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Types of Fire Pits

Fire pits and fire pit covers are available in a huge array of styles, price ranges, and sizes. If you are planning on buying or constructing a fire pit, it is best to get acquainted with the most common varieties on the market. The tinkerer will be happy to know that creating a fire pit is neither difficult nor expensive, but does require some determination and planning. Practically all peoples since ancient times have enjoyed spending time around a fire, whether to talk, sing, or cook. Archaeologists say that the oldest of human communities used fire pits as a personal bonding place, often conducting religious rituals, war dances, and group meals around a large fire.

Unlike some other types of fire pits, wood pits allow for the cooking of small and large food items. Grates hold the food while it is grilled, and you can even find some that feature rotisseries. Because modern epicureans believe that food tastes much better when grilled over a wood-fueled flame, many outdoor enthusiasts swear by wood fire pits. Portable fire pits, typically made from metal, also feature cooking grates and wheeled frames that allow for quick maneuvering. Whether you end up with a portable pit or a wood-burning model, fire pit covers will come in handy for safety purposes.

These days, cast iron and copper are two of the most popular types of fire pits. Cast iron of course costs much less than copper, but does not last nearly as long. Nor does it look as good as shiny, shimmering copper. In any case, depending on your budget, these metal fire pits are sturdy, easy to handle, and can be topped off with fire pit covers. A cast iron pit's grainy appearance and low melting point are distinct disadvantages, when compared to a beautiful, long-lasting copper fire pit. People on a strict budget, however, can definitely get good use from an inexpensive cast iron pit.

In the non-traditional category, stone campfire pits, as well as gas pits, stand out. Ancient humans no doubt used the simple, hole-in-the-ground system, surrounding the area with large stones or pebbles. Most people who use this type of fire pit fill the hole with logs and set up a grate or spit for cooking purposes.

Gas pits are, to purists, not really fire pits at all, but a way to avoid the many hassles of cleanup. Indeed, the gas pits, which run on natural gas or propane, are really more like a gas grill than a fire pit. Regardless, they are popular with homeowners. When you start your search for a fire pit, you will truly be surprised at the different styles on the market today.

Article Source: GardenGap.com

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