Extending living space out to your patio or backyard during the winter months may seem impossible, unless you get an outdoor fireplace that can provide comfortable heat all year round. An outdoor fireplace is relatively cheap and can last you years with great care and maintenance.
To help you decide on what to get, we have reviewed a couple, and now it’s the turn of Landmann’s Ball of Fire Outdoor Fireplace.
PROS: If you are looking for a sturdy, no fuss fireplace then the Landmann Ball of Fire will suit your taste. Although it is pricey compared to its counterparts, I guess you will be paying more for ease of functionality, ergonomic design, and durability. For someone looking for a fireplace to fill that sole purpose, get this. If you’re looking for a fireplace that can double as a centerpiece, this might not tickle your fancy. Although the round shape is pleasing to the eye, it lacks the class and style artisans look for.
CONS: If you’re thinking that you won’t have trouble putting together a big ball with three stands, think again. Users have specifically complained about its complexity; assembly can take you 30 minutes to an hour. Landmann also has the habit of not placing the complete sets of the bolts and nuts in the package, which will result to the need of taking a quick trip to the hardware store. To some, the hassle is worth it once it is up and running.
What are the important aspects of the Landmann Ball of Fire Outdoor Fireplace?
Fuel – This fireplace is fueled by wood or charcoal. It has a steel bowl fire pit made from heavy-duty materials to ensure that it will last a long time. Thin bases might be eaten by the heat of the fire overtime so pick something that looks and feels durable.
You may put sand on the bowl to avoid direct heat and burn on your steel bowl and in turn, prolong its life. It can handle both short and long wood because putting fuel of any size isn’t a problem as the fireplace opening upwards, like slicing a melon in half.
Size – The Landmann Ball of Fire is a massive round fireplace that can fit and eat away several pieces of logs. The exact dimensions are 34.75″ H x 32.75″ W x 30.25″ D, 30” in diameter and weighs 47 pounds. Due to the size and design, it offers an unobstructed 360-degree view, which looks like a big ball of fire at night, thereby entertaining and warming up guests during a nice barbecue party.
Portability – When it comes to this department, this fireplace fails a little bit because it is quite heavy and difficult to move due to its round shape. It also doesn’t have built-in wheels for moving. The Landmann Ball of Fire Outdoor Fireplace is especially designed to sit in one place while being used.
If other fireplaces can be moved while in use, this one can’t, and is quite impossible to do without risking burns. At 47 pounds, it is also quite heavy. Finalize the area where you will leave your fireplace so you won’t have to worry about moving it in the future.
Material – The fireplace is made of sturdy all-steel construction, has a 30” steel bowl that serves as the fire pit, and features a large pivoting spark screen that allows easy access to the fire. The metal mesh covering the entire area of the round fireplace offers an unobstructed view of fire, which looks great at night. It also radiates warmth on a 360-degree angle ensuring that everyone around it will get a fair share of warmth.
Safety – It is highly recommended to place the fireplace atop a concrete or stone surface and avoid wooden surface as the fireplace can greatly heat up. Also don’t forget to add sand onto the metal bowl to extend its life. Have fire extinguisher or water supply nearby in case you need it.
What other facts should you know about the Landmann Ball of Fire Outdoor Fireplace?
Although some people consider the assembly quite difficult because of the complication of the materials, some find it easy to install without the need for special tools, although it takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Some were unfortunate to receive incomplete packages with missing bolts and nuts. These can be bought in your nearest hardware store, but it is quite hassling. The package comes with instructions on how to assemble with clear label and diagrams.
The appearance, once successfully completed and lighted, is very striking. From afar at night, it looks like a floating ball of fire even though it’s just a plain black mesh sphere during the day. You’ll be able to build a large fire that can easily warm seven to eight people because of the big diameter of the sphere that can house several pieces of logs.
You have to take good care of this fireplace, as it is not guaranteed if the mesh can withstand prolonged exposure from the changing weathers and moisture. Over time, the materials will rust and deteriorate.
Once the protective enamel is chipped off, the next thing you’ll see is rust eating away at your fireplace. To avoid this, store your fireplace somewhere dry when not in use and house it in a waterproof cover. Also don’t forget to take the ashes out after every use.
One thing missing that can be added into the fireplace is a safety rail around the edge of the bowl to give buffer between the fireplace and people in case of accidental touches. You may want to check out the Corona outdoor fire place as well as it has a lot of features we find to be attractive.
Conclusion
Overall, the Landmann Ball of Fire Outdoor Fireplace is a great addition to your backyard or patio to not only warm your family or guests but to provide an additional eye-candy when lighted at night. It has a big space for more logs and has a 360-degree design for maximum heat distribution.
The round shape is also kind-of unique even though it lacks the “classy” feel artisans look for. If you’re in it for the warmth it can radiate and willing to pay a bit more, then get this fireplace.
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