Few things are as delightful as a crackling fire in the backyard on a chilly evening. Whether you’re with friends and family or setting up camp in the backcountry, the best fire pits keep you and your loved ones cozy and warm. As an added bonus, they elevate the look and feel of your outdoor space, creating an inviting atmosphere for your gatherings. Our top recommendation is the Tiki Brand Fire Pit, a sleek and stylish option that’s designed for year-round use and emits low smoke and ash for an overall pleasant experience.
Using the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 is simple—just add a few logs, light them up and enjoy.
Before deciding to invest in a fire pit, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs. Are you envisioning it as a focal point for your patio or backyard or do you prefer a portable option? Are you leaning towards a larger or more compact size? Additionally, consider the material for construction and whether you prefer a gas or wood-powered model. While the array of choices might seem overwhelming, it also means there’s a perfect pit out there for you. Below, the best fire pits that you can buy right now.
Amazon
Tiki Brand Stainless Steel Low Smoke Fire Pit
Size: 24.75 x 18.75 inches | Weight: 45 pounds | Special features: Stainless steel, low smoke, included cover
The Tiki Brand Fire Pit is a consistent crowd pleaser for a reason: it offers robust firepower at a mid-range price. The 2021 Edison Awards winner is constructed from 16-gauge stainless steel with a weatherproof powder coating, ensuring durability. The sleek design incorporates a specialized internal airflow system, resulting in a superior fire with minimal smoke and ash, and the package includes an easy-to-clean ash pan. This fire pit accommodates traditional firewood, providing portability, or you can choose the brand’s wood pack for an instant-light fire lasting 30 minutes per pack.
What our editors say: “It was pretty easy to assemble,” says deputy editor Jane Sung. “I like the understated look of the black coated metal and prefer it to the Solo’s bright silver, which I know gets a patina with use and darkens over time,” she adds.
Pros:
- Durable Construction
- Portable
- Easy cleanup
Cons:
- Relies only on traditional firewood
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Wayfair
Solo Stove Yukon Stainless Steel Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit
Size: 27 x 16 inches | Weight: 38 pounds | Special features: Stainless steel, heat barrier, huge flames
The Solo Stove Yukon has garnered a dedicated fanbase for several reasons, notably its smokeless performance when burning wood, thanks to a double-walled design that prevents smoke from reaching your face by directing hot air over the fire. Plus, it’s safe for use on wooden decks, as the Yukon boasts an efficient burn, leaving only minimal ash particles that are easily disposed of. Using the stove is simple—just add a few logs, light them up and enjoy. If the Yukon’s weight is a concern, Solo Stove offers smaller fire pit options, as well. Just a heads up: Exercise caution, as this fire pit can generate a substantial flame.
What our editors say: “The Yukon 2.0 is surprisingly sleek and adaptable when it comes to fitting in with its environment,” says gear editor Cam Vigliotta. “Setting up the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, or any Solo Stove fire pit for that matter, is a rather straightforward process. Truth be told, the fire pit comes mostly assembled, and your only task is to slide different parts together, like the base and protective venting system about the opening,” he adds.
Pros:
- Smokeless operation
- Portable
- Clever double-walled design for easy usage
Cons:
- Can emit intense flames
- Heavy at almost 38 pounds
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Amazon
Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
Size: 10 x 18.5 inches | Weight: 23 pounds | Special features: Lightweight, travel size, carrying kit
This Amazon bestseller is crafted for on-the-go adventures like instant beach bonfires or quick campfires. While you’ll need to bring along a propane tank, setting it up takes just minutes, and the spark-free design helps safeguard campgrounds and forested areas from wildfires. Need to customize the flame brightness? No problem—simply adjust the knob to meet your preferences.
