Blooming hydrangeas, rose-scented candles and fresh cucumber gimlets—ahh, yes, the warmer months are on the horizon. But before you start decking out the backyard with string lights and jute rugs, you might want to consider giving it the ultimate upgrade: a fire pit. Perfect for s'mores with the fam or wine nights with friends, a cozy fire provides space for people to gather, converse and snack. And it extends your patio’s usefulness beyond summer, so you can enjoy gatherings through the beginning of winter (or whenever the snow comes). Sold? Us too. Here are 12 of the best fire pits—from propane to gas to smokeless fire pits—just in time to break out the floaties.
The 12 Best Outdoor Fire Pits to Upgrade Your Patio, Vetted By Our Editors
Starting at $59
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Published Feb 21, 2024
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Dasha Burobina for PureWow
The Best Fire Pits of 2024 at a Glance
1
Best overall
Solo Stove Bonfire 0
read more
2
Best budget
Aoxun Fire Pit
read more
3
Best luxury
Outer Concrete Fire Pit Table
read more
4
Best smokeless
Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit
read more
5
Best wood-burning
TIKI Brand Wood Burning Fire Pit
read more
How We Chose the Best Fire Pits
First, we had our editors test two of the most popular options: Solo Stove and Ukiah (but more on that below). Then, after sifting through the top-reviewed fire pits on the market, we selected our picks based on whether they use wood/propane/natural gas/gel fuel, have a durable exterior that holds up over time, and put out minimal off-gassing and smoke. We also looked at any additional features it offered, such as rocks, removable covers or grilling accessories.
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Best overall
Pros
- Smokeless burn
- Ash pan and carry case included
Cons
- Not too many people can fit around it
Solo Stove
This sleek steel firepit scored 93 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review for its nearly smokeless burn. “While searching for a fire pit, we were concerned about smoke in our small, urban backyard. The Solo sell is their signature 360-degree Airflow design which draws in air from small holes in the bottom and releases it as heated oxygen up through the top. Somehow, the result is a nearly smokeless burn, such that campfire sitters experience the warmth of a traditional fire without any of the smoke-in-your-eyes effects… as a city dweller and parent, the no-smoke thing is a *huge* advantage,” writes PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint. To that end, she adds: “Aside from the smoke-free selling point, I love how stylish it looks—very Aspen ski chalet chic—and how easy it is to use with the kids. We’ve had it out for s’mores-making several times and, thanks to the Airflow technology, my 4- and 5-year-olds can stand right next to it to roast their marshmallows.” And in addition to the affordable $250 price, it offers several useful and fun accessories you can pair with it (like fire pit tools and roasting sticks).
Fast Facts
- Materials: stainless steel
- Fuel Type: wood
- Suggested for: 3-5 people
Best budget
Pros
- Cooking grill swivels 360-degrees
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Steel is prone to scuffing over time
Aoxun
Here, a wood-burning fire pit that’ll be a stress-savior during summer barbecues. It's multi-functional, coming fully equipped with an adjustable grill that swivels by a full 360 degrees, giving you the option to grill up some mouthwatering hot dogs or veggies. (Or you can choose to simply use its concentrated fire output for warmth.) What’s more, it boasts an easy set up: You can reportedly get this grill up and running just 15 minutes after tearing open the package. Take it from Amazon reviewer Teri M., who loves this pit for outdoor meal-prepping: “The rack (included) is perfect for throwing a couple of steaks on and cast iron cooking, which is big in my neck of the woods. It's large yet light enough for camping—and we've set it up in a permanent spot in the yard because it looks very nice as well. The fire gets plenty of air circulation and you can easily create a fire with consistent heat...perfect for cooking.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: alloy steel
- Fuel Type: wood
- Suggested for: 2-4 people
Best luxury
3. Outer Concrete Fire Pit Table
Pros
- Removable cover lets it double as a dining table
- Accessories for cooking included
Cons
- Expensive
Outer
This luxurious, 51-inch by 33.7-inch piece can be fueled with natural gas or propane—and its included, removable cast iron griddle was inspired by Korean barbecue (so you can say goodbye to boring hotdogs and hamburgers this Fourth of July). It comes with seven accessories, including ceramic balls, griddle pans and stands, a tank cover, a splatter guard and a propane or natural gas hose. And that’s not all: The pit is finished in ultra-chic, glass-fiber concrete cement, which requires less energy to produce and results in less off-gassing. “A slow burn is always a welcome respite from unexpected burps of flames (just ask our eyebrows). Once fully ignited, the fire licks out from around the ceramic stone spheres, which helps to block wind and keep heat centralized (radiating out instead of just up),” reports reviewer Brittany S. Because of this, it allows “for more even distribution, whether we’re huddling around to toast marshmallows, keep warm on a chilly night, or cook a full-blown meal.” Even better? When the weather cools down or you need extra surface space, the set includes a cover that can be placed over the center of the pit to turn it into an expansive tabletop.
