8 Things To Think About When Shopping for an Patio Fire Feature

Looking for a way to heat up your outdoor design? Then we suggest beautiful and functional fire features for your pool or patio to enliven the space and light up the night!

A new outdoor fire feature is a great addition to any backyard or patio, providing warmth, ambiance, and a focal point for entertaining. No wonder they are such hit items to quickly and affordably upgrade your outdoor aesthetic!

Whether you're looking for a wood-burning fire pit, a gas fireplace, or a propane fire table, you have lots to pick from at Patio Productions. With our catalog of hand-picked and specifically curated fire features, deciding the best fit for your outdoor space can prove to be - well, a hot mess. A heated situation? Okay, we'll stop.

In this guide, we'll explore 10 of the most crucial things to consider when shopping for an outdoor fire feature. This article will help you make an informed decision, get the most bang for your buck, and enjoy your new patio addition for many, many years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping for a Patio Fire Feature

Decide: warmth or ambiance first. Let purpose drive the spec. For heat, compare BTUs: wood ~30,000–100,000; gas tops around ~60,000 (custom); gel about ~10,000. If mood matters most, you can choose lower output and lean on design. Patio Productions curates both approaches.

Match footprint, seating, and heat. Decide if it’s a focal point or a subtle mood-setter. Oversized units can overwhelm small patios and feel too hot; tiny units underwhelm large areas. Plan for guest count and nearby materials—don’t park melt-prone chairs near a roaring fire.

Wood = rustic; gas/propane = easy. Wood delivers classic crackle but needs more cleaning and makes smoke. Gas/propane is convenient and tidy; gel offers the least heat (~10,000 BTUs). Pick what fits your routine and vibe.

Follow code and place wisely. Confirm local regulations and clearance. Never put a wood-burning unit under a deck or structure. The U.S. Fire Administration notes thousands of home fire injuries yearly—plan your layout with safety first.

Choose a maintenance level you’ll keep. Wood pits require ash removal and wood restocking. Propane models are generally easiest: routine cleaning plus tank refills. Neglect shortens lifespan—commit to a care cadence you’ll actually follow.

Balance upfront price and running costs. Wood units are often cheaper to buy, but you’ll purchase and store fuel. Gas/propane can cost more upfront yet are simple to operate. Budget for the feature, fuel, and care—long-term value matters.

Yes—style + smart add-ons boost value. Select a look that complements your landscape. Consider accessories like cooking grates, spark screens, pizza stones, and covers. Patio Productions’ curated options help you blend aesthetics, function, and longevity.

The Top 8 Things To Think About When Shopping for an Outdoor Fire Feature:

1.) Purpose

When choosing an outdoor fire feature, it's essential first and foremost to consider the main purpose of the fire feature. Are you looking for something to provide warmth on cold nights, or is it more for aesthetics and ambiance? Obviously, both are great, but chances are one of these is more important to you than the other.

Knowing the main intention of your fire feature will help guide your decision-making process and help you select the best possible product. To stay warmer, look for a high BTU rating. BTU (or "British Thermal Unit") measures the heat produced by the fire feature. It's defined specifically as "the amount of energy needed to heat a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit." The range can be quite large, but for an example relevant to our purposes, a wood fire pit can produce anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 BTUs. A gas fire pit is lower on the BTU scale, topping out at about 60,000 BTUs from a custom-made model. Gel fire tables put out the least heat, at about 10,000 BTUs.

2.) Size

Size is another critical factor when choosing an outdoor fire feature. Obviously, you can only fit so much fire pit on your patio. But beyond simple area calculations, think about the impact a fire feature of whatever size might have on your landscape design.

Will the feature be the focal point of your outdoor space, where everyone gathers around, or will it be a more subtle, intimate, mood-setting piece? Consider the size of your outdoor space, how the fire feature will fit, and what its function will be. Also, consider the heat given off: a large fire pit may be overwhelming in a small backyard and much too hot, giving off more BTUs than the space really needs, while a small one may need to provide more warmth in a large open area. How many guests are you looking to seat around the fire feature, and what type of patio furniture you have to place around it must be considered. If you intend to add patio furniture, consider the material, how close it will be to the feature, and how hot it will be. Plastic folding chairs won't do you much good next to a roaring bonfire (to use an exaggerated example).

3.) Fuel Type

There are various fuel types for outdoor fire features. The most common and popular options include wood-burning, gel, and propane. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Wood-burning fire features provide a more traditional and rustic feel but require more maintenance and produce smoke. Gas and propane fire features are more convenient and easy to use but may have a different ambiance than wood-burning as you don't get that campfire crackle.

4.) Safety

Safety is a crucial consideration when choosing an outdoor fire feature. Select a model that is up to code and meets all local safety regulations. For your safety, consider the placement of the fire feature in your home and any nearby structures. You should not place a wood-burning fire feature under a deck or other structure. This may seem obvious to you, but the USA Fire Administration reports that nearly 5,000 Americans are injured by or otherwise involved with charcoal, wood-burning, or propane gas fires at home each year. Consider safety when planning your fire put layout!

5.) Maintenance

You need to consider the required maintenance time and effort when choosing an outdoor fire feature. If you let the feature fall into disrepair, you won't have it for long. Choose a product you can commit to taking care of, and it will last a lifetime!

Wood-burning fire pits require more maintenance and cleaning than gas or gel fire features: you must empty out the ashes, in addition to standard cleaning, and you must be clean and restocked with wood.

Propane maintenance varies depending on the brand and model, but generally, these are the easiest to maintain. Standard cleaning and occasional propane tank refills are all you'll need.

6.) Cost

Outdoor fire feature pricing can vary significantly, so it's essential to consider your budget. A basic wood-burning fire pit can be inexpensive. A more elaborate gas or propane fire feature can be costly. And then, wood-burning fire features are typically cheaper, but you must buy and store the wood. Propane refills tend to cost less and require less upkeep in the long run.

7.) Design

Consider the design of your outdoor fire feature, as it should complement the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. There are many different styles and designs to choose from, from rustic to modern. As autumn approaches and you're planning your fall outdoor decor, these cozy fire pit ideas become especially important for creating an inviting backyard atmosphere that draws people together during the cooler months. Check out our selection of fire pits and tables here.

8.) Accessories

Lastly, consider any accessories you may want to add to your outdoor fire features, such as a cooking grate, spark screen, pizza cooking stone, and a cover. These can enhance the overall functionality and enjoyment of the feature.

An outdoor fire feature can be a great addition to any outdoor patio space or deck, providing warmth, ambiance, and a common focal point for entertaining. But, before buying, it's essential to consider the purpose, size, fuel type, safety, maintenance, cost, design, and accessories. Please take your time to think about each of these eight factors carefully since this is a long-term investment in your outdoor space. We wish you the best of luck, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!

Here are some of our fire features: