These top-rated fire pits instantly turn ordinary yards into neighborhood hot spots.
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5 Best Fire Pits for Every Backyard
Fire pits are a glowing focal point of outdoor spaces and complement any style of patio furniture. They’re easy to set up and use, and make your space usable year-round. We found the best fire pit options for every type of yard, style and budget.
BEST OVERALL FIRE PIT
Solo Stove Bonfire
Pros:
- Smoke-free, clean-burning fires thanks to 360-degree airflow system
- Easy setup
- Available in eight colors
- Removable ashtray makes cleanup quick
- 4.9 stars from nearly 16,500 reviews
- Worry-free stainless steel encasement
Cons:
- Pricier than some other options
The Solo Stove Bonfire makes building a clean-burning backyard easier than ever. We’ve tested this updated model and can confirm it’s suitable for nearly every outdoor space. What really sets it apart from the pack is the removable ash pan that makes cleanup a total breeze.
You don’t need any special tools or gear. After you’ve finished enjoying the fire, allow the device to cool, slide out the ash pan and dump it! And yes, ash is one of the things you can compost in small to moderate amounts without worry.
These fire pits also feature 360-degree airflow technology that allows for a smokeless, clean-burning fire, and they are fully encased in durable stainless steel. This ensures better safety and simple cleanup, plus years of worry-free use.
BEST PROPANE FIRE PIT
Cuisinart Chimenea Fire Pit
Pros:
- 20-pound propane tank for nine to 15 hours of burn time
- Clean-burning propane gas without messy ash or char
- 40,000 BTUs
- Offers both reflective and residual heat that really keeps you warm
- Stainless steel encasement
- Flame failure cut-off switch for safety
Cons:
- Somewhat heavy at about 45 pounds
Forget the wood and go straight to effortless propane with this vintage-inspired Cuisinart chimenea fire pit that works just as nicely on a patio as on a deck. It emits reflective heat from the aluminum plate and residual heat through the eight pounds of charming lava rocks at its base. That means this is one of the best fire pits for colder nights—it’ll really keep you warm!
It also holds a 20-pound propane tank that allows for nine to 15 hours of burn time depending on your settings. And reviewers note how brilliant the insulated hideaway panel is in the rear of the heater. Bonus: This 40,000 BTU chimenea-style fire pit also has a flame failure cut-off switch for safety.
BEST TABLETOP FIRE PIT
TerraFlame Concrete Tabletop Fire Bowl
Pros:
- Diameter of just under 11″ means it fits neatly on most outdoor dining and coffee tables
- Comes in six neutral colors to match most decor styles
- Made of fire-safe cement
- No wood or gas necessary—this fire pit relies on affordable flammable gel cans that emit nearly no smoke
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Only 3,000 BTUs means it won’t give off enough heat to warm guests in the depths of cooler seasons.
You don’t need a large setup or expansive yard to experience all the joys of fire pits. This TerraFlame concrete tabletop fire bowl comes in six colors. Just place it at the center of your patio table, use a match or electric lighter to ignite one of the included flammable gel cans and enjoy the warming ambiance.
It’s a low-profile fire option that features 3,000 BTUs and makes a conversation-starting centerpiece your guests won’t soon forget.
BEST SMOKELESS FIRE PIT
Tiki Brand Portable Fire Pit
Pros:
- Low-smoke design
- Sleek, modern design
- Four-foot heat radius
- Multiple fuel source options
- Easy cleaning, thanks to a removable ashtray
Cons:
- More expensive than other comparable models on the market
- On the heavier side
This 25-inch Tiki Brand smokeless fire pit is a great option for those who want to enjoy a bonfire without the smokey side effects. Reviewers love the large flame and removable ash tray for quick cleanup. The four-foot heat radius makes it a total win for small gatherings. (We’re equally smitten with the Tiki mosquito lights that keep bugs at bay.)
“Best fire pit for the money!” shares Tiki Brand reviewer, Louie. “The fire pit was just what we wanted. Easy to assemble and we had a beautiful fire in just minutes.”
BEST FIRE PIT GRILL
Breeo X Series 19 Smokeless Fire Pit
Pros:
- Compatible with the brand’s Outpost grilling system attachments
- 22-inch diameter means it fits nicely on patios and in smaller spaces
- Robust heat
- Smokeless flow
- Two exterior finishes
Cons:
- The stainless steel finish costs significantly more than the patina version
The Breeo X Series 19 smokeless fire pit comes with a sleek stainless steel exterior (for an up-charge) or a rich, rust-colored patina. It also connects with the brand’s Outpost grilling system to turn your fire pit into an all-in-one outdoors experience just waiting for burgers, hot dogs, veggies and other mouth-watering grilled recipes.
