There is nothing more enjoyable than relaxing in front of a warm fire in the evening, the burning logs crackling as the flames leap and dance. And while many enjoy the indoor fireplace experience, a fire pit in the back yard is what most folks prefer.

Aside from being an attractive and affordable addition to any patio or back yard, outdoor fire pits also serve as a convenient place to:

Cook

Socialize with friends

Unwind after a long day at work

Spend time with loved ones

Meditate

Other benefits include their portability. Easily moved from one location to another, they can be taken along on camping, fishing or hunting trips. And if you decide to move to a new home, you can take the fire pit with you.

Fire pits are also designed with safety in mind. High enough off the ground to avoid burning grass and surrounding vegetation, most models come equipped with a mesh screen top to catch flying cinders and floating ashes (ensuring compliance with even the strictest of municipal fire codes). The ring that encircles the pit's upper rim prevents people from brushing up against the pit itself, and burning their legs or clothing.

Fire pits come in several styles, depending on one's taste and needs.

There are the wood-burning models, composed of brick, stone or steel components, as well as propane models, the pits themselves of square or round construction. Depending on the model, some even have designs cut through the pit's sidewall, allowing the firelight to cast pleasing star and moon shapes on the ground, providing an added measure of beauty to the fie pit experience.

Aside from the aesthetic pleasure of building a fire, the main advantage of wood burners is that they are always suitable for cooking. The fire base is broad and the smoke adds a nice flavor to whatever is being cooked. In addition, tile and stone fire pits have a wide edge where cooking items, cups, mugs and other items can be placed without fear of them being melted or burned- provided that the fire isn't too large!

One of the main disadvantages of wood-burners is inconvenience. Dry, unpainted wood is always needed, as are matches and fire starters. Then there's the smoke, the feeding of the fire and its extinguishment, which usually involves yet more smoke. It all depends on how much trouble the owner is willing to put up with.

Propane fire pits, by contrast, offer clean, consistent, even heat. And once the fire is lit, a regulator controls the flame size. When the fire is extinguished, it happens in seconds, and without annoying smoke clouds. Propane models are also more likely to be allowed in camping areas where open fires are prohibited during seasons of high fire risk.

The disadvantages of propane are three-fold. While there are always plenty of wood scraps around to serve as fuel, propane tanks have to be refilled once they are empty, involving travel expense and time spent waiting in line. In addition, not all propane fire pits are designed for cooking, which means you will eventually have to buy a second model. Also, there is always a safety issue involved where gas and fire are present. Hoses and hose couplings must be periodically inspected for cleanliness and tight fit.

Regardless of your taste or need, though, there is a fire pit like outdoor fire pits and copper fire pits out there with your name on it- whether you be a wood-burning purist, or someone who enjoys the mellow look of a gas-lit fire pit with a bright copper bowl. Fire pits are an investment you can enjoy year-round.