Fast Facts
- Materials: glass fiber reinforced concrete cement
- Fuel Type: propane or natural gas
- Suggested for: 8-10 people
Best smokeless
4. Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit
Pros
- X Airflow technology
- Sturdy base that doesn’t bow
Cons
- Expensive
Breeo
Everybody hates getting smoke in their eyes when they're just trying to kick back by the fire pit. You can adjust your seat a million times, but the smoke just seems to find you, no matter where you settle. Fear not—this stainless-steel fire pit has gone viral for preventing just that. It uses Breeo’s signaure ‘X Airflow’ technology, which is a unique, raised air vent on the bottom of the pit with a double wall construction. This not only allows oxygen to quickly fuel the fire, even after significant ash build up, but it also outputs a smokeless burn through secondary combustion holes. Nico C, an engineer, says the smokeless burn has exceeded his expectations: “The airflow is awesome on this, and thanks to the thick steel, I’m not worrying about the bottom bowing like the other options.” Not to mention that it also offers a range of cooking accessories from an attachable grill to a griddle. Harold R., a trained chef, notes: “I choose it because of the ability to cook on an open fire—and since getting it, we've cooked and baked almost everything (we’ve even baked cookies). It’s ultra-durable and we burn fires up to five times a week, 20 times per month.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: stainless and corten steel
- Fuel Type: wood
- Suggested for: 2-6 people
Best wood-burning
5. TIKI Brand Wood Burning Fire Pit
Pros
- Comes with a wood pack to get you started
- Cover included
Cons
- Not a smokeless burn
TIKI brand
Why this pit has a 4.7 out of five-star rating with more than 2,100 reviews? Simple: It utilizes a patented internal airflow system that, the company claims, is designed for a better fire with low smoke and less ash. “Somehow this fire pit is actually smokeless?” says Amazon reviewer Rachel V., after gifting this pit for Mother’s Day. Smokeless burn aside, however, it’s also designed to be ultra durable with six-gauge stainless steel and a powder coated black finish for protection—and it’s a breeze to keep clean, thanks to the removable ash pan. The hook line and sinker? It comes with a weather-resistant cover and a wood pack, so once you get it set up, it's ready to roar: “The starter bag included actually works super well—the fire from that bag only burns for 30 minutes (as advertised). Makes it so easy to start a fire,” she adds.
Fast Facts
- Materials: stainless steel
- Fuel Type: wood
- Suggested for: 6-8 people
Best tabletop
6. Ukiah Loom II Propane Fire Pit
Pros
- Built-in Bluetooth speakers
- Flames dance to the music
Cons
- Expensive in larger sizes
Walmart
“This tabletop fire pit singlehandedly saved my outdoor hangouts the summer and fall of COVID and it's still my favorite part of my patio,” says PureWow Senior Commerce Editor, Stephanie Maida. “Not only does it feature propane-powered flames, but it also has built-in speakers that connect to Bluetooth to play music off your phone with great sound quality. To make it even cooler, it has a setting that essentially makes the flames *dance* to the tunes as they play. So much fun, and a real crowd-pleaser when I have friends sitting around the table. It's easy to set up and very lightweight, so you can freely move it to different areas. It's small, but the fire provides a decent amount of warmth if you're sitting close to it.
