The backyard has a new companion: the propane fire pit. These lovely fire pits invite owners and guests to gather round the fire as they share the making of memories in a multitude of climates. Be it a spring evening or the heart of winter, an outdoor propane fire pit offers the best of entertainment while still managing to be part of the background and decor of the backyard they grace. The fire pits themselves offer a spectacular dazzle for the backyard that rivals any interior home improvement project for exquisite design and the wow factor. Friends and family gather round for campfires, grilling, or just to kick back and relax around a beautifully decorated fire that features lava rock for its secret ambiance.

Propane fire pits do, of course, come in a variety of sizes and styles. They can be installed professionally or built with labor and love from a do-it-yourselfer. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of having one in your home. Let this helpful information guide you in determining whether or not one is for you.

Advantages of a Propane Fire Pit

• It is quick and easy to use.
• Fire lights up quickly.
• Leaves no mess.
• Smokeless
• Perfect for homes with no gas line.
• There’s no need to gather firewood.
• Users are not required to occasionally stoke the fire.
• Environment friendly

Disadvantages

• It may not be suitable for roasting or grilling food.
• The propane tank needs to be brought to a store for refilling.
• The fire pit rings require regular cleaning and need to be covered to achieve a natural looking fire pit.

Some Factors to Consider When Purchasing and Installing

Safety is your number one consideration before you decide to purchase or install a propane fire pit. Since the flame is real and not created by artificial means, care must be taken in placement to avoid hazardous fires. Make sure that you have your fire pit installed 3 to 5 feet away from any flammable materials such as trees and your house. Preventing accidental fires by placing the fire pit in the right location allows you to have peace of mind while enjoying the warmth of the fire on a chilly night.

If there are children in the house, make sure that they are supervised by an adult when the fire pit is lit up. Children like to run around the backyard and accidentally colliding into the fire pit is something that you wouldn’t want to happen.

Choose a brand that is certified by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL). This ensures that it has been tested under strict measures to provide you with a quality and safe product.

Efficiency should also be on your list of desired features. A high energy efficiency rating means lesser fuel consumption costs for you. This will give you significant savings while experiencing the benefits of having a fire pit in your own backyard. A great way to ensure cost efficiency is to buy a fire pit that has variable speeds and temperature controls. A cool summer night will require less heat as opposed to a crisp autumn morning.

Top Brands & Models

Blue Rhino UniFlame Rectangular Gas Outdoor Fireplace with Slate Mantel

This is a square shaped propane fire pit that features a porcelain steel bow material. It uses LP gas as fuel and comes with a protective cover. This requires some minor assembly and comes with a 1 year limited manufacturer’s warranty. This is priced at $997.

Bond 30,000 BTU Stone Composite Liquid Propane Fire Pit

This one is a round fire pit that features a stainless steel burner and 30,000 BTUs. It includes lava rocks and a protective cover so you get that natural looking fire pit for your home. This is priced at $399. It measures 25 x 36 x 36 inches and has a maximum burning time of up to 15 hours when a 20 lb LP tank is used.

Coral Coast Coronado Fire Pit Table

This is a very elegant fire pit table as it features a black granite top and a faux stone base. It fits naturally into any backyard so you get both the comforts of having a fire and a stylish piece of furniture. It has a heating capacity of 27,000 BTU and comes with a glass lava rock and a fire bowl. You can get this for $499. The tabletop measures 31.5 x 31.5 inches while its overall height is at 27.5 inches. The base measures 23 x 23 inches.

Enjoy Your New Purchase!

When compared to similar wood fire pits, a fire pit powered by propane is a better fit economically, environmentally and aesthetically. While they must be monitored as any fire should be, they offer the most advantageous method of enjoying an open fire without having to deal with smoke, pesticides and the smell a wood fire imparts to everything that is near. A propane fire pit is a great way to go green since no trees are used and no smoke is released into the atmosphere. It is also the most comfortable fire to be around as you can control the temperature. Lower the heat when the fire gets too hot and raise the temperature when it gets too cool.

You can also customize the look of your fire pit by using lava rocks in multiple colors. You can choose a design in brick, copper or stone and add another decorative and functional piece of furniture into your backyard. Life is more enjoyable when you share it with your loved ones, and a propane fire pit certainly contributes in gathering people together and making precious and lasting memories around the fire.