Firepits & Burners – For many people, there is nothing better than sitting outside on a cool evening around a fire pit. The nostalgia of cooking smores with family members often triggers one’s interest in purchasing one of these devices, and for good reason. Fire pits are an excellent way to keep warm outside and can provide homeowners with a nice outdoor retreat. Before buying one, however, it is important to remember what preparations you will need to make in advance.

After all, anything to do with fire must be handled with safety and proper care. It may come as a surprise, but there are actually a few different types of fire pits available for purchase, and each comes with its own specific advantages and disadvantages. What is your budget? Do you live in area that allows you to burn wood? Do you need your fire pit to be mobile? Knowing the answers to these questions will make the buying process much easier.

Types Of Firepits: Pros & Cons

Copper

  • Quality build and attractive design
  • Longest-lasting
  • Excellent conductor of heat
  • Expensive

Copper fire pits are best suited for those who want to spend the money on something that will last many years to come. They look great and often sport ornamental designs. Given that copper has a very high melting point, these fire pits can withstand countless burn cycles without ever rusting or corroding. Copper is one of the best types of metal for conducting heat, so staying warm will not be an issue. These luxuries do come at a price, however, as copper fire pits are often the most expensive.

Cast Iron

  • Heavy duty
  • Functions well for the purpose
  • Cheaper than copper
  • Lower melting point

Most people go with cast iron due to its cost effectiveness. The weight of this material means you are getting a strong and durable unit that will last a long time. Many of these fire pits come with grill grates; they are perfect for cooking over a real fire. On the downside, however, cast iron is prone to rust and corrosion over time, as the metal has a much lower melting point than copper. The main thing to consider is how often you will use your fire pit, as this will be a determining factor for longevity concerns.

Gas Powered

  • Suitable anywhere
  • Easier to clean than wood burning pits
  • Excellent source of heat
  • Inability to cook

Gas powered fire pits are growing in popularity, especially for people living in urban and suburban areas where wood burning is prohibited. These units are much easier to clean, due to not having to deal with soot and ash buildup after use. In addition, they emit a significant amount of heat that will be sure to keep you and your family warm on those cold nights. The main disadvantage to these pits is that you cannot cook on them, which is often why many people are in the market to buy in the first place.

Fixed vs. Portable

The last thing to consider when purchasing a fire pit is whether you want one that is built into the ground or portable. This is largely up to preference; if you choose to get an in-ground type, make sure the spot you choose to install it is going to work for the long-term. Portable units provide much more flexibility than their stationery counterparts, but they can lack the feel of an outdoor retreat.

Add a custom built fire pit to your backyard and enjoy the outdoor weather year round! We can custom build you a fire pit of your dreams, or chose from one of our standard models.