Thanks to a fireplace, you don't have to freeze on the terrace even on cooler days. Here are three options and their differences.
Anyone who waits for the perfect terrace weather in our beautiful country will often be disappointed. Nothing is as uncertain as the weather forecast, at least that's how it seems to me. Either you put up with the fact that the sun never shines at the desired time, or you also come to terms with slightly colder temperatures.
In a previous post, we gave you a few tips on how to enjoy cool autumn days in the garden. Today we dedicate ourselves to the somewhat fresher summer evenings. More precisely, it is about a fire pit on the patio and what options you have. After all, who wants to move into the house freezing when it's just so cozy in good company.
Safety first!
No matter which fireplace you choose, a word about safety in advance. Almost all variants involve open fire. So before use, check whether there is a sufficiently large distance to other objects. The fire must also have a “free path” upwards. Please retract any awnings! Gazebos also don't have a fireplace and always think about your neighbors. If you have a terrace apartment but live in an apartment building, you should opt for a radiant heater. Always find out locally what the regulatory office etc. approves of open fireplaces on the terrace.
Also important: to be on the safe side, equip the room from which you can access the terrace with a CO detector. If the fire pit on your patio isn't properly switched on, this detector can save lives.
1. Fire bowl on the terrace - pure comfort
A fire bowl is exactly what the name suggests - a bowl in which a fire is lit. Hobby gardeners and terrace owners like to build their own fire bowl, but there are now countless models on the market that serve their purpose perfectly. Fire bowls bring comfort and above all warmth. The advantage: Depending on the size, you can sit around the fire bowl with up to 8 guests(keep enough distance). This cookie reminds you of good old campfire times.
Only wood belongs in the fire bowl! Well-seasoned, dry hardwood such as beech or oak is best, as it burns longer than softwood. You can also use fruit tree cuttings from the garden, but never use your fire bowl as a waste incinerator. Think of the smoke! It is best to use soaked wood wool for lighting, for example from mokan.de. Or have you ever thought of making your lighter yourself, for example out of egg carton and wax? Instructions are available at luckk.de.
2. Terrace stove - permanent heat
The second way to make it really cozy on the patio is with a patio stove. Main feature is that all models have a chimney. This allows the smoke to rise and does not bother you and your guests. Because the stove is almost completely closed, you have more control over the fire and therefore more safety than with an open fire bowl. Terrace stoves come in a wide variety of shapes, from bulbous and round to pyramid-shaped, narrow and stretched upwards. The popular heat sources originally come from Mexico, where they were used to prepare food. That's why there are still models made of terracotta that you can even paint yourself.
The versions made of cast iron are a bit more modern and also more heat-resistant, see ofen.de. The material has the advantage of not burning through and keeping the heat even and long-term. And cast-iron patio stoves have another advantage over the terracotta models - they are more weather-resistant and can be left outside in winter. Even if a patio stove appears expensive at first glance, the purchase will pay off in the long run. Here too, seasoned, dry and above all untreated firewood is used for heating. The patio stove usually has feet, but for safety reasons it can't hurt to have a fireproof base - especially with wood coverings.
3. Barbecue fireplace - 2 in 1
First of all, a barbecue will be permanently installed. So you should be clear in advance where the best place for this fire pit is. You may also need permission from your chimney sweep, so it's best to ask beforehand. A barbecue fireplace not only looks good, it is also ready for use in no time at all. With this model you kill two birds with one stone, because you can with itboth grill and create cozy warmth.
Like a patio oven, a grill chimney has a smokeless vent. But the main advantage is certainly the 2 in 1 function. If you want to use the fireplace as an oven after grilling, simply fill it with wood. Because of its "construction", heating is possible without any problems even in bad weather, i.e. rain. Depending on the design, a grill chimney also offers plenty of storage space for grill cutlery and the like. And by the way, a grill chimney also makes an excellent visual impression.
Fireplaces in comparison - short overview
| Fire Bowl |
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| Terrace Oven |
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| Barbecue |
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