Fire pits are a great way to warm up any outdoor space–literally!
A great focal point for entertainment, outdoor fire pits offer the perfect spot for lively conversation between friends under the stars, marshmallow roasting, telling spooky stories, and playing campfire games.
Ready to add a fire pit to your yard? Keep reading for five of the best outdoor fire pits on the market!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Wood Burning Fire Pit from BALI OUTDOORS
Best Premium:
Outdoor Fire Pit Coffee Table from the COSIEST Store
Best Budget-Friendly:
Multifunctional Fire Pit Table from Taheetech
Best Overall
Wood Burning Fire Pit from BALI OUTDOORS
If you’re looking for an outdoor fire pit that you can use to make a slow-roasted, chargrilled dinner, and then enjoy that dinner while basking in its warmth, the Wood Burning Fire Pit from BALI Outdoors is for you!
This round fire pit is available at a competitive price point with a multifunctional design with a removable grill that swivels 360°. Screws fix the grill and has a large-enough surface area that it complies with FDA good-grade standards. Remove the screws and the grill, and enjoy the wood-burning fire pit!
This outdoor fire pit has a 32″ diameter and measures 32″ wide by 25″ tall. It’s made from durable and long-lasting alloy steel. The fire pit has an outer ledge that doesn’t get hot; use it to hold dishes and also as a barrier to keep children and small pets away from the fire. Easy to assemble, this outdoor fire pit includes a collapsible triangle-frame rack to hold logs for superior ventilation and a fire-poker.
This pit offers plenty of space for a raging fire. Customers say that it’s ideal for sitting around, whether that’s in the day or night.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Multifunctional design includes a removable grill that can swivel 360°
- Includes a collapsible triangle frame rack to hold logs
Cons
- Does not include a screen top
- Some customers say that some of the parts don’t line up properly, which causes the grill shelf to be slightly crooked
- Included poker is 14″; some customers say that a longer poker is required to tend to a roaring fire
Best Premium
Outdoor Fire Pit Coffee Table from the COSIEST Store
If you’ve been to a beachside hotel or pool party, then you may recognize the general design of the Outdoor Fire Pit Coffee Table from the COSIEST Store. This circular outdoor fire pit certainly gives off vacation vibes reminiscent of a trip to Miami or Cabo San Lucas–but in the comfort of your own backyard.
This beautifully designed centerpiece and propane-burning fire pit yields a clean flame that provides soothing warmth. This wood-burning alternative doesn’t produce soot, ash, or smoke, which means no cleanup. Even better, it stays lit with no fire stroking and is a much eco-friendlier option. To start, simply turn the electronic ignition and safety valve, and use the external adjustment knob to control the intensity.
This premium fire pit measures 40.5″ deep, 40.5″ wide and 12″ tall; the fire bowl itself is 30″ round. It has a stainless-steel burner bowl and is coated in fire-retardant magnesium oxide for utmost safety. The burner bowl contains natural lava pieces that help retain warmth as they are heated by the flames. Tempered glass pieces fill the pit for an ultra-modern feel. Choose from several options: dark bronze, gray, or a transparent gray base with aqua-blue fire glass; terrazzo white base with aqua-blue fire glass; or dark-bronze base with brown or transparent gray fire glass.
This outdoor fire pit also comes with a waterproof cover to keep it clean and dry when it’s not in use. The piece weighs 100 lbs. and can be picked up from the side handles by two people, and sits only 12″ from the ground for a nearly-sunken feel. It also offers a large-enough coffee table surface to set down your coffee or nightcap. What’s not to love?
Pros
- Beautiful modern aesthetic with a beachside hotel feel
- Eco-friendlier method of fire-burning
- Low maintenance and easy to use
Cons
- Higher price point
- Heavier product; requires two people to move it
Best Budget-Friendly
Multifunctional Fire Pit Table from Yaheetech
We love a multipurpose product, and that’s why the Multifunctional Fire Pit Table from Yaheetech wins a spot on our list for the best outdoor fire pits. Available at a competitive price, this square-shaped fire pit has a special design that’s ideal for warmth, barbecuing, and cooling drinks and food in patios, gardens, or yards. It works as a great accessory to hold your friends’ beer during outdoor day parties, and to keep the festivities going into the night with a vibrant fire.
Made of alloy steel, this outdoor fire pit measures 31″ in diameter and is available in either 32″ or 34″ wide in black, copper, or bronze. The 5.3″ parameter of the pit is stamped with a decorative rock pattern for a modern aesthetic, and provides a space to hold plates, sauces, brushes, and other barbecue supplies for easy access while cooking. The fire pit has six holes for ventilation on the bottom; use it to burn large coals or logs.
Additional amenities include a lid made with heavy-duty iron meshing to prevent rogue burning embers; use a fire-poker to stroke the fire and remove the mesh lid. It also comes with a waterproof outer cover to keep the fire pit clean and avoid rusting due to water or rain exposure. The simple design is easy to assemble and comes with an enclosed step-by-step manual.
Pros
- Competitive price point
- Easy to assemble with instructions
- Great size for a small backyard
Cons
- Cooking grate is not included
- Is more susceptible to rusting if used in an area with a typically humid and/or wet climate
- Fire pit is not deep enough to support larger logs
Best Collapsible Design
Collapsible Hexagon Fire Pit from Metal Trade Solutions
Many folks like to change out the furniture in their backyard according to the seasons. If this applies to you, then consider the Collapsible Hexagon Fire Pit from Metal Trade Studios!
