If you love outdoor fireplaces but are concerned about the smoky emissions they emit every time they’re used, then you might want to consider purchasing a unit that runs on gel fuel. Gel fuel is an environmentally friendly product that is made from isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, plus some thickeners to provide additional stability. The resulting flammable concoction burns cleanly, releasing almost no smoke, odors, soot, or other harmful pollutants.

While converting from a natural gas or wood-burning unit to a gel fuel fireplace would be a great way to reduce the carbon footprint created by your evenings of backyard entertainment, that’s not the only reason to make the switch. Gel fuel outdoor fireplaces are also very attractive units that are far easier to operate and maintain than traditional hearth products because there is no mess and therefore no cleanup required.

We carry a vast selection of clean-burning gel fuel fireplace models in a variety of styles and sizes here at MantelsDirect.com, including the following:

• Sierra by Real Flame. This is a lovely pagoda style unit made from cast concrete and powder-coated steel. The flame burns over a bed of decorative lava rocks and logs, and features a crackling effect for greater authenticity. A pull-out drawer holds up to four cans of gel fuel, while a convenient extinguishing lever helps you put out the fire quickly. This model is available in black or copper finish.
• Allure Sedona Tabletop Fire Pit. The Allure Sedona Tabletop model is a lightweight product that can be placed on any table or stand, and is therefore recommended if you’re looking for something small and portable. It incorporates Venturi Flame technology to produce a mesmerizing “dancing fire” or swirling flame effect that is sure to enthrall you and your guests for hours on end.
• Real Flame Modesto. This Modesto freestanding design is another of the great Real Flame outdoor fireplaces we carry. At just over three feet tall and made from fiber-cast concrete and glass, the unit comes with a column, glass cover, decorative river rock, burn cup and snuffer tool. It can be used indoors or out, and would look just as beautiful in your living room or den as in your backyard.
• Inspiration Silver Vein. For a truly stunning fireplace, check out the Inspiration Silver Vein model. Constructed of weather- and corrosion-resistant aluminum and stainless steel, this product sets up in minutes thanks to the included wall anchor kit. The swirling Venturi Flame burns over a bed of diamond-glass crystals for a brilliant effect that complements any décor.

Gel fuel outdoor fireplaces are the way to go when you want a clean-burning, maintenance-free hearth product that doesn’t require any kind of ventilation system. Be sure to view our entire collection at MantelsDirect.com and purchase an eco-friendly fireplace that fits your lifestyle today.

Are you getting four-season use and enjoyment from your backyard, or do you have to retreat inside your home as soon as summer ends? If cold weather is cutting short your efforts at outdoor entertaining, then it’s time to add a hearth product to the equation.

Most people choose to use outdoor fireplaces as a primary source of heat in the yard. Wood-burning units in particular are known to generate the amount of warmth necessary to keep your outdoor space comfortable no matter what the calendar says. This is a major reason why our Napa Collection is such a hit with customers.

Every wood-burning fireplace in our Napa Collection is sold as a modular kit with an easy-to-assemble interlocking design that doesn’t require the use of glue, mortar, or fasteners. Because each piece simply snaps into place, you don’t need to hire a contractor or purchase expensive tools to install your new fireplace and get it working.

Here are some more reasons you should give Napa outdoor fireplaces a look:

• Made of a patented reinforced composite concrete and fiberglass material that is more durable than concrete alone.
• Will actually get stronger over time as the concrete continues to cure after prolonged outdoor exposure to moisture and the elements.
• Has a sandy finish with the look and feel of aged concrete.
• All outdoor fireplaces in this collection come with a grate, spark arrestor, and realistic-looking brick liner for the firebox.
• Mid-sized choices include the Calistoga, Helena, and Franciscan models.
• Large-sized choices include the Coppola and Sonoma models.
• Available in tan, terra cotta, midnight, and stone gray finish, depending on the model.
• Comes with one-year warranty against manufacturing and material defects.
• Sold exclusively by MantelsDirect.com.

Outdoor fireplaces like the ones in our Napa Collection are a smart investment for folks who want to do more with their backyard or patio. The heat these units provide will keep you toasty even in the colder months, thereby considerably extending your outdoor entertaining season. For more information on this collection or to place an order, please see individual product pages on our site.

Simply the Sweet Life is a home & garden lifestyle magazine with features on great food & recipes, fresh creative ideas, stylish entertaining & lifestyle tips, and family travels to create lasting memories. It is the place to find Simple little things to make Life Sweet! MantelsDirect was featured in their No. 3 Summer Issue. Our team shares tips on building an outdoor fire pit and gives step by step directions to creating the perfect outdoor fire! Gather around your family and friends there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy the outdoors!  Click below to read the full article, we’re featured on pages 42-43.

Is it time to remodel your outdoor living room? Have you just moved into a home where the previous owners didn’t know the first thing about taking care of outdoor fireplaces? If so, then you might think replacing that old unit is the best way to improve the area. But before you spend a ton of money tearing down all that brick and masonry, you should consider installing a gas fireplace insert instead.

