Fueling the fire with outdoor fire pits and fireplaces
Written by: Abby Weingarten
In the contemporary world of outdoor fire pits and fireplaces, homeowners are no longer faced with slow-to-start, tough-to-tame flames. Safety, technology and aesthetics converge to make stunning, sleek designs that eliminate wood logs and errant embers. The guesswork is over. The flames are cleaner. The experience is richer.
According to Thomas Healy, the co-founder of Spark Modern Fires, the appeal of a modern fire feature is as much about the look as it is about the science. A remote-controlled outdoor linear burner system is the technological “Holy Grail,” Healy says.
According to Thomas Healy, the co-founder of Spark Modern Fires, the appeal of a modern fire feature is as much about the look as it is about the science. A remote-controlled outdoor linear burner system is the technological “Holy Grail,” Healy says.
This customizable stainless steel concept can convert an existing wood-burning fireplace to gas. It is weather-resistant and more eco-friendly because it does not produce the gasses and fine particles that natural wood typically does. It offers all the beauty of fire without the old-fashioned fuss.
This customizable stainless steel concept can convert an existing wood-burning fireplace to gas. It is weather-resistant and more eco-friendly because it does not produce the gasses and fine particles that natural wood typically does. It offers all the beauty of fire without the old-fashioned fuss.
“Because of the technology—between getting stainless steel parts that will endure living outside and appropriate shrouds designed to handle a certain level of wind—the fireplaces can be enjoyed with very little preparation. It’s fire on demand,” Healy says. “The other really important thing is the safety of it. It’s a controlled fire, and you don’t have those burning, smoldering embers. There’s no persistent hazard.”
“Because of the technology—between getting stainless steel parts that will endure living outside and appropriate shrouds designed to handle a certain level of wind—the fireplaces can be enjoyed with very little preparation. It’s fire on demand,” Healy says. “The other really important thing is the safety of it. It’s a controlled fire, and you don’t have those burning, smoldering embers. There’s no persistent hazard.”
“For a fireplace, many times the fireplace itself is shrouding the view you don’t want to see—a neighbor’s house, a driveway maybe. It’s a focal point but also a screen. Many people like that older, traditional fireplace feel, especially if they have a more intimate area where they’re also cooking, so it becomes a communal nook,” Healy says.
“For a fireplace, many times the fireplace itself is shrouding the view you don’t want to see—a neighbor’s house, a driveway maybe. It’s a focal point but also a screen. Many people like that older, traditional fireplace feel, especially if they have a more intimate area where they’re also cooking, so it becomes a communal nook,” Healy says.
“The fire pit is more elemental. It’s more conversational because you’re sitting across from someone with a fire in-between you," says Healy. "We also have the Cube, which is a structural element that is sort of a destination in and of itself; it can be used as a fire pit, so you can sit all the way around it but it is a focal point even if you’re inside.”
“The fire pit is more elemental. It’s more conversational because you’re sitting across from someone with a fire in-between you," says Healy. "We also have the Cube, which is a structural element that is sort of a destination in and of itself; it can be used as a fire pit, so you can sit all the way around it but it is a focal point even if you’re inside.”
EcoSmart Fire offers some unique, portable products that bridge the gap between the fireplace and the fire pit. Having moveable options allows homeowners to take the fire with them wherever they go. The fiber cement MIX Fire Bowl is fire pit-like, bioethanol-fueled freestanding piece; while the Cyl is a cylindrical “tea light” mobile fireplace.
EcoSmart Fire offers some unique, portable products that bridge the gap between the fireplace and the fire pit. Having moveable options allows homeowners to take the fire with them wherever they go. The fiber cement MIX Fire Bowl is fire pit-like, bioethanol-fueled freestanding piece; while the Cyl is a cylindrical “tea light” mobile fireplace.
Kim Rodgers, the marketing coordinator for EcoSmart Fire, also says the Lantern is a popular option. It uses an AB3 burner, which is a compact, fuel-efficient unit that provides a flame for up to 10 hours.
Kim Rodgers, the marketing coordinator for EcoSmart Fire, also says the Lantern is a popular option. It uses an AB3 burner, which is a compact, fuel-efficient unit that provides a flame for up to 10 hours.
There is also the Stix, which is a brushed stainless steel take on a campfire. EcoSmart’s focus on renewable energy keeps the company ahead of the green curve.
There is also the Stix, which is a brushed stainless steel take on a campfire. EcoSmart’s focus on renewable energy keeps the company ahead of the green curve.
