The 10 Best Fire Pits for a Toasty Outdoor Hangout

Best Overall

Outland Living 24" Mega Fire Pit

$215 $139 at Amazon $176 at Home Depot View on Outlandliving.com

The Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega is a great pick, striking the right balance of performance, budget, size, and looks, which is why it’s our top pick for the best fire pit. We love how incredibly easy this fire pit is to set up and use.

It arrives pretty much assembled, all you need to do is add the lava rocks and hook it up to a propane tank, which took us around five minutes. Once assembled, it took us less than two minutes to start the fire, which is easily controllable with a knob that adjusts the height and intensity of the flame.

This was particularly appreciated while roasting marshmallows as we could turn down the flame to ensure we didn’t end up with a burnt mess. Although we’d like it if the flame could go a little higher for those really chilly nights, the fire pit gives off plenty of heat. We could still feel the warmth on our faces sitting 3.5 feet away.

We were incredibly impressed during our tests that this model seems to be truly smokeless. We found this especially helpful when there was a breeze, and no one needed to reposition their chair to avoid plumes of smoke—there really is no excuse not to sit out by the fire!

As this is a propane model, there was no ash produced, and the only residue we found in the fire pit was from adding the lava rocks. This fire pit also appears incredibly durable. After testing, the only wear we found were just a couple of small scratches in the bottom from initially adding the lava rocks, and some of the rocks were discolored from the heat.

One small improvement we’d like is a longer propane connector so the attached gas tank could stay completely out of sight while using the fire pit, but it’s not at all a deal breaker. Weighing 34 pounds, this isn’t the lightest fire pit on our list, but two people could move it easily. The only accessories available are the Mega carry bag for easier transportation and a natural gas conversion kit.

Overall, we’re impressed with the Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega fire pit. It’s easy to set up and use, gives out an impressive amount of heat to warm up to eight people, and has a flame you can control. Plus, it’s completely smokeless, which is a huge bonus.

How It Performed After Six Months

The Outland fire pit is incredibly easy to use and requires basically no maintenance. We love the included protective cover that allows us to leave it outside no matter the weather. While we noticed no change in the performance of the fire pit, we should note that the rocks did become discolored the more we used it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 24 inches | Fuel type: Propane | Material: Steel

Best Budget

Better Homes & Gardens Wood Burning Copper Fire Pit

$199 at Walmart

If you are looking for a wood-burning fire pit that’s less expensive than other options, we recommend the Better Homes & Gardens Wood Burning Copper Fire Pit. It has a sleek appearance that will add to your outdoor decor. Along with solid durability and noticeable weather resistance, it hit the marks of what we look for in outdoor equipment. 

This model weighs just under 27 pounds and during testing, we noted that it needed two people to move it comfortably.  Once set up, we ignited the fire using a small amount of wood, paper, and cardboard. Overall, it was easy to get started without using any fuel or lighter fluid. 

The fire only emitted a noticeable amount of smoke, but only because our wood was damp. We noted that the fire provided a generous amount of warmth, even when seated about three feet away. When we made a larger fire, we could feel it at five feet away. 

After just three uses, this fire produced a moderate amount of ash, which we disposed of using an indoor fireplace brush and galvanized bucket. We had to tilt the fire pit to get any remaining ash. We also noted that the fire pit’s lid lifter wasn't quite as long as we would have preferred, requiring us to get a bit too close to the fire at times.

After two weeks of testing, we noticed ash stains accumulating on the copper. It didn't deter from the aesthetic appeal of the fire pit, as we still appreciated its durability and ease of use. However, the signs of aging were noticeable in a shorter period than we would have preferred.

Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 22 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Copper

Best Splurge

Necessories Round Concrete Beechwood Fire Pit

$629 at Home Depot

If you have ample room in your backyard, consider the Necessories' Grand Fire Pit. We loved the built-in look of the firepit and appreciated that it was easy to start and maintain the fire. 

