Before buying an outdoor fireplace, there are several factors to take into account. Always remember that the safety of your family and property is the most important consideration.
When comparing fireplaces, look at the size of the fire area before the height. If the firebox is small, wood buying and cutting is more difficult. Requesting for specially cut wood from your supplier increases your cost.
Try to find a large firebox, dont bother with the tall and thin fireplace. A small firebowl will cost more down the road. You dont need a large fire just because you have a large fireplace, just use less wood to have a smaller fire.
A good fireplace burns more cleanly and more efficiently than a firepit design having no smoke stack. The fireplace draws air into the fire and blows out the neck for an efficient burn. Firepit designs tend to smoke and smolder much more than a traditional fireplace design because of poor airflow.
Try to find a large firebox, dont bother with the tall and thin fireplace. A small firebowl will cost more down the road. You dont need a large fire just because you have a large fireplace, just use less wood to have a smaller fire.
A good fireplace burns more cleanly and more efficiently than a firepit design having no smoke stack. The fireplace draws air into the fire and blows out the neck for an efficient burn. Firepit designs tend to smoke and smolder much more than a traditional fireplace design because of poor airflow.
Fireplaces made in the more commercial copper, clay or sheet steel don't have the longevity or safety of aluminum or cast iron. Sheet metal fireplaces are available at a bargain cost. They're pretty much a disposable type of fireplace. Once metal sheet fireplaces start to rust, they have already outlived their usefulness. Check the gauge or thickness of the metal. A metal too thin might melt.
Some cast iron fireplaces have sheet metal necks. If thats the case, check if the manufacturer has replacement parts available and cost. Frequent replacement for the neck is not what you want. Cast iron must be maintained to prevent rust. It is a little difficult to maintain. But a well maintained cast iron fireplace will last you a long time. Also, consider the placement of your cast iron fireplace. The cast iron fireplace tends to stain the surface it stands on. An occasional paint job with a high temperature paint will slow down rusting. The cast iron is heavy and can stand a lot of abuse.
Copper looks great initially but after a couple of uses it tends to be green and rusty. Several companies put holes in the bottom of the firepits to drain ash and water out during rain. Firepits without holes will be filled with water when it rains.
Cast Aluminum is one of the best buys. It is easy to maintain and a long lifespan. An aluminum fireplace does not warp and only has a slightly lower melting temperature than cast iron. Cast aluminum does not rust. It is also considerably lighter than cast iron making it easier to move around.
Some cast iron fireplaces have sheet metal necks. If thats the case, check if the manufacturer has replacement parts available and cost. Frequent replacement for the neck is not what you want. Cast iron must be maintained to prevent rust. It is a little difficult to maintain. But a well maintained cast iron fireplace will last you a long time. Also, consider the placement of your cast iron fireplace. The cast iron fireplace tends to stain the surface it stands on. An occasional paint job with a high temperature paint will slow down rusting. The cast iron is heavy and can stand a lot of abuse.
Copper looks great initially but after a couple of uses it tends to be green and rusty. Several companies put holes in the bottom of the firepits to drain ash and water out during rain. Firepits without holes will be filled with water when it rains.
Cast Aluminum is one of the best buys. It is easy to maintain and a long lifespan. An aluminum fireplace does not warp and only has a slightly lower melting temperature than cast iron. Cast aluminum does not rust. It is also considerably lighter than cast iron making it easier to move around.
