Even in the city people enjoy gathering around the warmth of a fire. Choosing between a wood- and gas-burning fires pits should be a decision you consider carefully. In a rural setting, wood-burning firepits are definitely the choice. However, in a city setting, there are a few more things to consider.
Aesthetics
Urban fire pits have to match up to their surroundings. Though there is a certain charm to wood-burning fire pits, fire glass crystals, and other decorative elements make gas-burning fire pits sights to behold.
Brightly colored fire glass crystals evoke a feeling of magical fantasy while remaining classy and elegant. Wood-burning fire pits can be problematic in an urban setting. The smoke produced can be unsightly and can bring about complaints from the neighbors.
Safety
Some cities regulate or even prohibit the burning of wood within city confines. Gas-burning firepits produce almost zero smoke, minimizing the risk of an overly excited neighbor calling emergency services.
Less smoke also means less soot and particles. About 80–90% of wood smoke is fine particulate matter. These cause irritations to the eyes and lungs, causing sneezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. The dangers are heightened on people with asthma and heart problems.
Chronic exposure to smoke can also lead to respiratory problems, lung cancer, and heart disease. Both wood and gas-burning fire pits have safety issues, but proper installation and use can bring down the risks to negligible levels.
Convenience
In a rural setting, it is most convenient to use a wood-burning fire pit since wood is free and accessible. In a city setting, access to wood is limited and a bit costly.
Wood also takes a bit of time to light, maintain, and clean up. On the other hand, gas-burning stoves need less maintenance, are easier to use and need almost no cleaning.
Take into account where you live before deciding on a fire pit. Your city may have regulations on size and fuel, so do a bit of research to make sure you abide by the rules.