An outdoor fireplace brings a mysterious and romantic ambiance to any yard. As the sun sets and the cooler air brings darkness, it is only common sense that we cluster around the light and warmth of an outdoor fireplace. The warm light brings us closer together as we sit with each other to share stories of the day - or perhaps even a ghost story and toasted marshmallows.

Not only for summer evenings, an outdoor fireplace brings a haunting beauty to a snowy landscape. Perfect to be enjoyed after a busy day of skiing or snowman building. Or to relax after a not so perfect day at the office.

Outdoor fireplaces come in many forms and names. They are also called fire pits and fire bowls, fire tubs, even chiminea. (Chiminea comes from the Spanish word for fireplace and now generally refers to an outdoor fireplace with a tall chimney to bring in air for the fire.) An outdoor fireplace can be fueled by wood, charcoal, or even gas. They can look like traditional indoor fireplaces or be organic pits fit into the landscape.

Because outdoor fireplaces are open fires, you should be careful if your considering one for your wooden deck. Don't forget that you need to protect people and animals from stray sparks. So if the open fireplace doesn't come with a spark guard, you should buy or make one.

The Landmann Aspen Outdoor Fireplace is a large 25-inch square glass fireplace is a very easy and convenient fireplace to use. It has a front-door that opens to put the fuel in and there is a large removable ash drawer to make cleaning it easy. The ash drawer is large enough that you can use your outdoor fireplace serveral times without emptying it.

For your safety there is an attractive galvanized spark panel. The Landmann Aspen Outdoor Fireplace is constructed of steel and sturdy angular feet to promote stability.

The Uniflame Black Outdoor Fireplace with Copper Accents combines the warmth of fire with the warm tones of copper to create a rich buttery warmth on your patio or in your yard. It is 45 inches tall and 25 inches wide. It is constructed so the fire can be seen from all sides. There is a large hinged door so it's easy to add another log to the fire. This outdoor fireplace is built with an extra-strong grate so you can add a lot of logs. So you won't have to refuel so often. And the strong mesh surround provides for your safety and warmth. If you want to warm up some snacks there is a cooking grate. The fireplace has a sturdy steel stand, so it should last for many years.

This beautiful copper chiminea is made of 100% recycled coppper with wrought iron legs and grill. The copper will patina over time and look like an antique family heirloom. You can burn wood, artificial logs, and coal in this copper chiminea. It stands 39 inches high and has a 24-inch diameter. It should be used on non-combustible surfaces, so it's not the best choice for a wooden deck.

The CobraCo SH101 Hand Hammered 100% Copper Fire Tub with Screen and Cover is extra-large so you can build a fire that will last as long as your party. The large mesh screen will allow your guests to enjoy the warmth and fire, but protect them and your yard as well. This copper fire tub measures 30 inches x 30 inches by 31 inches. It has a durable wrought iron stand. A vinyl storage cover is included.

The CobraCo Diamond Mesh Fire Pit with Screen and Cover measures 39 inches x 39 inches by 14 inches. It also has a decorative 5-inch wide table edge in a decorative diamond design. You'll enjoy the classic black finish and the polish it brings to your outdoor decor. It includes a fire pit screen to keep any stray sparks from your guests or your yard. A protective vinyl cover is included.

With its square lines and grate pattern, the Blue Rhino GAD860SP LP Gas Outdoor Firebowl with a Slate and Marble Mantel has a distinct Asian feel. The handcrafted slate and marble mantle with a porcelain bowl strengths the Asian ambiance and organic feel of this outdoor fireplace. It measures a useful 41.3 inches x 41.3 inches x 21.7 inches. It has a 40k BTU cast iron burner. The control panel is hidden, so this gas firebowl has a rustic appearance. It requires a 20-pound propane tank.

The Char-Broil Stainless Rail Fireplace has a porcelain bowl and decorative stainless steel rail. It measures 44 inches by 44 inches and is 23.5 inches high. It has very strong cast iron legs and base. It can hold standard size logs. A fine mesh screen allows 360 degree viewing. A built-in rainwater drain and ash guard keep maintenance to a minimum.

The Landmann USA Eldora Fire Pit has a stainless steel fire bowl and a decorative wrought iron stand. It combines the modern feel of cool stainless steel with a traditional, almost Victorian feel, of wrought iron stand and sturdy curved legs. The fire bowl measures 30 inches and is designed to give a 360 degree view of the fire. For safey a full coverage spark guard is included. You have easy access to the fire if you want to sit around and toast marshmallows.

The Landmann Ball of Fire Outdoor Fireplace is spectacular at night when it's filled with fire. From a distance it looks like a ball of fire suspended in the air. It measures 30.25 inches x 32.75 inches x 34.75 inches. It's made of sturdy steel construction and gives your guests a 360 degree view of the fire. A large pivoting door makes it easy to add a log or stoke the fire. A poker and cover are included.