Outdoor gatherings have never been more captivating, thanks to the rising trend of smokeless fire pits. The fire pit allows you to relax with your loved ones or just by yourself. It is a great way to relax while sipping on your favorite coffee or reading a book on a cold evening.
But one thing that can upset your mood is the smoke coming out from the fire pit. The best way to deal with this thing is by working on the smokeless fire pit plans. It will allow you to stay warm in the chilly winters. So, how to make a fire pit smokeless?
A lot of people think that there are a lot of things involved in making a fire pit smokeless. This article will give you a comprehensive idea about a smokeless fire pit. Let’s start by understanding the key component of the entire process — smokeless fire pit inserts.
Understanding Smokeless Fire Pit Inserts
You might ask what is a smokeless fire pit, how does it work, and what are its advantages. The basic role of the smokeless fire pit inserts is to reduce the amount of smoke that it produces.
Though it might not be completely free, you will notice significantly less smoke. As a result, it will be a lot easier for you to enjoy the open fire for a longer period.
Benefits of Going Smokeless on Your Deck
The best thing about smokeless fire pits is that they are more efficient in comparison with their conventional wood-burning counterparts. With a compact design, you will find it relatively easier to clean the fire pit and remove the ashes from the base.
Plus, can also find a wide range of fire pits in different sizes, including lightweight models. This makes it easier for you to carry around the fire pit when traveling to other places. Additionally, smokeless fire pits are easy to light thanks to their improved ventilation.
The Science Behind Smokeless Fire Pits
If you are thinking about how do smokeless fire pits work? Is it any different from the traditional ones? As stated earlier, there is some smoke but it is relatively less. The reason smokeless fire pits produce very little smoke is due to the double walls and secondary combustion. Both these things ensure that the heat doesn’t escape.
The most critical role is of the secondary combustion system which will completely burn the charcoal or wood to the ash. As a result, it will remove any remaining smoke particles. With a secondary combustion system and double walls working together, smokeless fire pits function safely.
It also eliminates the uncomfortable, smelly smoke. A smokeless fire pit can burn charcoal, wood, along with other various materials, depending on its model. On the other hand, propane fire pits are completely smokeless. With little to no smoke, these fire pits are a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.
Top Considerations When Choosing a Smokeless Fire Pit Insert
All these things might get you interested in finding a fire pit with an insert for your backyard. But there are a few things that you need to consider that will help you find the right smokeless fire pit insert. We’ll give you a comprehensive about factors to consider for your smokeless fire pit insert.
Size and Compatibility
Finding the perfect fit is vital so you need to figure out the size you need for your smokeless fire pit. The sizes of the smokeless fire pits vary, with the smaller ones can be anywhere from around 10 – 15 inches in width and 6–10 inches in height. On the other hand, larger fire pits have a size of 25 inches in height and 30 inches in width.
The size of the smokeless insert for the fire pit will depend on the compatibility as well. For instance, a large fire pit will provide you with greater warmth but it would be less portable. Either way, you need to consider these things to ensure that you have the right one by your side.
Material Matters
Durability and maintenance is also an important factor that you need to consider when choosing a fire pit. The longevity and resilience of your smokeless fire pit depend on the materials used in its construction. Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum, each offering distinct advantages. It is best to consider your local climate and the maintenance effort you’re willing to invest.
For instance, stainless steel fire pits are known for their low-maintenance characteristics, while cast iron may require periodic seasoning to prevent rust. Therefore, you should understand the characteristics of the material to find the right smokeless fire pit insert.
Design and Aesthetics
Last but not least, the fire pit with the insert that you choose should complement your outdoor space. The design options are quite open for you ranging from Modern, minimalist, rustic, or industrial. You can decide which one would be a suitable option for your home.
Keep in mind that the fire pit you choose should reflect your taste and preference. Selecting the perfect smokeless fire pit insert involves a thoughtful balance of size, materials, and design. Therefore, you need to consider all these things before getting a smokeless fire pit insert.
Safety Precautions and Tips
Once you have a smokeless fire pit ring with a lid, it is time to enjoy the warmth of fire during a cold and chilly winter. But wait, you need to know about the safety precautions to take. This will help you to get a great experience while keeping the people around you safe.
Proper Placement of the Smokeless Pit
Another major factor to consider is the placement of the fire pit. Can you put a smokeless fire pit on a deck? Well, one thing you should remember is that Never, never, NEVER place a fire pit on a wooden deck directly. There are various potential experience issues, such as full-on-fire damage along with the destruction of the decking.
You can get special fire pit mats to protect the composite decking. Additionally, the location of your fire pit should be at least 20 feet away from your home. Any embers or sparks from the fire can lead to serious safety issues for your property. You can consider going for spark screens to deal with this issue.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
The smokeless fire pit ventilation is a critical factor when it comes to ensuring complete safety. Therefore, you need to place the fire pit in a place where there is sufficient space available.
Keep a distance of 10 to 20 feet away from any structure. Most importantly, you need to ensure that the fire pit is not near any trees or branches.
Use the Right Type of Wood
Another important element that you need to keep an eye on is using the right wood. Using the well-seasoned hardwood is the ideal option since it ensures that there is not a lot of smoke.
If the wood contains too much moisture, then it would tend to emit more smoke. So, the best option is to go for the kiln-dried seasoned hardwood that doesn’t emit too much smoke.
Cleaning the Fire Pit Properly
A lot of people don’t properly clean their fire pits after using them. Any leftover bits of debris can cause the fire pit to emit more smoke. Therefore, this can also be the reason why you might experience additional smoke the next time you light up the smokeless fire pit.
Following the proper procedure to clean the fire pit is vital. Use the right tools to get rid of the leftover ash and wood shavings. This way, you can have the best experience with your smokeless fire pit.
Enhancing Your Experience
Now that everything is complete, it is time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your fire pit. But is there anything else that you can do with your smokeless fire pit to enhance your experience? Well, yes there certainly is! You can go for some accessories and add-ons for your smokeless fire pit.
As mentioned before, you can consider going for a spark screen. It adds an extra layer of safety and prevents embers from escaping. This way, you can ensure worry-free evenings by the fire. Not only that, there are various creative ideas for entertaining around your fire pit, such as:
- Fire Pit Games – From classic board games to lawn games with a fire pit twist, incorporating games adds a playful element to your gatherings.
- Live Music and Storytelling – Invite friends with musical talents to entertain around the fire. Storytelling sessions, complete with cozy blankets and flickering flames, create an intimate and magical atmosphere.
- Outdoor Movie Nights – Set up a makeshift outdoor theater by projecting movies onto a screen or a blank wall
- Themed Gatherings – Arrange themed gatherings around your fire pit such as rustic camping night.
Conclusion
With that, this article comes to an end and we hope you have a clear idea of the smokeless fire pit. Choosing the right smokeless fire pit insert is paramount for a seamless outdoor experience. Therefore, you should carefully evaluate the options available in the market.