Fast Facts
- Materials: powder-coated steel
- Fuel Type: propane
- Suggested for: 2-4 people
Best fire table set
7. Member's Mark Rosehill Dining Set With Fire
Pros
- Concealed propane tank compartment slides
- 4 dining chairs and 1 bench in Sunbrella® fabric
Cons
- Cushions do not have removable covers
Member's Mark
If you’re looking to overhaul your entire outdoor dining set-up, this six-piece bundle includes four high-back dining chairs, a bench and, of course, an extra-large fire table. (Basically unheard of, given the set’s reasonably affordable price tag and high-quality materials.) First and foremost, the fire table has a touch-button ignition, adjustable flame and hidden propane tank compartment in the base, which easily slides out when you need to replace it. But the real draw is that it has a durable, grouted porcelain tile tabletop and seating cushions that are covered with Canvas Fawn Sunbrella® fabric (aka the best weatherproof material on the market). Many reviewers also mentioned how the cushions were comfortable—plush, yet firm enough for support—and every piece is handcrafted with all-weather wicker and durable, rust-free aluminum. “This dining set is a great size and would definitely be a perfect fit for someone that likes to host large groups. The table looks like wood, but is actually aluminum so it's nice-looking and offers extreme durability…You can also easily have your meal while the fire pit is going, since the table has a lot of space without feeling too big,” tester Peyton F. raves. “The cushions feel comfortable, and I also like that there's a bench. (You can use it anywhere for seating in your backyard.)”
Fast Facts
- Materials: aluminum, porcelain, Sunbrella® fabric, all-weather wicker
- Fuel Type: propane
- Suggested for: 10+ people
Best with storage
8. Terrain Square Bowl Fire Pit
Pros
- Built-in wood log storage
- Offers counter space for roasting marshmallows and grilling
Cons
- Not a smokeless burn
Anthropologie
ICYMI, cozy, rustic and traditional interiors are everywhere right now—and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a wood-burning fire pit that nails both trends like this guy. It has a sleek, low-profile build with a weathered iron finish and the firewood storage on the bottom makes it just as practical as it is beautiful. Plus, the extended bowl also helps control the flame (aka less off-gassing with smoke in the eyes) and the rectangular base offers some extra surface space to keep plates and pokers while roasting marshmallows. “Finally ordered the fire pit of my dreams and am so happy with it—the design alone makes it worth it. It's nice to have something in our backyard pleasing to the eye to go along with our weathered Adirondacks,” a tester from Minneapolis says.
Fast Facts
- Materials: iron
- Fuel Type: wood/charcoal
- Suggested for: up to 5 people
Best natural gas
Pros
- Teak lid makes it look like a coffee table
- Gas valve is also a bottle opener
Cons
- Heavy (requires at least 2 people to carry)
Neighbor
Sticking with the theme of design-friendly backyards, this fire table is handcast and handcrafted by artisans using concrete and a custom patina finishing process (and it’s available in three earthy colors). It it also includes a weather-proof teak lid that transforms it into a stunning organic modern coffee table when the flames are off (hence ‘table’ in the title). The concrete is mixed with glass fibers—making it uber durable and weather-resistant—and the flame can be ignited with a fireplace lighter using propane or natural gas. “Once it’s in place, a tasteful and warm firepit,” one user named Alex reports. “It fits seamlessly into our deck aesthetic and the propane version was easy to set up.” The cherry on top? The gas valve control key can also be used as a nifty bottle opener.
