As outdoor living spaces continue to evolve, firepit coffee tables have become a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance their gardens. Whether you’re hosting friends on a chilly evening or simply enjoying a peaceful night outdoors, a firepit table offers warmth and atmosphere. However, one of the key decisions you’ll face when selecting a firepit table is choosing between a gas or bioethanol fuel source. Lets explore the pros and cons of each, to help you decide which option is best for your space.
Gas Firepit Coffee Tables
Pros:
1. Ease of Use: Gas firepit tables, whether they run on natural gas or propane, are incredibly user-friendly. Simply turn a dial or press a button to ignite the flame, making them perfect for homeowners who want instant fire with minimal fuss.
2. Consistent Heat Output: Gas firepits generally produce more consistent and powerful heat compared to bioethanol options, making them ideal for larger gardens or for those who need to warm a more substantial area.
3. Control Over Flame Intensity: Gas models often come with adjustable settings, allowing you to control the flame height and heat output with precision.
4. Clean Burning: Gas burns cleanly without producing smoke or ash, which means there’s no need to worry about soot or residue building up in your outdoor area.
Cons:
1. Installation Requirements: If you opt for a natural gas firepit, you’ll need to have the unit connected to your home’s gas line, which may require professional installation and can add to the overall cost. Propane models, on the other hand, require periodic tank replacements, which can be an inconvenience.
2. Cost: While gas firepits provide long-lasting use, they can be more expensive upfront, particularly if professional installation is required.
3. Aesthetic Limitations: Some homeowners feel that gas firepits lack the natural appeal of a traditional fire. While the flames are clean and even, they don’t offer the crackling, unpredictable beauty of a wood fire, though some gas models include ceramic logs to mimic this effect.
Bioethanol Firepit Tables
Pros:
1. Eco-Friendly: One of the main advantages of bioethanol firepits is their environmental credentials. Bioethanol is a renewable energy source, produced from plant materials, making it a greener option compared to gas. It also burns cleanly, producing no harmful emissions, smoke, or ash.
2. Portable and Easy to Set Up: Unlike gas firepits, bioethanol models are usually freestanding and don’t require any professional installation. You can place them anywhere in your garden, making them ideal if you who prefer a portable firepit.
3. Modern Aesthetic: Bioethanol firepits often boast sleek, contemporary designs that suit modern gardens and patios. The flames are real but tend to be smaller, adding a gentle, atmospheric glow rather than intense heat.
4. Minimal Maintenance: With no ash or soot to clean, bioethanol firepits are extremely low-maintenance. After a burn, there’s little more to do than wipe down the table.
Shop the EcoSmart Wharf 65 Bioethanal Fire Table
The EcoSmart Fire Wharf 65 Bioethanol Fire Table above is an ideal addition for those looking for versatility in their garden, or living space. Designed with an elegant, elongated fire feature, it can be used both indoors and outdoors, offering clean-burning bioethanol flames without harmful by-products. Its adjustable height, sleek concrete or teak finish, and portability make it a stylish and practical choice. Perfect for heating areas up to 60m², it also produces a cosy ambiance, making it a luxurious and eco-friendly option for any setting
Cons:
1. Lower Heat Output: While bioethanol firepits create a pleasant visual effect, they generally don’t provide as much heat as gas models. They are better suited for creating atmosphere rather than heating larger outdoor spaces.
2. Fuel Costs: Bioethanol can be more expensive to run than gas, particularly if you use your firepit table regularly. A litre of bioethanol fuel lasts approximately four hours, so costs can quickly add up.
3. Safety Concerns: Although bioethanol is safe when used correctly, it’s a liquid fuel that needs to be handled with care. Always ensure the fire is fully extinguished and cool before refuelling to avoid accidents.
Shop the EcoSmart Chaser 38 Fire Pit Table
The EcoSmart Chaser 38 Fire Pit Table is an excellent option for those seeking both warmth and aesthetics in their outdoor space. With its clean-burning bioethanol flame, it provides significant heat output (20,433 BTU) without the drawbacks of smoke, soot, or ash. Its robust fluid-concrete design ensures durability while maintaining a sleek, sculpted finish. Measuring 950mm by 950mm, it’s perfectly sized to serve as a centrepiece for gatherings. Ideal for outdoor entertaining, the Chaser 38 is both beautiful and practical.
Key Considerations
When deciding between gas and bioethanol firepit coffee tables, consider how you intend to use the firepit. If you prioritise heat and ease of use, a gas firepit may be the best option. They provide strong, consistent warmth and require minimal effort to light and maintain. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more eco-friendly and aesthetically modern option that can be moved around your garden, bioethanol firepits offer flexibility and style, though they may lack the heating power of their gas counterparts.
It’s also essential to think about the size and layout of your outdoor space. For larger gardens, gas firepits are typically better for providing warmth to multiple people. In contrast, bioethanol firepits work well in smaller, enclosed spaces where less heat is required, and the focus is more on visual appeal.
Ultimately, the choice between gas and bioethanol comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Gas firepits are ideal for those seeking efficiency, power, and convenience, while bioethanol firepits are perfect for eco-conscious homeowners who value portability and modern aesthetics. Whichever you choose, both options can help transform your garden into a welcoming and cosy retreat, perfect for enjoying the outdoors in style during the cooler months.