As seasons change, so does what we want to do outdoors; in the spring and summer, we love spending time outdoors in our yards and gardens. However, when it starts getting cold as the winter draws near, you need a fire pit to keep you and your loved ones warm. Having the right fire pit at the right time can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your outdoor space.
Autumn and winter are the best fire pit seasons. In autumn, temperatures start cooling, making the outdoors unwelcoming. The situation worsens in winter as temperatures drop below the 1°C-mark (33.8°F), necessitating the use of fire pits indoors and outdoors.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss the best time of the year to buy fire pits. I’ll also talk about how to use a fire pit and the different types of fire pits. Let’s get started.
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What’s the Best Time of Year To Buy Fire Pits?
The best time of the year to buy fire pits is in spring and autumn. These are the best times to get your preferred fire pit as retailers anticipate a surge in demand for outdoor utilities like camping tents, lawnmowers, and fire pits. Most retailers stock up on outdoor gadgets in these seasons.
It seems confusing why spring is one of the best times to buy fire pits, yet it’s the season preceding summer. It might not be the right time to buy a fire pit since summers can get extremely hot, rendering fire pits worthless.
Retailers consider spring an excellent fire pit-buying season as many people stock outdoor items in readiness for summer. It’s the time when most people shop for things like:
- Grills
- Garden furniture
- Outdoor lighting
- Pools and hot tubs
- Fire pits
Although you can wait until late spring to buy a fire pit, it’s not the best strategy. This can put you at a disadvantage since most retailers start running out of stock in late spring. Thus, they increase prices to take advantage of the high demand.
Autumn is another best time to buy a fire pit for winter. It’s the time when most people shop for items like:
- Coats
- Hats
- Snow boots
- Firewood
- And, of course, fire pits
Like in spring, buying a fire pit in late autumn will cost you more. As many people rush for fire pits to keep their families warm in winter, the law of supply and demand comes into play. The high demand increases the equilibrium price as the availability of fire pits decreases.
You should, therefore, buy your fire pit in early autumn to take advantage of the low prices before the demand for fire pits surges. Early shoppers also have a vast selection of fire pits to choose from, as most retailers are well stocked at this time of year.
Best Time To Enjoy a Fire Pit
A fire pit comes in handy during those cool evenings in the fall and winter. It also adds a touch of class and elegance to your outdoor space, making it the perfect place to entertain guests.
Interestingly, human bodies slow down when they are outside, creating a calm and peaceful sensation. This explains why humans love spending their evenings outdoors. However, things change in fall and winter as the outdoors become chilly, necessitating the use of fire pits to keep warm.
How To Use a Fire Pit
Falls onto or into hot fire pits are the primary causes of fire pit-related injuries, especially in children. This means that although you bought the fire pit to keep your family warm and happy, it can be the opposite if you don’t use it appropriately.
Fire pit injuries are on the rise in most parts of the world due to the rising popularity of these items.
Using the fire pit the right way guarantees your family the safety it needs. Here are some practices to ensure safe fire pit use:
- Maintain the appropriate distance from the fire pit. It’s recommended to sit at least seven feet (2.13 meters) from a burning fire pit. Sitting at such a distance ensures that all are safe in case of a fall or the burning materials spill over.
- Use proper fuel for your fire pits. The best fuels for a safe and clean fire are seasoned hardwood, compressed logs, and charcoal. You should avoid using accelerants like gasoline since they can cause an explosion.
- Keep a close eye on children. Children are curious by nature and will want to touch everything they see, including the fire in the pit. As such, you should keep a watchful eye on them at all times for safety.
- Keep outdoor fire pits away from buildings and flammable materials. The safe distance for a fire pit is between 10 and 25 feet (3.05 and 7.62 meters) from houses, trees, vehicles, or sheds. Such a distance ensures that the fire doesn’t cause extensive property damage in case of an accident.
Types of Fire Pits
When choosing a fire pit, you should go for one that suits your needs and preferences. The three primary types of fire pits include:
Wood-Burning Fire Pits
These are the most common types of fire pits. They are perfect for use in backyards and patios as they require sufficient oxygen for combustion.
These fire pits use seasoned and dry wood to produce heat and flames. The wood also produces smoke, which might be a problem for people with allergies or respiratory problems.
Wood-burning and some of the best smokeless fire pits are also the most labor-intensive as you must constantly feed them wood to keep the fire going.
An excellent part of these fire pits is that you can use them for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs.
Propane Fire Pits
Propane fire pits use gas instead of wood to produce heat and flames. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy a fire pit without the smoke or the hassle of constantly feeding it wood.
Propane fire pits are available in different sizes, making them perfect for small and large outdoor spaces. They also come in various designs, so you can find one that perfectly suits your taste.
Natural Gas Fire Pits
Natural gas fire pits are similar to propane fire pits as they also use gas for combustion. The only difference is that natural gas is piped into the fire pit, while propane is stored in a tank.
Natural gas fire pits are a great addition to any home as they are safe and easy to use. They are also environmentally friendly as they don’t produce smoke or ashes to dispose of.
However, natural gas fire pits are not portable, which means you have to install them in a permanent location.
Final Thoughts
Fire pits are your go-to items to keep your family warm in winter. However, you must choose the one that meets your needs. Moreover, you should observe safety considerations when around a fire.
