Outdoor Wood Fireplaces – Should You Buy a Gas Powered Firepit Or a Natural Burning Firepit?
The term firepit can be used to cover a variety of makes and models, all with their distinctive uses. Some people just have fireplaces in their living rooms to provide warmth and aesthetic appeal. Others have massive grilling areas in their backyards that can handle a large portion of food for those summer get togethers. There are a variety of fuel types for these pits but the primary methods are gas and natural fuel.
A firepit powered by natural fuel typically means that it will be a wood burning fireplace. This is the more traditional fireplace fuel, and has been in use since humans first learned how to make fire. Many people love the smell and taste of their food being grilled on a wood burning grill. Wood is a very common fuel source, and trees can be replanted so it is a renewable resource.
Many environmental agencies decry using wood as fuel for your fireplace because it involves chopping down trees. However many companies that provide firewood to people replant the trees they chop down, and do not chop down trees that are below a certain age. This ensures that the wood supply isn’t exhausted, and the environment isn’t wrecked. Wood burning fire places and pits also give a more country or old fashioned look to a home.
Gas powered Outdoor Fire Pits are powered by natural gas and does not pollute as much as wood burning fireplaces do. However they do cost much more to operate which typically lowers the appeal to some people. Wood is rather cheap since it can be replanted, and people living in rural areas have it in their back yards. Gas supplies vary in cost depending on the time of the season, the current energy prices in the world, and the political climate.
This is the primary reason many people choose a natural burning firepit or fireplace over a gas burning one. They simply cannot afford the rising and falling prices all the time, especially during the winter months. However some people prefer gas because it’s cleaner, so in the end it’s a matter of personal preference. Each fuel type does have its own risks involved with it.
Proper fuel precautions are essential regardless of the size, or use of your fireplace. Gas is more volatile than wood so it can cause fires or explosions if there is a break in the line, or a leak. Wood can be prone to spilling out of the fireplace and catching surrounding furniture, and carpet on fire. The above mentioned events can be prevented by common sense, and maintenance, but they do weigh in on peoples purchasing decisions.
In the end making the choice on which type of firepit you want is ultimately up to you. Both fuel types cook food very well, and provide warmth. So technically there is no difference in performance between them. However food cooked with wood burning pits has a more smoked taste, for obvious reasons. This leads more people to favor it if the fireplace will be used for a lot of grilling. In the end it comes down to the personal preferences of each buyer, cook, or home decorator.
Adding a fireplace – Is it possible? How expensive?
My wife and I bought a house in southern Missouri about two years ago and we are thinking of adding a fireplace. We have a space of about five feet between two windows and that is where we would like it. We want a wood burning fireplace as opposed to gas. Is this enough room and is it going to be expensive?
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Tags: Outdoor Wood Fireplaces