The scent of a crackling fire – there’s nothing quite like it. Whether for the heat, the dancing warmth of the flames, or the unmistakable fragrance of burning wood, few things can rival the pleasures of a classic campfire. But what if you could enjoy all the elements portrayed above with the added benefits of a propane fire pit – without actually transporting wood? Well, you’re in luck! Our comprehensive guide will reveal the tips and tricks on how to make propane fire pit smell like wood, allowing you to turn your patio into a haven of smoky sweetness. So grab your pajamas, a drink of your choice, and prepare to discover the next level of enjoyment for your propane fire pit.
Can You Really Make Propane Fire Pits Smell Like Wood:
Undoubtedly yes! Propane fire pits are essentially gas-powered, but there are several ways to make them smell like real wood. Indulging in the sweet aroma of burning wood is possible using different techniques, including wood pellets, chips, and specific methods. However, remember to be extremely careful as it can pose dangers anytime. Just a few tweaks can make sure that your outdoor gatherings become more romantic and closer to those created by a wood-burning hearth.
How to make propane fire pit smell like wood:
We will be exploring three different methods of infusing your propane fire pit with the comforting aroma of wood: soaking wood chips, utilizing cedar wood fragrance oil, and burning scented candles. Through these procedures, you’ll be able to recreate the same ambiance of a cozy, comforting crackling wood fire, all in your own backyard. The details of each of these methods are given in the next headings.
Soaking Wood Chips:
This method is straightforward and involves wood chips. Here are the steps you would need to follow to add a nice smoky smell to your outdoor get-togethers.
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- Wood chips: You can use different types of wood chips for the task. Hickory, mesquite, or applewood are some of the fragrant choices you can use.
- Metal container: It could be a soup can or a small bucket. It should have a lid that can be adjusted.
- Water: You would need enough water to cover the wood chips.
2. Soak the Wood Chips:
Fill the metal container with wood chips, leaving a little space at the top. Pour water over the chips and ensure they are completely submerged. It is recommended to let the chips soak in water for at least 30 minutes to release a nice fragrance. The longer you allow them to soak, the stronger the aroma would be. You can soak them longer if you want the fragrance to really stand out.
3. Prepare the Metal Container:
You would need to take the lid of the metal container and make some holes in it using a nail and hammer. This would help to release the heat and let the smoke out, infusing the air with the woodsy aroma.
4. Place the Wood Chips in the Container:
After soaking, drain any excess water from the wood chips and place them in the prepared metal container. Secure the lid tightly to ensure the chips stay in place.
5. Position the Container Near the Fire Pit:
After you have a good fire going and the flames have settled into the steady burn you seek, wedge your container filled with your wet wood chips, with a high enough ignition point, close to the edge of the bowl. Safety tip: Don’t put the container on your fire grate or within the flames. You don’t want it to get so hot that it warps or melts, rendering it useless. Pick a location beside the fire pit where the heat will make the metal hot enough to begin smoldering the wood chips, but not so hot.
The smoke from the smoldering wood chips will rise from the container and fill the air with the scent of a campfire or wood-burning stove. Enjoy a nice, woodsy-smelling fire without the wood.
Utilizing Cedar Wood Fragrance Oil:
Another easy and effective way to make your propane fire pit smell like wood is using cedar wood fragrance oil. When choosing the right fragrance oil to use, opt for trusted brands that are known for their rich and authentic cedar wood aroma. Fill a small spray bottle with the fragrance oil spray it around the perimeter of your fire pit. Please avoid spraying it directly onto the fire pit burner. The heat from the flames will evaporate the oil and help spread the lovely cedar wood aroma. It’s easy and safe and adds a nice, subtle scent to your next outdoor gathering. If you don’t have a small spray bottle that’s okay. Just pour the oil in a small heat-resistant votive holder and take it out to the fire pit. Place the votive holder near the fire pit and, as the oil warms, it will begin to release the desired fragrance into the air. Sunlit Cedar is just one scent option when it comes to enhancing the ambiance of your propane fire pit. This method is simple and completely safe, making it a low-key way to enjoy the scent of cedar wood around your gas fire pit.
Burning Wood Scented Candles:
Another simple yet effective way to make your propane fire pit smell like wood is by burning scented candles near the pit. There are many types of scented candles available in the market that are specially designed to replicate different types of wood smells like hickory, cedar, pine, etc. Place these candles around the edges of your propane fire pit on a stable, fireproof surface and make sure that they are out of the reach of any open flames or hot surfaces to avoid any accidents. Once you have positioned the candles the right way, light them up and sit back to enjoy the natural smell of wood that comes from the candles as they burn. This method is very easy to execute and can also add aesthetic value to your outdoor space. So, when you burn scented candles near your propane fire pit, simply get ready to relish the cozy atmosphere by creating a rusting wood aroma that feels nostalgic and warm.
Safety Precautions for Your Propane Fire Pit with Wood Aroma:
While the addition of a woodsy fragrance can make your propane-powered fire pit even more appealing, it is important to still prioritize safety when using these methods for scent. Here are a few tips to help keep everyone safe:
- Proper Placement: Always place wood chips, cedar wood fragrance oil, or scented candles as represented in this article on the side of the fire pit, away from direct flame. These should always be placed on a fire-resistant surface and positioned so as not to tip over and come into contact with the fire.
- Ventilation: Only use these methods if your fire pit is placed in a well-ventilated location. Good airflow is vital to properly dissipate the smoke or fumes produced. Do not use these methods to scent your fire while in an enclosed structure or with an enclosed fire pit. The fumes, when inhaled, can produce health problems.
- Heat-Resistant Containers: If using metal containers for soaked wood chips or votive holders for cedar wood fragrance oil, be sure that the containers are made of a heat-resistant material that will not melt or warp.
By following these safety precautions, you can safely enjoy the inviting aroma of the forest in your own nearly smokeless fire!
