Gather round

Courtney Mueller -- Casual Living, 1/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

The summer months can be stretched and winter evenings warmed with the offerings found today in the outdoor market. From fire pits and heaters to outdoor fireplaces and chimineas, there are a variety of options available that provide the heat and ambiance of a fire.

Fire pit tables from Homecrest are available in chat and dining heights, 13 designer frame finishes and cast or granite inserts for a completely custom-made accent.

An outdoor wood-burning fireplace from Bull Outdoor Products includes a brushed stainless steel insert with a stainless steel spark screen.

Featuring hand-hammered solid copper basins with wrought iron grates and stands, fire pits from Good Directions are available in 24-, 30- or 36-inch diameter sizes.

From O.W. Lee, the 24-inch tall Chat-Pit is entirely self-contained and highlighted by wrought iron detail and an electronic igniter for seamless lighting.

Tropicdane's new mosaic fire pit combines glazed mosaic tiles in three colors constructed in heat-resistant composite cements.

The Asian Pagoda chiminea from Deeco is inspired by Japanese pagodas and crafted from cast iron stone, exuding not only some warmth but also a Zen feel.

Cal Spas' Cal Flame double-sided fireplace is perfect for the outdoors and comes standard with a stucco and porcelain tile finish, while a firebox houses gas logs and a gas burner.

Portable patio heaters from Crown Verity are completely self-contained and include an easy-to-move wheel kit, an electronic ignition system and a high output and fuel efficient conical burner.

From Mallin, the 54-inch square fire pit is complemented with a remote control and available with propane or natural gas connections.

The new Sierra Series outdoor fire pit by Hargrove comes with a 20-inch diameter stainless steel burner and four-piece log set featuring a realistic texture and design.