Backyard fire pit

[Macanudo]

I'm back in the market for one of these. I'm not going to buy some too expensive heater but I had a question. Does the typical fire pit direct too much heat up? (like this):

Would a chimenea be better at directing heat laterally?

 

[Anastasis]

FWIW, my chimenea does a ****** job moving heat anywhere but straight up.



Get one of these...

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

Mac, I can just about guarantee you could find a welder on CraigsList that could make you a cooler one for less than a store bought unit.

Complete with Longhorn cutouts.

Get a rack overhead & you can spit roast a chicken or a pot 'o beans.

 

[scottsins]

my pit:

this pic is to show the seam in the cement where my patio used to stop.

fyi, that is not a pricey built-in grill, but jsut a cheap gas grill from wal-mart that they built around.

back view

*** all materials and labor secured at a nice discount from clients.

 

[Macanudo]

That's nice. I mean, really, I'm jealous.

Except I rent and I want one I can use within the next 2-3 days.

 

[mayberryrfd]

I have two cast iron chimineas that cast off a lot of heat in all directions. The sides are open all the way around. We got them at Lowe's for a serious discount (2 for 1 deal) a few years ago.

This is not the exact one I have but it's close. Mine are larger and a bit more ornate. I love them. We have a large brick patio and placed on opposite sides of the seating area, they give off plenty of warmth.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

Scott, you need a nice hailstorm up thataways so I can replace that 3 Tab roof with a nice Dimensional / 30 year product.

Maybe I can find someone for you to sue & you'll get a trade.

 

[Macanudo]

I wont name names but I'd like to thank the individual who pm'ed me with one for sale. I really do appreciate that but driving to Austin to pick it up kind of negates the great sale price.

 

[kangsta]

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[NCAAFBALLROX]

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[Macanudo]

I would love to have one built. Maybe I'll buy a cheapo and then find a welder to do one up right.

 

[DieUCLA98]

Wow, I'm looking for one of these as well but I want something more like this:

That sucker costs $500 and that seems a bit absurd (it is smith and hawken though). Anyone know where I can get something like that made or somewhere where they aren't jacking up the cost like that?

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

'98, The high cost of your example is due to the material. Copper (especially today) is very expensive.

Lasts a long time, but very very expensive.

 

[kevwun]

The first pic you posted will provide a lot more warmth than a chimenea. As somone else said, most of the heat goes straight up. You don't get any warmth unless you are sitting on top of it.

 

[voteforhank]

That patio fire pit looks pretty good for setting the roof on fire. I would recommend you keep a hose handy...

 

[MadTrapper]

You can't go wrong with a few bricks and a shovel. Just don't fall in...

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

If you go Mad Trapper's route, be sure to get fire rate bricks.

Regular bricks can explode under "normal" heat from a "normal" fire.

Also, a hole in the ground is dangerous for Mac's 2 kids who are both under 3-1/2. Plus, Mac probably wants something he can take with him to their next posting.

 

[l00p]

Shoot, he can get a lid for the hole. He has to watch the kids the same with that as a chimenea or whatever. Then he just fills in the hole when they move. This buys him time to seek out the permanent welded one with Horns on it and stuff.

I am now intrigued by all of this and now want a patio type roof with a spit type thing to cook chickens or chupcabra upon.

Scottsins, is that a wolf in your yard? You lucky sumbitch if it is.

 

[Macanudo]

1. The kids wont be outside when the fire is lit (post bed time drinks and cigars for dad.)
2. I don't own the house.

 

[pmg]

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[DieUCLA98]

Truer words have never been spoken... It only took me 12 post holes to see the light.

 

[VacantlyOccupied]