There is nothing like gathering around a cozy fire pit on a cool night, roasting marshmallows, and telling stories. However, the pleasant experience can turn chaotic if the fire pit explodes or starts burning properties. With such thoughts in mind, you may want to know the safest type of fire pit on the market to prevent such scenarios.
The safest fire pit may be an enclosed wood-burning fire pit. Apart from being free of the toxic asphyxiant gas, an enclosed wood-burning fire pit will not expose your properties to the risk of catching fire. Thus, the pit help keep you safe healthwise while likely protecting your property from fire.
In this article, I’ll elaborate on why an enclosed wood-burning fire pit is the safest. Moreover, I’ll take you through the factors to consider when looking for a safe fire pit. Keep reading to make an informed decision the next time you’ll be looking for a fire pit.
Why Is an Enclosed Wood-Burning Fire Pit the Safest?
An enclosed wood-burning fire pit is the safest because it does not release toxic gasses like asphyxiant, which can cause suffocation by displacing oxygen. Moreover, an enclosed wood-burning fire pit ensures that the wind does not blow fire to burn properties.
It’s a fact that feeding campfire firewood is a bit of a task. You must gather the wood, light it up, and keep feeding it to maintain the fire. However, the following reasons explain why enclosed wood-burning fire pits are the best and safest.
They Prevent the Fire From Spreading
Fire can spread quickly if not prevented and cause massive destruction. Enclosed wood-burning fire pits have a roof that prevents the fire from spreading.
You can rest assured that your properties and those around the fire pit are safe.
They Keep the Smoke Contained
Smoke from an open wood-burning fire pit can be a nuisance, not to mention the health hazards it poses. An enclosed wood-burning fire pit has walls that contain the smoke, making it less of a nuisance. Moreover, it protects you and those around the fire pit from inhaling harmful smoke.
They Are the Closest to a Traditional Campfire
If you’re like me, you always want to see sparks and embers from the fire pit shooting into the air.
Enclosed wood-burning fire pits have a design that allows the sparks and embers to be visible. This visual feast is an excellent way to invoke outdoor memories in your backyard. It gives you a feeling that’s closest to a traditional campfire.
Factors To Consider When Looking for a Safer Fire Pit
Safety is a crucial consideration when around a fire. However, you’ll be unable to identify a safer fire pit without knowing the factors and features that ensure this safety. With this in mind, the following are the factors to consider when looking for a safe fire pit:
- The size of the fire pit.
- Sourcing safe energy for your fire pit.
- Fire pits and fire spread prevention.
- Materials used in making the fire pit.
- Fire pit ease of use.
Let’s now look at each of these factors and how they affect the safety of the fire pits.
The Size of the Fire Pit
The size of a fire pit is an essential factor in determining safety. A fire pit should not be too small or too large.
If you go for a small fire pit, it will not produce enough heat for all. Moreover, it will be challenging to have more people comfortably around it to receive the heat. The consequence is people squeezing towards each other to fit around the fire.
Having people squeezed around a fire is a safety hazard. Squeezing makes it easy for people to trip and fall into the fire.
On the other hand, a fire pit that is too large will be challenging to control. You may use more wood than necessary to keep the fire going. The excess wood may create an uncontrolled release of smoke and ashes, which can be harmful when inhaled.
Moreover, a large fire pit exposes you, your loved ones, and your property to fire accidents because it can be challenging to control a big fire.
NBC News reported that the Consumer Products Safety Commission acknowledges the increase in injuries and property destruction from backyard fire pits in the United States. According to the report, more than 5,300 rescue services treated fire pit-related injuries in the U.S. in 2017.
How do you determine the right size for a safer fire pit? You should measure fire pit sizes in two ways; width and height.
The Width of a Fire Pit
The width of a fire pit is essential because it will give you an idea of how many people can comfortably sit around it.
A general rule of thumb regarding the width of a fire pit is that a small and comfortable pit should be at least 3 feet (36″) wide. A larger pit suitable for many people should be at most 6 feet (72″) wide, including the wall thickness.
The Height of a Fire Pit
The height of a fire pit is another essential safety consideration because it will help control the flames. Furthermore, it determines how comfortable people, including kids, can access the fire.
A safer fire pit should not be too high or too low. If it’s too high, you’ll be unable to prop your feet around. It’s a safety hazard because it can cause kids to fall into the fire.
A shallow fire pit is also a safety hazard as you may find yourself crouching around the fire. According to Spine-health, poor postures, like squatting, can lead to back pains.
The right height for a safer fire pit should be between 12 to 14 inches (30.4cm-35.5cm). This measurement is a comfortable height even for children. However, a height ranging from 18 to 20 inches (45.7cm-50.8cm) is good if you want to sit on the edge of the fire pit.
Sourcing Safe Energy for Your Fire Pit
You can use different sources of energy to power fire pits. The most common ones are:
- Natural Gas
- Liquid Propane
- Wood.
Let’s briefly look at each of these energy sources and how they affect the safety of a fire pit.
Natural Gas
A fire pit powered by natural gas is considered a safe option in terms of handling. A natural gas-powered fire pit uses an enclosed space to produce flames. Moreover, you can control the heat produced by adjusting the gas flow.