Fast Facts
- Materials: concrete with custom patina
- Fuel Type: propane or natural gas
- Suggested for: 6-8 people
Best portable
10. Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit
Pros
- Smokeless burn
- Included stand and carrying case
Cons
- Burns for 45 minutes max
Solo Stove
Our first thought upon discovering this personal fire pit? Awww. It’s a tabletop version of the Bonfire 2.0’s—so it includes all of the OG’s smokeless technology—but it’s engineered with a dual-fuel option that can run on the brand’s pellets , mini oak firewood or any fuel you have on hand. The stand is included and it comes with a sleek, portable nylon carrying case that allows you to bring it anywhere. Take it from Aaron L., who bought this for his wife and daughter (who hate the smoke from regular bonfires): “I am a huge fire pit guy, I have a large in ground fire pit in the backyard. The problem is that my [girls] are not huge fans of the smoke. I bought the Mesa to help lure them back to the fun. The pit smoked a tiny bit while it was warming up but once it’s rolling, it is virtually smokeless. The girls love it.” What’s more, it’s easy to clean: “Burned so well that when I was done, I simply emptied the ashes and put it back in the bag. It didn’t even have a smell to it,” raves reviewer Derek S. Oh and did we mention it’s available in six pretty matte finishes? (The deep olive, shown above, is totally in-line with this year’s color trends.)
Fast Facts
- Materials: stainless steel
- Fuel Type: wood, charcoal or pellets
- Suggested for: 1-4 people
Best under $500
11. AllModern Rashid Fire Pit Table
Pros
- High heat output on low flame setting
- Comes with a cover and touch-up paint to hide scratches
Cons
- Scratches and chips easily, especially when left uncovered
AllModern
Yet another modern option, we were drawn to this extra-large fire pit for its minimalist design—which comes in charcoal, white and natural concrete finishes. It’s available in two widths (56-inch and 42-inch) and includes a height control knob that allows you to adjust the flame’s size. “It fired right up—and even I had to adjust it to the lowest setting, since it cranked out more heat than I anticipated,” says Kevin, a tester from San Francisco. “I love that it also has a 9-foot hose to connect to the propane tank. Most fire pits have a 2 to 3-foot hose, so the propane tank has to be in the general vicinity of the table. ” To that end, while this one runs on propane, you can also use a gas conversion kit to fuel the fire with natural gas: “We chose to operate it with natural gas instead of propane and ordering the natural gas conversion kit through the supplier was amazing! Bonus: It comes with a cover, lava rocks and touch-up paint to hide scratches and chips in the concrete. (Note that you can also order one on Wayfair.)
Fast Facts
- Materials: concrete and stainless steel
- Fuel Type: propane
- Suggested for: up to 10 people
Best eco-friendly
Pros
- Teakwood is engineered to hold up over time
- Multiple fuel options
Cons
- Expensive
Ecosmart
With a multi-functional table design that offers the best of both worlds, this unique option looks so good, it doubles as a coffee table and fire pit in one. Mainly, this has to do with the pit’s wooden exterior, which is crafted from (naturally weather-resistant) concrete and accented with solid teak wood. Per the brand, “Our industry-exclusive teak finish is made of the strongest hardwood available to prevent warping and cracking.” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to design. You have the choice between ethanol fuel (eco-friendly, can be used indoors and powered by fermented plants), or natural gas/liquid propane for colder environments that require a higher heat output. Plus, it includes everything you need, from a glass windscreen, all-season cover and lighting tools (ethanol models) to a jerry can and bottle adapter that makes refueling easy.
Fast Facts
- Materials: concrete composite accented with solid teak wood
- Fuel Type: liquid bioethanol or natural gas/propane
- Suggested for: 6-8 people
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Fire Pit
- Fuel: Most outdoor fire pits are fueled by wood, propane, natural gas or gel. While wood and gel options are usually better for portable pits, gas and propane tend to work better for larger outdoor spaces (more on that below).
