Trying to stay warm outside can be a challenge. Especially during the colder months! There are loads of options to choose from, most notably fire pits and chimineas. However, a fire pit table is another choice that’s been rising in popularity in recent years.
A fire pit table is a piece of furniture that you can add to your outdoor setup. The clue is in the name, really. These are tables which have a built-in fire pit for you to use. But do they actually keep you warm? Are fire pit tables any good?
Are fire pit tables any good?
As with any piece of equipment, there are benefits and drawbacks to a fire pit. So the best way to determine whether a fire pit is any good is to take a look at each of these factors.
This should then allow you to determine whether you want to add one to your garden. However, on the whole, we would say that yes, fire pits are a great piece of kit to have in your garden.
One of the best features of a fire pit table is that everyone can sit around them. This allows all of your company to stay warm. Whereas a chiminea can mostly chuck out heat from the front grill, this allows large parties to gather around comfortably outside while staying warm.
You can even use them to toast marshmallows to create tasty smores!
The table can also keep your food and drinks warm during the cooler evenings. What’s really handy is that the fire pit table can still double as a table when the fire isn’t lit. This makes it more versatile than a simple fire pit. This two-in-one aspect also means you’ll get more value for your money.
One of the main drawbacks when it comes to fire pit tables is their expense. They’re pricier than a traditional fire pit, however, they will more than pay you back over time.
They will of course need to be maintained properly if you want to use them regularly. They could also pose a safety hazard for children if little hands get too close to the open flames.
You should also make sure to keep away anything flammable such as napkins from the fire pit in the middle of the table, but this is something that you would have to bear in mind with other outdoor fires, too.
Do fire pit tables give off heat?
Yes, fire pit tables do give off heat! So you can rest assured that a fire pit table will be able to keep you and your family and friends warm during those colder evenings. You can also adjust the fire in your fire pit table to give off just the right amount of heat that you need.
If the fire is on the smaller side, it will give off less heat.
Fire pit tables make use of an open fire in the middle of the table. This will be especially handy for several guests, as you can all sit or stand around the fire to get warm. The heat of your fire pit table may also differ depending on whether it’s a manual fire or gas fire.
Any fire pit table that’s able to give off around 50,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) will be comfortable for everyone to enjoy.
Can you put a gas fire pit in a wood table?
So you’ve got your heart set on a fire pit table. But then you see how much they cost upfront. Not all of us have got hundreds of dollars to splurge on a piece of garden equipment! So you may be wondering if you can put a gas fire in a wood table?
You can technically build your own fire pit table, yes. However, if you’re not a handyman, this whole process could be too complicated. Or more effort than it’s worth!
You can try to adapt a wooden table that you’ve already got in your garden for this purpose, however, you will need to place a fireguard around the gas fire pit when it’s in your table.
Remember that wood is flammable, so you want to protect the table from catching fire. By installing a metal guard around the base of where the fire pit meets the wood table, you can help to keep everyone safe.
We’d recommend trying to follow a tutorial if you did want to try and build your own fire pit table from scratch. Or alternatively, you can save up until you can afford the fire pit table of your dreams! You can also rest assured that it will be safe for the whole family to use, too.
Are fire pit dining tables safe?
When used correctly, fire pit tables are perfectly safe. However, there are a few things to bear in mind each time you use it.
You will need to keep any easily flammable objects such as napkins, paper plates, and plastic utensils well away from the flames. All it takes is for a rogue flame to hit a paper plate that’s been left too close to the fire pit and it will quickly go up in flames.
It’s also important to keep your fire pit table away from any furniture or overhanging items which are easily flammable.
You will also need to be wary if you have any children. Children are unpredictable, and will need to be watched at all times if you have lit your fire pit table. They could burn themselves if they’re left to their own devices for too long near the fire pit table.
However, fire pit tables are much safer than an exposed campfire or even a standard fire pit that sits low to the ground. If you have any particular concerns about safety, you should look for a fire pit table that is CSA certified.
This will mean it meets certain safety standards which will help to keep you and your family safe when using it. If you’ve opted for a gas fire pit table, this will be much safer too, as there won’t be any sparks or embers leftover.
What should I look for in a fire pit table?
The most important factors to look for in a fire pit table include durability, propane tank storage, and heat output.
Because fire pit tables are quite heavy pieces of equipment, you likely won’t get the chance to move them around much. So seeing as they will be outdoors during all kinds of weather, you will need to ensure that they are durable.
Look to see if your chosen fire pit table has been manufactured to withstand rainwater or if it comes with a cover to keep it protected from the elements.
Of course, you will want a fire pit table that’s capable of keeping you nice and warm. So you should opt for a table that’s able to emit a decent amount of BTUs. Anything between 38,000 BTUs and 50,000 BTUs should be more than warm enough to keep you and your family and friends toasty.
Another important factor to consider is the propane tank storage. The vast majority of fire pit tables run on propane gas, however, it ruins the aesthetic to have the tank sat next to the table itself. You should look for a fire pit table that’s capable of storing the tanks away out of sight while they’re in use.
Can you cook on a fire pit table?
You can indeed cook on a fire pit table, as long as you do so safely. If your chosen fire pit table doesn’t come with the necessary tools for cooking, you will need to purchase a grill grate to do so. You may even want to buy a tripod and rotisserie to make the cooking experience easier.
This is a great way to cook your food right in front of your guests. You can even use your new fire pit table to eat all of your favorite barbecued foods!
This will be especially handy during the summer months. One of the best ways to use your new fire pit table to cook tasty food is to toast smores over the hot flames.
So as long as you have the right equipment, there’s nothing to stop you from using your new fire pit table to cook all of your favorite barbecued foods. This will save you the money of buying a barbecue, too!
What is the best height for a fire pit table?
A fire pit table should be a similar height to a coffee table. A good height should be between 24 inches to 18 inches, but it will entirely depend on your personal preference.
If you want to add your fire pit table to your outdoor seating area, you will want it to be tall enough so that all of your guests can enjoy the warmth while they’re sat down.
Remember to be aware of your fire pit table’s surroundings once you’ve got it in place. The taller it is, the closer it will be to awnings or other hanging objects which could catch fire.
In summary
So now you know all there is to know about fire pit tables! These are an effective way to stay warm while outside with family and friends. They are also much warmer than chimineas, and can double as outdoor furniture when not in use.
You should now be able to make a better informed decision as to whether a fire pit table will be the perfect fit for you and your garden or outdoor area.
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