Which Kits and Components are Right for You?
Choices for Material and Appearance:
Many firepit users prefer the look of a full kit of stainless steel components. But there are other options. Some people like the rustic look of a black ring insert or black LoSmoke™ Insert and don’t mind touching up small rust spots over time. Now there are some products on the market made from Corten steel, which is meant to develop a uniform surface layer of rust on the outside. But overall, stainless steel has become a favorite, due to its beautiful appearance and long-lasting rust resistance. The Firepit
Source makes both stainless steel and black inserts. All Firepit So urce cook grates andember screens are made of stainless steel.
Our copper-colored bowl kits with all stainless steel grates and screens look great!
Our copper-colored bowl kits with all stainless steel grates and screens look great!
Round or Square?
The choice of a round or square firepit is entirely determined by the user’s preference to
optimize the overall outdoor living design. Round firepits have been more common, but
the use of square pits has increased in recent years. The Firepit Source has an
assortment of both round and square products to fit most common block brands.
Inserts with or without Bottoms? Or a Bowl?
The Insert (aka “Ring”) is the base component of the pit. Inserts give heat protection to the surrounding blocks and they may add other functionality. Inserts come with and without bottom plates. Each style has its advantages.
Inserts with bottoms
While having substantial depth, Inserts with bottom plates keep the fire near the top
of the pit, allowing smaller fires to reach the top and access outside air. They also may discourage building large bonfires. They provide for easier cleaning out of ashes, preventing the ash from washing out the bottom of the pit onto the surrounding patio. Air holes in the bottom plate allow for air flow to the fire. Using vents in the surrounding blocks will help increase air flow. All our Endurance Line Round and Square Inserts are available with bottoms, Our LoSmoke™ Inserts also have bottoms.
Inserts without bottoms
Inserts without bottom plates are usually less expensive and some people prefer
them. The pit may be partially filled with sand to bring the fire up closer to the top. Use vents in the block walls to get more air flow in the pit. If no sand is used and the fire is
at ground level, a larger fire is then needed for the flames to reach the top of the pit. Cleaning out ash is more difficult than with an insert with bottom plate. All our Endurance Line Round and Square Inserts are available without bottoms, Our LoSmoke Lite™ Inserts also have no bottom plate.
Bowls
Bowls are less common, but some people prefer them. Our copper-color bowl kits with
stainless steel grates and ember screen have a unique attractive appearance at a great price point. The bowl has a natural bottom, so it has some of the same advantages of
Inserts with Bottoms.
Which Ember Screen is Right for You?
Ember screens reduce or prevent embers from flying out of the firepit area. They can
also keep debris and insects away from food. Our copper-colored bowl kits with all
stainless steel grates and screens look great!
All The Firepit Source Ember Screens are made of stainless steel, which makes them far superior to black painted screens that can quickly corrode and rust through, especially if they come in direct contact with fire. For round pits the screens are available in hinged and one-piece styles. The one-piece style is slightly less expensive and has a very symmetric shape. It has fewer open spaces for embers to escape. The hinged style is convenient for opening and closing to access and tend to the fire, or to cook, etc. All screens get hot while on a fire and may remain hot for an extended period without any visible sign that they are hot. Use caution and always use a Poker/Lifter to open, close or lift a screen.
All The Firepit Source Ember Screens are made of stainless steel, which makes them far superior to black painted screens that can quickly corrode and rust through, especially if they come in direct contact with fire. For round pits the screens are available in hinged and one-piece styles. The one-piece style is slightly less expensive and has a very symmetric shape. It has fewer open spaces for embers to escape. The hinged style is convenient for opening and closing to access and tend to the fire, or to cook, etc. All screens get hot while on a fire and may remain hot for an extended period without any visible sign that they are hot. Use caution and always use a Poker/Lifter to open, close or lift a screen.
