As soon as spring knocks at our doors we want to spend our time outside, in our blossoming gardens to enjoy the sun. Wouldn’t it be nice to also spend the evenings super cosy on your terrace? There are various heat sources that you can use outdoors. The best known are probably outdoor fireplaces, of which there are many different types nowadays.
Which types are there and what are the pros and cons? We will answer these questions in this article!
In general
Before we introduce you to the different types of fireplaces, it is important to know what you are looking for and actually need in the first place. Are you looking for an outdoor fireplace that can be easily moved or one that has a fixed place in the garden? Are you looking for an open fire bowl that creates a pleasant atmosphere or should the fireplace only be there to provide extra warmth on cool summer evenings?
As you can see: There is a perfect outdoor fireplace match for everyone and to help you find yours, we now introduce you to the most relevant outdoor fireplaces.
The different types of outdoor fireplaces
With outdoor fireplaces, a basic distinction is made between traditional wood-burning fireplaces, bioethanol fireplaces, gas fireplaces and fire bowls.
The wood-burning fireplace
Wood fireplaces are classic and probably known to everyone. They are usually made of stainless steel or stone and are very solid and heavy, which is why they are often firmly attached. As the name suggests, these fireplaces work with wood.
The great thing about wood-burning fireplaces is that they give off a lot of heat and create a beautiful and cosy atmosphere. However, wooden fireplaces also require a lot of maintenance. Wood needs a lot of space and must be stored and split somewhere. A wood-burning fireplace also takes up a lot of space and cannot be easily moved, which is why it is certainly not a good match for spontaneous people.
The bioethanol fireplace
In recent years, bioethanol fireplaces have become increasingly popular. With bioethanol fireplaces, bioethanol is ignited to light the flames. Bioethanol is an alcohol that is produced by microbial fermentation and basically consists only of carbohydrates, which are contained in sugar-containing plants such as corn, grain or potatoes. The advantage of bioethanol is that it has a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels and no soot or hazardous gases are produced during combustion.
Bioethanol fireplaces can also often be easily moved and, with a little decoration such as refractory ceramic stones or ceramic wood, a real campfire atmosphere can be created. They are also suitable for indoor use, for example as a tabletop fireplace
The flames of a bioethanol fireplace are real, but they do not generate sufficient heat. The low heat that is produced cannot be compared to a wood fireplace. Bioethanol fireplaces are therefore more for decoration. So for those who want to invest little effort but want real flames and a cosy atmosphere in their garden, a bioethanol fireplace is a great choice. Those who are looking for a lot of warmth from a fireplace, are better off with another type of fireplace.
The gas fireplace
Gas fireplaces are now also used more and more in outdoor areas. They provide a pleasant warmth on cooler spring evenings and are a nice source of light. As the name suggests, gas fireplaces are powered by gas.
A great advantage of gas fireplaces is that they are easy to maintain, as you only have to invest little time in care and cleaning.
Important: Gas fireplaces are only suitable for outdoor use and SHOULD NEVER be lit indoors. This could lead to gas leaks, which could be life-threatening. Outdoors, on the other hand, there is nothing to worry about.
So if you are looking for a warm and classy fireplace, a gas fireplace is a great choice.
The fire bowl
In addition to the fireplaces already presented, there are also so-called fire bowls. These can be used outdoors as a source of heat and light. Fire bowls are affordable and can be flexibly moved and used outdoors. The bowl is usually made of fireproof material and should have enough distance to the ground. They are fired with firewood, so you should always keep an eye on the fire bowl for safety, especially if there are children and pets around.
Generally speaking, a fire bowl is a good and cost-effective alternative to common outdoor fireplaces.
Conclusion
We hope that we were able to give you a short overview of the pros and cons of the most common outdoor fireplaces and that you now know which one is your perfect match. In the end, it really comes down to the individual preferences. Each type of fireplace has its own characteristics and the price also matters, of course. Trust us when we say that an outdoor fireplace is worth it if you are someone who likes to spend time with family and friends outside on the terrace.
We hope that we were able to answer some of your questions in this article and that we could help you with your decision. Next summer can come!