There are many variables to consider when looking to buy a fire pit. Prior to making a decision on which type to buy you need to decide first where you will be putting the fire pit. If you are searching for a fire pit for ambiance only and not overly concerned on the quantity of heat that will be generated, you might want to appear at a propane version to accent your outdoor area. Propane fire pits will burn cleaner, do not have any smoke and the heat can be controlled from the tank. This is important if you are needing to get the unit put in a smaller area, or close to your property. You do not want the smoke from a wood burning pit to drift in your house, if they are all cramped on a little porch.
Propane models fire pit also can use colored fire glass to give your fire pit a special flair to your outdoor space. Natural gas versions are often available for most gas fire pits, but you need to use a professional when installing this sort of fire pit setup. A natural gas or propane fire pit will put out is significantly less heat than a wood burning unit will create. Bear in mind that unlike patio heaters which use a shield to radiate heat down in a circle, a fire pit is radiating heat up and you want to take under account any breeze that will reduce any side radiated heat coming from the fire pit. Most gas fire pits include a BTU rating which will give you an idea on what the maximum heat the device can put out. When positioning the fire pit unit it is recommended that you get details from the manufacture on minimum distances which are suggested from ceilings, buildings and other construction elements.
It us a general rule that all units of these types be placed no closer than 15 feet from any dwelling construction. If distance is a problem and you are working with a small patio area and you cannot meet these general security guidelines, you might want to explore other kinds of heating units such as infrared heating. Enclosed areas like pagodas should take into consideration the height of the inside roof and be sure that there is ample air circulation. Aside from the typical models you may be used to seeing, such as the round pits you will see at campgrounds, there are lots of unique kinds of styles to pick from. The most popular are the fire tables. These are available in many unique styles and occasionally are paired with other outdoor furniture. Most fire tables have a place below the table which will hide the tank and make the table more appealing. Using fire pits at a fire table will look very nice at night and fire glass comes in a vast variety of colors to match your patio decoration, or your mood.