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Fire Tables vs. Fire Bowls: Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Fire Feature

May 18, 2023 14 min read

Incorporating fire elements into outdoor design has grown increasingly popular in recent years for its many benefits in terms of comfort, ambiance, and practicality. These additions do double duty by increasing the amount of time spent outdoors and making those spaces feel more like an extension of the home. Two prominent choices for an outdoor fire feature are fire tables and fire bowls. Each has its own set of benefits, and they may make outdoor spaces much nicer places to spend time.

In this post, we'll compare and contrast fire tables with fire bowls to help you choose the right one for your outdoor space, considering your preferences, the layout of your patio, and any other features you might want to include. Understanding the differences between fire tables and fire bowls can help you choose the best outdoor fire feature, whether you want a portable and fascinating centerpiece or a flexible fire feature with a practical tabletop.

Fire Tables

Fire tables are outdoor fire features that blend a table's usefulness with a fire pit's beauty and warmth. They are meant to be a place where people can meet, eat, and relax. They also offer the warm glow and soothing heat of a fire. Most fire tables have a strong base made of stainless steel, gfrc, or copper and a fire pit built right into the middle.

Usually, propane or natural gas is used to light the fire pit. However, some fire tables have wood-burning choices. The tabletop is the most important part of a fire table. It is wide enough to hold drinks, snacks, and other things, making it a useful and practical addition to outdoor places.

The fire pit is surrounded by a pretty fence that keeps people safe and makes it look better. Some fire tables have extra features, like flame heights that can be changed or built-in places to store gas tanks. Fire tables are a flexible and stylish choice for outdoor settings because they look like tables and have a built-in fire feature.

Benefits of fire tables

Versatility

One of the significant benefits of fire tables is their versatility. They serve a dual purpose: as a fire feature and a functional table. You can gather around the fire table for warmth and relaxation while having a convenient surface for placing drinks, food, or other items. This versatility makes fire tables ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying meals outdoors.

Cozy Ambiance

Fire tables create a cozy and inviting ambiance in outdoor spaces. The dancing flames warmly glow, making the surroundings feel more intimate and comfortable. Whether it's a chilly evening or a cool night, gathering around a fire table adds a magical and welcoming atmosphere to your outdoor setting.

Socialization and Entertainment

Fire tables become a natural gathering point for socializing and entertainment. They encourage conversation and interaction among family and friends, making them perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying quality time together. Combining the fire's warmth, the tabletop for food and drinks, and the comfortable seating around the table foster a social atmosphere.

Design Options

Fire tables come in various designs, materials, shapes, and sizes. Whether you prefer a modern, sleek look or a rustic, natural aesthetic, there are fire table options to suit various outdoor design themes. This allows you to customize your fire table to seamlessly blend with your existing outdoor decor and enhance the overall visual appeal of your space.

Convenience and Ease of Use

Fire tables are designed for convenience and ease of use. With built-in gas burners, they offer hassle-free ignition and adjustable flame controls. There is no need to gather firewood; they can be easily turned on or off with a simple switch or knob. Additionally, some fire tables have built-in storage for hiding propane tanks, keeping the outdoor area neat and organized.

Safety

Fire tables typically have features like glass guards or protective enclosures around the fire pit. These features prevent accidental contact with the flames and help contain the fire. Additionally, gas-powered fire tables offer greater control over the flame, reducing the risk of sparks or embers spreading.

Design and Style

Fire tables offer a wide range of design options, allowing you to choose one that suits your outdoor space and personal style. Here are some design aspects to consider when selecting a fire table:

Materials:

Stainless Steel: Fire tables made from stainless steel exude a sleek and contemporary look. Stainless steel is durable, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand outdoor elements, making it a practical choice. It complements modern and minimalist outdoor designs.
Copper: Copper fire tables bring a touch of elegance and warmth to outdoor spaces. Copper develops a beautiful patina over time, adding character to the table's appearance. It pairs well with traditional and rustic design themes, creating a charming focal point.
GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete): GFRC fire tables combine the strength of concrete with the lightweight and versatile properties of glass fibers. This material allows for intricate designs, textures, and finishes. GFRC fire tables can mimic the look of natural stone while offering a lighter-weight option.
Corten Steel: Corten steel fire tables have a distinctive weathered appearance that adds a contemporary and industrial charm to outdoor settings. The oxidized patina of corten steel develops over time, creating a unique and eye-catching aesthetic. It works well in modern, urban, or industrial-inspired outdoor designs.
Hammered Copper: Fire tables featuring hammered copper offer a visually stunning and textured surface. The hammered finish adds depth and dimension to the table's appearance, creating a captivating centerpiece for outdoor spaces. It blends well with traditional, Mediterranean, or eclectic design themes.

