Fire Pits: Make the Best Choice for You

The south with its hot summer months is one place that would be hard to convince anyone to purchase an outdoor fire pit unless it has grilling capability. Yet there are many areas of the U.S. that have temperatures drop below 70 degrees in the evenings during summer, so you may be able to convince those people to buy a fire pit.

Today outdoor fire pits are making a huge comeback because of the variety of styles and prices available. Prices vary from inexpensive too high in cost but also high in quality. If you're deciding on what type of fire pit will work best for your home here are three options to consider before opening your wallet.

Cast Iron Chiminea Fire Pits

Cast iron chimineas fire pits are a great alternative to the popular clay chimineas. Clay tends to crack from intense heat while chimineas made with cast iron are much more durable, and are rather inexpensive in comparison.

Aluminum Chimineas

Aluminum chimineas deliver a lot of heat to help keep your friends and family warm and cozy on a chilly evening. Aluminum is made of lightweight and durable metal. Some aluminum chimineas can come with a removable lid or flues to keep rain and debris out when it's not being used. The flue can be lifted to reveal a grill for cooking lots of delicious food. These can come with a bowl with a safety screen which keeps sparking embers from flying out. And when you want to add more fire wood, you can easily open a hinged door for stress-free loading of wood.

Fire Pits Tables

A fire pit table is contemporary and sophisticated. These are great for larger gatherings or camping. Plus it's multifunctional. It will convert to a table if you decide not to make a fire. Yet, when you are looking to start a fire for a backyard party, you'll have a nice size fire bowl to enjoy and revel in. Most of these will come with a domed screened guard to help keep young children safe.

Gel Fuel Fire Bowls

Gel fuel is an alternative way to get the ambiance of a real wood fire without the hassle of soot and ash. Most are environmentally friendly and clean-burning which keeps the air around you clean and smoke-free. Just add the gel fuel to a fire bowl or fire pot and it will give off a real flame which crackles like a real wood fire. Some of their best features are their beauty. Some have stones, which can fill the fire bowl so you can easily disguise the gel fuel containers. This gives a real spa look to your space.

By Anita Winter