Corten steel fire pits are becoming an increasingly popular choice for outdoor heating solutions due to their unique properties and stylish appearance. In this article, we will explore what corten steel is, why corten steel outdoor fire pits are great, share our favorite fire pit, and much more.
What is Corten Steel?
Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is a type of steel that is designed to rust over time. Unlike traditional steel, corten steel forms a protective layer of rust when exposed to the elements, which prevents the steel from corroding further.
This protective layer of rust gives corten steel a distinctive and attractive appearance, making it a popular choice for architectural and design applications.
Why Corten Steel Fire Pits are Great
Corten steel fire pits have a number of advantages over other types of outdoor heating solutions. Firstly, they are incredibly durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for use in even the harshest of climates.
Secondly, they are low maintenance and require no special treatment or coatings to maintain their appearance.
Lastly, corten steel fire pits are great for outdoor spaces because of their distinctive and rustic appearance that adds an element of natural beauty and charm.
Corten vs Stainless Steel
While corten steel and stainless steel may look similar (at first), they have some key differences in terms of their properties and performance. Stainless steel contains chromium, which makes it highly resistant to corrosion and staining. Corten steel, on the other hand, is designed to rust and form a protective layer of rust over time.
While both materials are durable and long-lasting, corten steel has a more unique and distinctive appearance than stainless steel.
How Long Does it Take Corten Steel to Patina?
Corten steel fire pits come in a bluish gray color due to their high copper content. Over time, the steel develops a rust-colored patina which adds to its visual appeal and protects it from further corrosion.
The amount of time it takes for corten steel to patina will depend on a number of different factors, including the climate and environmental conditions in which the steel is located. In general, it takes between 3-6 months for corten steel to develop its characteristic rusty patina.
Although it could take much longer. My corten fire pit, a Breeo X Series 24, took over a year to patina. But during that first year I did have it surrounded in stone blocks (for safety purposes). The patina process can be sped up, and we’ll discuss that shortly.
Our favorite Corten Steel Fire Pit – The Breeo X Series
Our favorite corten steel fire pit is the Breeo X Series, and there are several reasons why we think it’s the best.
It’s smokeless
The Breeo X Series is a smokeless fire pit, which means that it produces far less smoke than traditional fire pits. This is due to its innovative secondary combustion system, which helps to burn off excess smoke and particulate matter, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient burn. This makes the Breeo X Series ideal for anyone who is sick of getting smoked-out every time the wind shifts.
It’ll last a lifetime
the Breeo X Series is made of high-quality corten steel, which is known for its durability and weather resistance. The steel develops a unique and attractive patina over time, which adds to its visual appeal and protects it from further corrosion.
Food tastes better over a Breeo
The Breeo is great for cooking, thanks to its optional Outpost or sear plate. The Outpost is a grill grate that attaches to the side of the fire pit, allowing you to cook food directly over the fire. The sear plate is a flat steel plate that sits over the fire and can be used to sear meat or vegetables.
Made in the U.S.A.
the Breeo X Series is made in the USA, specifically in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This means that you can trust in the quality of the product and support a local business at the same time.
How to Speed Up the Patina Process
If you want to speed up the patina process for your corten steel fire pit, there are a number of different methods that you can use. One common technique is to apply a mixture of vinegar and water to the steel, which will help to accelerate the rusting process.
Or you can simply expose the steel to the elements and wait for nature to take its course, although this will typically take longer than using a patina accelerator.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, corten steel fire pits are a great choice for outdoor heating solutions due to their durability, low maintenance requirements, and unique appearance.
Whether you choose to let your corten steel fire pit patina naturally or accelerate the process, you can be sure that it will provide a stylish and functional addition to your outdoor space for years to come.
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Hi! I’m Tim and I love fire pits, especially the smokeless kind. Fire pits are perfect for gathering friends and family around. My fire pit of choice is the Breeo X Series 24.