A smokeless fire pit is a double-walled version of the traditional pit that allows air circulation without creating much smoke. Additionally, it maximizes oxygen supply to the fire.
This method is known as secondary burn, in which air from below is drawn into the top of a fire to help burn off any smoke that escapes.
Pavers
A fire pit is an ideal place to gather friends and family around the outdoor fireplace in summertime. Unfortunately, they also emit smoke which can be annoying and polluting. To make your outdoor fireplace smokeless, use proper materials as well as follow these simple tips.
First, choose a paver suitable for a fire pit. Concrete bricks are ideal as they’re durable and heat-resistant. Plus, these come in various shapes and colors so you can match them to your patio design.
Next, select a material that will prevent the fire pit from burning down the area surrounding it. Lava rocks or other forms of insulation can block out direct heat from the fire pit, protecting its underlying surface and avoiding cracking.
When selecting materials for a fire pit, make sure they’re rated to handle both the weight and temperature. Non-heat-resistant pavers will break under the strain of heavy use; if you want to prevent this, opt for pavers rated to withstand hundreds of pounds in weight.
Once you’ve selected the material for your DIY smokeless fire pit, it’s time to build it. Most DIY smokeless fire pits utilize a metal fire ring and stack of pavers laid in an oval pattern for optimal airflow. Position the outer pavers 2-5 inches away from the fire ring for a circular smokeless fireplace effect.
Next, lay the outer pavers in a circular pattern around the fire ring, followed by creating another row that rests atop and below it. Make sure this final row is several inches away from the edge of the fire ring to allow for air flow.
To help the pavers remain secure, add sand between them and the fire pit. This will promote airflow and give the sand a more attractive appearance.
You can also place a fire mat beneath the pit to absorb heat and prevent embers from spreading. This type of mat works especially well when combined with either gas or wood-burning fire pits, as it prevents sparks from igniting other parts of your patio and home.
Bricks
Bricks make an ideal smokeless fire pit, as they can withstand frequent flames. Not only that, but bricks also possess great structural integrity and can easily be shaped into beautiful designs at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, these building materials come at an affordable price point and ensure safety during construction.
Make your fire pit more durable by building it with kiln-fired bricks. Kiln-fired bricks are fired at higher temperatures than standard clay bricks, creating bigger and denser pieces of material that resist fire pit flames better than standard ones do – meaning they won’t crumble as quickly or easily.
For added strength, use refractory cement. This special mortar is engineered to withstand the intense heat generated by fire pit flames – so don’t skimp on this step.
Next, you can begin building the walls of your fire pit. This can be accomplished using either bricks and mortar or by stacking individual stones atop one another; however, mortar is more commonly used.
Begin by laying an initial layer of bricks around the perimeter of your pit, making sure each brick is level with its neighbor. This height will determine how far apart each round will be, so take time to measure them accurately.
Once all your bricks are in place, add more staggered layers until your pit wall reaches the desired height. Finally, cover all of the bricks with a 4-inch layer of gravel or crushed stone for extra stability.
Now you can complete your fire pit by placing a screen over the top to prevent embers from flying into the air. This will keep your pit clean and more enjoyable for you to enjoy.
Once your fire pit is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! But remember to take extra precautions while using it, such as keeping it away from flammable objects and plant life. In case a fire breaks out while you’re having fun in the pit, be sure you have both a fire extinguisher and water source nearby so that you can quickly put it out.
Stone
Smokeless fire pits are an excellent way to make your backyard space more inviting and comfortable for you and your guests. Compared to traditional fire pits, theirs create less smoke, burning fuel more efficiently and rapidly.
A smokeless fire pit works by drawing air from the bottom and pumping it upward through a chamber between the fire pit stones and ring. Once heated, this air rises to the top and shoots out holes in the ring for secondary combustion.
Secondary combustion heats up the fire and helps it burn more cleanly, meaning less residue, ash, and smoke is released. This method can reduce smoking rates in your neighborhood as well as lower cleaning and maintenance expenses.
To construct a smokeless fire pit, you will need a concrete footer that is at least one foot below ground and a fire ring made of lava rocks or another fireproof stone. Additionally, remove grass and soil to a depth of four to six inches so the fire ring area is several inches below grade; this provides drainage and helps prevent frost heaves during wintertime.
Once your base is built, you can begin creating the fire ring. Choose a diameter wide enough to accommodate the initial layer of stones for your pit and one that covers its rim. Remember to leave about an inch gap around the ring for air circulation.
You have two options for purchasing a fire pit ring insert: use one from your local store or online retailer that fits perfectly, or purchase an insert from an online retailer or store that is specific to the size you need. Unfortunately, there are only so many different fire pit ring inserts available, so custom made rings may need to be made if the size you desire doesn’t exist yet.
This project is an excellent example of how smokeless fire pits can look sophisticated when built into a natural stone wall. Not only does it add an eye-catching focal point to an already stunning outdoor patio, but the seating wall surrounding the fire pit provides plenty of opportunities for relaxation and admiring the view.
Metal
Smokeless fire pits are an ideal option for those seeking a safe and convenient outdoor fire. Not only are they easy to maintain, but they don’t produce much smoke or ash either. When selecting which fire pit best suits your needs and style of use, be sure to pick one that doesn’t produce too much ash or smoke.
A smokeless fire pit works by providing quality fuel with enough heat and oxygen. They feature a double-wall design to maximize their heat and air flow efficiency, plus they come equipped with a smoke filter which eliminates most odors, smoke particles, and materials generated during combustion.
These features help prevent smoke from escaping the fire pit and causing harm to either your property or health. Some smokeless fire pits also feature damper doors on either side to regulate airflow in and out of the fire.
One common feature of smokeless fire pits is their double-walled construction, which permits both primary and secondary combustion. The inner wall has holes near the bottom, while the outer wall boasts multiple rows of holes at its top (see diagram below).
When you ignite a fire in a double-wall enclosure, heated air from the bottom rises between the walls, expanding and pushing out through exterior vent holes. This creates an effect known as “fanning the flames”, which helps increase airflow to the base of the fire.
The hot air then exits through a series of holes at the top of the fire pit, mixing with particles of smoke within it for secondary combustion. This process destroys smoke particles before they escape from within the pit, reducing lingering particles that make your throat scratchy or infuse smokiness into clothing.
If you’re uncertain which type of fire pit is ideal for your needs, take into account these factors:
Cost
Smokeless fire pits can be found at low or mid-range prices, though they tend to be pricier than traditional models due to factors like the size and shape of the pit, what fuel type it burns, and whether or not you plan to use it for cooking purposes.
