Fire Pit Table Safety and Buying Tips
Fuel Types Compared
- Propane: Portable, easy to control, 40,000-60,000 BTU. Tanks need refilling.
- Natural gas: Permanent connection, unlimited fuel, requires professional installation.
- Wood-burning: Most ambiance, smoke is a drawback, requires more clearance.
- Ethanol/bioethanol: Smokeless, lower heat output, best for ambiance only.
Safety Clearances
Maintain 3 feet of clearance from combustible materials on all sides. Overhead: at least 6 feet to any structure. Never place on wooden decks without a heat shield pad.
Child and Pet Safety
Choose models with flame guards (glass or metal barriers). Look for auto-shutoff tilt sensors. Always supervise children within 10 feet of an active fire pit. Allow 30 minutes cooling time after extinguishing.