How to Choose, Clean, and Maintain Your Fire Pit

The holiday season is fast approaching. First comes Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and before you know it there are candelabras and Christmas crooners on every corner. Thankfully, there’s still a fair bit of time between now and the official start caroling season.

Though the weather outside may not be frightful (yet), a fire is always a delightful way to add a little extra ambiance to your home. From cozy candles to fireplaces, nothing quite compares to the warming glow of a live flame. Both indoors and out, fire fixtures not only enhance a room’s ambiance and atmosphere, but they also act as a great way to bring people together.

It’s no surprise, then, that fire pits are becoming more and more popular in today’s home decor departments. They are easy extras that any homeowner can add in lieu of, or in addition to, the fireplaces and candle features of any humble abode.

There are, however, considerations to bear in mind when choosing the right fire pit for your needs. Likewise, fire pits require regular maintenance and cleaning, just like all appliances and accessories in the home.

To help, we’ve put together a simple starter’s guide to buying, cleaning, and maintaining a fire pit for the beginner. Read on for our tips and tricks that make owning and operating these hot home amenities easy and enjoyable.

The first step in outfitting your home with a fire pit is to choose the right model for your particular dwelling. There are many different options when it comes to fire pits. Knowing which types are available will help you find the right fit for you. Here are a few options to consider.

For those individuals with small homes or apartments, or for those who lack the outside space that a larger model may require, tabletop fire pits offer the alluring atmosphere without taking up space. In addition, these models are often odorless and smokeless, which means you can operate them indoors without posing a risk of damage.

Tabletop fire pits tend to emit minimal heat, but look great and require almost zero maintenance. An added bonus? They’re often the most affordable of the bunch, too. The Summer Nights 5-Piece Fire Pit Set is a great option for those looking for smaller-scale, tile-top set-up.

Propane fire pits are fantastic. They look like permanent fixtures of the home but can, in fact, be moved due to the fact that their energy source is self-enclosed. The only drawback with these models is that you must attach and store the propane tank, whether within the pit itself or through a direct line. This can sometimes create an eyesore.

Hanover Products offers a variety of models that conceal the fuel sources, including such sets as those in the Gramercy Collection and the Metropolitan Collection. These are available in a wide array of palate-pleasing shades.

Every potential fire pit owner should be aware of the maintenance and upkeep these hot home buys require. Typically, fire pits need a layer of sand in the basin. This helps keep the bowl from getting too hot. You won’t need to change the sand regularly, but it’s always a good idea to remove large debris for aesthetic reasons. Likewise, regular use of the fire pit will result in an accumulation of ash that you should remove regularly. This not only detracts from the visual appeal, but also poses a potential fire hazard. Always make sure you extinguish all flames and embers prior to touching the bowl itself.

Regular maintenance also includes washing the bowl itself, assessing structural supports for strength and durability, cleaning spark covers, and refinishing/repainting the set once a season.