Pros:
- Spark-free design for safe use
- Adjustable flame
- Carry case included
Cons:
- Needs a propane tank
Wayfair
Greyleigh Tuscola Steel Outdoor Fire Pit
Size: 24 x 30 inches | Weight: 25 pounds | Special features: Spark screen, log grate, two handles
Weighing in at 25 pounds, the Tuscola Firebowl strikes the ideal balance between portability and functionality, allowing you to easily relocate it around your patio. Plus, it’s stylish to boot, thanks to its half-sphere design featuring a distressed bronze finish on a tapered base. Achieve the traditional smoky scent by adding logs or wood pellets, and once ignited, use the included spark screen to contain the flames. Plus, it’s coated with a weather-resistant finish for added durability.
Pros:
- Easy to move around
- Attractive design
- Weather-resistant finish
Cons:
- Bottom grill tends to rust quickly
MOST POPULAR
Crate & Barrel
Terra Flame Basin Set in Sand Table Top Fire Bowl
Size: 10 x 10 inches | Weight: 19 pounds | Special features: Easy to handle, cool stone design
Want a small fire pit that you can place just about anywhere? Enter the Terra Flame Fire Bowl. This portable pit comes in a rustic-look concrete bowl that doubles as a design feature that’s both functional for roasting s’mores or doubling as a centerpiece for al fresco dining. Powered by 13-ounce cans of Terra Flame Gel Fuel, it delivers three hours of smoke-free burn time per can, which makes it perfect for indoor or outdoor use. A nice perk: The bowl doesn’t get hot, so you can easily move it when you’re done.
Pros:
- Designed for indoor and outdoor use
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Petite size may not provide as much warmth
- Relies on Terra Flame Gel Fuel
Wayfair
Arlmont & Co. Koch Stone Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit
Size: 20 x 35 inches | Weight: 29 pounds | Special features: Spark screen, charcoal grid
Whether you’re in the mood for cooking or cozying up, this versatile wood-burning fire pit has you covered. Built-in handles facilitate easy movement to your desired spot on the yard or patio, and its rounded edges invite the creation of a perfect seating circle. The mesh spark screen ensures fire containment, while a charcoal grid provides the option to cook over an open flame whenever the mood strikes.
Pros:
- Great for cook outs
- Portable design
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Regular cleaning needed
- Relies on traditional firewood
Amazon
Elementi Granville Fire Pit Table
Size: 60 x 27 x 17 inches | Weight: 176 pounds | Special features: Made of durable concrete, sleek, and modern
Built using stainless steel and concrete, the Elementi Fire Pit Table is incredibly easy to set up and use. Plus, you can choose between natural or propane gas and electric based on your preference. The spacious tabletop provides an ideal surface for drinks and snacks, while the auto-ignition feature allows for quick and easy use. It’s powerful enough to be used even in cold weather and has a pleasantly smooth finish that makes it nice to look at. Additionally, the brand offers supplementary accessories, including a fire pit table and stainless steel table to elevate your experience
Pros:
- Elegant design
- Plenty of heat output
- Auto-ignition feature for easy operation
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy and large
Amazon
Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Fire Pit
Size: 32 x 32 x 25 inches | Weight: 27 pounds | Special features: Removable cooking grate, height adjustment
This Bali Outdoors fire pit has thousands of positive reviews for its user-friendly design and versatility. Its removable grill swivels 360 degrees and can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally, making it ideal for using as a traditional fire pit or for cooking. The fire pit features an outer ledge around the fire area that functions as a convenient shelf for drinks or snacks without subjecting them to heat. Plus, it includes a collapsible triangle frame rack for improved log ventilation and comes with a poker for stoking the fire. As an added bonus, it’s crafted from durable steel and built to last for years.
Pros:
- 360-degree swiveling grill for added versatility
- Durable steel construction
- Convenient outer ledge to store drinks
Cons:
- Complicated assembly
- Bulky design
Amazon
Outland Living Granville Fire Table
Size: 32 x 44 x 24 inches | Weight: 96 pounds | Special features: Arctic ice decorative glass rock set, can be used as a table
This propane-powered two-in-one fire pit is fueled by a 20-pound propane tank and delivers a powerful performance thanks to a 50,000 BTU/HR output. Constructed with a high-quality aluminum frame, it features a protective powder coating and durable resin wicker wrapping for added durability. Flame height adjustment is a breeze with the chrome valve knob, and the unit doubles as a convenient surface for storing drinks and snacks. Additionally, it comes complete with an Arctic Ice decorative glass rock set, adding to its overall visual appeal.
