An outdoor fireplace can be called a chiminea, fire pit, fire pot, fire bowl, fire dish, fire tub, fire table or fire basin. The terms "fire pit" and "outdoor fireplace" are generic terms, but also refer to specific types of fireplaces (explained below).
There are many hybrid designs that don't fit into a single category. The main categories are:
• Chiminea. Fireplace with a tall chimney. Looks like a pot-bellied stove with a tall vase stuck on top. The chimney vents smoke away from bystanders, and increases airflow to the fire. It can also catch the wind and tip over in strong wind. Some have a removable chimney, for conversion to a grill. Traditional designs have a solid body, with a side opening to expose the fire. New designs have a 360 degree wire mesh body.
• Fire bowl. Bare minimum fireplace: legs and a bowl to hold logs. Most are round. The bowl can be shallow and wide (like a Chinese wok), or deep and narrow (like a stock pot). Shallow bowls usually have long legs to raise them to waist height. Deep bowls are designed to be closer to the floor, a bit like a hibachi. A domed wire mesh cover that fully encloses the fire for spark safety, is a useful accessory. A safety rail around the rim reduces the chances of accidentally touching the hot bowl. If cleaned, the bowl can be used as a drinks cooler in the summer.
• Fire table. Fire bowl with ledges around it. The fire bowl is round but the table can be round or square. Some are designed as part of a matched set of outdoor furniture. A flat cover for the fire bowl, converts the fire table into a normal table. Some have storage space underneath for logs. The ledges can be metal or decorative stone. Granite is popular. Many gas fireplaces are fire tables.
• Outdoor fireplace. Fire bowl with roof and wire mesh screens. Most are square or rectangular. They look like a birdcage or toy doll house, and sit low on the floor. We'll call them cage fireplaces, to avoid confusion. They are fully enclosed by wire mesh, reducing the chances of an errant spark causing a fire. Some have a short chimney or ventilation hole. This vents smoke away, but also reduces the amount of warmth spread out to the sides. Those with a removable roof can be converted into a grill. Removable wire mesh sides allows grilling of food on sticks (marshmallows, hotdogs), like a campfire. Some are raised on legs and wheels. They look like a BBQ grill with mesh walls, or a fireplace in a wheelbarrow. These are usually round.
• Fire pit. Hole dug in the ground (not covered in this article). Also a generic term for all outdoor fireplaces.
The width of the fire bowl ranges from 20 to 40 inches across, with 30 inches being average. It's important to know whether the width specified by the manufacturer is the external width, or the width of the fire bowl.
Most are wood-burning. Charcoal burns at a higher temperature, so it's necessary to check that the fireplace is rated for charcoal. Gel fireplaces are dual indoor/outdoor designs. These are lightweight standalone fireplaces without a chimney, usually made out of metal. They don't give off smoke. They are meant more for decoration than to give off lots of heat.
Gas fireplaces are convenient. They use standard propane canisters and can give off a lot of heat, 20,000 to 60,000 BTU. Most are fire tables. The gas burner is hidden under a layer of stones, lava rocks or ceramic logs. They can be used for grilling, but clean-up is difficult.
How to Choose a Fireplace
Choosing the right fireplace depends on knowing how it will be used:
• A fire bowl provides 360 degree access to the fire. It can be placed in the center of a ring of chairs, like a campfire. Also like a campfire, marshmallows can be toasted over the fire.
• Fire tables are suited to smaller groups that can be squeezed into one table. The ledge supports plates and cups, making dining more convenient.
• A fully enclosed cage fireplace is safer for children (and drunken party guests). Being closer to the floor, it also warms feet better.
• Chimineas are suited for placement off to the side, not the center of a backyard. Even with mesh sides for 360 degree warmth, the chimney will block people on the other side, making campfire-style conversation impractical.
Outdoor Fireplace Materials
The material used to make a fireplace will greatly affect its cost and functionality:
• Aluminum is popular. It is cheap, light, and resists corrosion. Current technology can give aluminum the deep, rich colors of steel or copper.
• Copper will tarnish to create a colorful patina. The shiny copper fireplaces seen in photos, quickly and permanently change color when heated. Corrosion resistance is better than steel, but worse than aluminum.
• Bronze will also patina beautifully like copper. It resists corrosion better than copper, but is heavier and more expensive.
• Stainless steel is expensive, practical only for the fire dish, not the whole fireplace. Rust prevention steps are still needed as the high temperature will cause even stainless steel to rust.
• Steel and cast iron are strong but rust easily. Paint or other protection is needed. Galvanized steel resists rust for a while, but will eventually rust. Rust protection is still needed.
• Clay or ceramic is fragile. It can crack if dropped or if rain falls on a hot fireplace. One advantage is that it transfers heat more slowly than metal. Burns are less severe if it is accidentally touched.
Fireplace Accessories: Racks, Grates and Grills
A log rack holds the logs in place for efficient burning, while a log grate improves airflow beneath the logs. These are more commonly found in cage fireplaces.
Many outdoor fireplaces can be converted into bbq grills. If a grill is not provided, a generic replacement bbq grill can be used.
Fireplace Maintenance: Protecting Steel From Rust
Homeowners might feel that it is the manufacturer's job to protect steel parts from rusting. However, a little effort can have a big payoff. A cheap fireplace can be made to last for years, with a little care.
Fireplaces can be made from more than one material. A copper fireplace might have steel legs, wire mesh screens and door hinges. Any steel components will need to be protected against rust.
Steel fireplaces should be protected by a porcelain, enamel or powder coat (applied at the factory). If not, owners can touch-up with high temperature paint (stove paint), such as Rustoleum. Exposed steel can also be coated with cooking oil. Together with heat from the fire, this will season the steel, like a cast iron skillet.
It is especially important to protect mesh screens from rust. The fine wire used, means that even a little bit of rust can break the wire. Thicker wire lasts longer, but the mesh holes are usually bigger and not as good at catching sparks.
Outdoor Fireplace Legal Issues
Local laws should be checked before buying a fireplace.
Some local laws or ordinances forbid the use of wood-burning fireplaces outdoors. If allowed, a permit might be required. Restrictions on the types of fireplaces might also be enforced. It is common for a fully-screened or enclosed fireplace to be mandatory, to prevent fires caused by sparks.
The Best Outdoor Fireplace
Homeowners will need to consider wind conditions, placement (high/low, center/side), the number of people, and expected usage (grilling, heating, campfire) when choosing an outdoor fireplace. For the construction material, aluminum is a good all-round choice.
If only heating is needed, a dedicated patio heater is a better choice.
The Grande Prairie Fire Department has safety information on Chiminea usage, and wood-burning fireplaces in general.