also to discourage portability. However, the maximum non-portable fire pit is high in heat efficiency. They can promptly warm up your complete patio. For large gatherings and permanent uses, this type of fire pit is the best.
Pros
- Enduring and stable
- Excellent heat output
- Torrid and comfy for any gatherings
Cons
- Transportation and oft assembling can be troublesome.
5. According to shape
You will find a vast diversity in the shapes and size of a fire pit. Simple regular shapes to intricate geometrical shapes. So you will get thousands of options to match a fire pit that will be like your taste and that will fit with your patio, outdoor, or indoor interior.
I. Round Fire Pit
When it comes to shaping round fire pits is the popular and common one. You can match your round fire in any metal material. It comes in a vast variety of sizes and designs. A round fire pit circulates heat evenly, so every person gets the warmth properly.
It engages everyone around it and creates a cozy campfire ambiance. This type of fire pit is always convenient for port, move, and store.
Pros
- Even heat distribution
- Engaging and cozy
- Great for conversation
Cons
- The outlook may differ with the landscape or interior.
II. Square or Rectangular Fire Pit
These shaped fire pits are perfect for an edgy and formal outlook. This type of fire pit easily blends with any type of patio or backyard architecture. You can use your square or rectangular fire as a substitute for a tea table when not in use.
That helps you get the full out of your fire pit that extends your time on the patio, and saves some extra space and bucks. Substantially this type of fire pits are efficient in heat distribution, tidy, and fetching in appearance.
Pros
- Modern and trendy
- Multiple uses
- Efficient
Cons
- Not appropriate for a congested place.
6. According to installation
Different types of fire pits have a different and dedicated process of installation. Some of them require detailed assembling, and some of them not. According to their installation procedure, there is also a difference in building a fire pit on the different ground that can be on grass, concrete, combustible surfaces, etc.
I. Assembly required
The assembling process is a considerable essential thing while it comes to choosing a fire pit. Large and highly efficient fire pits fit in this type. Mainly propane and other gas-burning large fire pits often need to set up first. These fire pits are firm, durable, and great for stable uses.
When you are on the go to having an assembling fire pit, read and understand the manual first. It will help you in the setup process and will save you time and effort.
Pros
- Stable uses
- Assemble one time and then relax
- High efficiency with massive coverage
Cons
- Time-consuming, and you will need tools for the setup process.
II. Non-assembling Fire Pit
This type of fire pit is best for those users who like ready-to-use products. Minimalist and tight schedule people love those no or tiny assembling fire pits. Having this kind of fire pit gives you the freedom to move or place your fire pit anywhere and anytime you want.
Your non-assembling fire pit can run on woods, propane, and other fuels with heat outputs accordingly. This type of fire pit is desirable and valuable to carry away in RV trips, beachside parties, tracks, and campsites.
Pros
- Instantaneous
- Enough heat output
- Easily transportable
Cons
- Depending on the build material it has to be maintained regularly.
III. Ground sunken Fire Pit
Fire pits submerged into the patio or backyard ground, fall into this category. This type is a unique process of building a fire pit. You can burn wood or connect your inground natural gas lineage with it. You can build it by yourself or can hire any plumber.
This type of fire pit is high in heat efficiency. Yet the flame of fire is safer than usual cause it is too low for reach to a branch of trees or catching any combustible element. You will have a fantasy vibe while sitting near a sunken fire pit.
Pros
- Unique and surreal
- Safe and efficient
- Best for creating a festive vibe
- Allows cooking
Cons
- Be attentive and vigilant if you have kids or pets around.
Basic tips for maintaining your fire pit
- Before cleaning any fire pit, cover your hands with garden gloves.
- Be sure if the pit has quenched completely.
- Collect all remnants with a scoop or shovel.
- Remove all ash and relics.
- Gather them all in an ash bucket.
- If possible, wipe out with a stiff-bristled brush or dry cloth.
- Wipe away ashes with cold water after collecting.
- Don’t forget to maintain a safe distance because ashes tend to glide in your eyes and mouth.
- If your fire pit doesn’t produce smoke, clean it with dry cotton wipes regularly.
- Cover your fire pit with its dedicated or any good quality fire pit cover when not in use.
- Always prepare all necessary fire safety arrangements first.
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Conclusion
Before writing this article, we never had an idea about so many types of the fire pit. So many types, with so many features, so many versatile options with so many different purposes. It is incredible, Right? In this article, we have tried to present a detailed discussion of the research about types of the fire pit. We hope you have enjoyed this writing. Don’t hesitate to share with us which one is the best fire pit, in your opinion. Keep exploring! Stay safe! And Happy firing!
