What are the best fire pit tables?
Entertaining outdoors is a great way to spend time with friends and family, but it can get chilly in the open air. A fire pit table is a perfect solution for outdoor gatherings, providing warmth for everyone sitting together, along with a table edge for food and drinks.
Below you’ll find all the information you need to select the right fire pit table, along with a few recommended models, including the excellent Outland Living 403 Series Propane Fire Pit.
What to know before you buy a fire pit table
Fuel type
Propane gas is probably the most popular fuel type for fire pit tables. Propane comes in convenient bottles and there’s no cleanup, unlike solid fuel fire pits.
Natural gas is another option, generally reserved for high-end fire pit tables. Models that run on natural gas must be fitted to a natural gas line, similar to a gas stove, so you’ll need a professional gas engineer to install one. Once it’s fitted, you won’t be able to move it.
Solid fuel fire pit tables can accommodate wood or charcoal. These models are generally affordable and are a good choice if you have access to free wood. However, they produce smoke, and there’s a great deal of cleanup involved after use.
Construction material
Fire pit tables must use fireproof and heat-resistant materials in the design, such as metal — most commonly steel or cast iron. Aluminum is lightweight and inexpensive but not highly durable. Any metal parts exposed to the elements should be powder-coated or otherwise made rust-resistant. Some models feature a plastic or resin faux-rattan exterior to ensure the body of the table stays cool to the touch and creates a relaxed outdoor vibe.
What to look for in a quality fire pit table
Easy ignition
If you choose a propane or natural gas fire pit table, it should be easy to ignite. Most feature a simple push-button ignition, so lighting is straightforward. Lighting a solid fuel fire pit is more of a hassle, as you’ll need firelighters or similar to ignite the fuel.
Heat output
The heat output of propane fire pit tables is measured in British Thermal Units. A quality model has an output of 35,000-50,000 BTU. This kind of output should warm a small patio area, though the exact heating radius varies depending on the weather conditions. You should adjust the heat output of a fire pit table to keep it at a comfortable level.
Size
Check the size of any fire pit table you’re considering to make sure it will accommodate as many people around it as you’d like. It’s better to get a table slightly larger than you need to enjoy as much of a fire pit as possible, assuming you have the space for it.
How much you can expect to spend on a fire pit table
You can find some inexpensive fire pit tables for $100-$200, while the most expensive models can cost $1,000 or more.
Fire pit table FAQ
Should you cover a fire pit table?
A. It’s highly recommended to cover a …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
