My favorite outdoor fire pit table is Blue Rhino’s Firebowl with slate tile surround. This is a great value if you already have chairs or prefer to buy them separately.
(Note: The variety of neutral colors in the tiles make this table easy to match to chairs and other furniture.)
I have owned one myself for over 8 years, and it has hosted many fire pit gatherings. It still runs beautifully and looks great.
Here’s why I like it:
1. It Looks Cool
It has a rustic yet sophisticated look without the expensive price tag. The unique slate tile tabletop looks custom made, yet I paid less than $450 for the entire unit. I continuously get comments from friends, so I know I’m not alone when I say it looks cool.
By the way, I recently noticed a comparable model priced at almost double the price! This just made me feel even better about my purchase.
2. It’s Low Maintenance
This table weathers well, and with virtually no cleaning or maintenance. Actually, I think this table looks pretty much the same as the day I put it together.
As far as cleaning goes, I have wiped down the tile surface with water and a sponge. Furthermore, the only maintenance I have done is replacing the starter battery, refilling the propane tank and clearing a few leaves from the grill.
By the way, if you have an outdoor slate table top and want to do a deeper cleaning or remove stains, Bob Vila recommends using teak oil (cheaper than slate oil) for cleaning and hydrogen peroxide mixed with water for removing stains.
3. Perfect Table Size & Height
There is plenty of space for drinks, food and more (10.5″ from the outer table edge to the edge of the “pit”), which is cool.
It feels spacious even with 4 people sitting at it. Furthermore, when I need to fit more people, it’s definitely do-able. That said, the table itself doesn’t take up a lot of space and will not take over your patio (well, unless you have a small patio).
The table surface is also the perfect height for putting my feet up as well. In fact, the layout is so comfortable that many times I find myself outside working on my laptop at the fire pit, with a glass of wine of course.
4. It’s Sturdy
I don’t ever have to worry about this fire pit falling apart because it has a solid steel frame with heavy-duty concrete/tile tabletop. Yes, it is heavy to move at over 150 lbs, but I’m assuming you won’t have to move it much.
For the record, I assembled the unit myself and can move it without any help if I need to to. And I’m no super human. (The only tools needed were an included allen wrench and a screwdriver, instructions).
5. Faux Logs
Most firebowls contain glass pieces or lava rocks for the fire pit bed. This model also includes 5 faux logs which you can stack in any arrangement that you like.
(Note: the logs are also numbered on the bottom with instructions on how to place them if you are not sure what to do).
6. Adjustable Flames
Although many fireplace tables have this feature, I do like the fact that I can adjust the flame (40,000 BTU cast iron burner). I can get a higher heat output on those cool evenings or simmer down the flames when I want to use less propane.
7. Starts in Seconds
Finally, the control panel is cleverly concealed underneath the table and easily within hand’s reach. In addition, it comes with an electronic ignition, so you just push the button, turn the knob and you’re in business!
Dimensions (approximately): 42″ Long x 42″ Wide x 22″ High
Weight: 162 lbs
Coupon for propane take refills