Guide to buying an outdoor fire pit

A stylish outdoor fire pit lets you capture the relaxing warmth of cottage life in your own backyard. Here's what you need to know before purchasing your fire pit.

Fire pits are available in several types and styles. Some of the more common ones include:

• Wood burning fire pit: Wood burning fire pits are built for easy cooking and recreate the crackling warmth and smell of a campfire. Some are designed to be portable with lightweight construction, removable parts and wheels.
• Propane fire pit: Elegant outdoor propane fire pits offer the heat and look of fire with a convenient flip of a switch. No chopping of firewood required and no burning embers to deal with when you're ready to head back indoors.
• Natural gas fire pit: Connected to a natural gas line, natural gas fire pits provide the warmth and ease of propane without having to worry about replacing the tank.
• Chiminea fire pit: Chiminea fire pits are built with chimney ventilation to keep irritating smoke out of your eyes while you relax and enjoy your fire.

When buying a fire pit, these are several features you should ask about to really know what you're getting:

• Grill: Cooking pits have a grill that sits securely at a safe distance from the flame for quick and even cooking.
• Screen: Keep embers from a roaring fire at bay with a good fire-pit screen.
• Cover: A thick durable cover can protect your fire pit from the elements when not in use.
• Wheels: Wheels allow for easy repositioning of fire pits in your outdoor space.
• Tables: Fire pits built into a table offer extra space for cooking and entertaining.
• Ignition switch: This switch ignites the fire pit's flame in one easy step.

Consider how you want your fire pit to work and look:

• Portability: Some fire pits are built to be mobile. Purchasing a fire pit with wheels or one that is lightweight enough to be easily transported is handy if you plan on moving it.
• Material: Consider the style and durability of different fire-pit materials. Copper is a high-end and extremely durable fire pit material because of its high melting point. Hearty cast iron fire pits are affordable, but have a lower melting point than copper; plus, they tend to weigh much more.
• Residue: Wood-burning pits will leave behind ash and charcoal once your fire is out, while gas fire pits are free of these residues. For some people, however, nothing comes close to the crackling sounds and smokey smell of a wood fire.
• Safety: The safest place to position your fire pit is on cement, stone, tile or other fireproof surfaces. If you have young children or rambunctious pets, this may top your list of considerations.

Whether you're trying to recapture the camping experience at home or just keeping warm on a cool autumn evening, a fire pit makes a stylish and relaxing addition to your outdoor living space.