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    How to Choose the Best Copper Fire Pit for Your Fall Yard

    By | Work + Money – Fri, Oct 21, 2011 5:19 PM EDT

    Gathering around a fire in the cool of the evening is so pleasant that it can be hard to get rid of your guests. Prefab fire pits make building an outdoor blaze easy-no hauling of stones to make a campfire-and they offer the plus of portability; people have been known to take them on picnics. We found two with similar profiles: a high-end wood-burner with a solid-copper dish, and a copper-finish budget version that is kinder to air quality because it burns propane. That's just one thing to keep in mind before investing in fuel, heavy metal, and a year's worth of marshmallows. -DEBORAH BALDWIN, This Old House magazine

    See how to compare a high-end versus a budget copper fire pit on thisoldhouse.com.


    MORE: How to Build a Fire Pit


    The High End Model: Frontgate 40-Inch Copper Fire Pit

    Bowl depth: 8 inches
    Height: 14 inches
    Weight: 66 pounds
    Warranty: One year

    Is it for you?
    If you like the scent and sight of a wood fire and the look of a big, heavy copper bowl.

    See information on price and where to buy it here.


    Care and Fueling

    The 33-inch-wide bowl holds 2-foot logs. Copper darkens but can be washed with soapy water (bowl has drainage holes) or polished. With no small parts to break, it should last years, though even heavy-gauge copper can ding.


    MORE: How this fire pit is made and how it works.


    Budget Model: Camp Chef 30-Inch Del Rio Copper Gas Fire pit

    Bowl depth:     8 1/2 inches
    Height: 11 inches
    Weight: 45 pounds
    Warranty: One year

    Is it for you?
    If you are in an area that bans wood fires or prefer not to deal with smoke and ash.

    See information on price and where to buy it here.


    Care and Fueling

    The 6-foot hose connects to a 20-pound propane tank (sold separately) that lasts about 5 hours and needs a hiding place. Finish may scratch. Drainage holes for easy cleaning. Parts must be checked yearly for leaks and blockages.

    MORE: How this fire pit is made and how it works.



    Which one is right for you? See our pricewise comparison at thisoldhouse.com.


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    Fire Pit Accessories

    How to Create Beautiful Pumpkin Luminaries

    39 Best Pumpkin Carvings of Famous Faces

    Get Inspired By Our Pumpkin-Carving Contest