RS Recommends: The Best Wood-Burning Fire Pits for Your Backyard or Patio
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The recent spike in gas prices has led to many homeowners swapping their gas fire pits for wood-burning ones, with real wood replacing pricey propane. But it’s not just a costing thing either — when it comes to ambience and warmth, a good wood fire pit can deliver a ton of versatility and value.
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The best wood-burning fire pits make an excellent addition for backyards, patios and parties, and instantly add atmosphere to the outdoor space in your home. Plus without the need for propane, you’re free to control the flames purely with wood, whether using store-bought logs or ones you’ve chopped yourself (and even fallen sticks and twigs from the yard).
Wood-Burning Fire Pit Buying Guide
Here’s what to know before buying a wood-burning fire pit for your house.
Materials and Assembly: Typically you’ll find that most wood fire pits have a bronze or steel finish. While the main unit is large and intact, it’s the base that usually requires some putting together. They’re about as difficult as any average shelf or furniture you might order online, and some can even be done without tools. A mesh, flame-retardant top panel can help prevent sparks from going rogue, and an open grate keeps the oxygen flowing to feed the flames.
Size: The latest wood fire pits vary significantly in terms of size, so make sure you have a general idea of where it’s going to sit before buying. Some are better-suited for a small group of 2-4 people sitting in a close circle, while others (especially with open tops) may be too intense and better suited for a large space where a bigger group can have some distance to move back.
Smokeless: One of the most annoying things that ruins an otherwise enjoyable campfire is smoke burning your eyes, stinking up your clothes, and somehow following you no matter what seat you switch to. You’ll notice that some fire pits are now advertising as “smokeless,” but are they really? Sort of. Instead of smoke-less, a better descriptor might be “less smoke.” It won’t be zero, but it definitely is a noticeable difference.
Secondary combustion is a feature that cuts way down on the amount of smoke produced if you keep the fire well-fed. This causes the smoke to travel straight up, instead of out, and burn off all the debris that would usually contribute to causing the most smoke. It may increase the price of the unit, but we think it’s well worth it.
Bonus: Some accessories, like a cooking grate, turn your wood-burning fire pit into an instant barbecue, allowing you to cook food whenever there’s flames hot enough. You’ll also want a poker that’s at least a few feet long to safely tend the flames and rearrange the wood. Holes provide water draining for the rainy days it’ll be sitting outside, and ultimately can help prolong the life of the unit, keeping it burning for years ahead.
What Are the Best Wood-Burning Fire Pits?
We’ve rounded up some of the top-rated wood-burning fire pits that you can buy online right now.
1. Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit
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Breeo is at the top of their game when it comes to fire pits, and this wood-burning 70-pounder is built to last. At 27.5 inches, it’s a great size for a small to medium-sized patio or outdoor space.
It wasn’t completely smoke-less in our testing, but there was significantly less smoke than other brands after it’s all heated up. Add a grill top (not included) and use the wood pit to fire up some hot dogs and burgers too.
Leave it out all year, as the Corten steel construction can handle the elements, and there’s a lifetime warranty too.
Amazon
Buy: Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit
2. Cuisinart Cleanburn Fire Pit
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Chances are, you may not have known that Cuisinart makes a smokeless, wood-burning fire pit. But the legendary kitchen appliance brand does, and it’s an awesome one at that.
The COH-800 is built thick, with double walls to increase airflow and cut down on smoke. The vents near the base pull in oxygen, giving the flames fuel from below, increasing efficiency all around. Plus it’s easy to clean – simply remove the ash tray afterwards – and this works with pretty much any standard wood too.
Amazon
Buy: Cuisinart Cleanburn Fire Pit
3. Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit
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No gas or propane required here – the eye-catching Bonfire is log-friendly and easy to start up. At just under 20 inches, it’s easy to carry around too, and it comes with a handy traveling case as a bonus.
Almost no setup is needed, just flip the Flame Ring, and you’re all set to start a backyard or campsite fire. After it’s out, only fine ash is left at the bottom, making it much easier to clean out, and minimizing that smoky smell.
This is one of the best portable wood-burning fire pits on the market, both in terms of good design, solid build and a premium experience.
Amazon
Buy: Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit
4. Amazon Basics Wood Fire Pit
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Weight-wise, this wood-burning fire pit tied for the lightest at just about 20 pounds, and while it’s quite large at 30+ inches, it’s still easily liftable when you need to move it around.
The heavy-duty coated steel is designed to handle high heat and retain its shape over multiple seasons, and a mesh, spark-screen lid is included to protect from embers without missing out on watching the flames. There are also fun animal shapes around the outer edges, and assembly is super simple.
Amazon
Buy: Amazon Basics Wood Fire Pit
5. VEVOR Stove Bonfire Pit
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At 50 pounds, it’s mildly lighter than the Breeo, but still not portable by any means, as there are no handles or easy way to move this around. This is best left in one spot on your patio.
Five logs got about an hour of burn time with a strong fire going, and cut down on the usual amounts of smoke, but keep in mind that this also wasn’t completely smokeless in our testing.
The sharp look and hefty build of this wood-burning fire pit make it a great decor piece or conversation piece in your outdoor space.
Amazon
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