The ability to both enjoy the fire and cook hearty meals made this model a total winner in our Breeo fire pit review. These fire pits are made in America and come with a lifetime warranty you can feel good about. Plus, the brand offers free shipping on all fire pit orders.
The tabletop design of this small concrete fire pit makes it a favorite for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s an elegant way to add warmth and flair to a chic dining area, and it’s a smokeless cinch to use.
Fuel it with rubbing alcohol (yes, the kind you can buy at the drugstore for pennies per ounce). It’s a mess-free, compact option that burns for nearly an hour without refilling. It keeps you rolling in indoor s’mores year-round, and it’s tiny enough to take on the go.
What to Consider When Buying a Fire Pit
Choosing the best fire pit for you depends on where you plan to light your fires, how much space you have and the type of material you plan to burn. If you have a giant yard or low budget, a simple fire ring might work best. If you’re working with a deck or a more robust budget, a propane-fueled option might better fit your lifestyle. Want to take your fire pit on a camping trip or to a friend’s house? Try a smokeless, portable fire pit.
The good news? There’s a fire pit for whatever your space looks like! Here are some other factors to think about when shopping:
- Size: Some fire pits are small enough that you might call them tabletop-sized, whereas others are huge—as much as 60 inches in diameter. Long before you decide which fire pit you want, you should see how much space you have and decide how large your fire pit should be. This may be affected by other factors, including the fuel source. Some larger, permanent fire pits require a gas line.
- Materials/Portability: Fire pits are generally made from hardy, durable materials, such as metal (stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), stone, and/or concrete. Some are made from a combination of materials. While that means they’re all relatively tough, it does change the weight of the pits. Stone and concrete may be fine for stationary options. But if you’re looking for something you can move around, metal may be better, as it is usually lighter and more portable—this is especially vital if you want to take your pit camping or to other locations.
- Fuel Source: Some fire pits are wood-burning-only, meaning you can only fuel them with wood. Others might function with gas—either through a dedicated line (as with permanent fire pits) or via portable, refillable tanks. Wood-burning fire pits are typically a cheaper initial investment, but gas is cheaper over time.
- Cleaning: Gas-powered fire pits require very little maintenance or cleaning, though you may want to wipe them down from time to time. Wood-burning pits, however, require that you empty out the ash and coal after using—and they may require more intensive cleaning from time to time to prevent and lower the buildup of ash and soot.
- Storage: Permanent fire pits have to be left where they’re installed, but they may come with a protective cover. Smaller, non-permanent models can be moved from place to place, which is ideal if you want to store them between seasons.
- Local Regulations: It is vital to understand the laws where you live if you want to install a fire pit. Some locations may have stringent rules as to how and when you can use them. Others may have outright bans. You could be subject to fines (or worse) if you skirt these rules and you get caught.
Why You Should Trust Us
Bryce Gruber is a shopping guide writer, product tester and an expert in gift ideas, shopping, and e-commerce. You’ve likely seen her work across a variety of women’s lifestyle and parenting outlets and on TV shows, including Taste of Home, Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest, MSN, Martha Stewart Living, Harper’s Bazaar and more.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best Fire Pits
When seeking out the best fire pits, we started with the research and reporting basics—what the pits are made of, what they look like stylistically, how much they weigh, what their fuel sources are and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the fire pits’ qualities, like their construction, convenience and more—taking advice from both industry insiders and subject matter experts. Finally, we combed through user reviews to see how real people interact with the fire pits and if they are worth spending your hard-earned money on. Â
FAQs
Are backyard fire pits worth it?
If you love spending time outdoors, choosing one of the best fire pits for your yard, patio or deck is definitely worth it. They come in different sizes, prices, styles and maintenance levels to suit every fire-lover’s needs. Fire pits are also the place to make your favorite camping recipes year-round.
What is the best type of fire pit to get?
This depends on many factors, including your outdoor space, style preferences, access to different fuel types (wood or gas, for instance) and local regulations. For instance, if you have a small outdoor area with a dirt or grass patch, a small wood-burning fire pit that stands on its own legs might be best. However, if you have a large space with access to a gas line, a permanent, stone, gas-powered pit might be better.
Is it legal to have a fire pit in your backyard?
That depends on local laws and regulations. Before you grab your wallet, you should check with your local government to find out if having a fire pit anywhere on your property is legal and what the requirements may be therein.