Constructing this fire pit was somewhat involved, although we appreciated the smooth delivery. We did have to carry all the pieces to our backyard, however it didn't require any special equipment. Once we began to assemble, we needed to do some heavy lifting as the pit was made of stone. One block was chipped, but when putting the pit together, we positioned it so it wouldn't be visible. 

Getting the fire started was an easy process. We loved the thick stone walls, which made us comfortable to allow for pets and children to be around it. Plus, it gave the firepit a more permanent appearance in our backyard than something we would bring in and out only on occasion.

The fire pit produced a generous amount of heat all the way around. It also has a wide, deep ring that encourages good airflow and keeps the fire going. We could comfortably use our extendable forks to make s'mores without getting too close to the flames. 

Another feature we appreciated was that we could extinguish the fire when we were done instead of waiting for the flames to burn out. Aside from the ash appearing on some portion of things, the fire pit showed no signs of wear and tear or discoloration.

Product Details: Dimensions: 31 x 48 x 12 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Stone and concrete

Best Table

Better Homes & Gardens River Oaks Gas Fire Pit Table

$198 at Walmart

If you are looking for a fire pit that is built within a table, you'll love the Better Homes & Gardens River Oaks Gas Fire Pit Table. The square shape, black glass rock, and clean lines blend well with the hints of classic touches, like the embossed arabesque design on the walls. It will elevate your outside decor, giving you plenty of room to place a drink even while the fire pit is going.

Because of the sheer weight of this fire pit upon delivery, we had to unpack it and bring it inside piece by piece. It was far too heavy for us to transport it inside and into our backyard on our own.

Assembling it took us about an hour, even though the directions said only a half hour. This was in part because of unclear directions and labeling on all the pieces. Fortunately, everything inside was packaged nicely. There was also an issue with one of screws being stripped, so one of the legs were not properly supported. However, we haven't run into any issues with stability thus far. 

Once all put together, we used propane gas to get it started. There was only a slight gas smell when we turned it on, but that faded quickly. 

The fire pit emitted a lot of heat up to three and four feet away. Since the heating element is a circle, we could feel it all the way around. We did attempt at making marshmallows with this fire pit, but found it didn't burn hot enough like we have found with wood-burning fire pits.

Even though it was a windy day during our testing, the fire still remained lit and provided heat. On one side of the pit, there is also adjustable heat control which can adjust the flame size. It performed well and responded nicely to our adjustments. 

We appreciated that there wasn't extensive clean-up required, just place the lid back and cover up the pit once were finished. When not in use, we found this lid could easily convert the fire pit into a coffee table. We also loved the glass beads that came inside, adding an elegance and reflective aspect to the fire.

Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 25.2 inches | Fuel Type: Propane | Material: Steel, tile, stainless steel, and glass

Best Wood-Burning

Frontgate Classic Copper Fire Pit

$560 at Frontgate

We found this classic copper fire pit by Frontgate to be an all-around winner when it comes to performance, design, and value. If you have a spacious backyard or patio and love to entertain, this gorgeous wood-burning fire pit will be your best bet. The construction is part of the reason it's so pricey: Its heavy copper basin is made to handle both extreme heat and extreme weather, so you can keep it out all year long. 

It also features a sturdy iron grate that makes for a well-ventilated and thriving fire. The basin holds logs up to 2 feet long; we opted to use five logs during testing for a medium-sized fire, but felt like we could have easily fit twice as many. We like how the large size means it’s great for parties and entertaining; it can easily accommodate five or more people, with plenty of space for everyone. 

The setup took us mere minutes and required no tools, but it’s heavy enough that you’ll likely need to do it with two people. Finally, there’s an option to add a spark guard made of powder-coated iron if you have children or pets around, too. While we were impressed with this fire pit, it’s worth noting that it’s pretty expensive for one that is not considered smokeless.