Made from 3.16″ hot-rolled steel, this outdoor fire pit is solid, weighing at 68 lbs. However, this 37” diameter and 12″ tall fire pit fully collapses into 14 individual pieces, making it easy to assemble, disassemble, move, and store. It has a carrying handle to make transferring easy and is also available with an additional handle, so you can split the weight with another person. Conveniently sit the fire pit on a patio or on the grass. The product arrives with a link, available via web address or QR code, that connects to an instructional video showing how to assemble it step by step.
One of the most appealing aspects of this outdoor fire pit is that it won’t melt or warp with use. The creator, Metal Trade Solutions, claimed to have tried and delightfully achieved their goal of creating a durable product that’s sure to last. Another pro is that it provides great airflow and burns wood excellently, which wasn’t the initial intention of the design, but is certainly a functional plus.
Pros
- Short shipping time
- Fully disassembled for easy storage
- Heavy-duty; will not melt or warp
Cons
- Because the shipping box is nearly 70 lbs, some postal offices will not deliver it to your doorstep; depending on location, you may be required to pick it up at your local post office
- Free shipping does not include shipping to Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico due to excess weight and associated shipping costs
Best Unique Design
Guitar Fire Pit from MAAC Metal Craft
If you’re a rock-n-roll-loving family, or someone who simply enjoys rockin’ out, then the Guitar Fire Pit from MAAC Metal Crafts is for you. Handmade in South Windsor, Connecticut, this awesomely-designed outdoor fire pit is fashioned from 16-gauge steel, which means that it’s both sturdy and easy to store or move around your backyard. The steel will naturally weather over time to yield a vintage, rustic look. It’s just the right size for an accent piece, standing at 41″ tall and 16″ wide.
Customers who purchase this fire pit say they’ve used it as a backyard pit at home, or as a way to add a fiery touch to outdoor events like weddings, celebrations, and get-to-gethers. When it’s not in use (and clean), it also makes a great standout piece to showcase inside your home. It’s the perfect gift to give someone who rocks your world for a milestone birthday or anniversary!
Pros
- Unique design
- Durable construction
- Handmade
Cons
- Does not produce excess warmth; more for aesthetic purposes
- Higher price point
Outdoor Fire Pit Buyer’s Guide
Outdoor fire pits come in so many designs and sizes, and offer a variation of amenities. Here are some of the most important characteristics to consider when purchasing the best outdoor fire pit for your yard space.
Material
Fire pits are available in a selection of materials, which include steel, stainless steel, stone, aluminum, cast iron, concrete, as well as a combination. There are positives and negatives to each material, though they are all durable for this purpose.
Steel fire pits are a great choice, but they tend to hold excess heat and can be very hot to the touch; possibly not the best choice for a household with young children. Concrete and stone fire pits can stain from soot and run the risk of cracking if they aren’t correctly built. Aluminum fire pits are perhaps one of the more heavy-duty choices and will not rust over time. Cast iron fire pits are extremely durable, but the material is much heavier than other options.
Size
Outdoor fire pits range in size from small, portable and tabletop styles to heftier stationery and built-in selections. When considering the size, you’ll want to opt for a fire pit that is sized to accommodate your outdoor space.
A large majority of models that you can self-install typically range from 24″ to 30″ in diameter. Built-in fire pits tend to be larger, ranging from 36″ to 58″ diameter. If you’re looking for a fire pit mainly for warmth, choose a product that’s lower to the ground.
Fuel Type
Fire pits are designed to accommodate either wood-burning, propane, or natural gas. If the classic campfire vibe is what you’re after, you’ll want to go for a wood-burning fire pit. These models also burn hotter fires and may be used to cook over. It’s important to note that the average piece of cut wood measures 24″ long, so your fire pit should be able to accommodate that.
If you’re looking for something cleaner that doesn’t produce smoke and doesn’t need to be actively tamed, then consider a propane or natural gas fire pit. The latter two are also more environmentally-friendly, though they’re more for the experience and can’t be used for cooking.
Safety Features
When purchasing an outdoor fire pit, you’ll want to be aware of the product’s safety features. Some fire pits come with a mesh cover, which can be used to prevent embers from escaping. While wood-burning fires must be tamed throughout use, propane and natural gas fire pits include an adjustable knob that allows you to turn the heat up or down.
If you live in a household with pets or small children, you may want an outdoor fire pit that’s higher off the ground. You never want to run the risk of someone being injured or getting too close to the fire, so it’s extremely important to ensure adult supervision at all times, in these cases. You may also want to shy away from a product made with steel, which tends to hold heat, and lean toward a fire pit with a shelf around the fire, which provides an additional barrier between the fire and you, your guests, your family, or your pets.
Outdoor Fire Pit Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know before installing a fire pit?
Safety and corresponding regulations are the most important details to know before installing an outdoor fire pit. Some products are safe to use on the grass or on a patio, so check the instructions of your fire pit prior to installation. If you’re installing it on the ground, do so on level ground and in an open area, which allows the smoke room to dissipate–especially if it’s a wood-burning fire pit.
You must install the fire pit at least 15 to 25 feet from your home and other homes, and at least 10 feet from your property line or flammable structures such as wooden garages, sheds, treehouses, or jungle gyms, as well as trees, bushes, stored firewood, and other shrubbery.
What is the safest type of fire pit?
Outdoor fire pits that are powered by propane or natural gas are safer than wood-burning fire pits. These fire pits require less maintenance and tending, and are typically easier to use.
Wrapping Up on the Best Outdoor Fire Pits
There’s so much to love about an outdoor fire pit, from the conversation it offers, to the gentle warmth hitting your skin, to its ability to serve as a party centerpiece, and the option to use it year-round. If you’re ready to add one of these popular products to your outdoor space, prepare for endless memories in the making!
Interested in other ways you can jazz up your yard space? Check out our backyard living content for more inspiration posts, how-to guides, and more!