Why should I get a portable fire pit instead of building a permanent one?

Wow, there are a myriad of reasons. Here are a few.

Where should I set up my fire pit?

The first consideration is distance from burnable objects. Sounds obvious, but sometimes the perfect location is just too close to burnable things. Keep it far away from buildings, vegetation, fences, overhead tree branches, etc.

Next, think about how you want to use it. For example, if you’re planning to use it as the gathering point for evening get-togethers you’ll need to plan a big area for everyone to gather around it. Do you want it closer to the kitchen for coordinating cooking? Is there a favorite corner of the yard you’d like to dedicate to the fire pit? How close are your neighbors? You don’t want to annoy them with excess smoke wafting into their windows.

Is there any site preparation I should do?

Absolutely. After all, you’re lighting a fire. Again, check with your local zoning authorities before you do anything. They probably have specific guidelines for you to follow.

For basics, though, the best preparation is to provide a non-flammable surface for the fire pit. That may be anything from just removing the grass to set it on plain old dirt all the way to laying a stone, block or brick pad.
Did we mention the ground must be flat? Take a little time to make sure the location is level so you won’t have any wobbly legs or potential tipping – not fun when there’s a blaze in the pit.

What’s a chiminea?

It’s kind of like a pot-bellied stove for outside. Originally from Mexico where they were used as outdoor clay ovens, chimineas are now available in many sizes, styles and finishes. And for real outdoor zealots, some can still be used for baking!

What can I burn in my fire pit?

Pretty much anything. Here are some tips:

How do you start a fire?

Good question! You need three things to start a fire: fuel, ignition and air. The air’s a given, so let’s look at the other two. Fuel is the wood, of course, and the ignition is usually a match.

But that big log isn’t going to start burning with a match. It will need an ignition source that burns longer than a match to get going – that’s your kindling. But the kindling won’t light with a match either. It too need something that burns longer to get going – like paper. Now, we all know paper will light with a match, so make that your starting point:

Hint: build your starter like a teepee – all sort of leaning into the center and up to the sky. That will give the smoke a natural “chimney” to draw through and make it easier to start.

Another hint: don’t let everyone “play” with the fire. Pick one person to oversee the blaze, then let it alone while it’s burning, and only re-arrange it to keep a log from rolling off or it needs to be re-arranged to add more wood.

How do I clean my fire pit?

Wait till it’s completely cold, then slowly and carefully dump the ashes into a fireproof container. (Set this container on concrete and give it several days to let any hidden embers burn out.)

The easiest way to clean your fire pit is to use newspaper and wipe it down first. Then take a garden hose to it. You can find specialty cleaners at your local hardware store to clean out any remaining soot or creosote.

Remember: it must be completely cold. If it’s not you may damage it by cooling it down too fast.

Can I keep my fire pit outdoors all year round?

Yes – and you can use it year round too! Imagine bundling up on a sunny winter afternoon and enjoying time with the family around the fire.