| Before buying an outdoor fireplace, | | | | warp and only has a slightly lower |
| there are several factors to take into | | | | melting temperature than cast iron. |
| account. Always remember that the safety | | | | Cast aluminum does not rust. It is also |
| of your family and property is the most | | | | considerably lighter than cast iron |
| important consideration. | | | | making it easier to move around. |
| 1. Size matters | | | | 3. Weigh it |
| When comparing fireplaces, look at the | | | | When comparing fireplaces, check the |
| size of the fire area before the height. | | | | weight. Most fireplaces are produced by |
| If the firebox is small, wood buying and | | | | weight, so they are bought by weight. Be |
| cutting is more difficult. | | | | sure that you're comparing the same |
| Requesting for specially cut wood from | | | | material, copper to copper or cast iron |
| your supplier increases your cost. | | | | to cast iron. |
| Try to find a large firebox, don't | | | | 4. Aluminum feature |
| bother with the tall and thin fireplace. | | | | Cast aluminum is by far a better choice |
| A small firebowl will cost more down the | | | | for a novice outdoor enthusiast. The |
| road. You don't need a large fire just | | | | fireplace is easier to maintain and can |
| because you have a large fireplace, just | | | | be easily moved around. It may be |
| use less wood to have a smaller fire. | | | | brought to a home by the lake or stored |
| A good fireplace burns more cleanly and | | | | during winter along Northern areas. |
| more efficiently than a firepit design | | | | Store it to prevent damage or possible |
| having no smoke stack. The fireplace | | | | theft. |
| draws air into the fire and blows out | | | | 5. Clay fireplace |
| the neck for an efficient burn. Firepit | | | | The most disturbing problem with a clay |
| designs tend to smoke and smolder much | | | | fireplace is that it can fall apart |
| more than a traditional fireplace design | | | | without prior warning. When the bottom |
| because of poor airflow. | | | | falls out, it can be quite a mess. Avoid |
| 2. Proper maintenance | | | | placing your clay fireplace on a wooden |
| Fireplaces made in the more commercial | | | | deck or any surface that can easily be |
| copper, clay or sheet steel don't have | | | | damaged by heat or fire. Place it on |
| the longevity or safety of aluminum or | | | | cement or tile. |
| cast iron. Sheet metal fireplaces are | | | | If you choose to purchase a clay |
| available at a bargain cost. They're | | | | fireplace, take safety precautions. Use |
| pretty much a disposable type of | | | | a spark arrestor and a mouthscreen for |
| fireplace. Once metal sheet fireplaces | | | | safety. The extra cost is well worth it. |
| start to rust, they have already | | | | A clay fireplace is generally cheaper |
| outlived their usefulness. Check the | | | | but has a shorter lifespan than either |
| gauge or thickness of the metal. A metal | | | | aluminum or cast iron. |
| too thin might melt. | | | | 6. Surround view fireplaces and raised |
| Some cast iron fireplaces have sheet | | | | firepits |
| metal necks. If that's the case, check | | | | Most surround view fireplaces are built |
| if the manufacturer has replacement | | | | with light materials. Surround view |
| parts available and cost. Frequent | | | | fireplaces are easy to tip over because |
| replacement for the neck is not what you | | | | of the light material used to make it. |
| want. | | | | When it is tipped over, it will send ash |
| Cast iron must be maintained to prevent | | | | and embers everywhere. |
| rust. It is a little difficult to | | | | Safety is an issue with surround view |
| maintain. But a well maintained cast | | | | fireplaces. Slight breezes might send |
| iron fireplace will last you a long | | | | embers and catch fire with flammable |
| time. Also, consider the placement of | | | | materials. |
| your cast iron fireplace. | | | | If you're buying a raised firepit, be |
| The cast iron fireplace tends to stain | | | | sure that it comes with a lid. |
| the surface it stands on. | | | | Otherwise, ash will be spread all over |
| An occasional paint job with a high | | | | your patio when it rains. |
| temperature paint will slow down | | | | 7. What to burn |
| rusting. The cast iron is heavy and can | | | | Hardwood is by far the most popular fuel |
| stand a lot of abuse. | | | | for outdoor fireplaces. Pinon wood has a |
| Copper looks great initially but after a | | | | pleasant pine scent when burning. It |
| couple of uses it tends to be green and | | | | keeps the flame active and generates |
| rusty. Several companies put holes in | | | | good heat. It also helps in keeping |
| the bottom of the firepits to drain ash | | | | insects away. Other fuel sources are |
| and water out during rain. Firepits | | | | propane, gel inserts, manufactured |
| without holes will be filled with water | | | | firelogs and natural gas. |
| when it rains. | | | | Pine cones and applewood can be added |
| Cast Aluminum is one of the best buys. | | | | for more aroma. |
| It is easy to maintain and a long | | | | Several fireplaces come with inserts for |
| lifespan. An aluminum fireplace does not | | | | natural gas and propane. |