Outdoor fire pits are one of the fastest growing trends in outdoor design. Enjoy a cozy campfire year round! And fire pits are a great way to lighten up any barbecue or backyard gathering. They are also excellent for fighting cold temperatures and adding unrivaled ambiance to your patio, deck, and yard. Portable outdoor fire pits are typically manufactured from cast iron, copper, stainless steel, aluminum or ceramic, with accessories such as optional pit covers, and for gas and propane fire pits optional lava rocks and ceramic logs. Most fire pits are fueled one of two ways—wood burning or gas/propane.

Portable outdoor fire pits are the perfect investment for people who want an outdoor, low maintenance fire but either can't afford or don't need the solid structure of a custom built outdoor fire pit. You may be looking for large, semi-permanent outdoor fire pit made of copper, steel, cedar, brick, or stone; or, maybe a fire pit that is a little smaller and more portable, so you can even bring it along on your next car camping trip.

Designed for small fires, these units offer ambiance and warmth in the comfort of your own backyard for use on the ground or tabletop. Enjoy the beauty and comfort of an outdoor fire without the worry of the fire getting out of control.

Portable patio fire pits are available in many styles. The variety of choices makes it easy to choose one that will coordinate with your outdoor furniture. More ornate outdoor fire pits might include touches of granite or even mosaic patterns for decoration. Copper fire pits are durable and have a classic look that appeals to many people.

Chimineas are miniature ceramic or steel fireplaces, perfect for use on decks on and patios. The difference between a chiminea and a basic fire pit design is that the chiminea (or chimney) channels smoke up and away from you and your guest. That is a real benefit to those whose eyes are sensitive to wood smoke. Traditionally made out of ceramic, this outdoor stove was meant to cook food and provide heat by burning wood logs. The chiminea's recognizable shape, with its rounded body and cylindrical, flaring stovepipe is quite appealing.

Most outdoor fire pits should be placed on a brick, stone or concrete surface to prevent fire. Wood decks require a fire resistant pad or barrier to be safe. Make sure the fire pit on level ground and that you have a fire extinguisher, sand, or water nearby. Cover all fire pits after use (after all parts are cool) to protect the materials from rain, sun and debris. Gas fire pits and propane fire pits are an excellent choice for places that have restrictions on outdoor burning. There are some disadvantages to gas fire pits: They are not suitable for cooking, you need to use quite a bit of gas to get the appearance of a wood fire and they're generally more expensive—from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Outdoor fire pits are a good investment for your outdoor living space because they can be utilized in multiple seasons depending on your geographic location. With comfortable outdoor furniture surrounding your new functional fire pit centerpiece, you can lounge in comfort and enjoy the warmth of the fire for hours. Online sites are a good starting point to see what is available.