Outdoor fireplaces are wildly popular yard accessories for the family who enjoys spending time outside. Outdoor fireplaces bring warmth and light to a patio in the evenings and can extend the outdoor season long into the winter. For families like ours who live in a state with very short seasons, an outdoor fireplace allows us to remain outdoors even when there is frost on the grass and a nip in the air. There are many different designs of outdoor fireplaces available, but all of them are variations on one of four basic styles. These include the chiminea (or Mexican outdoor fireplace), the fire pit, the fire ring, and the traditional fireplace. Choosing the right outdoor fireplace for your patio or yard really depends on how your family plans to use the fireplace and how much you are willing to spend. Some of the features worth considering include:
Gas or wood burning: For families who don’t want to fuss with firewood or live in a community where burning is prohibited, a gas fireplace has the advantage of convenience, safety, and no smoke. If your city isn’t as restrictive and your family prefers the crackling of a real wood fire, the wood burning models are probably a more desirable choice.
Fixed or moveable: Outdoor fireplaces come in a wide variety of styles and construction. If you plan on moving the fireplace around the yard, one that has wheels or is constructed of lightweight clay or aluminum will be much easier to manage than one made of concrete or cast iron.
Will it be used for atmosphere, cooking, or both: Not all fireplaces are designed for outdoor grilling. If your family plans on cooking or grilling outdoors, selecting a model with a grill is essential.
Where will it be used: Chimineas and fire rings are not suitable for use on wooden decks or on poolside decking and are best used out in the yard. If all you have is a wooden deck, it’s best to stay with one of several fire pit models safety rated for decking use.
Is there adequate space for wood: The size of the firebox is an important consideration, especially when looking to purchase a fire pit or chiminea. Small fireboxes mean that the firewood has to be chopped into smaller pieces. For homeowners who purchase firewood pre split, this could cause a problem.
Affordability: Outdoor fireplaces can be as cheap as $25 for a table top chiminea to $6000 for a deluxe oversized copper fire pit, with most outdoor fireplaces modestly priced between $250 to $500. Worth noting is that the cheaper, mass produced fireplaces aren’t designed to last as long as the more expensive models.
Once you’ve determined how you plan to use your outdoor fireplace, it’s time to shop around. Here are my picks of three outdoor fireplaces that are attractive as well as durable and safe:
The Butterfly Chiminea from The Blue Rooster Company
While clay chimineas are relatively inexpensive, they tend to come with a few inherent problems. In areas with frigid winters, clay chimineas can crack if left outdoors. They also require a bit more maintenance. If you live in a region with freezing winter temperatures such as our family does, a cast aluminum alloy or cast iron chiminea is a better option.
The Butterfly chiminea by the Blue Rooster company is made of durable, non-rusting cast aluminum alloy with a detailed butterfly and leaf design. It has a rain lid to keep water from entering the chimney, handles for easy carrying, and a spark arrestor neck insert. Other features include a cast iron bottom grate to support the firewood, safety screens, an extra large mouth that can hold standard sized firewood, and a removable neck for grilling. The Butterfly chiminea by Blue Rooster is affordably priced at $329.95 and ships free from the manufacturer within the continental US. You can visit their online catalog at http://www.thebluerooster.com.
Fire pit ring by LL Bean
A fire pit ring is a metal enclosure that keeps campfires or pit fires safely enclosed. Most communities do not permit this type of open burning but for those that do, a fire ring is the safe way to keep a roaring campfire under control. The LL Bean company offers a fabulous cast iron fire ring at the modest price of $89.00. It’s called the “Wildlife Fire Ring and Grill” and measures 27.5 inches across with wildlife cutouts that provide air circulation, along with a little wildlife ambiance. The fire ring weighs 32 pounds and breaks down into 5 separate panels for easy storage. It also comes with a enamel cooking grate with a swing arm and wooden handle. This affordable solution for backyard bonfires can be viewed here or by visiting the LL Bean home page.
Big Sky Stars and Moon Fire Pit by Landmann
Fire pits come in all shapes, styles, and sizes and in every price point imaginable. For those of us on a budget who want a backyard fire pit hat’s both safe and durable, the affordable Landmann Big Sky Stars and Moon Fire Pit might be the answer. This $199 fire pit gets glowing reviews from consumers at buzzillions.com, making it the #4 ranking fire pit out of 114. Comments ranged from “durable” to “easy to clean and heats evenly.”
This attractive steel fire pit measures 23″ in height and 29.5″ in diameter, and is available in both black and Georgia clay. It comes with a full size enamel cooking grate, a domed spark guard cover, and a poker. For folks who aren’t into “stars and moon”, this fire pit is also available in Western and Wildlife Design. to buzzillions, along with a listing of online merchants who carry this Landmann fire pit.
