Amy Wilk of Wilk Stove says fire tables have increased in popularity as people focus on making their homes more comfortable — and that includes staying outdoors later. The adjustable flame is a feature she really likes.
“About the time you’re putting out cheese and crackers and having your first couple glasses of wine, it’s more likely that you’ll have that flame on a lower setting,” she says. “By the time you want a larger flame, it’s a bit cooler in the evening and it’s a bit later at night.”
The tempered-glass wind enclosure around the burner is another feature to note.
“You can see the flame in the middle, but it won’t blow out in the wind if you’re by the ocean,” she says.
Placement depends on a home’s natural gas line, but Wilk says a new gas line can be run from an existing line for more flexibility. Propane is another option and Wilk Stove carries covers that look like side tables, nicely hiding the tank from view.
With a little added warmth to take the chill off, summer evenings can last long after sunset and well into a night of star gazing.