Not everyone has a huge outdoor space or enough money to be able to set up a full-sized fire pit. This does not have to stop you from having a fire pit and the ambiance that comes with it. But how can you have a fire pit within a small outdoor space?
Setting up a mini fire pit on the balcony may be the best option for people who don’t have a lot of outdoor space or can’t afford a full-sized fire pit. Mini fire pits combine aesthetics with functionality to give you a lot of value for the price.
If you decide to get a mini fire pit for your balcony, you must keep some things in mind. These include designs, safety, pricing, etc. This article will break down these factors to help you decide which fire pit to get for your balcony.
Choosing the Best Mini Fire Pit for Your Balcony
Various factors must be considered when choosing the right fire pit for your home. Some of the main things to look out for are as follows:
Aesthetics of Your Fire Pit
As far as aesthetic purposes go, tabletop and mini fire pits are a great conversation piece. They can easily jazz up an otherwise plain-looking balcony, making it a fun hangout spot and a great setting for some fantastic Instagramable pictures.
Mini fire pits can come in various shapes, sizes, and finishes. They can have exteriors that are made up of (or look like they are made up of) stone, marble, granite, metals, and woods of various colors and finishes, etc.
Choose one that fits in well with the surroundings and gives you the desired look for your balcony.
Fire Pit Safety
Safety is important to keep in mind while getting a mini fire pit. Fire pits can prove to be fire hazards if proper care is not taken while choosing one.
Consider the height of the flame produced by the fire pit and the sturdiness of the base, as can be the difference between ambiance and disaster. You can learn more about fire pit safety in this Consumer Reports article.
Type of Fuel Used
The type of fuel used in the fire pit you choose should also be considered before you go ahead and buy it. Many issues can arise if the fuel isn’t well suited for your living conditions.
In the countryside, for example, a wood-burning fire pit would be a great option as an abundance of firewood can be collected from the woods, which minimizes the overall cost of the fire pit in the long run.
On the other hand, if you live in an urban area, a wood-burning fire pit may not be a good option for you as firewood may not be as easily accessible to you as LPG or gel fuel. The smoke it produces can also be problematic as it can bother your neighbors if you live in an apartment setup.
Besides this, if you have a balcony with a ceiling, fire pits that use wood as fuel would deposit a layer of soot on the ceiling.
Value for Money
One of the reasons you may decide to get a mini fire pit for your balcony is that a full-sized fire pit costs too much to purchase and install. A mini fire pit is a great alternative to a full-sized fire pit for people on a budget.
Make sure to look for the perfect balance of affordability and quality while choosing a mini fire pit. It is also best to know which fuel option will be more affordable for you as it helps keep the costs low in the long run.
Additionally, check if the seller is charging you extra money for any add-ons, such as a grilling grate that you won’t be using, and look for the ones that only meet your specific requirements.
Functionality
Your fire pit should not just be a piece of decoration but also be functional. When it comes to functionality, consider the flame size, weight of the mini fire pit, and ease of use and maintenance.
Your mini fire pit should produce a flame big enough to provide warmth when you sit around it but not so big that it becomes a fire hazard. It should be light enough so that it is easy to move but not so light that the slightest of nudges can tip it over. It should be easy to clean and low maintenance.
Mini Fire Pit Recommendations
Listed below are some great options (available on Amazon.com) for you to look into if you do decide to buy a mini fire pit for your balcony:
Outland Living Model 870 Fire Pit
This Outland Living Fire Pit is a great mini fire pit option for you. It is a portable, propane-fueled fire pit. It is 19 inches (482.6 mm) in diameter, 11 inches (279.4 mm) in height, and weighs 25 pounds (11.33 kg).
This fire pit is made of alloy steel and stainless steel, is highly durable, and its flame can be controlled using the knob present. It also comes with a cover and a carry kit.
Bond Manufacturing 67805A Portable Fire Pit
The Bond Manufacturing Portable Fire Pit is another good option to look at. It is 18.5 inches (469.9 mm) in diameter, 14.65 inches (372.11 mm) in height, and weighs 20.5 pounds (9.29 kg).
The fire pit is made of stainless steel and comes in two colors; black and bronze. It is also portable and comes with a gas adjustment knob and a twist-lock lid. It even has pumice stones included in the box to hide the burners underneath and make it look more appealing.
Conclusion
A mini fire pit is an excellent option if you want to set something up on your balcony. It is functional and beautiful and a great spot for hanging out.
Mini fire pits are cheaper than their full-sized counterpart and are also portable. However, some things must be kept in mind while deciding which one to buy, like aesthetics, safety, functionality, fuel type, and value for money.