Gas fireplace inserts fit into your existing fireplace framework to give the unit an all-new look and feel. They require no chimney or special ventilation system, so installation is fast and easy. Gas fireplace inserts even work in wood outdoor fireplaces, which means you can transform an inefficient, labor-intensive model into a convenient, energy-efficient source of heat and warmth in your yard.

And that’s just the beginning. Gas fireplace inserts also provide you with these fantastic features and benefits.

• 100% stainless steel construction for supreme durability even in the face of the harshest outdoor conditions and weather elements.
• Exclusive PHAZER log set that produces the most realistic looking flames available in gas outdoor fireplaces.
• Between 40,000 and 65,000 BTU output (depending on model) and 99.9% energy efficiency for extra savings on heating bills.
• Remote control access and piezo ignition for ease of use.
• Safe Guard gas control system to automatically shut off the gas supply if you forget to do it.
• Fully adjustable flames for more control over heat levels in your outdoor space.
• Numerous styles and finishes to complement the rest of your outdoor furniture.

As you prepare to renovate your backyard, you should weigh all available options in regards to upgrading your fireplace. The right gas inserts can make outdoor fireplaces look and function as good as new while improving energy efficiency and saving money, so we encourage you to give these products a look before shelling out major cash for a complete rebuild.

There’s something about fire that draws people in; adding a fire pit focal point to your outdoor room is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your patio or deck area. Your friends and family will enjoy roasting marshmallows on cool summer nights! MantelsDirect.com offers fire pits and fire bowls for every style, décor, and budget. Take a look at a few of our favorites.

Our new Colonial Fire Pit Table is classically designed and versatile. When not enjoying the fire you can use this fire pit as a freestanding table for outdoor entertaining. The Colonial Firepit features a durable fiberglass base with a large 48” super cast top.

Built to last, the Third Rock Firepit from Fire Pit Art is handcrafted from solid carbon steel and requires no maintenance even in cold, harsh environments. The Third Rock fire pit design is beautiful when fired up at night and is a sophisticated piece of art during the day.

If you headed to the beach this summer, don’t forget to take along our Pacific Coast Outdoor Fire Pit. This fun, stylish fire pit is lightweight and portable. The palm trees and sun design is sure to bring an extra spark of fun to any beach outing.

Whether your looking to add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor room or simply extend your outdoor living season, MantelsDirect.com offers fire pits and fire bowls for your specific needs.

Adding a home hearth product to your backyard or patio is an easy way to create a cozy, relaxing environment for entertaining friends and family. What might not be so easy, however, is figuring out exactly which kind of outdoor fireplace to purchase. Some people prefer the authenticity of a wood or charcoal burning outdoor fireplace, while others appreciate the convenience of natural gas. Then there are those who, due to space limitations, would rather have a fire pit. All three categories of fireplaces have distinct benefits, so before making a decision, we recommend taking a closer look at the different types.

Wood or charcoal burning
A wood or charcoal burning outdoor fireplace gives you the greatest amount of flexibility in terms of both cooking and heating applications. With the right grilling accessories, you can first prepare a delicious meal and then sit back to bask in the warmth of a genuine wood fire. These units typically feature double-walled construction for extra durability and work best in larger spaces where a level surface made of concrete or other noncombustible materials is available.

Natural gas
If you love the idea of lounging in front of an outdoor fireplace on a cool autumn night but don’t have the patience or energy required to get a wood fire going, then natural gas is a terrific alternative. A gas outdoor fireplace turns on and off with the twist of a knob, which means you spend less time trying to light the fire and more time enjoying its benefits. This type of unit is made of stainless steel and can be used with either liquid propane or natural gas fuels. Since they require no ventilation system, natural gas models can be installed virtually anywhere on your property, including enclosed areas.

Fire pit
When space or financial concerns play a primary role in your purchasing decision, then a fire pit might be the answer you’re looking for. Smaller and more affordable than full-sized fireplaces, a fire pit can still provide you with the warmth and ambience you crave. These products are available in many styles and designs, and can be enhanced with various accents such as copper, stone, or tile. Portability is a key fire pit feature that allows you to set up the unit on the ground, your wood deck, or even a table top.

Today’s home hearth products are built to last for years, so don’t make the mistake of getting stuck with one that is ill-suited to your needs. To ensure you derive the most satisfaction out of your outdoor fireplace or fire pit, consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of each type prior to making a decision.

Have you been putting off the purchase of an outdoor fireplace because of the prospect of a long and messy assembly process? We don’t blame you. Who has time to deal with mixing mortar or finding the right glues and fasteners for the project? This is one of the main reasons why Mantels Direct is proud to include Perfect Outdoor Fireplace kits in our inventory of home hearth products.

Perfect Outdoor Fireplace kits take the hassle out of installing a fireplace in your backyard or outdoor kitchen. These pre-fab units are made of interlocking components that fit together without the use of adhesive compounds. Assembly can be completed in about an hour, which means you can begin using your new unit for heating or cooking on the same day it arrives at your home.

