Summertime is right around the corner, so outdoor activities are a must! But, of course, one of the best summer pastimes is to enjoy an evening around an open fire, and what better way to do that than a fire pit?
But one might wonder, how hot does a fire pit get?
Does a Fire Pit Give Off Heat?
Does a fire pit give off heat, and if so, how hot does a fire pit get? Of course, the answer to the first question is yes! A fire pit gives off ample heat that can heat our delicious hot dogs during a cookout and keep our feet nice and toasty on a chilly summer night.
How hot does a fire pit get? Unfortunately, the answer to that question is a bit more complex and depends on the type of fire pit we’re referring to.
Some common fire pits that we often see used in the summertime include stone, metal, wood, and gas fire pits. Each is unique, which changes how hot the fire pit will get.
How Hot Does a Stone Fire Pit Get?
Stone fire pits are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, which is most likely why they are so popular.
But how hot does a stone fire pit get?
How hot the stone fire pit will get will depend on what type of fire you are building within the stone pit.
For example, a wood fire will burn hotter and may reach up to 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius).
In comparison, a gas fire will typically burn at a lower temperature and usually only reaches a temperature of about 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The stone, however, does not absorb heat. So you can rest assured knowing that this type of fireplace will not cause a hazard to you, your family, or pets if accidentally touched.
How Hot Does a Metal Fire Pit Get?
Metal fire pits are another common type of fire pit.
Metal fire pits, just like the stone fire pits, also use either wood or gas to fuel the fire.
The kind of fire used will determine how hot the fire pit gets.
A wood fire within the metal frame will reach about 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, and a gas fire can reach up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Still, the metal frame around the fire could be concerning.
Although you don’t plan on touching the fire pit on purpose, accidents happen, and a metal fire pit can reach up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unfortunately, that temperature is hot enough to melt the soles of your shoes!
How Hot Does a Wood Fire Pit Get?
A wood fire pit, or one that would resemble something of a bonfire without any boundary walls, is also a kind of fire that is very popular.
This fire burns very hot and should always be treated with caution.
How hot does a wood fire pit get?
A wood fire pit will reach up to 2,012 degrees Fahrenheit! This temperature is hot enough to melt certain metals and could easily cause third-degree burns with just one touch.
This type of fire is also not as contained as the others already mentioned. Hence, a bonfire requires monitoring at all times.
How Hot Does a Gas Fire Pit Get?
A gas fire pit uses gas as the fuel rather than wood.
A gas fire pit will generally burn at a lower temperature than a wood fire but is much easier to control.
A gas fire is measured in British thermal units (BTUs).
A typical gas fire pit will give off about 10,000 BTU compared to a wood fire, which is a difference of about 10,000 BTUs as wood fireplaces tend to generate anywhere between 20,000 and 40,000 BTUs.
A gas fire pit is nice because you can control the flame’s temperature and size, and it is also the safer option.
How Hot Does a Wood Fire Get?
Wood fires are prevalent, likely because they give off a more authentic fireplace feel, with the crackling and the iconic smell.
But another benefit to a wood fire is that it does burn very hot!
When diving into the question, “how hot does a fire pit get?” it is essential to know whether or not the fire pit is using wood or gas to fuel it.
A wood fire will burn anywhere between 930-2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The amount of wood used in the fire and the type of wood are all factors that can determine just how hot the fire will burn.
How Hot Are Campfire Coals?
Now that we know how hot a fire pit can get let’s go one step further and look at how hot campfire coals are.
Campfire coals are those little crackling, hot coals that sometimes pop up at you unexpectedly during your family camping trip.
Campfire coals are undoubtedly the hottest part of the fire. These bad boys can get up to a temperature of 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit!
They are the driving force behind the fire and should be treated with care.
If one happens to pop out at you, safely step away from the coal until it is no longer burning red, and then step on it with your shoe to be sure you have put it out.
Conclusion: How Hot Does a Fire Pit Get?
When contemplating the question of how hot a fire pit gets, be sure to know what type of fire you are dealing with and the kind of fire pit you plan on using.
The temperature of a fire pit varies depending on a few different factors: what is fueling the fire (wood or gas) and where the fire is taking place.
Wood fires burn hotter and give you the authentic fire smell, but gas fires are easier to control.
The type of fire fit that is right for you depends on what you feel is best for you and your family.
