#OUTDOOR FIRE PIT HOW TO#

#OUTDOOR FIRE PIT HOW TO#

How to buy the best fire pit for your patioįire pit models featuring grills or heating plates for alfresco cooking mean you’ll be hard-pressed for an excuse to go inside at all, and anything that keeps the festivities going longer gets a thumbs-up from us. Although the Swedish Torch Log is a bit of a novelty, it’s an undeniably unique centrepiece that adds a touch of ambience to any patio. This twist on a conventional fire pit can be used to toast a marshmallow or two, but it doesn’t produce much heat at all – it burns from the inside out with just a flickering of flame at the top, so it’s less daring than it looks. This 24cm x 19cm kiln-dried, self-burning log is a great novelty item, and although it’s more for show than anything else, it makes a fun addition to garden parties and other events. Depending on wind conditions, it should burn for 90 minutes to over two hours. Keep kids and pets well clear, in other words. Just be sure you don’t touch this thing when it’s alive or it could result in a visit to A&E. The small but sufficient log store beneath is another useful touch. The heat radius is quite narrow, mind, so you may need to sit closer. The good thing about this model is that the smoke it creates is mostly ported out of the tall chimney rather than into your face like so many open fire pit models. The Skyline measures 1.5 metres in height and 36cm square so it doesn’t take up much patio space. However, the steel will rust over time if left uncovered, but then again to some people that may be a good thing given that it will eventually take on a classic rustic hue. It’s made from steel rather than clay so you needn’t worry about it cracking in the British winter. You can also apply a polish to shine them.While most La Hacienda chimineas take on a traditional Mexican design, the company has also dabbled in more contemporary versions, such as this modern-looking option with integral log store. Then, rub them gently with fine-grade steel wool dipped in vegetable oil. To clean your fireplace tools, remove the soot and grime with a dry cloth or brush (wear gloves so you don’t stain your hands).Fireplace tongs require two hands for safe maneuvering.Only place your hot fireplace tongs on a heat-safe surface, like brick or gravel do not set them down on just any floor.Look for tongs that fold into a smaller size, making them easier to store and transport.There are affordable sets available that include all three. Accessories to consider purchasing with your fireplace tongs include a fire poker, which helps shift logs and coals into a desired position, and a pair of heat-proof gloves, which provide excellent protection from sparks.If you’re on the shorter side height-wise, consider purchasing a smaller set of tongs for better control. But if they’re too long, you may have trouble grabbing and moving logs. The longer your tongs are, the farther away you can hold burning logs.They can weigh 1 to 6 pounds, so consider purchasing a lighter one if you don’t think you’ll be able to lift the combined load of the tongs, in addition to a log, using both hands. Since you want to ensure you can get a secure grip on the tongs, be sure to check the product’s weight before purchasing. Both are equally effective, but the pincer variety often requires less maintenance. These accessories, which can be 26- to 42-inches long, must be made with a heavy-duty heat-proof material such as carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron or wrought iron.įireplace tongs can feature a scissors- or pincer-style design the former means the tongs bend inward to dig into logs to provide a secure hold on the wood, while the latter has a simpler design with fewer hinges and a thicker build. A pair of log tongs, tweezers or grabbers is a necessity for any indoor fireplace, fire pit, wood stove or smoker - anywhere you need to pick up and maneuver burning wooden logs or coals safely.

Outdoor fire pit