And dinner’s over. The plates are removed. Usually, this is the moment when everyone heads off into their separate corners with their faces aglow with the light of their phone’s blue screen.
But this year, you light the new fire pit on the patio.
This happens instantly. The teenagers put down their electronics. The kids come begging to roast marshmallows. Your spouse pours two glasses of wine and snuggles up close. This marks the first time all day that everyone’s together. Talking. Laughing. Actually being together.
A fire pit table gives everyone a reason to come together. This could very well be the single-most valuable investment that the family makes with regard to its time together.
A Gift That Lasts Beyond December
Most holiday gifts are used just once and then disappear into a drawer. A propane fire table, on the other hand, makes the center of your backyard come alive. This sets the beat of hot chocolate evenings during the winter months, breakfast outings during the spring season, and s'mores adventures during summer.
Gas fire tables are ready in seconds. You do not have the hassle of cutting the wood or dealing with matches blowing away in the wind. Just turn the knob. You get instant heating. This means more time for relaxation.
What Matters Most Regarding a Fire Table
But not all models are made the same. If the kind of table that works well with the reality of your family life matters to you, pay attention to these three things:
- Heat Output - Get the Real Deal: You must have a heater that can put out anywhere between 50,000 and 60,000 BTU. If you go any lower, you will still feel the chill. A heater with a capacity of 60,000 BTU can warm up an area for 6-8 people on a cold evening.
- Scale: Think “Dining Table.” A table that’s 42 inches wide and rectangular works well. This size accommodates everyone well and leaves adequate space for beverages and other foods. Rectangular tables work better for group gatherings than others because everyone can see each other.
- Durability: Outfitting the great outdoors. Equipment must withstand rain, snow, and direct sunlight. Cheap metal products turn into rusty scrap after the first season. A solid steel frame that’s more corrosion-free and real ceramic tabletops that last longer than paint are optimal.
Our Top Pick: The Bali Outdoors® 42-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table
We chose the Bali Outdoors® 42-Inch Black Fire Pit Table as the best outdoor fireplace table, because it addresses the major issues that families usually experience with outdoor heating. These issues include a lack of flame power, rust development, and the limitation of table space.
This is precisely what it offers you:
60,000 BTU Heat Keeps You Warm
Most of the other fire tables on the market only give out 40,000-50,000 BTUs of power. This sounds great until someone forgets their sweater on the patio during a chilly 40-degree evening. With this product’s stronger 60,000 BTU power, you can sit outside enjoying the evening comfortably. This product comfortably heats groups of 6-8 people.
Ceramic Tabletop Holds Drinks Safely
Cheap metal tops get hot and the paint begins peeling. This table comes with an authentic ceramic tile tabletop. The edges remain cool so that you can place cold beverages or chocolate treats right beside you. This table cleans just like a kitchen counter.
Included Lid Doubles Your Table Space
To store the gas burner when it’s not being used, just place the lid on top of the burner. This instantly creates a complete coffee table that serves the purpose of the board game or the dining area. The base of the gas burner completely conceals the propane gas tank that weighs 20lbs.
Steel Framing Has a Long Life
You do not want to purchase new designs every season. This particular product utilizes a solid steel frame that makes it very durable because it will not rust. This item weighs over 77lbs and stands strong even on a very windy day.
Your First Fire Table Christmas Night
You’ve assembled the table. Now go ahead and create the experience. Here’s a simple recipe for creating memories out of the experience of sitting outside with your immediate family.
Step 1: Build a "Warmth Trap"
Do not scatter the chairs. Form a tight circle instead.
- The Knee-To-Knee Rule: Bring the chairs in so that the feet are only about 2 feet away from the tabletop. This creates an enclosed environment that traps the warmth of the fireplace between the people and the fire.
- Bring the Inside Outside! Hard patio furniture quickly becomes miserable. Bring the throw pillows and the chunky throw blanket that live on the sofa of your indoor space outside. This tells everyone that we are staying put!
Step 2: Turn the Table Rim into an S'mores Assembly Line
The most useful part of this table is the ceramic surface that measures 42 inches; make use of that.
- Ditch the Trays: Go ahead and forego the lap trays; just place the graham crackers, chocolate squares, and marshmallows straight on the outer edge of the dish. This makes the spread look very generous.
- Assembly Line Flow: Allow the kids to create their s’mores on the edge of the cool table, roast their marshmallow over the center fire, then squish it together on the edge of the table. This activity is very fun but very messy!
- For the Adults: As the kids roast their marshmallows, place a pot of hot cider or mulled wine on a trivet on the corner of the table. This will keep your drinks warm while you relax.
Step 3: Lighting Detox
The first error that people make involves the light that’s left on the porch.
- Kill the floodlights. Turn out the houselights. Allow only the light of the 60,000 BTU flame. This will make your eyes focus on the faces of the other folks sitting around the circle.
- The "Fire Gaze" effect: There’s an expected lull when gazing at the fireplace. Wait this out. This is usually the point when teenagers will stop looking at their phones and talk about real issues.
(*Safety Note of the Night: Remember that the "Assembly Line" ends at the glass stones. Rim = Cool/Safe. Center = Hot/No Touch.)
Why This Gift Matters
You could purchase a new item that would accumulate dust. Or, you could purchase a gift that would accumulate people.
A fireplace patio table heats more than just your hands; it creates an environment that allows walls to come down and natural conversation occurs. This holiday season, give the gift of encouraging everyone’s head to rise above their iPhone.
Are you ready to make it happen? The Bali Outdoors® 42-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table meets every requirement with its ability to emit lots of heat, ceramic construction that stands the test of time, and ability to accommodate the whole family.
Visit balioutdoors.com and check out the holiday deals, grab the coupon codes, and begin a new tradition that your friends and family will talk about for years to come!
5 FAQs about Fire Pits
Q1: What does the fire pit symbolize?
It is a symbol of community and a conscious shift of pace. Within the modern home, a fireplace serves as a gathering point that encourages people to step away from technology and come together. It is a clear signal that the workday is done and it’s time to focus on the people around you.
Q2: What should go into a fire pit gift basket?
Concentrate on a "Food, Tools, Comfort" trio. Begin with an assortment of complete s'mores kits made up of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. Then move on to metal roasting sticks that are more reliable and safe than wooden skewers. Finally, offer an insulating wool throw blanket or insulated hot cocoa tumblers that will keep the guests warm and comfortable at a safe distance.
Q3: Are fire tables worth the investment?
Yes, mainly because of their frequency of use and versatility. A propane gas table lights right up with no smoke, meaning you will likely enjoy it five times more often than a wooden fire pit. Also, with the top lid on, it serves as a standard dining or coffee table.
Q4: What should the etiquette surrounding a fire pit include?
"The Three Don’ts" must be followed to avoid an unsafe experience.
- Do not put trash like wrappers and napkins on the propane gas flame because this clogs the burner holes.
- Do not stand directly over the fireplace because this hinders the heat distribution for others.
- Do not text on the phone; the fire pit area should be a place for direct conversation.
Q5: Where shouldn’t a fire pit be placed?
Steer clear of the three danger zones. Never place a propane gas outdoor fireplace in an enclosed area like a solarium, tent, or garage due to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, never locate it directly under low-hanging tree branches, umbrellas, or eaves (ensure a clear height of at least six feet). Finally, do not place it in the center of common walkways.
