| Outdoor fireplaces are more or less of the same | | | | cast aluminium fireplaces. |
| basic design as a traditional indoor fireplace, outdoor | | | | There are several types of outdoor fireplaces; |
| fireplaces can be made from a variety of materials | | | | namely portable gas fire pits, wood burning fire pits |
| that range from stone, brick, cast iron and concrete | | | | and chimeneas. Chimeneas are classified as fireplaces |
| to cast iron, aluminium, sheet metal, clay and copper. | | | | with a chimney that protects guests from fumes and |
| Stone, brick and concrete fireplaces are long lasting | | | | excess heat. They provide fires with a continuous |
| (though a large fire can occasionally crack concrete). | | | | supply of fresh air and are clean burning, fairly safe |
| Clay fireplaces are inexpensive, but do not last and | | | | and efficient in fuel consumption. |
| need to be kept dry. Sheet metal fireplaces are one | | | | Fire pits, in general, are large bowls or open air |
| of the cheapest outdoor fireplaces in the market. | | | | spaces in which fires are built. Though some fire pits |
| They are often regarded as disposable items, to be | | | | do have chimneys, they do not afford much |
| thrown out when rusted or at the end of their useful | | | | protection from the elements. A strong wind can |
| lifespan. | | | | very often shower family, guests, food, table |
| Outdoor fireplaces made of cast iron and cast | | | | decorations and neighbouring houses with red hot |
| aluminium, are very similar to one another. Cast iron | | | | embers. |
| outdoor fireplaces are heavy, solid and long lasting, | | | | The best and most popular fuel for outdoor |
| but prone to rust and also need a fair amount of | | | | fireplaces is hard wood. This is however difficult to |
| maintenance. So, cast aluminium fireplaces have a | | | | come by in some places, or is prohibited by local |
| slight advantage, being built for safety, low | | | | authorities due to environmental reasons. Alternative |
| maintenance and durability as well as being portable | | | | sources of fuel include manufactured fire logs, natural |
| and rustproof. | | | | gas, propane and gel inserts. |
| Copper fireplaces are extremely attractive. However, | | | | Fire knows neither friend nor foe and burns without |
| they turn green over time, and their cast iron | | | | discrimination. For this reason it is always advisable to |
| supports and bases display an alarming tendency to | | | | have a fire extinguisher or a large container of water |
| rust quickly, staining whatever surface they're | | | | nearby for use in an emergency, with outdoor |
| standing on. Copper, sheet metal and clay fireplaces | | | | fireplaces, or indeed when a fire of any kind is in use. |
| are also not as safe, or as durable, as cast iron and | | | | |