Here are some additional features that make Perfect Outdoor Fireplace kits worth a look:

• Modular design. The interlocking modular design not only makes assembly a breeze, but also makes it easy to disassemble and move your fireplace to another location or even put it in storage for the winter.
• No coating required. Perfect Outdoor Fireplace kits give you a great-looking product right out of the box. The units are available in 8 popular colors that require no additional coating at all. However, if you want to customize your unit, it is very easy to add bricks or stonework for a more elegant finish.
• Charcoal/wood or natural gas units. Choose the fireplace/BBQ edition for charcoal and wood-burning capabilities, or go with the multi-screen unit for the no muss, no fuss convenience of natural gas (optional logs are available as well).
• Multiple door and screen options. Just because Perfect Outdoor Fireplace kits are prefabricated, that doesn’t mean they can’t be personalized. We have five beautiful door handle designs to choose from, as well as different screen options that give you almost full control over the way the final product looks.
• Heat-dissipating stone. Each kit is made from durable heat-dissipating stone that not only withstands burning fires, but also resists cracking when exposed to extreme cold and snow.

Perfect Outdoor Fireplace kits make it easier than ever to assemble and install a home hearth product in your yard. If you’ve been holding off on a purchase because of misconceptions about assembly woes, then now’s the time to reconsider. Take advantage of our free shipping offer by ordering your kit today!

One of the fastest growing trends in the U.S. today is the concept of outdoor living. People all over the country are creating outdoor living spaces that extend the comforts of the home into the backyard. Lounge chairs, an eating area, and a chiminea or fire pit for cooking are typically all you need to get started, while installing additional fixtures such as outdoor fireplaces or windscreens will allow you to enjoy the space all year round.

If you’ve never had a chiminea or fire pit before, we recommend that you start with a low-maintenance product that is easy to assemble, care for, and use. Deeco in particular makes a number of unique outdoor heating products that match these criteria, so let’s turn our spotlight on a few of the more popular items from this manufacturer.

Deeco Western Basket Weave Jr. Chiminea
This is an attractive cast aluminum chiminea with an antique bronze finish. It features a basket weave motif and a hinged screen door for quick access to the fire. At just 43 inches tall, this particular chiminea is the perfect solution for smaller spaces where full-sized outdoor fireplaces simply won’t fit.

Deeco Chateau Merlot Outdoor Fire Pit
Fire pits don’t get more elegant than this! The Chateau Merlot is an attractive fire pit that will instantly draw the attention of anyone that enters your outdoor living space. The bowl, which is finished in antique copper, boasts a classic design of grape clusters and scrolling vines and the dome-shaped spark screen allows for a 360-degree view while preventing stray embers from creating a nuisance.

Deeco Sierra Swirl Fire Pit
The Sierra Swirl fire pit appeals to customers that prefer simplicity and function. The understated swirl pattern redirects your focus from the bowl to the flames, and the durable cast iron construction ensures that you will be able to enjoy the product for many years. Plus, unlike outdoor fireplaces that must remain in one place, the Sierra Swirl is portable and can be moved around with relative ease.

Deeco European Vineyard Chiminea
If you’re put off by the thought of how much maintenance is required for typical outdoor fireplaces, then you’ll love this Deeco European Vineyard chiminea. Its size allows you to build up a roaring fire that can be used for cooking or for warmth, while its cast aluminum construction keeps it lightweight enough to allow you to adjust its position according to wind changes or a simple desire to rearrange the patio.

Outdoor living is fun for the whole family, and once you get started, you’ll want to spend as many evenings as possible under the stars. Transform your outdoor space into a natural extension of your home by adding a Deeco chiminea or fire pit from Mantels Direct today.

Summer is nearing and spending time outdoors enjoying the fresh air, catching up with family and friends is worth looking forward too! MantelsDirect.com has a new line of fire pits from Patina Products, a laid back company from the coast of California. Where warm days and cool nights make outdoor living second nature to the Patina Products team.

Their line of handcrafted steel fire pits are well-built and are delivered to your door fully assembled. Each uniquely designed fire pit comes standard with a spark guard, cooking/BBQ grill, fire poker, and protective weather cover. Choose from their classic Pacific Coast Fire Pit, their fun, kid-friendly Safari themed fire pit, or the Patina Mardi Gras design for added flare. All Patina Products fire pits come standard with a 5-year warranty!

MantelsDirect.com is excited to announce the launch of DEECO, a manufacture of unique chimineas and durable fire pits. With summer upon us it’s time to spruce up your backyard or patio space, a cast aluminum chiminea or outdoor fire pit is a sure show stopper for your family and friends. Deeco products are low maintenance and ready to use throughout the year. This product line is artistically designed to fit any outdoor room. Each fire pit or chiminea style includes a spark guard to protect against unruly fire embers and a protective weather cover.

Vineyard Chiminea

The European Vineyard Cast Aluminum Chiminea is classically designed with grape vines and leaves – perfect for any outdoor garden or patio space. The Rock Canyon Outdoor Fire Pit Table is a versitle 3-in-1 party essential. The Rock Canyon model features 3 unique inserts; a 20-inch cast iron fire pit bowl adds warmth on cooler nights, a 20-inch copperized steel ice basin keeps drinks and food cold during backyard entertaining, and a mosaic slate insert with umbrella hole completes this 43 inch diameter table for dining alfresco.

Rock Canyon Fire Pit Table