Fire pits have become a popular addition to many outdoor living spaces in recent years, offering a warm and cosy ambience for gatherings with friends and family. Gas fire pits typically run on propane or natural gas and are often seen as a convenient and low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood-burning fire pits.
Here we explore some of the most common fire pits, including electric fire pits, wood-burning fire pits, and bioethanol fire pits.
Electric Fire Pits
Electric fire pits are an increasingly popular alternative to gas fire pits due to their convenience and ease of use. Instead of using fuel or flames to generate heat and light, electric fire pits rely on electricity to power an internal heating element and create a realistic-looking flame effect.
Some of the advantages of electric fire pits include their low-maintenance design, as they do not require fuel or regular cleaning, and their relatively low cost of operation. They also produce no emissions, making them a more eco-friendly option compared to gas fire pits.
However, electric fire pits do have some downsides. They require a power source, which may limit their placement options in outdoor spaces, and may not provide the same level of heat output as gas or wood-burning fire pits. Additionally, some models may not be as visually appealing as other types of fire pits.
Wood Burning Fire Pits
Wood-burning fire pits have a long-standing tradition of being a central gathering place for social events and outdoor relaxation. They use wood as fuel to create heat and light and can provide a rustic and natural ambiance to any outdoor space.
Some of the benefits of wood-burning fire pits include their high heat output, low cost of operation, and the pleasant aroma of burning wood.
However, wood-burning fire pits do have some downsides to consider. They require more maintenance and cleaning than other types of fire pits and can pose a fire hazard if not used properly. Additionally, the smoke and emissions from wood-burning fire pits can contribute to air pollution.
When using a wood-burning fire pit keep a fire extinguisher nearby and never leave the fire unattended. Use sustainably-sourced wood and properly dispose of ashes.
Bioethanol Fire Pits
Bioethanol fire pits are a newer type of fire pit that use bioethanol, a renewable and eco-friendly fuel source made from organic matter such as sugarcane or corn, to generate heat and light. Unlike gas and wood-burning fire pits, bioethanol fire pits produce no emissions and require no venting.
Some of the advantages of bioethanol fire pits include their low-maintenance design, as they require no fuel storage or clean up, and their clean-burning fuel source. They can also be placed anywhere in an outdoor space, as they do not require a power source or a natural gas line.
However, bioethanol fire pits do have some downsides to consider. They can be more expensive to operate than other types of fire pits and may not provide the same level of heat output as gas or wood-burning fire pits. Additionally, the fuel can be more difficult to source and may not be readily available in all areas.
Gas Fire Pits
Gas fire pits are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their convenience and low-maintenance design. They use propane or natural gas to generate heat and light and can be easily turned on and off with a switch or remote control.
These types of fire pits are easy to use, with consistent heat output, and customisable flame settings. They also produce no smoke or ash, making them a cleaner option compared to wood-burning fire pits.
They do require a natural gas line or propane tank, which can be expensive to install or refill. They also produce emissions, which can contribute to air pollution, and pose a fire hazard if not used properly.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, deciding on the best fire pit depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as heating capability, convenience, and sustainability when choosing the right fire pit for your outdoor space. There are other factors too such as budget, the size of your outdoor space, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do when deciding which type of fire pit is right for you.
And if space and manoeuvrability is an issue, you might even consider a flame heater tower. Sleek good looks and simplicity make them a great alternative to fire pits.