Outdoor fire pits are quickly becoming the gathering spot for family and friends on patios, decks and other backyard areas. They are a popular feature for many homes, apartments, camps, and a variety of other social gathering places. In addition to being a great way to stay warm and have fun, outdoor fire pits are perfect when you’re looking for that feel of being around a campfire, but in the comfort of your own backyard or city deck.

Outdoor fire pits have many more uses and benefits than what you may think. When sitting around an outdoor fire pit, the quality of the interaction amongst friends definitely is improved. There is something about the warm glow of a fire that attracts and relaxes people. Outdoor fire pits bring a whole different atmosphere to your favorite outdoor space.

With a good fire pit, you don’t have to close off your backyard and stay indoors during the winter. In fact, gathering for warmth around a healthy fire outdoors on a winter’s day is a unique experience all of its own.

Outdoor fire pits are not without practical uses. Cooking is one that comes readily to mind, especially as it relates to wood burning fire pits. Beyond just roasting marshmallows, some outdoor fire pits may prove very useful when the electricity is down and you can’t use the range or microwave.

If you like the flexibility of experiencing a campfire wherever you want, whenever you want, portable outdoor fire pits are perfect. They are not designed for large, raging fires that need a lot of preparation and can easily get out of hand. Just the opposite, and at the same time they add elegance to your favorite outdoor setting.

Some of my favorite outdoor fire pit experiences have come at the end of a particularly busy and trying workday. Watching the stars in the cool of the evening next to a crackling fire is transforming. In such a natural, peace-filled setting, my thoughts relax and refocus. And, somehow, the concerns of the day don’t seem so concerning.

Not just any old outdoor fire pit will ensure this sort of experience, though. As with any other product, it has to make sense in terms of what you need and want, while at the same time enhancing its setting.

Outdoor fire pits come in a large variety of types, designs and levels of quality. Therefore, before you buy, it’s important to think about a few things. For example, how will it be used in your setting, who will be using it, what kind of “look” are you trying to achieve, how long do you want it to last?

A variety of materials are used in the manufacture of portable outdoor fire pits and include: wrought iron, cast iron, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic. There are some gorgeous custom made fire pits on the market made from concrete, marble and slate. The kind of material used influences the functionality, durability, and style of the fire pit.

Most outdoor fire pits burn wood, propane or natural gas. Each one has certain advantages. When choosing, you need to find the right match between those advantages and your own preferences.

Just one example why propane or natural gas may be a better choice than wood is if the fire pit will be used in a place where burning wood is dangerous or restricted. If you don’t have natural gas lines installed, and you don’t want to fuss with having that done, then propane may be the way to go.

Although propane and natural gas have their advantages, many people love the experience of burning wood. For many, there is joy in cutting and stacking the wood, as well as building a fire, watching it burn down, and taking in the woodsy smell. The point is, careful consideration is needed before buying an outdoor fire pit.

Talking about buying, price certainly matters, but be careful. The most cheaply priced outdoor fire pits may not be a wise choice. If you look, you may find something that looks nice for under $100, but you may also see rust and other deterioration after only a few months. Remember, outdoor fire pits sit out in the weather.

On the other hand, there are portable outdoor fire pits that cost well over $1,000. Many people who have the ability to purchase those products feel that the kind of materials used and the hand-crafted quality are well worth it.

Generally speaking, you can find quality made portable outdoor fire pits in a large variety of shapes and styles for $200 to $600. They truly are the perfect investment for people who want an affordable outdoor, low maintenance fire without the expense, space requirement, and restrictions of a solid stone outdoor fireplace structure.

In summary, portable outdoor fire pits are the perfect addition to any backyard, patio, deck or other place where people gather outdoors. They are a very effective way to bring people together in a relaxed, natural setting. With the variety of styles and prices available, there should be no problem finding just the right outdoor fire pit to enhance your favorite outdoor area.

Chris Basher is a recognized authority on virtually all aspects of outdoor fire pits, including their safe use. Be sure you check his other timely and free articles and special offers before purchasing an outdoor fire pit or other backyard, deck and patio products, including outside patio fireplaces, chimineas, gel bowls, outdoor patio heaters, wood racks, ash vacuums, and outdoor mosquito traps.