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In suburban America, one of the latest growing fads is the cozy patio complete with deck, comfortable chairs, and outdoor fireplace. Americans are spending more time in the backyard enjoying the company of family and friends while having cookouts and swim parties. The love that Americans have for their backyards keeps them outdoors well into the fall when the weather starts to turn and the evenings become brisk and chilly. Sitting around the outdoor fireplace keeps them comfortable, allowing them to enjoy the backyard for more of the year.

Several options are available for warming yourself outside. Open fire pits, gas stoves, electric fireplaces, and portable chimineas are just a few options. The best option for you is depends on the permanency of your backyard setup, your safety requirements, and your individual taste.

Open fire pits are simple to build or install, permanent, and easy to use. An open fire pit is simply an opening, either in the ground or in a structure, lined with concrete, tile or dirt. Fuel, such as logs, are arranged in the fire pit and set on fire. The pit offers a 360-degree warming pattern, depending on the direction and intensity of the wind. The open fire pit also acts as a source of light in a dark backyard. The open nature of a fire pit makes it dangerous to use when children are around.

Gas stoves are portable and easy to use. The stove might have a grill or a simple radiator that puts out heat around the unit. The stoves are usually powered by propane that is easy to purchase in exchangeable canisters. Gas stoves have an open flame, but it is not as easily accessible as the flame in an open fire pit. Gas stoves are safer than fire pits, but can still burn the skin badly when touched.

Electric fireplaces are visually attractive and safe. The heat can be set to a comfortable level and no smoke is emitted. Various types of electric fireplace inserts are available to fit your preference whether you want a single log or a stack of logs with a light flame or a dark flame. These fireplaces come with such extras as a built in stove, a towel warmer, a cooler, and the ability to turn the heat on or off. Electric fireplaces offer all of the benefits of a regular fireplace without the drawbacks. No open flame makes it safe around children. No fuel to burn means no mess to clean up after a night spent with friends in the backyard.

Portable chimineas are an enclosed version of the open fire pit. The chiminea usually contains a door where logs can be placed in the unit to start the fire. The door can then be closed to block the open flame, allowing the heat of the fire to radiate all around the unit. Portable chimineas are decorative and can be made of metal or ceramics. They can come as solely a fireplace or may contain a grill. Portable chimineas are safer than an open fire pit, but still very hot to the touch.

When deciding how to set up your backyard to entertain your friends and family, don’t forget the fireplace. With so many choices available, you should not have a problem finding a quality piece to fit your individual style.

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