Ultimate Fire Pit Buying Guide: Pits, Bowls & Tables

Last updated: September 15, 2025

🔥 Fire Features: A Real-World Buying Guide (No Fluff, Just What Works)

Thinking about a fire table, fire bowl, or built-in pit? Great idea. The right piece turns a patio into the spot everyone gravitates to. This guide keeps it simple: how to pick the right shape and size, which fuel makes sense for you, what materials hold up, and a few model examples you can use as a starting point. I’ll also cover safety and upkeep so you enjoy the flame without headaches later.

1) First, be honest about how you’ll use it

• Chill dinners and long hangs: You want a steady, even flame that sits low and wide. Rectangular pits and fire tables shine here.
• Circle-up and chat: A round bowl or round pit pulls people in from every side. Great for 4–6 chairs around it.
• Make a statement: If the fire is the art piece, look for bold shapes, taller profiles, or Fire & Water bowls that add movement and sound.

Quick examples: Long lounge with a sectional? The Del Mar rectangular series (48–96") gives that smooth “ribbon of flame.” Smaller patio with four chairs? The Cazo bowl family (24–48") is a sweet spot. Want ledge space for plates and drinks? Go with a Newport fire table.

2) Fuel: pick the one that fits your life

• Natural Gas (NG): No tank swaps. Best for permanent setups and frequent use. You’ll need a licensed installer to run the line and set the shutoff. Once it’s in, it’s easy living.
• Propane (LP): No trenching or permits in most places. Hide the tank in a table base or nearby cabinet. Perfect if you want flexibility or you’re renting.
• Wood-burning: Nothing beats the crackle and campfire feel. Plan for ash cleanup, a spark screen, and local burn rules. (Some areas have no-burn days.)

3) Shapes & formats (and when they make sense)

• Round bowls / round pits: Super friendly and great for 360° seating. Look at Cazo or Sedona bowls in GFRC concrete, hammered copper, or powder-coated metal. Sizes span from compact 24–31" up to 48".
• Rectangular / linear pits: Spread heat along a sofa or bench and visually stretch the patio. The Del Mar line runs all the way to 96" for big spaces.
• Fire tables: If you want a place to set a plate or wine glass, tables are it. Newport is a solid, durable option in multiple finishes and ignition styles.
• Fire & Water bowls: Flame plus a smooth water spill—great near pools or entry courts. The Cazo and Maya families offer these in concrete, copper, and powder coat.
• Taller profiles / metal forms: Prefer a lean, modern look? Check out metal lines like Coronado or Fremont, or taller pieces such as Unity.

4) Materials: what holds up and where

• GFRC concrete: Strong, weather-ready, and comes in many finishes (even wood-grain textures). You’ll see it on Cazo, Sedona, Maya, Del Mar, and Newport.
• Hammered copper: Warm tone that develops a real patina outdoors. Looks incredible with stone and desert palettes.
• Powder-coated steel or aluminum: Clean, crisp lines and lots of color options. Lighter than concrete but still sturdy.

Coastal or very wet climates: Favor sealed GFRC and stainless burner parts. Copper will patina—that’s part of the charm. If your spot is breezy, plan on a glass wind guard for steadier flames.

5) Ignition: from simple to push-button

• Match-lit: Fewer parts, fewer things to break. The classic, reliable option.
• Battery push-button / low-voltage: Adds convenience without needing a wall outlet. Great on bowls and mid-size pits.
• Plug-in electronic (110V): One-touch start with flame sensing and safety shutoff. Ideal on larger features and fire tables like Newport.

6) Size it right (so the seating actually feels good)

Use this quick guide to match size to how many people you host:

• 2–4 people — Round bowls/pits around 24–36". Try Cazo 31" or a Maya 24–30" if you prefer square lines.
• 4–6 people — Round 36–48" or rectangular 48–60" (e.g., Del Mar 48–60").
• Sectional or long lounge — Linear 72–96" (e.g., Del Mar 72–96").

For comfort, keep 18–24" between the fire feature and the front edge of the seat. That’s enough room for knees and plates without feeling too toasty.