How It Performed After 4 Months

Our favorite aspect of the fire pit is the size—we like that we can fit a larger amount of people around it and create a bigger fire. It held up really well for its first few months of use, but we would have appreciated an included cover for additional protection against the elements.

Product Details: Dimensions: 40 x 39.78 x 14 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Copper and iron

Best Propane

Hampton Bay Crossridge Antique Brass Fire Pit

$179 at Home Depot

For those looking for a backyard fire pit without the hassle of wood, consider a propane-fueled model like this one from Hampton Bay. The unit doubles as a table to rest drinks or small snack plates on, and the antique design is stylish enough to live on your patio alongside existing patio furniture.

Setting up the fire pit for the first time took us just under 30 minutes, which was much longer than most of the other pits we tested. This is because many other pits were fully assembled straight out of the box, while this option requires assembly, including screwing the sides together. However, we found the setup easy to complete with detailed instructions and well-marked pieces. After assembling the fire pit, we connected our own 20-pound propane tank (which nests out of sight under the table), and it was ready to go. 

The initial setup time was worth it, since getting the fire started took no time at all; just remove the cover, open the propane tank, switch a knob, and push a button to light. It’s the perfect option for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to spend waiting for a fire to start. And when you’re ready to go back inside, turning off the fire is as simple as turning the knob off and closing the propane tank.

We appreciated the even heating on all sides of the pit, which we could feel up to three feet from the unit. While using the fire pit, we didn’t see or smell smoke, which we appreciated as no scent lingered on our clothes or in our hair. After turning off the fire pit and letting it cool, a lid slides over the lava rocks and heating unit to protect them and provide more table surface—a feature we found especially useful when the fire pit wasn’t in use.

How It Performed After 4 Months

This became our go-to fire pit because of ease—just turn it on and you have a fire, no prep or cleanup necessary. Because it's so quick, we found ourselves using it more and more often, sometimes even for just 10 minutes. We would have loved to see another option for the finish, but otherwise we have no complaints.

Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 25 x 30 inches | Fuel Type: Propane | Material: Steel

Best Smokeless

Solo Stove Yukon 2.0

$450 at Amazon $614 $580 at Wayfair $450 at Walmart

This Solo Stove model is over 6 inches wider and 6 inches taller in diameter than our best overall pick, making it great for longer burn times and larger gatherings. We especially liked the construction of this piece: Setup is quick and easy, and it features a ring on the bottom to protect the grass from the extreme heat below and a ring on the top to encourage ventilation.

It has all of the features that Solo Stove has become so well-known for: The two-walled construction traps air between the walls to burn up smoke before it reaches your hair and clothes, its durable stainless steel will handle the elements and the intense heat while remaining relatively light for the size of the model, and it can easily be cleaned with the removable ash pan. 

We could fit six large logs in the pit, but they did burn fairly quickly. We were impressed with how evenly the fire burned as well. Still, the biggest draw of the Solo Stove is that, when properly cleaned and maintained, it’s a relatively smokeless and smell-free fire pit. 

How It Performed After 4 Months

We continued to enjoy the smokeless aspect of the fire pit—it funnels any smoke it does produce upward instead of out—as well as the sleek design. It is a bit heavy, so we suggest having someone help you move it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 17 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Stainless steel

Best Tabletop

Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Smokeless Fire Pit

$80 at Amazon View on Walmart $80 at Home Depot

The best option for someone who doesn’t have a backyard is definitely this Solo Stove Mesa option we tested, as it’s perfect for a small balcony or patio, given that it only stands 6 inches tall and takes up hardly any space. If you want a little ambience but don’t have a large area outside to sit in, it’s a great, affordable option that also comes in a bunch of interesting colors like deep olive, mulberry, and bone. 