However, the challenge comes when looking at what natural gas produces as it burns. Research by the Minnesota Department of Health revealed that the combustion of natural gas releases formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. These two gasses are harmful to human health.
Liquid Propane
A fire pit powered by liquid propane is also safe in terms of control. Apart from using an enclosed space like natural gas, you can control a propane-powered fire pit by adjusting the gas flow.
However, propene exposes you to toxic formaldehyde and asphyxiant gasses.
Wood
In terms of a fire pit, an enclosed wood-burning fire pit is the safest option. Although wood combustion releases ultra-fine particles, it’s safer than the harmful gasses emitted by natural gas and propane. However, you must be careful about the wood you use for burning.
Some woods like treated lumber, painted wood, and plywood may release harmful chemicals when burned. Furthermore, using wet or green wood can lead to the production of smoke.
The best option is to use dry and seasoned wood from hardwood trees. These include; hickory, ash, oak, and maple.
Fire Pits and Fire Spread Prevention
Fire can spread in any way if left unattended or unprotected. Taking an example of the spread of wildfires, Sci Jinks discusses that wind and drought are the primary causes.
An enclosed fire pit is the only way to ensure you’re safe, even in a windy region. Furthermore, such a fire pit is an excellent option if you want to use your fire pit on a deck.
You should use An unenclosed fire pit with extreme caution as it can easily spread the fire. If you have to use it, ensure there’s no flammable material in the area and that the site is clear for at least three feet.
Materials Used in Making the Fire Pit
Manufacturers construct fire pits with a variety of materials. The common ones include:
- Stainless Steel
- Cast Iron
- Brick
- Stone
- Concrete.
Let’s briefly look at the safety of each of these materials:
- Stainless Steel: A fire pit made with stainless steel is a safe option. The material is rust and heat resistant, which makes it durable. Moreover, it doesn’t release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures.
- Cast Iron: A cast-iron fire pit is also safe due to its heat resistance. However, the material is prone to rust which reduces its lifespan.
- Brick: Brick is a good material for a fire pit as it doesn’t release harmful chemicals. However, it can break if exposed to extremely high temperatures.
- Stone: Apart from being heat resistant, stone doesn’t release harmful chemicals when exposed to heat. However, the heavy material makes it challenging to move around.
- Concrete: A concrete fire pit is safe as it doesn’t release harmful chemicals when undergoing heat exposure. Moreover, it’s heat resistant and durable. However, it’s cumbersome to move around.
Based on the above analysis, the safest fire pit type is stainless steel or cast iron. These materials are heat resistant and don’t release any harmful chemicals.
Fire Pit Ease of Use
The ease of use entails how quickly you can set up the fire pit and how easy it’s to control the flame.
Natural gas and propane-powered fire pits are the easiest to use. All you need is to connect the gas line and turn on the knob to start the fire.
On the other hand, a wood-burning fire pit is challenging to set up as you need to gather the wood and light it up. However, once you get the hang of it, it becomes easy.
Final Verdict on Enclosed Wood-Burning Fire Pits
When buying an enclosed wood-burning fire pit, go for a durable one made of quality materials such as steel. With proper care, a steel fire pit can serve you for years while providing the safest environment for you and your family.
Moreover, ensure that the fire pit size is appropriate for your backyard. A small fire pit is suitable for a few people, while a larger one can accommodate a group.
If you are in the market for a safe fire pit, these are our top two picks for wood-burning fire pits, both available on Amazon.com:
- BALI Wood Burning Fire Pit. This product is an excellent option for a durable steel fire pit with loads of features, such as a 360° swiveling grill. The outer ledge around the fire prevents access to the hot center, making it safer for children.
- PHI VILLA Fire Pit. This durable steel fire pit includes a heavy gauge spark screen for extra safety. The deep steel bowel accommodates a good-sized wood fire with an enhanced airflow design.
Other Fire Pits To Consider
Apart from an enclosed wood-burning fire pit, here are other types of fire pits to consider.
Fire Bowls
Fire bowls are the most convenient fire pits as they are portable. You can take them camping, picnicking, or to the beach. However, they don’t last long as the materials are prone to rust, such as cast iron. Thus you might find yourself replacing your fire bowls every couple of years.
Gas Fire Pits
Gas fire pits are easy and convenient to use. All you need is to connect the gas line and turn on the knob to start the fire. Moreover, they produce little to no smoke, making them a good option for people with respiratory problems.
On the downside, gas fire pits are expensive as you need to buy a propane tank or natural gas line. Also, they’re not eco-friendly as they release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Fire Tables
Fire tables are excellent if you want to save money on propane. You can use them for cooking food as they come with a grill. Moreover, their beautiful design makes them an excellent addition to your patio furniture.
The downside of fire tables is that they’re not portable as they are heavy materials such as stone or brick.
Final Thoughts
Enclosed wood-burning fire pits are the safest option on the market. Apart from releasing harmful substances like ultra-thin particles, enclosed wood-burning fire pits enclose the fire to prevent fire accidents. These fire pits also have aesthetic appeal as they mimic a traditional campfire, which is perfect for people who love the outdoors.
