With the updated ANSI Z21.97-2017 standards, it's more important now than ever to ask whether a gas fire pit is safe for your home and family. When choosing a fire pit for your backyard or patio, make sure to check out these important factors.
UL Listed
UL Listing ensures your fire pit is compliant to the updated standards. Any outdoor product manufactured before January 17, 2020 is still safely listed under the old standard. However, any product manufactured after that day must be compliant. The updated safety standard requires passing more vigorous testing. If a company touts the product is UL Listed, you can rest assured that it is compliant to safety standards.
Construction
While most manufacturers promote their outdoor-rated, durable products, it's important to be able to differentiate from the truly products and those better left alone. When it comes to your outdoor investment, a reliable and strong outdoor product will maximize your dollar for less.
Look for products made of #304 stainless steel. #304 is a grade of stainless steel. While other companies may suggest that stainless steel is inferior, the truth is that no material is corrosion free. However, stainless steel is corrosion resistant. Brass is also another common burner construction option. When considering brass products, recall that brass does contain lead. Even "lead-free"brass contains some lead. Looking up all the facts on the material of the burner can ensure you choose the best construction.
While it may not seem like a major benefit to buy from a U.S. manufacturer, there are plenty of hidden benefits of it. With a made in the USA fire pit, the manufacturer is more likely to prioritize quality and safety. With production completed in-house, experts typically are able to do quality checks to ensure the best products for your home. Also, those same experts are your neighbor, friend, etc. They use the products themselves, understand the various climates and conditions, and build the products to last.
As for the fire pit table itself, search for high-quality materials such as powder-coated steel, composite, resin wicker, stucco, or concrete blend (like Supercast).
Warranty
When in doubt, a company with quality products will promote a warranty of some sort. However, it's important to read the fine print. The manufacturer may suggest a certain type of warranty that sounds protective at first, but quite often it includes many restrictions like voiding if the burner comes in contact with water (like rain) or isn't covered. If unsure what the manufacturer covers under warranty, don't hesitate to contact them directly to ask. It's better to know ahead of time before making the investment.
For more tips on what else to look for when buying a gas fire pit, check out this article.
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