Getting a fire pit is a great idea that you won’t regret. You’ll enjoy calm nights by the fire, a fun way to gather with friends, and of course, outdoor cooking.
However, you want to make sure you get the right one. You want to make sure you have the best experience possible.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right fire pit for your backyard.
Permanent or Portable?
The first big decision you need to make is whether you want to install a permanent fire pit structure or buy a portable fire pit.
A permanent structure is usually one you purchase a kit or the raw materials for, and then you build it in your backyard. These can be extremely luxurious when made by skilled hands, or they can look horrible if the DIY attempt goes wrong. However, you can’t move a permanent structure, and it tends to weather faster because it’s in the elements at all times.
We prefer a portable fire pit. It offers numerous benefits, such as easier set-up, storing it in the safety of your home to keep your yard free of extra clutter, and even better, taking it anywhere you go. It can be both a fun backyard accessory and a crucial tool for your outdoor adventures.
Pick One That Fits in Your Space
It’s tempting to go out and buy the biggest fire pit possible. What if you want to have a giant barbecue in the future, and all that extra room will let you cook for the whole party?
Well, that’s one way to look at it, but you’re a lot more likely to use your fire pit if it’s convenient. You want one that’s easy to set up, it’s not too much of a hassle to clean, and it’s going to serve you just fine for the tasks you do every day.
If you’re just cooking for your family or sitting around the fire with your spouse, a larger option is going to be more of a hassle to carry around, set up, break down, etc.
That’s why we offer both the Bush Mate Original and the Bush Mate XL versions. The original can feed about 3 people, and the XL can cook enough to feed 6.
The original is a lot lighter and has a lot less surface area to clean, but if you know you’re going to be cooking large meals, the XL trades a little convenience for a larger size.
Durability
There are a lot of fire pits on the market, and unfortunately, a lot of them are not made to last very long. Sometimes, you expect it because they’re cheap. Other times, you can pay money and have to replace it a couple of years later.
You want a fire pit that is going to last for many years without having to coddle it.
You have to consider both the material it’s made with and the craftsmanship that put it all together.
We can’t speak for every option available, but we use 3mm thick weathering steel. This is a special type of steel that is extremely durable, but it also protects itself from the rust and corrosion that most steels are destroyed by.
It creates a patina naturally. That’s a waterproof coating that looks kind of discoloured like an oil slick, but it’s perfectly safe, and it’s actually good for the steel.
On top of that, we overbuilt our fire pit. For something that you’re going to load up with wood and set on fire, we really made sure that it was practically bulletproof. You would have a hard time intentionally damaging it.
It’s perfectly safe being tossed in the back of your car, taking a tumble while you hike to your campsite, etc. It will likely outlast you.
That’s the type of durability that you can rely on.
Ease of Cleaning
When camping, it’s normal for things to get dirty, and thorough cleaning can be challenging. In your backyard, however, you can keep your fire pit clean after every use.
That doesn’t mean that it should be a difficult experience.
Fire pits that have lots of small crevices and parts are a pain to clean. It’s also difficult to clean pits that are too big and heavy to properly maneuver around.
The problem is that a hard-to-clean fire pit often gets neglected. Choose one that’s easy to maintain while still offering the features you want.
Consider Your Budget
You always have to consider your budget. Especially for items that aren’t 100% essential for survival, like fire pits. However, you don’t want to automatically buy a cheap option, either.
When choosing a fire pit, value is about more than just the initial cost. How long it’s likely to last, the experience you’re likely to have with it, and the overall quality of the pit are all things that determine how much value a pit provides.
The Bush Mate comes in at about $399. That’s not cheap, but it can outlast you, provide you with an amazing experience, and it’s extremely easy to maintain. It’s also very versatile, allowing you to use a wide range of cooking accessories with it.
In comparison, a $200 option might technically be cheaper, but it might break in two years, or it won’t provide you with the same high-quality experience. If it breaks in 2 years and you have to replace it, you’ve spent just as much as you would have on a high-quality pit that will last a lifetime.
Get the Best Portable Fire Pit with Saturnia
If you want a portable fire pit, you’ve come to the right place. At Saturnia, we offer the Bush Mate, which is easily the best portable fire pit available. It provides tremendous value, is highly versatile, and will last for many years.
Contact us and get the perfect fire pit for your backyard!
