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Beyond Bonfires: 7 Surprising Ways to Use a Fire Pit in Your Backyard

Beyond Bonfires: 7 Surprising Ways to Use a Fire Pit in Your Backyard

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Having a fire pit in your garden can be a fantastic idea. That’s because, unlike what you might think, the uses of a fire pit aren’t only limited to the colder months.

So, before you dismiss the idea, you need to think again. Not only is building a fire pit in your garden aesthetically appealing, but it also has far more benefits.

Today’s article is all about fire pits and what their uses are. If you’re not sure about it, keep reading to know more about this topic.

What Are Fire Pits Used For?

Gathering around a campfire might be one of your favorite childhood memories. I know it’s one of mine.

The heat from burning wood and the smell of roasted marshmallows are unforgettable.

Yet, have you ever thought about other uses for fire pits? Can they really be more than just a way to keep warm during cold nights?

In fact, besides their looks, fire pits have several practical uses as well. Whether the wood or gas-burning type, you should definitely consider the idea.

Below, I’ve gathered seven essential uses for fire pits. Check them out!

1 – Cooking

Fire pits provide an excellent platform for outdoor cooking. Although the gas-fueled type may work fine for such use, wood-fueled fire pits are the ideal solution for it.

Principally, the term cooking includes various styles, not just roasting a sausage on a skewer. You just need to be bold and experiment with your fire pit.

Whether a casual backyard gathering or a camping trip in the wild, cooking food over an open flame adds a lot to the experience.

Here are a few ideas to try:

A – Barbecuing

Generally, fire pits allow you to prepare a huge range of meals in a rustic and enjoyable space. The most intuitive option of all is grilling, which is a fantastic way to spend summer nights.

After all, if you can cook it on a BBQ grill, you can cook it over a fire pit.

In general, you can use many varieties of wood to cook food. However, adding charcoal on top is what does the trick.

As the fire dies down, the burning charcoal starts to glow, signaling the right time to start grilling. After that, all you need is a grill grate, and you’re ready to go.

For barbecuing, you can try unlimited recipes, including sausages, hot dogs, steaks, kebabs, etc. On top of that, you can saute some veggies in a pan over the grill too.

Whatever your choice is, the radiant heat generated by the fire pit adds a delightful smokey flavor. This makes your food a hundred times more delicious.

B – Pot Cooking

Pot cooking over fire pits is an age-old method that brings out the rustic charm of your culinary experience.

This method allows you to prepare a huge range of hearty meals using pots, Dutch ovens, or cauldrons.

As such, you get to expand your options of cooking techniques, from simmering and braising to slow cooking.

So, whether you want to make a belly-warming soup, chili, or curry, pot cooking is your savior.

C – Rotisserie

Another outstanding idea is rotisserie cooking. With a simple rotisserie setup, you can transform your fire pit into a grilling station producing succulent meals.

Such a process typically involves skewering meat, fish, or chicken onto a rotisserie spit. Then, slowly rotate it over the open flame for even cooking on all sides.

The sight of meat turning over the flames adds to the ambiance of outdoor gatherings and stimulates the appetite.

That said, rotisserie cooking over fire pits isn’t limited to meat alone. Using this method, you can also skewer vegetables or fruits and cook them to perfection.

2 – Hosting Outdoor Gatherings

When you have friends or family over, fire pits act as focal points for outdoor gatherings. They provide a cozy atmosphere to come together and socialize, especially on those chilly nights.

It can be a casual get-together, a small celebration, or a weekend dinner party.

Whatever the occasion is, fire pits create natural gathering spots where people can share stories, create memories, or just relax.

What’s specifically great about having a fire pit for gathering outdoors is extending the season fit for entertaining. So, even if the nights are cooler than usual, you still get to have people over.

3 – Enhancing the Atmosphere of Your Outdoor Space

Even if you’re by yourself, a fire pit adds a lot to the ambiance of your outdoor area. The flickering flames and crackling of fire create a sense of relaxation and warmth.

