Nothing beats gathering friends and family for a backyard fire pit. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, singing campfire songs, or simply watching the flames dance, there’s plenty of fun to be had. When it comes to backyard fire pits, there are two main options for keeping your fire safely contained, a fire ring or a fire pit. While similar in function, there are some key differences between a fire ring and a fire pit. This article will help explore those differences and help you choose the best option for your home.
What is a Fire Ring?
A fire ring is a round, bottomless ring that sits directly on the ground. This ring is designed to surround a campfire and help keep it safely contained within the ring. The design of a fire ring can vary greatly from product to product. Some designs are quite basic and can be used as part of the construction of a large, built-in fire pit while others feature unique cutouts that allow you to better see the flames. These cutouts can include stars, wilderness scenes, geometric shapes, and much more!
What are the Pros and Cons of a Fire Ring?
One of the biggest advantages of a fire ring is their lightweight size. Unlike fire pits, which can be cumbersome to move, fire rings are typically portable and can be easily moved from place to place. These fire rings can be used in a backyard, but also thrown in the back of a car to take on the next camping trip. Their simple design also ensures that they are easy to put together and no installation is required. Because of this, fire rings are typically a more budget-friendly option than fire pits.
Fire rings are also available in a wide variety of sizes and cut out styles so you are sure to find one that fits your yard. Even though they are called fire “rings”, they are also available in alternative shapes such as squares or octagons.
However, there are a few drawbacks to a fire ring. Because they are placed directly on the ground, fire rings do sit lower than fire pits which can require you to kneel and squat while performing tasks like cooking over the fire. The low design also limits you to containing smaller fires. If the flames get too big, they can rise over the walls of the ring. Because of their low-profile, fire rings can also be less noticeable in your yard and could become a tripping hazard if you’re not careful.
What is a Fire Pit?
A fire pit is a raised bowl or basin that contains a fire. Like fire rings, these fire pits are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and finishes. Plus, they are also available in gas-powered or wood-burning options. Fire pits can range from simple wood burning bowls to complete sets with spark screens, handles, cooking or wood grates, and protective covers.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Fire Pit?
A fire pit is designed to serve as the centerpiece of your backyard. Their design provides equal heat distribution in all directions making them great for social gatherings. Typically larger than a fire ring, fire pits also provide more room for people to gather around a roaring fire. Plus, there is a wide selection of accessories on the market that can be used with a fire pit that can help improve the functionality, safety, and comfort.
A fire pit is designed to serve as the centerpiece of your backyard. Their design provides equal heat distribution in all directions making them great for social gatherings. Typically larger than a fire ring, fire pits also provide more room for people to gather around a roaring fire. Plus, there is a wide selection of accessories on the market that can be used with a fire pit that can help improve the functionality, safety, and comfort.
Fire pits are also available in portable and smokeless styles to make your campfire experience more enjoyable. Because they are raised off the ground, fire pits make it easier to cook over a fire without needing to squat or kneel next to the fire.
When selecting a fire pit, you can also choose which type of fuel you prefer, wood burning or propane. For more information on the best fuel option for your yard, check out the Wood vs Gas Fire Pits: Which Option is Better for Your Patio? article.
On the other hand, fire pits can be more of a permanent investment than fire rings. Unlike fire rings, fire pits can be more difficult to move due to their size and design. These features also tend to make them more costly. Depending on the design and fuel type, fire pits can require more complex installation and are more difficult to move once placed. Fire pits also require more maintenance (especially wood-burning fire pits) and must be cleaned regularly, and the ashes removed in order to keep them in top working condition.
It doesn’t matter if you're looking for the lightweight and portable fun of a fire ring for your next camping trip or want to give your backyard an impressive new focal point, Sunnydaze has all the options you need to create cozy campfires all season long.
To learn more about fire pits, chimineas, and accessories, check out our Fire Pits articles here.