While we don’t recommend relying on this fire pit alone for significant warmth due to the size, we were still impressed with the heat it created. You can use small pieces of firewood to make this work, but might be better off using wood pellets or Solo Stove’s own mini oak pieces since they won’t have to be cut down to size. It comes with a stand and a carry bag—and because the fire pit only weighs a little over a pound, it’s definitely an easy option to take anywhere and store in a closet. 

Best of all, the Solo Stove Mesa has all of the specs the larger sizes have, including the stainless steel, double-walled construction and smokeless design. You can even roast marshmallows with the flame, allowing you to have the experience of a real fire pit even if you live in an area with limited outdoor space. 

How It Performed After 3 Months

While we didn't get to use it too many times before the weather got cold, we continued to appreciate both the size and the amount of warmth it emits. A previous tabletop fire pit we used was just for aesthetics, so we really like being able to use one that actually keeps people cozy when gathered around on chilly nights.

Product Details: Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 inches | Fuel Type: Pellet, wood | Material: Stainless steel and ceramic

Best for Camping

Outland Living Firecube

$170 at Amazon

If you’re camping, backpacking, or RVing this summer, this Outland Living Firecube is one of the best options to add to your gear list. At a little over 22 pounds and 14 inches in diameter, it’s both easy to store and to pack. 

It’s CSA-approved (which means it has passed a series of safety metrics) and uses a 20-pound propane tank cylinder (not included, but available at most hardware stores) rather than wood, which allows it to be used in places that have bans on campfires, although it’s best to check with your campsite before you go. 

The kit comes with a pre-attached 10-foot hose, an adjustable regulator with a knob to control flame size, a cover/carry kit, and over 4 pounds of lava rocks to create a more realistic and flickering fire. It delivers a clean, smokeless burn and works quietly and in inclement weather. 

While it’s not meant to cook on (besides s’mores or weenies on a stick, of course), there’s a reason we chose one that doesn’t have a grill grate: If you’re camping and are counting on fire as a means to cook your food, propane fire pits generally aren’t made to make elaborate meals for a number of people. They’re great for camping because they produce a more controlled burn, but you’re much better off getting a charcoal grill or a camp stove, in addition to a fire pit, if you want to cook food.

Instead, use this Firecube to provide warmth and a source of flame for nights under the stars. However, if you’re camping in a place that doesn’t have a campfire ban, and you’d rather grill on the pit, check out the option below.

Product Details: Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 9 inches | Fuel Type:  Propane | Material: Alloy steel

Best Design

Barebones Living Cowboy Fire Pit Grill

$400 at Amazon $400 at Walmart $400 at Nordstrom

This Barebones Living Fire Pit & Grill is a master class in smart design: the bowl is used as the fire pit, and to make it a grill, you attach the included pole and the grill grate to the side of that bowl. During testing, we found this allowed us to move the grill grate up and down, depending on how much direct flame you’re looking to have on your food, and gave us added freedom to control the temperature of the food. 

If you’re an outdoors lover who wants to be able to have a backyard campout—complete with dinner and s’mores—at a moment’s notice, this could be the best choice for you. It’s absolutely beautiful and the fire burns evenly, but it's slightly tricky to control the temperature as you’re cooking, which is why the pole is such a brilliant add-on. If your flame gets too high, you can move your food up without worrying about burning it. 

The Barebones pit is 30 pounds and needs to be taken indoors after use so it won’t rust, but it does come equipped with built-in handles to make that task a bit easier. For the higher price, it’s not a smokeless option, but if you couldn’t imagine creating a campfire without cooking up a meal on it, then this fire pit is worth the investment. It’s truly the best of both worlds and functions well as both a grill and a fire pit. 

How It Performed After Three Months

There's no mistaking that this is a gorgeous fire pit—the design is stunning—but we think it's a bit too complicated and expensive (unless you're truly going to use the grill grate for cooking). That said, the aesthetics can't be beat, and if you're regularly grilling on open fire, you'll probably get use out of it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 23.75 x 23.75 x 8.15 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Steel