Heading into the warmer months brings thoughts of outdoor entertaining, smores, food on the BBQ or grill, and perhaps cuddling up next to that special someone under the stars.
Whether you are considering having an intimate evening for two, or hosting an outdoor event, when it comes to fire it’s a good idea to consider all the options before making a purchase:
Barbeque
PROS
- Amazing food options.
- Portable and manageable.
- Can choose from charcoal or gas.
CONS
- Messy clean-up.
- High fire risk.
- Can take a while to heat up.
- Doesn’t generate a lot of heat.
- Doesn’t come with ambiance.
Outdoor Fireplaces
PROS
- Can use wood or gas.
- Provides safety with (usually) three surrounding walls.
- Only heat radiates out and not smoke. Smoke rises through the chimney and is less likely to get in your eyes and lungs.
- Fireplaces provide a good place for a TV and decorations on the hearth.
- A wood storage compartment can be built into the fireplace.
CONS
- Fireplaces are more expensive than a fire pit.
- With three walls around the opening, fireplaces limit how many people can sit around it, unless it is a double-sided fireplace.
Fire Pits
PROS
- Outdoor fire pits cost much less than fireplaces.
- Can be portable, depending on the material.
- Fire pits can seat people on all sides.
- Fire pits can be converted into a table.
- Fire pits can burn gas or wood.
- They provide a natural camping experience without the hassle.
- Great for a big family.
CONS
- Fire pits take up a minimum of 150 sq. ft of space so the patio must be larger to accommodate outdoor tables.
- If the fire pit is wood burning, the smoke could potentially be bothersome and cause clothes to smell like a campfire.
- Fire pits do not provide the height to a landscape in the same way that a fireplace does.
- Smoke and ash flow outward in all directions.
- Ash can be hard to clean up unless you have a removable fire pit bowl.
- May be hard to store and may require a cover.
Chimineas
PROS
- Acts like a chimney keeping smoke and soot away.
- Contains the fire and provides outdoor heating.
- Often have removable grates/bowls to help keep them clean and tidy.
- Many styles to choose from.
- Great for year-round use.
CONS
- Enclosed chimineas aren’t good for cooking for food.
- Chimineas are usually heavy and hard to move.
- Some chimineas may be hot to the touch.
- Ideally, you’d need a cover to protect it.
Tiki Torches
PROS
- Great for ambiance.
- Portable, and can be set up creatively or for your individual purpose.
- Claims to repel pests, depending on the oil used.
- Fairly easy use and clean-up.
CONS
- Doesn’t generate a lot of heat.
- Have to get refills if used often.
- Have to have locations where they can be posted safely.
- For temporary use.
Patio Heaters
PROS
- Provides efficient heat focus and temperature control.
- Convenient installation and operation.
- Safer than wood-fuelled fires.
- Creates great ambiance and has lots of design options.
CONS
- Limited functionality beyond heating.
- Might not be portable.
- Can be pricey, so choose carefully.
Local retailers are stocked and ready to help you make the most of your outdoor space! Choose carefully and enjoy your summer nights.
