Outdoor fire pits provide the perfect combination of heat
and ambience to keep the party going long after the sun goes down. Whether
you are planning a relaxing evening and using the fire pit to create a romantic
glow for an outdoor dinner or an exciting night of roasting hot dogs and
marshmallows with family and friends, outdoor fire pits create the perfect
atmosphere for any occasion.
Outdoor fire pits come in a variety of sizes and styles
and multiple fuel options as well. Wood burning outdoor fire pits are available
for those who enjoy the crackling sounds and smoky smells of a real wood
burning fire, propane and natural gas fire pits to appeal to those who want
instant heat and ambience and a realistic flame without all of the mess
and maintenance, and gel fuel outdoor fire pits for those who want a small
fire that provides gentle heat and the convenience of disposable or refillable
gel fuel canisters.
The following outdoor fire pit FAQs provide useful information
regarding wood burning, gas burning, and gel alcohol burning outdoor fire pits.
The tips and advice discussed in this article will help you choose which
type of outdoor fire pits is best for you, how to operate it, and how to
maintain to ensure that you get years of enjoyment out of your investment.
Answer: Yes. There are a lot of
fire starters that you can use with your wood burning outdoor fire
bowl
to quickly and easily start a fire. For example, Safe Lite Fire Starter
Squares, Super Cedar FireStarters, Fatwood Fire Starter, Pine Cone Fire
Starters, and Ceramic Firestarting Stones are all safe for use with
outdoor fire pits. Many of these firestarters will work even if they
get wet and they don't produce toxic chemicals or dangerous
flare-ups.
Answer: Outdoor fire pits are made
with durable all-weather materials. However, if your fire bowl came with
a fire bowl cover you should cover it when it is not being used to protect
it from harsh weather conditions. If your fire bowl did not come with
a vinyl fire bowl cover, you can cover it with a tarp or store it in a
dry covered location to prolong the life of the fire pit.
Answer: Once the wood burning fire
is completely out, the fire bowl is cool to the touch and the ashes have
been removed and properly disposed of, you can clean your wood burning
outdoor fire pit with a mild dishwashing detergent or baking soda. Stubborn
surfaces can be washed with a citrus based degreaser and a nylon scrubbing
brush. Built-up creosote should be removed with a chimney cleaning product.
After lathering the wood burning outdoor fire bowl with a cleaner,
rinse it clean with water and wipe the fire bowl down with a cloth to dry it.
Answer: It is recommended that you
burn dry, seasoned hardwood in your wood burning outdoor fire bowl. Dry,
well seasoned hardwoods will burn hotter, more completely and create
less smoke. Dry, well seasoned firewood will have a moisture level of
20 percent or less. The moisture content of firewood can easily be determined
by using a moisture meter.
Answer: Wood burning outdoor
fire pits
should only be used on hard, level non-combustible surfaces such as
concrete, rock, or stone. Wood burning outdoor fire pits should not be
placed on wooden decks or patios without non-combustible protection
underneath.
Answer: Wood fire pits can use manufactured
logs like Duraflame. However, be aware that manufactured logs contain
chemicals that can break down the finish on some types of steel fire
pits more quickly than regular wood. They will also start faster and
sometimes burn hotter and have more noxious smoke.
Answer: Your wood burning outdoor
fire bowl may be producing excess amounts of smoke for any of the following
reasons:
1. If your outdoor fire bowl is new and you are burning a fire in it
for the first time it may produce smoke. This is because new outdoor
fire pits need to have an initial burn of about 30 minutes to allow any
excess materials from the manufacturing process to burn off.
2. The specie of wood you use in your outdoor wood burning fire pit
can also determine the amount of smoke the fire produces. This is why
we suggest using only dry, well seasoned hardwoods in your outdoor
fire bowl.
3. The amount of wind around the fire pit can also determine how much
smoke the wood burning fire produces. The more wind there is generally
means that the fire will produce larger amounts of smoke.
Answer: If your fire bowl is made
from non-stainless steel materials it will rust over time. Rust is the
result of the oxidation of iron in the presence of water and oxygen.
Stainless steel outdoor fire pits will not rust however they will turn
yellow over time. This is a natural occurrence due to the heat of the
fire on the stainless steel and can be reduced by using a high quality
stainless steel polish.
Answer: Depending on the arrangement
of your outdoor area, it is always best to place your outdoor fire
bowl
in an area that will not only maximize its affect on your decor but
is also safe and convenient. When positioning your outdoor fire pit,
be sure to clear it of any brush and vegetation. Never place your outdoor
fire bowl under trees or hanging branches as they can catch fire by stray
sparks and embers and be sure that the fire pit is placed on a non-combustible
surface.
Answer: If you smell gas do not
light the appliance. Do not touch any electric switches or use any phone
in your building. Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's
phone and follow the gas supplier's instructions. If you can't reach
your gas supplier, call the fire department.
Answer: Some of the fire pits come
completely assembled and are ready to go right out of the box. Many
of the models do require some assembly, but the manufacturers try to
keep the time and complexity of putting one together to a minimum so
most of the time they can be assembled in a matter of minutes.
If you have a natural gas outdoor fire pit you will need to someone who
is certified run a gas line for you.
Answer: Check your owners manual.
Some outdoor fire pits you can convert however, others do not allow it
and you may void your warranty if you attempt to convert it.
Answer: Using a standard grill gas
tank, your outdoor fire bowl will burn for approximately 10 hours when
on the high flame setting. This is an average and you may find your
tank will last a little bit longer than 10 hours.
Answer: For some of the models log
placement is important. You should read your fire bowl owner's manual for details of log placement. If
log placement is not specified in the manual, you can place the logs
how you like.
Answer: The logs will not change
color, but you will notice a carbon build up from propane gas. This
is normal. You can clean the logs using soap and water. Be sure to dry
the logs thoroughly after cleaning before placing them back in your
fire bowl.
Questions? Call Toll-free 866-667-8454 All Orders Processed on Secure Servers
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