For a long time, you had to choose between a functional storage area and an atmospheric fireplace. It combines both and has become an indispensable companion for anyone who takes the “open-air living room” seriously. But how do you choose the right model? This guide takes you through the most important decisions.

The renaissance of the table: function meets atmosphere

The biggest mistake when buying a fire table is to think of it only as a heating appliance. First and foremost, it is a high-quality piece of furniture that enriches your everyday life – even when the flames are not burning.

• Multifunctionality in everyday life: A first-class model should always have a flush cover for the burner unit. With a stainless steel top, it can be transformed into a fully-fledged coffee table for coffee cups or an outdoor home office during the day.
• The “cool touch” zone: high-quality materials ensure that the edge of the table remains cool even during operation. So you can safely set down your glass of wine or snacks while the fire dances in the middle. Make sure the edge is at least 15-20 cm wide for maximum comfort.

The shape follows your lifestyle

The choice of shape is not just a question of design, but determines how you and your guests interact with each other.

• Rectangular – The convivial host: ideal for large terraces and long lounge furniture. It offers plenty of space for glasses and plates and acts as an architectural anchor point that structures the outdoor space.
• Square – The intimate round: symmetry conveys calm. Square tables fit perfectly in corner lounges. Here, every guest sits at exactly the same distance from the fire, which creates a particularly focused and private atmosphere for conversation.
• Round – The social dynamic: without corners and edges, a round table has an inviting and soft effect. It breaks up the strict lines of modern architecture and allows for flexible seating arrangements. It is also the safest choice for families with children.

Material worlds: Character and durability

An outdoor table has to withstand rain, UV radiation and heat. Two favorites have established themselves in the premium segment:

• GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete): It offers that unmistakable, solid stone look. It looks organic and heavy, but is much easier to handle than solid concrete thanks to the glass fiber reinforcement. Ideal for the rustic-modern look.
• Sintered ceramic: For aesthetes looking for absolute perfection. The material is practically indestructible – scratch-resistant, non-porous and extremely elegant in appearance. It enables wafer-thin, elegant designs that can withstand all weathers.

The perfect location: Where does the fire table really come into its own?

Before you fall in love with a design, you should analyze the spatial conditions of your outdoor area. Every scenario places different demands on the logistics:

• In the garden (pure nature): Solid, monolithic models look particularly good on spacious lawns or gravel terraces. As you often have a lot of space here, you can opt for expansive shapes. Make sure you have a stable base.
• On the terrace (the extended living room): Here, the piece of furniture is usually the center of a lounge group. As the terrace is often directly adjacent to the house, the smoke-free combustion of gas is an invaluable advantage – no soot build-up on the façade.
• On the balcony (urban ambience): In the city, gas models are often the only legal option for real fire, as they do not cause flying sparks. Choose compact, usually round models here to save valuable floor space.

The detailed concept: safety and gas management

A fire experience is only relaxing if the technology remains discreetly in the background and safety is guaranteed.

Safety and protection

• Safety distances: Keep a distance of at least 150 cm to 200 cm upwards (from awnings or screens). One meter to the side of flammable objects is usually sufficient.
• Glass surround: This is not an optional luxury, but a functional necessity. It stabilizes the flame in gusts of wind, protects children’s hands and enhances the visual power of the fire thanks to the reflections in the glass.
• Burner cover: To protect the heart of your table from dirt, leaves and moisture in the long term, a precisely fitting cover for the burner area is essential. It ensures that the nozzles remain clear and the system ignites reliably at all times.

Gas cylinders and tank covers: the aesthetic solution

The biggest “visual problem” is often the unsightly gray gas cylinder. There are two professional approaches here:

• Internal storage: On higher table models, the gas cylinder disappears out of sight directly into the table body. This is the most compact solution for tidy outdoor areas.
• The external tank cover: With flat designer tables, there is no space inside. This is where a suitable cover comes into play. Made from the same material as the table, it camouflages the bottle perfectly. The highlight: it also functions as an elegant side table for drinks or as an additional stool.

Conclusion: Invest in moments

Choosing the right fire table is a decision for a better quality of life. It’s about extending the evenings, using the patio all year round and creating a place where you enjoy spending time. Choose a model that complements your furniture and suits your space.

In the end, only one thing counts: the moment when you switch off everyday life at the touch of a button and light the fire.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The post Choosing a fire table – The ultimate guide to size, shape & safety appeared first on Elementi®.

In this in-depth comparison, we analyze every detail to help you make the perfect choice for your home.

The gas fire table: the modern lounge revolution

A fire table is an architectural piece of furniture that combines aesthetics with state-of-the-art gas technology. Usually made of weatherproof GFRC concrete or stainless steel, it becomes the social centerpiece of any patio.

