There’s something magical about gathering around a fire pit in your backyard, sharing stories, creating cherished memories, and laughing with all your loved ones. The crackling warmth of a fire can easily turn your evening into something unforgettable.
But when it comes to choosing the correct fire pit, many are faced with the burning question: Which is the best, traditional fire bowls vs smokeless fire pit? We’re here to help you make the right decision.
Fire Bowl vs. Smokeless Fire Pits — A Quick Overview Fire Pit Comparison
| Feature | Wood Burning Fire Bowl | Smokeless Fire Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke Output | High: produces visible smoke, can irritate eyes and lungs | Minimal: designed to reduce smoke, offering a cleaner and more enjoyable experience |
| Ambience | Provides the classic crackling sound and natural fire aesthetics | Similar crackling sound but with less smoke for a cleaner experience |
| Ease of Use | Requires straightforward setup but needs regular monitoring, stoking, and managing smoke for comfort | Needs proper setup and attention during use, but the efficient design reduces the frequency of stoking and makes maintaining a consistent flame easier |
| Fuel Type | Any wood, hardwoods are the best. Unseasoned or damp logs can work, though less efficient and will produce a lot of smoke | Any wood, hardwoods are the best. Unseasoned or damp logs can work and will produce less smoke due to the secondary combustion |
| Cost | Usually lower Initial Cost: $100 - $800 NZD | Usually higher Initial Cost: $300 - $1,000 NZD |
| Environmental Impact | Higher emissions due to incomplete combustion | Lower emissions thanks to secondary combustion technology |
| Maintenance | Frequent ash and debris removal required | Minimal cleanup: fine ash is easy to manage and requires less frequent disposal |
| Best Use Case | Great for low cost traditional campfire-like settings with an open fire and not fussed or annoyed with smoke getting into eyes and clothes | Ideal for family-friendly gatherings, urban backyards, or smoke-sensitive areas |
How Do They Work? Fire Bowls vs. Smokeless Fire Pits
Wood Burning Fire Bowls provide you with a back-to-basic feel and look. They are your standard design fire pits in the shape of a bowl in which you will burn wood logs, often producing a lot of smoke.
In contrast, Smokeless Fire Pits, as the name suggests, drastically reduce and eliminate smoke with a double-wall design. The unique design of smokeless fire pits allows air to flow through its walls, which leads to a hotter and more efficient fire while reducing the inconvenience of smoke blowing into people’s faces. This creates a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Which Fire Pit is Safer? Smokeless Fire Pit or Fire Bowl
The safer option is the smokeless fire pit, thanks to its unique design and technology. By drastically reducing smoke output through more efficient combustion, it not only creates a healthier environment by limiting exposure to harmful pollutants but also eliminates the irritation caused by traditional wood smoke. Additionally, smokeless fire pits minimise the risk of sparks, flying embers, and ash dispersal, which are common causes of accidental fires in traditional fire bowls. With these safety features, a smokeless fire pit offers a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable outdoor experience for everyone.
Costs Comparison: Smokeless vs Wood Burning Fire Pit
Smokeless Fire Pits require a higher initial investment, costing between $300 and $1000+ NZD, but they have a lower maintenance cost. Wood-burning fire pits, on the other hand, require a lower initial investment, costing between $100 and $800+ NZD. If you decide to get the lower cost versions on the fire bowls around the $100 mark, they may cost more in the long term as you will need to replace them often due to low quality materials.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a traditional fire bowl and smokeless fire pit depends on your lifestyle and needs. We’re being a bit cheeky here, but if you love the authentic smoke in your eyes, a fire bowl is perfect, if you like all the charm of an open fire from the crackling of wood, the heat but without all the irritating smoke then a smokeless fire pit might be perfect for you.
Transform your backyard today with the perfect fire pit from Wizard Fire Pits NZ!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between a fire bowl and a smokeless fire pit?
A fire bowl is a traditional open fire container that produces visible smoke, while a smokeless fire pit uses a double-wall design to reduce smoke through more efficient combustion.
2. Can I use any type of wood in both fire bowls and smokeless fire pits?
Yes, both can use wood, but hardwoods are recommended for better burning efficiency. Damp or unseasoned wood will create more smoke, especially in fire bowls. Pine wood should be avoided as it tends to burn with a lot of black soot because of the resin inside it.
3. Which type of fire pit is safer for family use?
Smokeless fire pits are generally safer because through their efficient combustion they can reduce sparks, flying embers, and smoke irritation, lowering the risk of accidental fires and respiratory discomfort.
4. Do fire bowls create more ambience than smokeless fire pits?
Both provide a great crackling sound and natural firelight, but fire bowls tend to produce more visible smoke, which some people find adds to the ambience, while others find to be a nuisance. It is all personal taste.
5. Are smokeless fire pits more environmentally friendly?
Yes, they emit fewer pollutants due to more complete combustion, making them a greener option compared to traditional fire bowls.
6. How long does a fire usually last in a fire bowl vs. a smokeless fire pit?
Both depend on the amount and type of wood used, but smokeless fire pits tend to burn more efficiently, so they can maintain heat longer with less fuel.
7. Can I cook over a smokeless fire pit or fire bowl?
Many fire bowls and some smokeless fire pits can be used for cooking, but it depends on the model. Check manufacturer guidelines for cooking compatibility.
8. Where can I buy fire bowls and smokeless fire pits in New Zealand?
Wizard Fire Pits NZ offers a range of high-quality fire bowls and smokeless fire pits suitable for various needs and budgets.
