Are Fire Pit Tables Worth It?

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Fire Pit Tables Add a Touch of Class to Your Outdoor Areas

With the right fire pit table, you can transform your backyard into a comfortable and classy place to sit back and enjoy any time of year.

A fire pit table is an excellent piece of furniture to use in your backyard.  It is a wonderful alternative to the traditional fire pit that you simply stand or sit around. When people think about fire pits, they usually think about warm summer nights sitting on rocks or logs while watching the flames leap up at unpredictable intervals.

On the other hand, a fire pit table, or fire table, has both a fire pit and a patio table – combining the best parts of each. In addition to the light it generates, it can be used for warmth, entertaining, and cooking. Since it includes a table rather than just a fire pit, you can set your dishes, beverages, games, and food on top of it.

Aside from its practical uses, it also adds a touch of class to your outdoor area. It’s a popular choice among homeowners because the tank or fuel supply is hidden beneath the table.

But is a Fire Pit Table right for you? Let’s answer some common questions and see if we can’t help you figure it out.

What is the difference between a Fire Pit and a Fire Table?

The easiest way to explain it is that a fire pit only holds the fire. A fire pit table holds the fire and has a table around it. Similar to fire pits, fire tables can have a variety of fuel sources and can vary based on quality and materials. Fire tables are sometimes seen as more intimate and classy, whereas a fire pit is seen as more casual. But these opinions can vary based on personal opinion.

Hamilton Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit Table

Do Fire Pit Tables Keep you Warm?

Using a fire pit table for warmth is not like having a wood burning fireplace or stove around. Fire pits are designed to be used in an open area where the air can easily flow; they aren’t very efficient at heating specific areas.

That being said, if you sit close enough to the fire (around 24 inches), your whole body will be warmed as the heat from the fire rises. Keep this in mind when deciding where to place your table.

Do Fire Pit Tables have a High BTU Output?

One thing that people love about fire pit tables is that they don’t require a chimney or an outlet for gas, propane, or natural gas to be installed into your home. Instead, they are powered by propane tanks that you can change out when empty without any need for professional help.

The BTU on these tables usually ranges from 40,000 BTU to 80,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) which can be enough to heat your area in the winter months while sitting around the table. But remember, the heat rises so it’s best to sit six inches above the flame for maximum heating.

How Long Does it Take a Fire Table to Cool?

Once the fire has been extinguished, you can use a poker or tongs to lift any coals that are still hot out of the pit. A cover is then placed over it so that it can cool down overnight. Some units have automatic lids which will close themselves within 15 minutes of extinguishing the fire, but others may require you to close it manually.

Do I Need to purchase a Cover for my Fire Pit table?

If you are using your fire pit more than once a week, then yes, it is probably worth the investment of buying a cover for protection. Covers help protect them from bad weather and keep animals away. Additionally, if you have automatic ignition, you will need to lift the cover slightly in order for it to work.

Covers are available for purchase and installation. They come in different materials such as vinyl, canvas, mesh, and polyester. Most units have a pre-made cover that is made specifically to fit over it. But there are also companies that will make you a custom-fitted cover if your unit was not designed with one, or you just need yours replaced.

What Material are Fire Tables Made of?

Fire table materials vary based on the budget, quality, aesthetic taste, and environment in which it is being used. It can range from stone to metal. The most important aspect is the heat-resistant material, which shouldn’t be overlooked if you are placing it on wood or other flammable surfaces.

Outdoor Propane Fire Pit Table - CSA Approved Safe 50,000BTU Auto-Ignition Propane Gas Fire Table - Rattan Panel, Glass Wind Guard, Black Tempered Glass Tabletop, Clear Glass Rock

What is the Best Fire Table Fuel?

The best fuel for your fire pit table depends on how often you plan to use it and where! In addition to wood, natural gas (if available), propane, gel fuel, and ethanol are all common fuels.

Can I Cook on a Fire Pit Table?

Most fire pit tables have a cooking surface in which you can set a pot or pan over a flame from your wood burning fire pit. The only thing that varies is the size of this surface. You’ll find that some surfaces are small and only fit a pot or pan for boiling water. However, there are also larger grills available if you’re cooking steaks.

Can I Bring my Fire Pit Table Indoors?

You probably don’t want to bring your fire pit table indoors since they were made for outdoor entertaining. But if you’re desperate for some warmth inside your home, you can always bring the propane tank indoors and turn on the flame by pressing a switch.

Are Fire Pit Tables Safe?

Fire pit tables are very safe to use in your backyard. They don’t emit toxic fumes like a campfire and aren’t nearly as hot as an average wood burning fireplace (which reach over 1000 degrees).

Most of them have legs made from steel or iron which means they won’t heat up when the fire is going and will leave burn marks. In addition, they have a protective fire screen to stop embers from flying out.

Do Fire Pit Tables Require Maintenance?

Most fire pit tables are easy to care for. You just need to check the furniture cover every so often and flip the propane tank if it starts to wear thin on one side. You want to make sure there are no cracks in your fire pit table where embers can fly out. You don’t want any of these getting onto the grass or deck and starting a fire near your house. So look around your fire pit table every once in a whileto see if anything needs replacing.

Do Fire Pit Tables Require a Permit?

Any fire pit table that burns propane, gas, or natural gas will not require a permit. However, if you’re planning to burn wood in your table, then it may need a permit depending on the local laws. Since fire pit tables are designed for outdoor enjoyment and heating purposes, they usually require less of a permit than an indoor fireplace does.

Matthias 24" H x 30" W Magnesium Oxide Propane Outdoor Fire Pit Table

Conclusion

Fire pit tables are very affordable and a great value for the money. They’re a great way to entertain guests in your backyard or patio, and they can also double as a source of supplemental heat. The main obstacle is finding somewhere you can use it since most fire pits require an open space away from surrounding structures, trees, etc – so keep this in mind when choosing where you want to place your new fire pit table.

Fire pit tables are a wonderful and exciting addition to any patio or backyard gathering. The radiant heat is perfect for chilly nights, and the natural ambiance of an open flame adds warmth and beauty to any occasion! Your guests will be impressed with your thoughtfulness and class.

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