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