Moreover, it gives you a chance to empty your mind after a long, tiring day. Believe me, a quiet evening under the stars isn’t the same without a glowing fire pit.

Additionally, fire pits can create an intimate atmosphere as well. As such, they make an ideal spot for romantic date nights.

What’s great about having a fire pit is that it suits just about all design aesthetics. For example, the classic stone fire pits can blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

On the other hand, you can also find modern fire pits that add a contemporary touch to the sleek design of your outdoor living space.

4 – Repelling Mosquitos

Yes, it’s true. You can use fire pits to help you repel those annoying little flying creatures.

Although this may not be as effective as other methods, the smoke and heat generated from fire pits can deter flying insects to some degree.

Traditionally, burning herbs has been used for ages as a successful technique to ward off unwanted insects. One of the most effective types of herbs for such a task is thyme.

In fact, research shows that thyme leaves can provide extended protection from mosquitoes, lasting for up to 90 minutes.

So, if you’ve been suffering from mosquito bites when spending time outdoors, throw a few thyme sprigs into the fire and see what happens.

5 – Bringing It Camping or to the Beach

The portable kind of fire pits can be a spectacular camping or beach companion. Designed with such a function in mind, some models are super lightweight and portable.

What makes this a convenient idea is that you don’t have to spend time building a fire pit. Just pop it out of your car trunk and set it up.

Furthermore, portable fire pits offer superb flexibility and control over fire management. Unlike the traditional fire pits found at established campgrounds, they can be set anywhere.

On top of that, most modern types have fantastic features, such as spark screens and heat resistance surfaces. This makes them a safer option, minimizing the risk of accidental fires.

In addition to that, they’re spectacular for spending a day at the beach. You can spend the day splashing around the cool water with the contentment of having a method to warm up later.

As the flames rise, you can watch the sunset while sitting on a blanket, grilling marshmallows, and making s’mores.

6 – Repurposing the Ashes

Did you enjoy a night outdoors with friends? It’s the next day, your fire pit has cooled off, and you’re ready to clean it.

Instead of disposing of the ashes, consider reusing them for other practical purposes. What are they, you ask? Hear me out.

Wood ashes are extremely rich in nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Therefore, they can be a valuable addition to your garden (AKA fertilizer).

Mixing a bit of ash into the soil can improve its structure and encourage healthy plant growth.

Not only that, but wood ashes can also accelerate decomposition in your compost pile and deter garden pests.

Moreover, they work greatly as ice melters and odor absorbers in many locations.

7 – Increasing Your Property’s Market Value

Having an inviting outdoor space can significantly enhance a home’s value and rental appeal.

The addition of a fire pit contributes to the functionality of such an area. This makes your property even more attractive for potential buyers or renters.

In general, a fire pit serves as a focal point, transforming the area to be luxurious and desirable.

Plus, it makes your property pop among others on the market. That’s because it offers a feature that stands out to prospective buyers or tenants.

Fire Pits Safety Tips

Now that you know the different possible uses of fire pits, it’s essential to pay attention to the safety precautions.

While they’re safe to use, there are still a few tips to keep in mind.

  • Keep a safe distance between the fire pit and any structure or flammable material (10 to 20 ft).
  • Never leave the fire pit unattended, especially with children or pets around.
  • Always be prepared to put down the fire quickly by making sure there’s a fire extinguisher or water source nearby.
  • Avoid using your fire pit in windy conditions if you don’t have a spark screen.
  • Avoid wearing loose-fitting outfits, as such type of clothing could easily catch fire.

Final Thoughts

Fire pits are a great addition to your outdoor area. They keep you warm, add to the mood, and are perfect for gatherings, but what are the other functions fire pits used for?

With fire pits, you can cook food, burn herbs to repel mosquitos, or even use the ashes to fertilize your plants.

So, whether relaxing by the fire or making a delicious meal, fire pits have something to offer for everyone.

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