Favorite Fire Pits for the Holiday Season

Fire pits and chimineas are welcome additions to most outdoor spaces, infusing the area with style, charm and warmth. A fire pit can easily transform a backyard or patio from a dull, inhospitable space to the social center of your home. Since the fire pit will likely become the focal point of your patio, you will want to pick out a piece that fits your aesthetic and personality. Look for a piece of functional art that fits properly in the space allotted and stays within your budget. The good news is, you can obtain a beautiful, high quality piece for an amazingly low price. The following are five outdoor patio fire pits and chimineas that our team are particularly excited about this holiday season.

1. Fleur de Lis Fire Pit

The Fleur de Lis fire pit by Fire Pit Art is a favorite because it proudly showcases the French symbol that often signifies perfection, light, and life. This high quality, hand crafted fire pit is also one of the most unique fire pits on the market. Each one is individually signed by the designer, Rick Wittrig, and is made from thick carbon steel.

2. Full Moon Party Fire Doom

The Full Moon Party Fire Doom is another favorite because it is affordable, unique and durable. This top of the line patio fire pit was designed in the USA and created with the finest materials possible, including powder-coated steel. The design is so exquisite. If you are looking for a fire pit that will turn heads and keep visitors talking, this is unquestionably the choice for you.

3. Azteca Gas Fire Pit

If you prefer a gas powered fire pit for your patio, the Azteca fire pit is a great option. The Azteca fire pit has the same textured look as clay, but the FirEx composition makes it more durable. Another plus is that the flame can be adjusted from 20,000 to 32,000 btu depending on your needs.

4. Grape Style Chiminea Outdoor Fireplace

Chimineas are very similar to fire pits in the fact that they add physical and design warmth to your outdoor space, however chimineas often have a more rustic look. The Grape Style Chiminea is the most popular outdoor fireplace because it is affordable, well made and functional. We love the Grape Style Chiminea for its detailed grape leaf design and cast iron grill insert.

5. Tidal Fire Pit

If you are going for a more modern look in your backyard or patio, you will love the tidal fire pit. Each tidal fire pit is made from one quarter inch carbon steel, the heaviest gauge metal used in any fire pit. Similar to the Fleur de Lis Fire Pit, it is also hand crafted by Rick Wittrig for his Fire Pit Art brand. The 1-1/2 rain drain in the bottom of the tidal fire pit is another highly functional feature that we appreciate.

Adding a fire pit to your outdoor space allows your family and friends to come together in a relaxed setting, making better use of your backyard or patio even in the chillier months of the year. Don’t be surprised if they keep coming back to enjoy the cozy and relaxed ambiance created by the warm glow of a new fire pit.

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, a subsidiary of Neighbors Marketing specializing in patio products and accessories for the home and commercial use. Patio Products USA is one North America’s largest distributors of products to improve outdoor entertaining, including a wide selection of outdoor patio furniture covers, patio fire pits, and garden patio heaters.

The Pros and Cons of Outdoor Heaters, Fire Pits and Chimineas

Whether or not you can believe it, fall is here! Now that temperatures are starting to drop at night you are probably looking for a way to heat your patio so that your outdoor fun and entertaining can continue. Here at Patio Products USA one of the most common questions we get is “How do I decide what’s going to work for my patio space?” The most important thing to consider when looking at patio products, particularly patio heaters, is how they will be used and where they will be used. Do you need something that is portable or are you okay with keeping the heater stationary? Do you have access to outlets, or do you require a gas or propane powered patio heater. How large of an area do you need to heat and how much heat output do you need? How often will you be using it? How important is operating cost? Are you trying to create a particular decorative aesthetic for your outdoor space? Once you’ve answered these questions take a look at the pros and cons of outdoor patio heaters, patio fire pits and chimineas to determine which device will best fit your needs.

Outdoor Heaters

Outdoor patio heaters can run on electricity, propane, or natural gas. While some models of electric, propane, and natural gas heaters may look similar, they can vary greatly in their usage, features, and applications.

Electric Patio Heaters

Electric heaters use radiant heat, which warms objects and people, not the air around them. This means that electric heaters are very efficient and heat up quickly for frequent use. Because electric heaters do not run off burning gases or wood they do not have any emissions, which is better for the environment and also provides a pleasant experience for people and pets nearby.

• Pros- Heats up quickly, good for frequent use, eco friendly, generally has the lowest operating cost

• Cons- Only heats small areas, restricted in where they can be used ( because they require a power outlet or mounting system)

Propane Heaters

Propane patio heaters are self-contained and highly mobile, making them a popular choice for restaurants, cafes, and large home patios. An outdoor propane patio heater can come in the form of a large “umbrella-style” heater or small tabletop version for camping or tailgating.
• Pros- Highly mobile, heats large areas, has a high heat output

• Cons- Have to remember to buy propane before using

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

Natural gas heaters can be installed on large patios by running a gas connection. Popular with restaurants and cafes, these heaters have become increasing popular on large home patios to accent outdoor kitchens and achieve an upscale aesthetic.

• Pros- Ties into gas lines so you don’t have to go out and buy gas to fuel it, heats large areas, has a high heat output

• Cons- Not very mobile, usually more expensive than other kinds of heaters, can go out in high wind environments

Fire Pits and Fire Tables

Fire pits and fire pit tables are more popular than ever because of the charming decorative element that they can add to an outdoor space. Fire pits provide a camp-fire look and feel that is just as good as the real thing. A gas fire pit may be even better than a real camp fire because you get all of the s’more roasting benefits of a real campfire without any of the hassle of wood gathering or cleanup! Whether you’re entertaining guests, relaxing with a glass of wine, or roasting marshmallows with the kids, an outdoor fire pit can provide great ambiance and bring the excitement of camping to your backyard year-round.

• Pros- Decorative and aesthetically appealing, more mobile than a chiminea, can sustain a large fire, provides a fun campfire feel, very affordable

• Cons- Can be dangerous for kids and pets if unattended, doesn’t retain heat as well as a heater or chiminea

Chimineas

Originally from Mexico, chimineas have now made their way across the southwest United States and Central America. Chimineas are becoming more popular across North and South America, particularly on smaller patio spaces. Because of the way chimineas are shaped, the smoke output is released upward and the heat that they provide can only be felt on one side. This means that chimineas are ideally situated on the edge of a patio space so that smoke is released away and heat can be directed toward the center of the patio. Chimineas, however, unlike heaters or fire pits, have a tendency to require more maintenance.

• Pros- Retains heat well, smoke blows upward, adds a decorative cultural element, highly affordable

• Cons- Directional heat output, requires regular maintenance (sealing and cleaning), can be cumbersome to move because of its shape, tends to be more fragile than a fire pit

About the Author: Derrick Riley is a Managing Partner at Patio Products USA, a subsidiary of Neighbors Marketing specializing in patio products and accessories for the home and commercial use. Patio Products USA specializes in outdoor heating products, including a wide selection of authentic chimineas, outdoor fire pits and garden patio heaters. in all shapes and sizes.