Outdoor Fireplace vs. Fire Pit: Which One Should You Choose?

Outdoor fireplaces mimic the comfort of household fireplaces, only outdoors! Fireplaces take the chill off late summer nights and offer a stylish, architectural focal point, enhancing outdoor landscapes. In climates that remain warm year-round, they help extend your outdoor season. The front-facing heat of a fireplace requires you to sit in front of it for maximum warmth, creating a relaxing space after a long week.

Although typically wood-burning fireplaces, you may use gas or electric options in covered outdoor locations. When it comes to design options, the sky’s the limit. You can choose modern, rustic, or traditional designs; whichever fits your style!

The main downside of an outdoor fireplace lies in the high installation costs. The costs of installing the architectural structure adds up and, if using an outdoor gas or electrical fireplace, you must also consider the cost of the unit itself. However, once installed, these decorative features can upgrade backyards and patios. And it can even increase the value of the home!

Fire pits offer a more interactive experience than a fireplace, where you can roast marshmallows or gather around talking and spending time with loved ones. The 360-degree design allows for easier conversation as all the people in attendance can access the warmth of the fire.

Outdoor fire pits usually feature a simpler design than an outdoor fireplace. They house the fire to prevent it from spreading, while styles can range from a simple hole in the ground to elaborate, custom-built structures. You can find gas and wood-burning fire pits as well as round or square designs.

When deciding whether to choose a fire pit or another fire feature, consider how windy your property gets. If you live in a windy area, a fire pit may not offer the best protection. Smoke may constantly blow in your space or blow sparks around your property, creating a fire risk. They also require routine maintenance, such as cleaning out the ash and clearing out debris. Additionally, custom fire pits require proper drainage to avoid collecting rainwater.

A fire pit table offers a unique outdoor feature. Unlike standard fire pits, these tables allow you and your guests to gather around for warmth while providing a surface for food and drinks. They tend to use either natural gas or propane for fuel and can turn on and off much more easily than a wood burning fire. When off, you can often use the fire pit table as a traditional table.

Certain options, like Endless Summer's selection of fire pit tables, offer decorative designs. They even include DualHeat options that combine the use of a fire pit table with a patio heater. You can use DualHeat fire pits in four ways: as a fire pit & patio heater, fire pit only, patio heater only, or table only.

Lastly, you can also find unique fire features such as a chiminea or a firehouse. A chiminea, also spelled chimenea, refers to a charming, front-loading fireplace with a rounded body. They use a vertical chimney to vent the smoke. They work well in permanent outdoor patio locations.

Some manufacturers, like Endless Summer, offer firehouses with style and functionality. This 43.3-inch firehouse features a large chimney to control smoke as well as a slide-out cooking surface. Only use this firehouse outdoors as it should not be used in indoor or in enclosed locations.