What is a Fire Pit?

Fire pits are open vessels that are used for warmth, beauty, atmosphere and cooking. Normally, one outdoor fire pit won't serve all these functions.

In its most basic form, a fire pit can simply be something you'd find at a rustic campground -- a hole in the ground ringed with rocks. Most people, even those with vacation homes in the woods, don't want an unsightly - and dangerous outdoor fire pit.

That's why even owners of large campgrounds turn to something as simple as a steel fire pit ring. At the FirePits.com you can get something as simple fire pit rings - accented with cut out silhouettes of animals or trees -- or you can get an "outdoor fireplace" enclosed with steel mesh or glass. It all depends on what function you want your fire pit to fulfill.

A Fire Ring: These are great for vacation homes or in areas where the open burning of wood is allowed by city ordinances. You can create a true "campfire" ambience, and they come in a variety of sizes.

A Fire Pit: More sophisticated than fire rings, these come in a wide range of materials and sizes. Most allow you to contain the fire within steel mesh or glass. They sit up off the ground, allow for 360 degree viewing, and are becoming increasingly popular as people strive to get more use out of their outdoor living spaces.

A Chiminea: These are similar to fire pits, but look like small fireplaces. They have an opening in the front, and a short "chimney" for the smoke. Chimineas are normally made from clay, but are also available in copper and cast iron.

Whichever style you choose, you're certain to love the crackling warmth, cozy ambience and charming beauty a fire pit, fire ring or chiminea brings to your home.