| In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for | | | | it's best to use kindling-size wood.Many wood-burning |
| sitting outside in the evening -- the bugs have gone | | | | units have optional cooking grills so your fire can do |
| and the sky is clear -- but the nights are chilly. Don't | | | | double duty warming your toes and your tummy. Try |
| let the cool evenings send you inside -- extend your | | | | this yummy "pizza" recipe, cooked up in campfire |
| outdoor living season by heating your deck or | | | | irons.Any open fire is a potential hazard. Keep any |
| patio.Different heaters are available for different | | | | overhead sparks from tree branches or patio |
| needs and circumstances. A heater will be powered | | | | overheads, and be sure to teach children proper fire |
| by propane, natural gas, alcohol-gel, electricity, wood, | | | | safety.Natural gas heaters are easy to use but are |
| or wood substitutes such as charcoal or artificial logs. | | | | usually built in and, although bottled gas may be |
| Depending on the size and the heat source, they | | | | purchased, are best limited to those areas that have |
| may warm only a small space or heat a party-size | | | | natural gas service.Propane heaters can be |
| yard.For all heating units to perform optimally, they | | | | economical to operate. Depending on the heat output |
| will need the right location. The ideal site is a | | | | level you set, a standard propane tank can provide |
| combination of walls or fences (to radiate the heat | | | | 10-12 hours of heat.Propane-powered "mushroom" or |
| back into your space) and overhead structures that | | | | "umbrella" heaters (so called because of their shape) |
| will prevent the wind from blowing directly through | | | | are the best choice for heating large areas. They |
| your selected area.Here are some tips for effective | | | | radiate warming rays from the top cylinder and |
| and safe use:Wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits are | | | | provide a comfort zone of 12 - 20 feet in diameter. |
| generally the least expensive to buy and to operate. | | | | The propane tank is hidden in the bottom of the unit. |
| Check for zoning ordinances to be sure that you can | | | | It's a good idea to put these units away when not in |
| burn wood on your property. Some municipalities | | | | use as they can be sensitive to the elements. Smaller |
| allow wood burning in a small chimenea unit, but will | | | | tabletop units are also available.Although electric heat |
| not approve a built-in or dug fire pit. Wood-burning | | | | is usually the most expensive, there are a few |
| units range from small collapsible units on wheels for | | | | electric heaters designed specifically for outdoor use. |
| easy portability to huge built-in concrete fireplaces. If | | | | Be sure that any heater that is left outside is rated |
| you are permitted to burn wood, you are sure to | | | | as such.With the wide selection of outdoor heating |
| find a unit to suit your needs!If you have a pottery | | | | devices available, you're sure to find one that right's |
| fireplace, or chimenea, use it cautiously as these units | | | | for you. So heat up the night - and go right on |
| are lightweight and reasonably fragile. To keep the | | | | enjoying your outdoor space. |
| fire from getting hot enough to break the chimenea, | | | | |