At Astria, customers can upgrade their space with a choice of eight outdoor fireplace models. One of the models, the Grand Meridian fireplace offers the traditional masonry look.
At Astria, customers can upgrade their space with a choice of eight outdoor fireplace models. One of the models, the Grand Meridian fireplace offers the traditional masonry look.
The Polaris ventless gas fireplace features a more contemporary look thanks to stainless steel.
The Polaris ventless gas fireplace features a more contemporary look thanks to stainless steel.
“Also, our Berlin Lights—a linear fireplace—has been part of a very growing trend. It happened indoors first and it’s really taking off outdoors. A lot of people are looking to access an outdoor living space but they want a cleaner, contemporary style, and this is a great fit,” says Michael Lewis, the branding director for Astria Fireplaces.
The Berlin Lights concept has an electronic ignition and battery backup to operate in the event of a power outage. There are three flame settings for precise heat control as well as mood-enhancing interior lighting. This feeds into the larger movement toward cultivating an outdoor space that is as valuable as an indoor one. If homeowners do not want to invest in adding onto their interior spaces, it is often a more affordable fix to expand the home’s footprint into the back yard.
“Also, our Berlin Lights—a linear fireplace—has been part of a very growing trend. It happened indoors first and it’s really taking off outdoors. A lot of people are looking to access an outdoor living space but they want a cleaner, contemporary style, and this is a great fit,” says Michael Lewis, the branding director for Astria Fireplaces.
The Berlin Lights concept has an electronic ignition and battery backup to operate in the event of a power outage. There are three flame settings for precise heat control as well as mood-enhancing interior lighting. This feeds into the larger movement toward cultivating an outdoor space that is as valuable as an indoor one. If homeowners do not want to invest in adding onto their interior spaces, it is often a more affordable fix to expand the home’s footprint into the back yard.
Astria’s Firestar fire pit is available in natural or propane gas and includes a hidden electronic ignition and decorative lava rock.
Astria’s Firestar fire pit is available in natural or propane gas and includes a hidden electronic ignition and decorative lava rock.
“They’re two completely different experiences. A fire pit calls for a gathering spot that’s centrally located. People sit around it and it’s a permanent campfire. With a fireplace, it’s more of a permanent space,” Lewis says. “With the linear burner, it’s not like the traditional log fire. Stepping outside those constraints, we can add lights and glass beads. If you choose to burn wood, we offer a system called pure fire (a catalytic combustor that reduces emissions so you see less smoke) and it can be added to an existing wood fireplace.”
“They’re two completely different experiences. A fire pit calls for a gathering spot that’s centrally located. People sit around it and it’s a permanent campfire. With a fireplace, it’s more of a permanent space,” Lewis says. “With the linear burner, it’s not like the traditional log fire. Stepping outside those constraints, we can add lights and glass beads. If you choose to burn wood, we offer a system called pure fire (a catalytic combustor that reduces emissions so you see less smoke) and it can be added to an existing wood fireplace.”
Manufacturers are also trying to eliminate the hassles of wood burning, such as keeping wood dry and having to constantly feed a fire, by creating vent-free gas logs. Astria’s Southern Comfort Outdoor Logs in the MagniFlame Series includes a stainless steel triple burner to achieve the look of a real wood fire. And that’s the general idea: to fully maintain the integrity and coziness of the age-old fire while factoring in every cutting-edge convenience.
Manufacturers are also trying to eliminate the hassles of wood burning, such as keeping wood dry and having to constantly feed a fire, by creating vent-free gas logs. Astria’s Southern Comfort Outdoor Logs in the MagniFlame Series includes a stainless steel triple burner to achieve the look of a real wood fire. And that’s the general idea: to fully maintain the integrity and coziness of the age-old fire while factoring in every cutting-edge convenience.
“In the last five years, an outdoor fire was strictly a wood-burning proposition. So companies like ours began developing outdoor fire pits and fireplaces with the ease and safety of gas without the added hassle of the wood burning,” Healy says. “What people are creating now is an outdoor space, a meeting space, a focal point that extends the season or the day. It’s expanding their livable real estate.”
“In the last five years, an outdoor fire was strictly a wood-burning proposition. So companies like ours began developing outdoor fire pits and fireplaces with the ease and safety of gas without the added hassle of the wood burning,” Healy says. “What people are creating now is an outdoor space, a meeting space, a focal point that extends the season or the day. It’s expanding their livable real estate.”
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