This new hot trend in fire based furnishings is growing more and more popular every day. The hot trend I am referring to of course is the propane fire pit. What are they exactly? And why are there so many people preferring to go this route? Well they certainly come with quite a few advantages.
Easy to Use
The main advantage of a propane fire pit is that they are so very easy to use.
There is no need to build a fire manually with wood logs and some kindling. Instead you can start your fire instantaneously. Many models come with an inbuilt electric ignition. This means to turn your fire on with either a push of a button or switch. Much like a gas heater or grill is started. It does not get any easier than that. Models that do not have this can be started with a long stem igniter.
Once the fire is on, you can immediately sit back relax, and enjoy the warmth it brings. No stoking or tending to the fire is necessary like you do to keep a wood fire going. Propane fire pits are easy to turn off too. A wood fire can take a little while to die out, and you do need to stay outside and watch it completely extinguish for safety reasons. With propane though, just turn it off immediately and then head off to bed.
Fuss Free Maintenance
With a propane fire pit no smoke, ash or residue is produced, which means you have hardly any cleaning up to do!
Portability
Propane models are usually fairly lightweight, unless you go for the heavier propane fire pit tables. With no need for wood logs, many propane models are designed for camping use. Take them with you on a camping trip or to a weekend cabin, to have an easy to use and transport, instant warm fireplace.
Easy Fuel Source
When you use a propane fire pit instead of a wood burning model, you do not need to gather a supply of wood logs. Nor do you need to restock this supply. A propane model will most commonly run off a propane tank, although some models use smaller propane cylinders instead. This tank is either connected to the pit via a hose or it is placed inside the model, hiding it from view.
Fake wood logs and lava rocks can last for years, therefore using fewer natural resources.
Propane Tanks – Most commonly used is the 20 pound liquid propane tank, which usually is not included with your fireplace. You can buy a tank already filled from your local gas station, or from hardware and home improvement stores. You can only buy them empty online. The price ranges anywhere from $30-$100 depending on the features. They also need to be refilled occasionally depending on how often you use your pit. This can be anywhere from every couple of weeks to only a few times a year. Refill costs range from $12-30, depending on where you go.
Allowed in areas where wood burning is not.
Some residential zones and camping grounds have permanent or semi bans on wood burning due to fire hazards and air quality issues. In these areas, propane and natural gas fireplaces are the way to go.
Are there any downsides?
Even with the advantages that come with propane models, there are also some disadvantages that will make some people always prefer a wood burning fireplace. Propane fires are void of the smell and crackling sound of a wood fire. Many people will insist that a wood fire has a nicer feel to it. You can’t use propane models as a barbeque as there is a risk of food falling in and clogging the gas burners.
What about natural gas instead?
Many of these benefits apply to natural gas models as well, except for portability. Natural gas models do not need a propane tank, instead they are connected to the gas lines of your home. This makes them a non portable fireplace. Often natural gas is more common in outdoor inbuilt fireplaces rather than fire bowls and pits. But there are a few propane fire pits on this website which can be converted to use natural gas instead.
If you are after a cozy fireplace without any hassle, look no further than an outdoor propane fire pit.
Now, you just have to decide which kind to use…
See Our Favorite Outdoor Propane Fire Pits
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