Pros:
- Functional design
- Flame height can be adjusted
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy compared to competitors
- Expensive
- Requires a 20-pound propane tank
How We Chose The Best Fire Pits
Similar to other patio furnishings like gas grills and electric smokers, fire pits are available in various shapes and sizes to cater to specific needs. In curating and ranking the best fire pits, we carefully evaluated crucial features that differentiate each model, including power type, materials and safety components. Our process involved consulting independent customer reviews, cross-referencing with third-party testing results and drawing from our own expertise with the models on this list.
What To Look For In A Fire Pit
Power Type
The first thing you’ll want to note is that there are three types of fire pits: wood, propane and natural gas. Wood burning fire pits are a more traditional option; these give off that nostalgic wood-burning scent and offer a pleasant, calming crackling fire sound. They’re also generally the most lightweight option, and the fires they produce tend to be larger. That said, they also emit a lot of smoke, they can be more difficult to clean and they require some know-how to start up. Propane and natural gas fire pits, on the other hand, can be easier to operate; there’s also less maintenance and cleaning involved. They don’t produce smoke, either, so they tend to be more versatile than wood-burning fire pits. Keep in mind that these types might need to be professionally installed, but they’re also easier and faster to turn on and get started in the long run.
Design And Finish
A fire pit should be an attractive piece of décor—it really doesn’t need to be an eyesore. And size matters: Maybe you’d prefer to have a smaller product for quiet nights with just your immediate family; maybe you want something big enough to host the entire neighborhood around. Then, there’s the matter of design. A fire pit table, as the name suggests, has table space to safely hold drinks and snacks. A fire bowl, meanwhile, has a modern and contemporary look to it and is generally more portable. You can also opt for a durable stone or concrete fire pit, or go for something aluminum.
Materials
The materials not only provide your fire pit with a unique look, they also dictate how it will perform. Metal fire pits, for instance, provide multi-season use but the materials can rust over time or become hot to the touch, which makes them a safety hazard around children or pets. Before investing in a fire pit, be sure to examine the materials and consider how they might impact your experience.
Safety
Fire pits can be dangerous, so safety must be taken into consideration. Some models come with safety features like mesh nets or screens that can limit sparks; others arrive with helpful covers. Certain models also employ columns or tabletop surrounds that make it harder for the flames to leap out.
What Type Of Fire Pit Is Best?
This is a subjective question, and the answer will really depend on what you’re looking for. An enclosed wood-burning fire pit will give you that traditional campfire flame, but can be harder to clean and set up. A propane or natural gas is easier to use but is more expensive in the beginning. The best type of fire pit for you depends on what you want in your yard.
What Is The Safest Type Of Fire Pit?
A propane or gas fire pit is typically safer than a wood-burning fire pit, but all fire pits do come with safety hazards. Propane and gas tend to burn cleaner, they don’t produce smoke and they don’t result in sparks or wildly unpredictable flames. They are also easier to clean and don’t require any other objects to get them going. Again, no matter the model, precautions should be taken.
What Is The Best Material For Fire Pits?
Fire pits are generally constructed from metal or stone, but which material you choose will ultimately come down to your needs. Most metal fire pits are made of steel because it can handle extreme temperatures, but it’s subject to rusting if left exposed to the elements. Copper, on the other hand, resists rust but it’s more expensive. And cast iron is inexpensive, but it’s heavy and not designed for on-the-go use.
Stone, meanwhile, is often used to create a natural look that helps your fire pit blend in with the surrounding landscape. Stone fire pits are safer because the rock won’t become incredibly hot to the touch (unlike metal), and they won’t oxidize if left outdoors.
