1. Wood Burning Fire Pits
Pros:
- different types of wood give you different types of burn rates
- the smell of smoke can be aesthetically pleasing
- if used for cooking, smoke adds an extra dimension of flavor
- a brick or stone fire pit makes for a very easy DIY project
Cons:
- must continually purchase or chop wood
- must keep a dry, covered place for wood storage
- no matter how well you store your wood, insects are sure to get to it
- securing more wood isn't as easy as refilling a propane tank
2. Propane Fire Pits
Pros:
- a very controlled flame
- offer a variety of design possibilities that will enhance your patio
- available in a portable version to move around your yard as needed
- can very easily function as a table
Cons:
- must continually purchase propane (sometimes the nearest filling station isn't so near)
- unless you keep a backup tank, you're likely to run out while entertaining
- food cooked over a propane flame lacks the dimension of wood-cooked meals
- propane is a corrosive gas, which may lead to premature replacement of your fire pit's gas line (depending on frequency of usage)
3. Natural Gas Fire Pits
Pros:
- a very controlled flame
- a natural gas line never runs out of fuel
- inexpensive to run
- offer a variety of design possibilities
Cons:
- depending on your location, gas line installation can be expensive
- installation is permanent, so the fire pit can never be moved
- natural gas prices are more susceptible to flucuation than propane or wood
- like propane, natural gas doesn't impart any extra flavor to food
No matter which fire pit suits you, this addition to your yard or patio is sure to burn up the winter blues in no time.