Spending an evening around the fire pit with family and friends is one of life’s cozier moments. And since prehistoric times, humans have used fire to cook, heat, and protect themselves – back then, fire could mean the difference between life and death.
Previously, fire pits were mostly decorative and functional outdoor elements used mainly in countries where favorable climates encourage people to spend more time outdoors. However, over the last few years, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the fire pit has become a global phenomenon, as people push to make the most of their gardens and backyards.
Table of Contents
The fire pit trend
Fire pit ideas for retailers
Final thoughts
The fire pit trend
Before going into some fire pit ideas, it’s important to understand the reasons behind why they’ve grown in popularity, which is, first and foremost, their flexibility. Firepits can be used as an outdoor heat source in fall and winter; serve as a place to cook meat, veggies, and fish just like a barbecue grill; or simply as a decorative item, making it a highly versatile product, suitable for gardens, terraces, and even small balconies.
Like campfires, fire pits are great for socializing. They can act as a focal point of any outdoor evening, moments of relaxation, or for conversations with friends and family, over coffee or a glass of wine.
Last but not least, after the pandemic, people have begun to increasingly appreciate the importance of caring for and enjoying their outdoor spaces, which has led to impressive growth in the popularity of landscape design services and outdoor décor items. Fire pit manufacturers now offer various designs, from rustic to contemporary, to suit every taste.
Market data
The numbers confirm the rise of fire pits. According to Research and Markets, the global fire pit market in 2023 was valued at USD 7.0 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2030 to reach USD 9.6 billion.
Also, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way we interact with outdoor spaces, increasing the demand for fire pits. In 2020, 7.1 million more Americans participated in outdoor recreation activities compared to 2019, totaling 53% of Americans aged 6 and over.
Fire pit ideas for retailers
When stocking fire pit models to resell online or in-store, it is important to consider several variables, including consumer preferences, available space, budget, and design.
Below are several fire pit ideas, taking into consideration different aspects that should help you select the best products for your customer base.
Wood fire pits
The traditional wood-burning fire pit is among the most popular fire pit varieties as it symbolizes a return to the simplicity and authenticity of natural fire. This type of fire pit is ideal for those who love a rustic atmosphere and the fantastic smell and crackling sound of burning wood. They also tend to be more affordable in terms of fuel and construction.
Retailers should focus on models that combine durable materials such as corten steel and natural stone, which easily adapt to a variety of environments, from rustic to modern. This versatility in design allows retailers to cater to a wide range of customer preferences.
Modular fire pits
Modular fire pits are an emerging trend, offering consumers the freedom to tailor their fire pits to their specific needs. These models can be adjusted in height and dimension, allowing for a personalized fit in any space or different functions, such as in the garden or patio.
Modular fire pits are often sold in sets, with expansion options for accessories such as grates, seats, benches, or countertops.
Gas fire pits
Gas fire pits are a practical choice for those who want a clean fire that is easy to light and turn off with the simple press of a button. In addition, they don’t require wood for burning and allow you to easily control the intensity of the fire with just the turn of a lever.
For these reasons, gas fire pits are ideal for urban environments as they can be easily installed indoors to replace fireplaces or integrate with outdoor spaces, no matter the style.
Finally, these models don’t produce ash or debris, making them a practical choice for those who desire a low-maintenance option.
Tabletop fire pits
Tabletop fire pits are basically a smaller version of a regular fire pit, making them perfect for customers who have limited space or want to create a magic indoor and outdoor atmosphere with less commitment. These models are designed to be placed in the center of a garden or terrace table, creating a cozy and intimate effect.
Thanks to their smaller size, they are easy to move and are ideal for small spaces. They’re also usually powered by clean-burning fuels such as bioethanol, making them easy to operate and maintain, and come in sleek, high-quality materials such as glass, steel, or ceramic, perfect for elegant and modern settings.
Conclusion
Fire pits have become more than just a functional element for outdoor heating: today, they represent a desirable lifestyle and décor item for gardens and terraces.
Offering a varied and well-thought-out selection of models, from traditional wood-burning fire pits to more innovative solutions such as bioethanol or modular ones, improves the likelihood of catering to the various needs of different customers. The key to success lies in knowing your audience’s preferences and how to fulfill them with quality, functional products in line with current trends.
