What is a Fire Pit?

What is a Fire Pit?

A fire pit is a type of campfire that was traditionally dug into the ground to prevent the fire and flames from spreading. As fire pits have become more popular the variety of designs, construction and styles have changed. Freestanding fire pits are now readily available which makes the perfect addition to any garden or outside space.

Types of Fire Pit

Adding a fire pit to your garden can transform your living space and so whether you build your own fire pit or simply order a ready-made fire pit, bowl or table you need to decide which type is best for you.

Build your own fire pit

Although building a fire pit is fairly straightforward, it’s not for the fainthearted and should only be undertaken by a skilled DIY-er or builder. Due to the size and space required a self-built fire pit is not always the best option unless you have plenty of space to plan.

Ready Made

There are many different types of ready-made fire pits which come in a variety of size, styles and can be made from a variety of materials. They are therefore perfect for a whole range of different gardens and outdoor spaces.

Why buy a fire pit?

Fire pits are incredibly versatile and there are many reasons why people buy them. Although the most popular reason is to provide warmth, fire pits have many other practical benefits some of which we’ve listed below.

1. Fire Pits make your garden usable all year

Fire pits give you the opportunity to fully enjoy how you use your garden, courtyard, or outdoor space. Most people use their gardens during the summer months with many only venturing out during the afternoon and early evenings. A fire pit’s main benefit is the warmth that can easily allow you to extend your fun late into summer evenings but that’s not where the fun stops!

Fire pits allow you to transform those cold yet dry, spring, autumn, and winter nights into warm and fun cosy evenings in the garden. Enjoy your Halloween or Bonfire night round the warmth, flames, and comfort of a fire outside, there simply is nothing better. Whether you’ve got friends coming round for drinks in the summer or are having a cosy Christmas Eve, a fire pit creates the perfect focal point with warmth added as a bonus.

2. Evenings with Friends and family

Alfresco living is something that Europeans have been doing for years and a fire pit provides the perfect ambiance whether you’re planning to spend the evening with family or friends.

There’s nothing better than a fire for providing that little something to make you feel comfortable. The flickering, crackling, and warmth of the flames combined with carefully positioned sofas or chairs, can make your guests feel completely at home.

A well-designed garden with a fire pit creates the perfect place for any party and sets the right mood for your evening.

3. Cooking on your Fire Pit

If you think that a fire pit is just there for warmth and ambiance then think again. Wood burning fire pits are also great for cooking on. Simply add a grill to your pit and you can use it the same way you would a bbq or fill up your dutch oven and hang it over the flames.

Cook some snacks or your evening meal and then simply remove the grill or dutch oven and throw on some more fuel to keep you warm. With the right accessories, you really can cook anything you’d like.

4. Affordable for all

The days of fire pits being really expensive have come and gone. Their popularity means that you can pay huge sums on an all singing and dancing fire pit if that’s what you want but it’s not always the case . Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes and all budget ranges so whether you want to spend a little or a lot you’ll find one to suit.

Fire Pit Fuels

The majority of people looking to buy a fire pit will stick to a traditional type of fuel but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other types of fuel available. Sometimes you’ll find that the space and type of fire pit you want may dictate the fuel type you ultimately use.

Charcoal

Although charcoal is perhaps more synonymous with bbq’s, it makes the perfect fuel for those planning to cook on their fire pit. Offering high heat combined with low smoke and ash means that it’s easy to clean up if you just want to cook but offers the opportunity to add other solid fuel once the cooking has finished.

Wood

Wood burning fire pits give you the traditional wood smoke smell, flames, and cracking that most people want. Although you can burn most wood, including pine, kiln dried logs or seasoned hardwood are the best as it is very dry and provides high heat combined with longer burn times and low smoke and ash. Treated woods are to be avoided due to the possibility of them giving off toxic fumes.

Gas

Gas fire pits are one of the most convenient types of fire pit and are popular with those in smoke controlled areas and those who would find it difficult to source other fuel types. They are also popular due to the large range of enclosed and designer fire pits along with the fact they do not require cleaning.

Fire Pit Safety

Finally, the most important thing of all to consider is fire pit safety.

• Fire pits should be a safe distance away from your property, structures, and other combustible material
• Keep water, sand or a fire extinguisher nearby should the need arise to quickly extinguish any flames
• Never leave your fire pit unattended for any length of time
• Do not leave fuel sources near to the fire pit where they can catch fire
• Do not place your fire pit beneath trees or directly onto any decking or other flammable source
• Supervise children at all times around your fire pit
• Clean your fire pit often to ensure it works properly

Take a look at our shop to see the vast range of fire pits that are available.