Shapes:

Rectangular: Rectangular fire tables are a popular choice for larger outdoor spaces and can accommodate many people around the table. They offer a more formal and structured look.
Square: Square fire tables provide a balanced and symmetrical appearance. They work well in compact, spacious outdoor areas, offering intimate conversation.
Round: Round fire tables create a more casual and intimate atmosphere. They promote easy conversation and a sense of togetherness among people around the table.
Oval: Oval fire tables offer a unique and elegant alternative to traditional rectangular or round fire tables. With their distinctive shape, oval fire tables bring a touch of sophistication and visual interest to outdoor spaces.

Sizes:

Compact: Smaller fire tables are suitable for intimate gatherings or limited outdoor spaces. They are space-efficient and can be placed on patios, balconies, or smaller decks.
Standard: Standard-sized fire tables provide ample tabletop space and seating capacity for average-sized groups. They are versatile and work well in various outdoor settings.
Large: Consider a larger fire table if you have a spacious outdoor area or frequently host larger gatherings. These provide generous seating and table space for entertaining larger groups.

Additional Features:

Decorative Accents: Fire tables may feature decorative elements like tile inlays, mosaic patterns, or intricate designs carved into the table surface, adding aesthetic appeal.
Adjustable Flame Height: Some fire tables offer the ability to adjust the flame height, allowing you to create the desired ambiance and control the heat output.
Integrated Storage: Certain fire tables have built-in storage compartments for keeping essentials like extra blankets, pillows, or fire accessories nearby.

Remember to consider your outdoor space's overall style and theme when choosing a fire table, ensuring it complements the existing elements and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.

Recommended Fire Tables

Midway Slim Rectangle Fire Table in GFRC Concrete

Introducing the latest addition to the Midway series, the Midway Rectangle Slim Fire Table crafted from GFRC Concrete. This stunning fire table boasts a sleek 12" smooth tabletop surface, offering a perfect balance of style and functionality.

Its impressive dimensions of 96" in length and 26" in width provide ample space for cozy gatherings and entertaining guests. Available in a range of stunning finishes, this fire table is guaranteed to elevate the beauty of any landscape project, making it a standout feature in your outdoor space.

Unity 24" Tall Metal Fire Pit by The Outdoor Plus

The Outdoor Plus Unity 24" Tall Fire Pit is made with the most proficient burner construction and energy-saving technology. This beautiful, high-end fire pit is great for both homes and businesses. Its round shape and height make it a great place to gather with family and friends to talk and spend valuable time together.

Midway Square Fire Table in GFRC Concrete

With its sleek and balanced modern design, the Midway Square Fire Table is a beautiful addition to any landscaping project. This fire table has a smooth 11-inch tabletop, making it a great mix of style and usefulness. This fire table features a solid white Finish, which gives off an air of grace, and Bali Blue Reflective Diamond Fire Glass, which creates a mesmerizing and reflective flame display, they look great together. The Midway Square Fire Table brings balance and order to outdoor spaces, making it a great choice for people who want a sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing fire feature.

Midway Oval Low Fire Table

The Midway Oval Low Fire Table is the newest addition to the Midway line. This fire table has a smooth 12" top that makes it useful and stylish. Made of strong and high-quality GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) material, it will last for a long time if you take care of it. You can be sure that this fire table will be a beautiful and long-lasting part of your outdoor area.

