Fire pits, chimnea's, outdoor heating options

[theycallmedan'lboone]

So, with the soon to be cooler weather coming, and the opportunity to play with fire, I'm looking into the afore mentioned options. Now I understand that down here it 'don't get that cold'. I understand that it's not going to be -6 in November (thanks fort riley, ks) but I'd like the option of sitting out with some fuego going on. I don't know much about these things, but I figure that a chimnea will provide a little more directional heat(towards my lawn chair) than a fire pit. Anyone have any experience, or ideas? Thanks

[Rolando]

The wife is wanting me to purchase an outdoor heating source too so she can sit outside with me while I smoke. I haven't made a decision either.

[Hermit]

I have one of these:
http://www.mrheater.com/productdetai...atid=42&id=119

Plenty hot, no smoke and a lot less trouble than starting a fire.

[theycallmedan'lboone]

http://www.heater-store.com/chimenea...b_246_prd1.htm
something like this would be cool me thinks.

and hermit, I'm certain those propane burners are perfect.. but then I don't get to play with fire.

[SHOE]

I have a fire pit and just stoke the crap out of it so it will burn your legs in any direction if you get too close. The look of the chimnea just wigs me out too much to sit next to one. Besides, if your friends get too drunk you don't get any laughs because they have a more difficult time falling into a chimnea. A fire pit - oh yes - they're rolling in the coals for sure.

Seriously, nothing like an open fire for everyone to see from every direction. Besides, if it's that damn cold, you're more than likely to just go back inside anyway, right?

(and you have to clean out the chimnea more frequently. Let the rain or wind get rid of the dry ashes in the fire pit and your good to go. You just have to dig it out once in a great while.) My

[csbrewfisher]

I have a chiminea on the deck. It's a "cool weather" solution, but not really suited for winter use. I guess this makes it perfect for down south where it really doesn't get cold. Unless you're using piñon or manzanita wood, you'll be maintaining the fire a lot.

These would work much better for a small group of smokers. Or these.

Either way, any outdoor heating will only be effective if it's not very windy.

[theycallmedan'lboone]

I'll use Oak, or pecan. it'll last decently long enough. If there's bad weather afoot I won't be outside smoking in it, I guess I'm just going to have to go down to home depot/lowes to look...

[rizzle]

I use a big copper fire pit that my wife got, I believe, from Red Envelope. It is like 36" across and you can get a rip roaring fire going in it. I burn all kinds of wood in it and it has held up like a champ. I think it was around $250 or so. We sit around it all the time during the cooler months. Hopefully in another month or so our temps will begin to fall so we can start using it again.

[TheTraveler]

Originally Posted by SHOE

I have a fire pit and just stoke the crap out of it so it will burn your legs in any direction if you get too close...

... Seriously, nothing like an open fire for everyone to see from every direction...

What he said.

[beamish]

I had 3 chimneas from home depot and everyone only lasted 2 seasons,will never buy one from their again within 2 weeks it cracked,they are only sun dried,not kiln fired,bought a cheap fire pit from wally world for $60....but if I ever lay down money in the future it will be a cast aluminum chimnea will last forever...a little pricey but you get what you pay for...link... http://www.thebluerooster.com/catalo...inum-c-26.html

[okierock]

All of the propane type heaters are going to be more efficient as a heating source than a pit or chimnea but they aren't as cool(actually they are more 'cool' thats why they don't heat as good).

[Figo]

Originally Posted by beamish

I had 3 chimneas from home depot and everyone only lasted 2 seasons,will never buy one from their again within 2 weeks it cracked,they are only sun dried,not kiln fired,bought a cheap fire pit from wally world for $60....

I was shopping 3 weeks ago for a chimnea and was told by someone at Home Depot to consider a fire pit instead since the chimnea will eventually crack. I bought something very similar to this with cover and all for <$200

I have yet to use it...but I'm looking forward to it!

[MithShrike]

extrmblzr1 cut a 55 gallon drum in half drilled holes in the sides for us and we use that for a fire pit.

This is the one I use. NOT directional, but draws well, heavy duty, removable ash dump, easily fed. Plus, I have often placed a grill over the tp and cooked hamburger, steak, hot dog or two!!!

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...3+90401+500684

[BlackDog]

Originally Posted by Hermit

I have one of these:
http://www.mrheater.com/productdetai...atid=42&id=119

Plenty hot, no smoke and a lot less trouble than starting a fire.

Jeez you guys are soft. I use something smaller than that for my ice fishing shanty.