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