7) Where to place it (and how to make it safe)

• Surface: Level and non-combustible: concrete, pavers, stone. On wood or composite decks, use a heat-safe pad or base and keep ventilation slots open.
• Clearance: Give furniture and fabrics breathing room on all sides. Under a roof or pergola, keep plenty of open air and respect the overhead clearance in the manual. Wind guards help, but they don’t replace clearances.
• Gas line & shutoff: If you’re hard-piping natural gas, plan the shutoff location and hire a licensed installer. Propane? Make sure the tank sits upright, ventilated, and easy to access.

8) Media (lava rock, fire glass, logs) and a quick safety note

Stick to media made for high heat. Fire glass, certified lava rock, and the brand’s ceramic logs/stones are all good. Skip river rock or landscaping stone—trapped moisture can make them pop or crack when heated. After heavy rain, let lava rock dry before you go full blast, and don’t pile media above the height the manual allows; you can smother the burner ports.

9) Real-world picks (models we carry, matched to common needs)

Sleek, modern lounge: Del Mar rectangular pits. Go 60–72" for most patios, 96" if you want that hotel-lobby look at home. Long, even flame; great along a sectional.

True table feel: The Newport fire table gives you flame plus usable ledge space. Available match-lit or plug-in electronic for one-touch starts.

Small patio focal point: Cazo round bowls (24–48"). The 31" hits the sweet spot for four chairs. Wood-grain GFRC finishes look natural without the upkeep of real wood.

Square and sculptural: Maya bowls (24–36") bring sharp geometry that lines up with modern hardscapes.

Fire + water drama: Cazo or Maya Fire & Water bowls. Amazing on pool edges and entry courts. Use a breathable cover when not in use.

Metal, minimalist: Coronado and Fremont offer that crisp, powder-coated look with simple lines. If you like a bit more height, look at Unity.

10) Accessories that actually help

• Glass wind guard: Keeps the flame steady on breezy days and helps reduce blow-outs—especially on tables.
• Breathable cover: Protects finishes without trapping moisture. Avoid tight plastic tarps.
• Media refresh: A fresh bag of lava rock or a light top layer of fire glass can make an older pit look new again.
• Key valve placement: If your kit uses a key, plan where it goes so it’s reachable but discreet.

11) Safety basics (read this—worth it)

• Use it outdoors with real airflow. Don’t run a fire table in enclosed spaces like garages or sunrooms. If it’s under a roof, keep at least two sides open and follow the manual’s overhead clearances.
• Keep soft goods back. Pillows, throws, and plants should sit outside the heat zone. Wind can push flame sideways—give it space.
• Propane tanks stay outside and upright. Never store cylinders indoors or in an attached garage.
• Stick with approved media. No river rock. Wet lava can “pop”—dry it out after heavy rain.
• Kids and pets: Make a “no-go” ring around the flame and supervise. Glass wind guards add a buffer but aren’t childproof.

12) Simple care schedule (so it looks great for years)

After each use (once cool): Brush media dust off burner ports and wipe the surface with mild soap and water. No bleach or harsh scrubbers on stainless.

Monthly in season: Lift out the media, vacuum dust and cobwebs in the burner tray, and reseat the media to the correct height. If you moved the unit or changed tanks, do a quick soapy-water leak test on the gas connections.

Winter plan: Disconnect LP cylinders and store them upright outdoors. Cap NG stubs. Keep water out of bowls—standing water plus freeze/thaw is rough on finishes and media.

13) Quick size & style cheat sheet

• Four chairs, small patio: Cazo 31" or Maya 24–30".
• Six people, standard patio: Round 36–48" or Del Mar 48–60".
• Sectional lounge: Del Mar 72–96" (add a wind guard if it’s breezy).
• Dining height + ledge space: Newport fire table.
• Pool edge or entry court: Cazo / Maya Fire & Water bowls.

14) Pre-burn checklist (print this)

• Weather OK (not too windy, no burn bans)?
• Plenty of clearance on all sides and above? If under a roof, at least two open sides.
• Media set to the right height—no ports buried?
• Hose routed safely; LP tank upright and ventilated; NG shutoff reachable?
• Extinguisher handy and kids/pets supervised?

Ready to shop smart?

If you’ve got your space and seating in mind, browse our curated Fire Pits, Bowls & Tables. Not sure on size or ignition? Send us your patio dimensions and a quick sketch—we’ll point you to the right length/diameter and power option in minutes.