The advantages in detail

• Maximum multifunctionality: a fully-fledged piece of furniture for any time of day
  The key advantage of a fire table is that it is primarily designed as a high-quality outdoor table. In contrast to a pure fire bowl, which often gets in the way when it is not burning, the fire table offers real added value all year round.
  • Generous storage space: The wide edges are designed to stay cool while the fire blazes in the middle. You have enough space for wine glasses, coffee cups, tapas plates or decorations.
  • Space-saving: you don’t need a separate coffee table for your lounge corner. The fire table combines a heat source and storage surface in a single, elegant object.
  • Use without fire: When the fire is not burning, the burner unit on many models can be closed flush with a matching stainless steel cover. This transforms the appliance into a completely flat, large table for breakfast outdoors or games evenings.
• Absolutely smoke- and odor-free
  This is the biggest advantage in urban areas. As gas burns cleanly, no particles are produced. You can enjoy an evening by the fire without your hair, your expensive cashmere blanket or your upholstered furniture smelling of smoke for days on end. Neighbors on adjacent balconies will not be bothered either.
• Precise control and instant heat
  A fire table knows no lead time. The flame ignites immediately at the touch of a button thanks to electric ignition. You determine the intensity using a rotary control: from a gentle flicker for mild summer nights to a powerful flame on cool autumn evenings. The fire is there exactly when you want it and is immediately off when you go inside.
• Maximum safety without flying sparks
  With wood fires, bursting wood and glowing sparks are a constant danger to clothing, sunshades and flammable surfaces. With the fire table, there are no uncontrolled embers. It can be used safely on wooden terraces, under awnings or in the immediate vicinity of high-quality lounge furniture.
• No cleaning and maintenance
  Whereas with wood fires you have to wait until the ash has cooled and then laboriously dispose of it, you simply switch off the fire table. There is no ash, no soot on the floor and no charred wood residue to spoil the aesthetic appearance of your patio.

The disadvantages in detail

• Higher purchase costs: Due to the gas technology used and the high-quality, certified materials, the price is significantly higher than a simple metal shell.
• Gas supply: You are dependent on Propane gas cylinders
which must be replaced regularly.
• Silent flames: The typical crackling and crackling of burning wood is absent with the gas version.

The classic wood fire bowl: the archaic experience of nature

The advantages in detail

• The full sensory experience: the crackling of the wood and the smell of smoke create an incomparable campfire atmosphere.
• Low-cost entry: Simple bowls are already available for a low budget.
• High radiant heat: A large wood fire develops an enormous amount of heat, ideal for very cold nights.

The disadvantages in detail

• High workload: wood has to be split, stored and hauled. After the fire, the ashes have to be disposed of.
• Smoke nuisance: Wind changes cause guests to sit in smoke, which leads to burning eyes and unpleasant odors.
• Safety risks: Flying sparks require constant supervision and usually preclude use on balconies or under canopies.

Direct comparison of properties

Conclusion: What type are you?

The fire table is the choice for the discerning aesthete who sees their outdoor area as an extended living room. If you are looking for a piece of furniture that serves as an elegant table during the day and creates an exclusive lounge atmosphere at the touch of a button in the evening, the fire table is unbeatable.

The classic fire bowl remains the choice for nature-lovers who love the ritual of making a fire and don’t mind the effort of cleaning and the smell of smoke.

Transform your patio into a design highlight. Discover our exclusive collection of high-quality gas fire tables and find the model that perfectly combines functionality and luxury.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The post Gas fire table vs. wood fire bowl – which solution suits your garden better? appeared first on Elementi®.

Here we present four selected tabletop fireplaces from Elementi – three made of high-quality GF beton and one made of stainless steel. Each one tells its own winter story.

Entta – Beton table fireplace, the quiet center of every winter evening (and ideal for roasting marshmallows)

The Entta presents itself with a natural, calm surface made of GF-Beton – like a piece of winter landscape that carries fire in its purest form. Its gentle flames make it the centerpiece of any table setting. Particularly charming: you can easily roast marshmallows with it – a loving ritual that is perfect for Christmas evenings.

Whether at a cozy dinner, on the sideboard or at a family evening – Entta brings warmth, closeness and an almost Nordic serenity into the room.

Atmosphere: Nordic silence, soft light, the smell of sweet marshmallows, a peaceful winter evening.

Paffu – the round, soft Beton table fire – a particularly beautiful gift idea for women

Paffu is a little something special in the world of concrete table-top fireplaces: it is round, softly shaped, friendly and almost charmingly playful. This is precisely why it is loved by many women – a small light object that radiates warmth without appearing dominant.

On the coffee table, bedside table or by the window, its flames create a calm, soothing atmosphere. A gift that you not only receive – but that you feel every day.

Mood world: tenderness, small moments of happiness, subtle fire, warm home.

Kira – Beton table fireplace with clean lines and a calm, modern presence

Kira is not a classic round model – its shape shows structured design, clear edges and a modern, almost sculptural appearance. The GF-beton surface looks calm and elegant, the fire seems to be framed in a minimalist object.

