As the warm summer season comes to a close, Fall gradually slides into place. The nights grow cold and the days grow shorter, and people are forced to take shelter inside. Many can’t handle the sub-50 degree temperatures that have replaced the once warm and lively nights. With one simple addition to their backyard, however, families don’t have to give in to the cold and retreat away from the stunning beauty of the outdoors. Fire pits are an essential patio addition for the many cold months that await us this Fall and Winter as they revitalize the outdoors with light, warmth, and light. Some are deterred by the daunting price of these magnificent creations; these people are misinformed. Fire pits can be very inexpensive while at the same time maintain a high level of quality; people just need to know how to effectively shop for one.
The first and most important aspect that consumers need to keep in mind when shopping for a new fire pit should be the style. This isn’t just some plain receptacle for wood to burn in; it’s an artful addition to the backyard. A fire pit’s style is going to affect the mood of wherever it’s placed, so choose carefully. There are square fire pits, which often come with shapes in the side like pictures of a moon or deer, but these can be tacky and tend to air on the cheaper side. They often give a sharp, rigid impression. The most popular style nowadays is the fire bowl; these have a circular rim and are wider than they are deep. While there are sizes available in up to a 45” diameter, the best size is in the 20-30 inch range. These smaller fire pits convey a much more modest feeling. Additionally the fire bowl, without the sharp edges of a square, impresses guests with a free-flowing attitude about the homeowner.
The other chief concern for the consumer when shopping for fire pits is durability. While some fire pits look fantastic, they can’t live up to the heat. Some are hard to clean and leave residue, even when the fire is gone. This can very much impede consumers’ attempts in trying to establish a clean, modern atmosphere in their backyard on a crisp Fall night. One of the best durable fire pits that can still maintain the peaceful and classy mood of on patio is UniFlame’s 34-inch fire pit. It’s a mix between a fire bowl and a square, in that the bottom is flat as opposed to being rounded like the bottom of a bowl is; however, the rim is still circular. Though 34 inches sounds too large, that’s not the size of the pit but instead the size of the art. This masterpiece extends the diameter of the 22” fire bowl with a rim artfully composed of slate, marble, and copper accents. The colors match perfectly with the amber and chestnut leaves that scatter across the ground after falling gracefully from the trees above as they succumb to the harsh, biting cold that gradually succeeds summer’s warmth. The price of this item matches the dropping temperatures too, as a $90 off sale takes into effect, setting the cost of this beauty at only $130 with the option of free Super Saver shipping on Amazon.com.
While shopping online opens up a whole new world of variety for fire pits, many consumers prefer to physically purchase items in person. L.L. Bean would be the typical choice for high-quality, budget outdoor technology like a fire pit. Unfortunately, their local store only offers one fire pit: the portable campfire pit. Advertised as being rugged enough for years of campfires due to it’s steel construction, this fire pit can only be the opposite.
Senior Ben Bloom, owner of the portable campfire pit, explained how his purchase was quite possibly the worst decision he ever made. “With just one use, the black paint covering my fire pit had burned off. Now it just looks disgusting. Also, the grate that covers the fire pit deteriorated when I placed it overtop of the burning fire”.
The steel grate was meant to be placed on top of a scorching hot fire, preventing hot embers from blowing away and keeping the fire at a tame, comfortable setting for the mood. While it did do all of these things, the top of the grate also dented inwards and the paint melted off.
Though Ben Bloom is disappointed with L.L. Bean’s product, the campfire pit is still an effective choice. With a fire raging, the melted off paint is unnoticable and the fire fits the bowl rather nicely. However the product is difficult to clean and not worth $100 when compared to other, higher quality fire pits.
Picking the right fire pit is one of the most important decisions a consumer can make this Fall and Winter. Fire pits make a statement about their owners; it expresses who they are and what they stand for. It’s important to put research and effort in shopping for a fire pit as this is not something people should take lightly.