The Outdoor Plus La Jolla Rectangle Metal Fire Pit

The La Jolla Fire Pit is a really unique and interesting fire feature that stands out. Its unique size and shape make it a great focal point for any outdoor area. The fire pit has a rectangular base, and the top is also rectangular, but the sides are curved to make it look more elegant. The La Jolla Fire Pit comes in high-quality materials like corten steel, stainless steel, and polished copper. Each material has its unique charm, so you can choose the one that fits your personal style and makes your outdoor space look better.

Fire Bowls

Fire bowls are fire pits outside that look like bowls and are made to hold and control fire. People often choose them to add warmth, atmosphere, and visual appeal to outdoor areas. Fire bowls are usually independent and easy to move so you can put them in different places in your outdoor space.

The most important thing about fire bowls is that they are bowl-shaped. Most bowls are made of strong materials that can handle high temperatures, such as metal, concrete, or clay. The bowl is made to keep the fire safe and stop it from spreading to the area around it. Some fire bowls may have decorations or intricate designs on the surface, which add to their beauty.

Fire bowls can be lit with wood, propane, or natural gas, among other things. Wood-burning fire bowls give you a classic and authentic fire experience, with the crackling sounds and distinct smell of burning wood. Propane or natural gas fire bowls are convenient because they can be started immediately and have flame controls that can be changed. This makes it easy to control how hot and bright the fire is.

Fire bowls come in different sizes, from small ones that sit on a table to bigger ones that stand on their own. The size you choose will depend on how much room you have in your outdoor area and how much heat and visual impact you want. Small fire bowls are great for small groups or cozy areas, while large fire bowls make a bold statement and can fit more people around them.

One of the best things about fire bowls is that they can be moved around. Unlike fire pits that are built in, fire bowls are easy to move and place wherever you want. This gives you the freedom to change the layout of your outdoor space or move the fire bowl to different spots, based on your needs and preferences.

Fire bowls are a good choice for outdoor fire features because they can be used in different ways and look nice. Their bowl-shaped design, variety of fuel sources, ability to be moved, and range of sizes make them a popular choice for making outdoor spaces feel warm and welcome.

Benefits of Fire Bowls

Portability and Versatility

One of the significant benefits of fire bowls is their portability. They are freestanding and can be easily moved to different locations within your outdoor space or even taken with you on camping trips or other outdoor adventures. This flexibility allows you to create various seating arrangements and change the focal point of your outdoor area as desired.

Easy Installation and Use

Fire bowls are generally straightforward to install and use. They don't require extensive construction or installation like built-in fire features. Once placed in the desired location, you simply need to fill the bowl with the appropriate fuel source, such as firewood or a gas tank, and ignite the fire. This simplicity makes fire bowls accessible to a wide range of users, including those who may not have the resources or expertise for complex installations.

Cozy Ambiance and Visual Appeal

Fire bowls create a cozy and inviting ambiance in outdoor spaces. The flickering flames and radiant heat provide a warm and comforting atmosphere, perfect for gatherings, relaxation, or enjoying a quiet evening outdoors. The mesmerizing glow of the fire adds visual appeal and can serve as a captivating centerpiece in your outdoor design.

Flexibility in Fuel Options

Fire bowls offer versatility in fuel options. You can choose between wood-burning fire bowls, which provide a traditional and authentic fire experience with the crackling sounds and aromatic scents of burning wood, or gas-powered fire bowls, which offer convenience and control with instant ignition and adjustable flames.

Safety and Containment

Fire bowls are designed with safety in mind. They feature a bowl-shaped container that safely contains the fire and prevents it from spreading to the surrounding area. Some fire bowls may have protective screens or enclosures to enhance safety further and minimize the risk of accidental contact with the flames.

Low Maintenance

Fire bowls generally require minimal maintenance. Wood-burning fire bowls may require regular cleaning of ashes, while gas-powered fire bowls often involve simple upkeep, such as checking gas connections and ensuring proper ventilation. Fire bowls typically have fewer maintenance requirements than other outdoor fire features.

Year-Round Enjoyment

Fire bowls can be enjoyed throughout the year depending on the fuel source and climate. They provide warmth during colder months, extending the usability of your outdoor space. Additionally, even in warmer seasons, fire bowls can create a cozy ambiance for gatherings or add an element of excitement to outdoor events.