Kira is ideal for people who love aesthetic order and minimalist design. It blends seamlessly into modern, Nordic or natural living spaces and underlines any interior in a quiet, elegant way.

Mood world: design clarity, wintry tranquillity, sculptural light, modern comfort.

Vornado – Stainless steel table fireplace with architectural elegance and bright flame

The Vornado made of high-quality stainless steel looks like a modern lighting object: Slim lines, clear contours and a bright, pure flame that shimmers in the metal. It creates an ambience that is both timeless and luxurious – perfect for living rooms, reading corners or romantic dinners.

The compact size makes it flexible to use, while the stainless steel housing offers stability and durability. A stylish gift for anyone with a penchant for architecture, minimalism and high-quality materials.

Mood world: Urban minimalism, clear reflections, calm elegance, modern winter light.

Why an ethanol tabletop fireplace is the perfect Christmas gift idea

A table fireplace ethanol is more than just a decorative object – it is a piece of atmosphere, a quiet ritual, a moment of warmth in the cold winter.

• Suitable for Indoor table fire / indoor table fireplace
• Immediately ready for use, without smoke, without odor
• creates soft, calming lighting moods
• suits every style of living
• a gift idea that can be used all year round

A small jet of flame that warms the soul – exactly what makes Christmas special.

Frequently asked questions about ethanol table fireplaces as a Christmas gift

The post Christmas gifts 2025: Tabletop fireplaces for cozy winter evenings appeared first on Elementi®.

Outdoor gas fire pits are exposed to extreme conditions: open flames, rapid temperature fluctuations, moisture, rain, snow and long-term UV radiation. Although many materials look similar from the outside, their internal structure and durability can differ considerably.

This article compares two commonly used materials for fire pits: GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) and MgO (Magnesium Oxide Board).

Based on professional test data and real customer feedback, the differences become clear. The following comparison is intended to help customers, planners and dealers understand which material performs better in real outdoor use.

Material & Technology

GFRC

GFRC is a composite material made of cement, sand, glass fibers and polymer additives.

If GFRC is produced using the spray-up process, the following properties are created:

• A one-piece, monolithic component
• High density, high strength, good impact strength
• Resistant to high temperatures and thermal cycles
• Suitable for long-term outdoor use

Due to this durability, GFRC is widely used in architecture, landscaping and high-quality gas fire pits.

MgO

MgO sheets are mixed from magnesium oxide powder, magnesium chloride, fibers and fillers and pressed into flat sheets. MgO is inexpensive and lightweight, but was originally developed as a construction panel – not as a load-bearing component and not for high continuous temperatures.

fire pits made of MgO are usually based on a box structure made of panels, which creates several weak points:

• Connection joints between the panels
• Surface coatings instead of continuous material
• Lower impact resistance
• Lower thermal stability

GFRC	MgO
Relatively stable material. The cast body must harden and fully react for 28 days, after which the strength is 100% achieved and no further reactions take place. The body remains stable during long-term outdoor use in all weather conditions.	MgO is an unstable material. The cast body only requires post-treatment for about 7 days; however, MgO reacts permanently with water, which is why the surface must be protected with paint. After a few months of outdoor use, the paint layer is slowly destroyed, water penetrates and reacts with the MgO, the glass fiber is damaged during this reaction. The coating flakes off and the body can break.

Real customer feedback on MgO fire pits

Although MgO panels offer certain advantages in terms of lower costs, lower weight and ease of processing, customer feedback consistently shows that the material falls well short of expectations when used outdoors for fire pits. Many users report that the surface coating begins to flake or flake off after a short time outdoors – especially after repeated heating and cooling cycles – and visible damage occurs to the outer surface (see Fig. 1).

As MgO has a natural tendency to absorb moisture, customers in humid or rainy regions often observe swelling, deformation or opening of the joints between the tiles over time. These problems are exacerbated in colder climates: The absorbed moisture freezes in winter, expands and can cause cracks, internal damage or even partial structural failure. In several cases, it has been reported that the glass fiber layer used inside the MgO panels, which is intended to provide minimal reinforcement, fails under these conditions, causing the body to become brittle and significantly weakened (see Fig. 2).

Fig. 1: Detached surface coating.

Fig. 2: Failure of the glass fiber layer – the MgO body is weakened.

Some users also report that the edges of MgO fire pits are easily damaged when they are moved or even slightly knocked, which underlines the low impact resistance of the material. Overall, even though MgO can generally function as an interior construction panel, its poor performance under the influence of weather, moisture and direct exposure to flames means that many customers classify MgO fire pits as unsuitable for long-term outdoor use.

In a direct comparison, GFRC thus shows a clearly superior material performance compared to MgO under long-term outdoor conditions.

Frequently asked questions about GFRC and MgO fire pits

The post GFRC vs. MgO fire pits – Which material is really better for outdoor use? appeared first on Elementi®.