- Size: The shape will be different for each pit, but you can use the following as a general guide for sizing and accommodation: 24- to 36-inch fire pits fit one to four people, 40- to 54-inch fire pits fit five to eight people and 60- to 72-inch fire pits can fit eight to 10+ people respectively.
- Safety Features: Naturally, safety is a top priority when you play with fire. Be sure to look for features, like a spark screen, poker or guard, plus proper ventilation that will prevent accidents and keep the fire contained.
- Building Regulations: If you live in an apartment or townhouse, be sure to double-check what regulations or restrictions your building has. Some landlords may have specific rules regarding fire pit size, fuel type, and placement.
What Are the Different Types of Fire Pits?
- Wood-burning fire pit: A wood-burning fire pit is essentially a contained campfire. This is the type of fire pit for those who are looking for an authentic experience. That’s because it offers the most sensory type of fire—you can smell the smoke in the air, hear the soft crackling of the wood and feel the waves of heat against your skin. There are several different types of wood-burning fire pits. Stone or brick fire pits offer a classic and popular design. However, since this is the most authentic type of fire pit, it also requires the most effort to maintain, since you’ll need to keep it covered and protected from the elements when it's not in use. Make sure that you place this pit far away from trees or debris to avoid a fire hazard. You'll also want to regularly shovel the ashes from the pit to prevent any long-term damage, so it's smart to keep a metal ash can nearby to collect them.
- Propane fire pit: These types of fire pits are fueled by propane, so they’re a lot easier to care for than wood-burning fire pits. While propane fire pits are the more convenient option, they’re typically pricier than their wood-burning counterparts. There are three main types of propane fire pits. First, there’s a copper bowl option, which is pricey, but aesthetically-stunning and long lasting. Then, there’s a portable propane fire pit, which is either very lightweight or will have wheels attached for mobility. Lastly, there’s a propane fire pit table, which incorporates a ledge around the pit, ensuring that you maintain a safe distance from the flames while simultaneously providing a space for guests to place food or drinks.
- Natural gas fire pits: Natural gas fire pits rely on fuel that’s delivered directly through a natural gas line, which is incorporated into the design. You can get creative and choose between a sunken or raised pit, depending on your preference and outdoor space. The installation of these fire pits is costly, but you’ll end up saving money on maintenance down the line. This is a great, long-term option for homeowners, because once you install it, you rarely, if ever, have to worry about it. However, if you’re looking for a more convenient option, a propane fire pit is the way to go.
- Gel-fuel fire pit: Gel-fuel fire pits are both portable and versatile, and they’re not bad to look at, either. They mainly come in two designs: a tabletop fireplace that uses isopropyl alcohol fuel or one that uses gel-fueled logs, which provide a clean alternative to wood fuel. These types of fire pits are slightly less common than the others because while they are gorgeous and convenient, they don’t offer as much heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Material for a Fire Pit?
Stainless steel fire pits offer exceptional durability, heat resistance and low maintenance requirements—and they’re a fabulous choice if you’re looking for something that will hold up over time in the backyard. Concrete fire pits are also durable, weather-resistant, and can be customized in various shapes and designs (but they’re more prone to scratching and chipping over time). Otherwise, you have cast iron fire pits, which are most common for portable options (what you bring to a campsite). This is thanks to their ability to withstand high temperatures and resist rust and corrosion. Cast aluminum fire pits are also a common portable option because they’re lightweight, rust-resistant, and often come with powder-coated finishes for added protection.
Which Fire Pit Gives off the Most Heat?
Generally speaking, fire pits fueled by natural gas or propane tend to produce more intense heat compared to wood-burning fire pits. What’s more, with natural gas and propane, you can easily control the flame height and intensity. This is because gas is a more controlled fuel source—usually including an adjustable valve that lets you customize the output—and wood can vary in moisture content and quality. And of course, fire pits with larger burners or multiple burners will also generate more heat.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.