Fire pits - anyone have one? Need feedback/suggestions (home, pros and cons)

[Boatdrinks]

We're thinking about doing a fire pit in the backyard. We were going to do gas and that fake lava stuff, like they have at resorts, etc. However, I'm hearing from friends and neighbors that gas is a waste of money. They all recommend wood burning and even suggest just getting one of the portable ones - cheaper and more mobile. I'm not crazy about dealing with wood, ashes, etc. and also feel like a built in firepit will add some value (albeit minimal) for resale, but I also don't want to waste money on a built in, gas fire pit if we can get the same effect with a portable wood one.

Anyone have one or the other and have opinions? Or does anyone know anything about the pros and cons of gas vs wood for fire pits?

[ibarrio]

I bought one similar to this from Lowes. Works pretty good. You do have to shovel out the ash.

[ILuvAZ]

We have a gas fireplace in our backyard. I shy from a wood one because of the smoke and ash issue... also, turning on my fire is as easy as a turn of a key, I don't have to mess with wood and there is zero cleanup.

I can see the portable factor being a positive in the type that ibarrio posted.

[ILuvAZ]

Also, wanted to say that we use our fireplace often. We'll just go out and sit for 15 mins with a glass of wine or with our laptops and we can turn the fire on and off in 2 seconds. A wood burning would require more work and I don't think we'd use it as often.

My father has a wood burning fireplace in his backyard and we constantly have to move to avoid the smoke and we go home stinking like a campground. He also has a large messy pile of wood in his backyard.

[kdog]

Gotta agree with ILuvAZ. A big part of the appeal of a gas firepit is the spontaneity of it. Turn the key, and instant ambiance and warmth. Turn it off, and off it goes. If I had to schlep wood and shovel ashes each time, it would almost never get used.

[Dianad555]

I have had my gas fire pit out on my deck for 3 years it is so easy to maintain and there is no mess like a wood fire. You can ejoy the fire and your guests instead of having to get wood all of the time. Plus, When you are done its as easy as durnig off a key to stop the fire. I also read on [url=http://www.thecustomfireplace.com]Outdoor Gas Fireplace. Portable Fire Pit. Custom Fireplace Control[/url] ,where I bought my stainless steel gas fire pit kit that it is less expensive to burn gas than wood.