Steel vs. Ceramic Logs: What’s the Difference?
Gas fire pits are the perfect addition to any outdoor oasis. They allow us to enjoy evenings outdoors year-round. Thankfully, we now have options other than wood-burning fire pits, which are messy and have us constantly running for more wood. There are also options for the logs we choose for our gas fire pits. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between steel and ceramic logs so that when you’re ready to install or improve your fire pit, you’ll know what to choose.
Ceramic Logs
Ceramic logs come in two forms: ceramic fiber and refractory ceramic. Let’s discuss ceramic fiber first.
Ceramic Fiber
Ceramic fiber is inexpensive; however, when it comes to burning logs in your fire pit, we don’t recommend you immediately go for the lowest price. You often get what you pay for. Ceramic logs are lightweight, which is sometimes helpful, but they aren’t sturdy enough to stand the test of time and often leave us with cracked logs that no longer look real. Ceramic is also porous, which means the logs easily absorb odors. When burning in a fire pit, ceramic logs may emit other odors that they have picked up from sitting outside (and that’s not always a good thing).
Refractory Ceramic
Refractory cement logs are a combination of cement and ceramic, making them heavier and stronger than ceramic fiber. They can withstand the high temperatures of a fire pit, but unfortunately, they become discolored over time, which makes them look less realistic.
Both types of ceramic logs don’t produce a lot of heat, so if warmth is what you seek, steel logs are the way to go.
Steel Logs
Steel logs are known to last for many years, even for the lifetime of your fire pit use. Let’s look at why more and more people are falling in love with steel logs for their gas fire pit.
The Look of Real Wood
Steel logs are works of art. During the day, many consider the logs to be a unique and beautiful sculpture rather than a pile of artificial logs. In the evening, the steel logs look like nothing less than burning wood as the flames dance through the holes the artist has created. Because of the nature of the material, steel is easily transformed into lifelike wood, with each piece having its own personality.
Warmth
As you and your guests gather around your gas fire pit, even in the cold months, steel logs create a warmth not found with ceramic logs. You won’t need an extra heater outside or piles of heavy blankets to stay warm.
Better Over Time
Just like your favorite bourbon, steel logs get better with age. As they burn, the logs only become more lifelike and take on new characteristics, making them more rustic and beautiful over time.
When comparing the differences between steel and ceramic logs, the choice is clear. Steel logs look like wood, get better with age, provide warmth, and last for decades. At Colorado Custom Fire Pits, we take the art of steel logs seriously and offer only the best. Contact us for more information about how our metal fire pit logs can add a warm ambiance to your gas fire pit this season and beyond.