We love fire pits. These fire pits are beautiful and warm additions to any garden. The perfect place to gather with family and friends to enjoy long summer evenings.
It can be difficult to choose the perfect fire pit. You have many choices, but are you unsure whether to choose a wood-burning or gas fire pits in Australia?
We have put together a definitive guide on how to choose the best fire pit.
Which fire pit should you choose – the gas or wood-burning one? We’ll look at some of the things you should consider when making a decision.
The Summary Wood Fire Pit
- It provides a more natural and traditional outdoor fire experience
- It has a captivating and unique flame pattern.
- More maintenance is required, including regular cleaning and refilling firewood
- It can cause smoke and ash which may be problematic for people with respiratory problems or allergies
What You Need to Know About Gas Fire Pits
- With a simple push button ignition and adjustable flame, this product offers convenience and ease-of-use.
- It produces less smoke and ash than wood-burning firepits.
- The smell of wood burning or the crackling sound may not be as pleasing as with a wood-burning fireplace.
- Purchases can be expensive.
- It is better for decking and partially enclosed spaces, such as a gazebo.
Fuel Availability
The first thing you should consider is whether the fuel in question is available in your locality. It’s pointless to buy a firepit that you cannot fuel.
Wood-burning firepits require dry, seasoned wood as fuel. Gas fire pits can be powered by liquid propane or natural gases.
Both are available throughout the country. However, locating a large amount of high-quality wood will be a bit more difficult and more expensive in urban areas. The majority of people order online, and they get their products delivered to their door.
This is not a concern if you are using natural gas. You will have fuel available.
It is more difficult to use propane gas because you need to change the bottle. Hardware stores and gas specialists.
How much storage do you need?
Here, we are specifically referring to fuel storage.
Wood storage can be a big problem, depending on the amount you purchase at one time. You must also keep the wood dry in both your log storage and near your fire pit.
It’s not difficult to build a dry log storage. This will also enhance the aesthetics of your garden.
Gas fire pits also require a large propane tank, although not as much as a log store. Gas containers can range from 15 to hundred gallons.
Gas tanks, however, are not as attractive to the eye. You may want to take this into consideration and find a way to conceal them in your landscaping plan.
How long do they take to light?
Gas fire pits are more efficient and quicker to light, and they can reach full combustion much faster. Gas may be your best option if you want to use your fire pit more spontaneously.
It takes some time and effort to start the wood, so you will need to do a bit more prep work. It will produce a lot of heat once it’s blazing.
What is the Energy Efficiency?
Your gas fire pit is also the most efficient.
Gas is cleaner and emits fewer pollutants. As much as 99% less emissions are produced by gas than wood-burning fireplaces.
Gas fire pits can have a different energy efficiency depending on factors like the quality of their burners, how they are designed, and what fuel is used (natural or propane).
Natural gas fire pits are more efficient than propane.
Wood fire pits emit about 28 pounds of particles into the air.
Factors such as wood type, wood moisture, fire pit size, and airflow can affect the energy efficiency of a fire pit.
The energy efficiency of wood-burning fireplaces is higher when hardwoods are used as fuel. These fire pits also produce less smoke.
What will it cost?
Costs for gas and wood fire pits can vary greatly depending on the size, materials, etc.
Gas fire pits can range anywhere from PS800 to PS2500. Remember that the price does not include installation of a gas fire pit.
The cost of wood-burning firepits can be as low as PS150, or as high as PS2000.
How much maintenance will my fire pit need?
Gas fire pits are easier to maintain than wood-burning ones. After use, the fire pits have soot, ash and half-burned logs.
When cleaning your wood-burning fire pit, you should also be cautious as it may contain creosote. This is a tar substance produced when wood burns. It is dangerous to breathe in so you should wear a mask and safety goggles when cleaning.
Gas fire pits, on the other hand require very little maintenance. Gas fire pits do not produce soot and ash, which means there is no need to clean them. You can protect your gas heater from the weather by wiping it down and covering it.
What is the experience like?
This test is subjective. All of us are different and have different tastes.
Gas is simple and clean. Gas is clean and simple. It does not leave an odour on clothing, it burns well, and it produces constant heat.
Wood-burning firepits, on the other hand are primitive. Even just watching the flames is a great way to socialise and be mesmerised. You can also use them to cook smoky barbecues or marshmallows.
It is possible to create different scents by using different types of wood. This can be an enjoyable experience. A wood fire also produces the classic sound of crackling.
What is the safety of using them?
When working with combustibles or fire, safety is always the main concern. Both are safe but fire should be treated with extreme caution.
Gas fire pits require that you check the system to make sure there are no leaks. If a leak occurs, it can quickly get out of control.
They are safe in general if you maintain your fire pit and inspect it regularly.
Safety is a concern when using wood-burning firepits. The main thing to remember is that you should always ensure the fire and all embers have been extinguished after each use.
- Keep your fire pits far away from any structures that could catch fire.
- Here are some safety tips you should keep in mind when using wood-burning fire pits or gas firepits:
- Never leave the fire pit unattended when in use.
- Keep an extinguisher nearby or a bucket of sand.
- Children and pets should not be allowed to play in the vicinity of a fire pit.
- Avoid burning flammable liquids such as lighter fluid or gasoline in your fire pit.
- Burning treated or painted wooden can cause toxic fumes.
- Keep your fire pit at least 10 ft away from any flammable materials or structures, including decks, trees, shrubs, and buildings.
- Before leaving the area, or before going to sleep, make sure the fire has been completely extinguished.
Environmental Concerns?
Making the right choices can be challenging.
Wood is a sustainable resource that can be regenerated. Gas, on the other hand is cleaner. It emits fewer CO2 and toxins into the air.
The question is how often you plan to use it. If the environment is your main concern, you may want to consider the eco-friendly fire pit made from bio-ethanol.
The conclusion of the article is:
It is not clear which fire pit is better: a wood-burning or gas-burning one. Each has its own pros and cons. The decision ultimately comes down to your needs and how you plan to use the fire pit.
This article should have given you all the information you need to make a good decision.