The 13 Best Fire Pits to Upgrade Your Patio

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·11 min read

Roasted marshmallows, Aperol spritzes and rainbow vegetable skewers…Ahh, yes, summer is almost upon us (and we’re already planning our Fourth of July party). But before you start hanging string lights and blowing up pool floats, you might want to consider giving your backyard 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 alfresco dinners well into fall. Sold? Us too. Here are our picks for 13 of the best fire pits to snag before it’s time to break out the sandals.

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 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, it's smart to keep a metal ash can nearby to collect the ashes.

  • 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 enjoy a meal around.

  • 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 or one that uses gel-fueled logs. Gel-fueled logs are 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.

  • 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 costs 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.

Where to Buy Fire Pits

You can find a solid selection of standard fire pits available at home improvement staples, like Lowes and Home Depot. However, if you’re searching for something more aesthetically-pleasing, Wayfair and Anthropologie have some gorgeous options available. For those seeking a wide variety of fire pits to choose from in all different shapes and sizes, right at your fingertips, Amazon is your pick.

THE BEST FIRE PITS AT A GLANCE

Scroll down for in-depth reviews of each

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1. The Solo Stove Bonfire

Best Overall

  • Why We Love It: Smokeless flame, portable, steel design and affordable

This sleek steel firepit scored 93 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review for its nearly smokeless burn. “[The] 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,” writes Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint. And in addition to the affordable $250 price, it has an ‘Aspen ski chalet chic’ design and offers several useful and fun accessories you can pair with it (like fire pit tools and roasting sticks).

BUY IT ($400; $240)

2. Yaheetech Outdoor Fire Pit

Best Value

  • Why We Love It: Hexagon shape, durable iron, wood-burning and includes cover

This guy has an average 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon for a reason: It’s a durable, uniquely designed fire pit under $100. Its hexagonal shape can extend the fire’s flame, while its included mesh cover allows for airflow (and prevents sparks or embers from flying). Plus, it’s made of black-coated heavy-duty iron, and its 24-inch width is surprisingly lightweight.

$83 AT AMAZON

3. Outer Fire Pit Table Set

Best Splurge

  • Why We Love It: Multifunctional, contemporary and eco-friendly design and includes multiple accessories

If you’re looking for the mac- addy of all fire pits, you just found it. This luxurious 51-inch by 33.7-inch piece can be used as a propane fire table, cooking device or flat surface when the flame is off. It comes with six fabulous accessories, including ceramic balls, griddle pans and stands, a propane tank cover, a splatter guard and a propane gas hose. And that’s not even our favorite part. The fire pit is finished in ultra-chic, glass-fiber concrete cement—which requires less energy to produce and results in less off-gassing—and requires little maintenance (just grab a sponge and a bucket of soapy water for periodic cleanings).

BUY IT ($4,450)

4. AllModern Concrete Outdoor Fire Pit Table

Best Propane

  • Why We Love It: Modern design, multiple sizes and finishes and can be used with natural gas

We love this adjustable fire pit table for its modern design—which comes in charcoal and concrete finishes—and versatile output options. It’s available in two sizes (36-inch and 42-inch) and includes a height control knob that allows you to adjust the flame’s size. While this one runs on propane, you can also use a gas conversion kit (not included) to fuel the fire with natural gas. Oh, and did we mention that it comes with a flame cover?

BUY IT ($862; $586)

5. Tuscola Steel Outdoor Fire Pit

Best Wood-Burning

  • Why We Love It: Deep fire bowl, affordable and includes accessories

Fully equipped with a log grate, spark screen and fire poker, this steel fire pit is just as stylish as it is effective. Its spherical base is finished in distressed black with brass accents, and we love how its tapered base draws visual interest. It also includes two handles (for easy transport), and its 9-inch fire bowl allows you to burn several pieces of wood at a time—all for under $200.

BUY IT ($358; $199)

6. Terrain Real Flame Le Porte Fire Pit

Best Steel

  • Why We Love It: Maximum heat protection, rustic-boho design and included accessories

Yet another wood-burning fire pit we’re coveting is this rustic-boho option from Anthropologie. We love how its powder-coated steel frame offers maximum heat protection while its black criss-cross base provides a unique architectural accent. Furthermore, it comes with several tools, including a spark screen, log grate, log poker and protective storage cover.

BUY IT ($598)

7. FLÎKR Fire Personal Concrete Fireplace

Best Portable

  • Why We Love It: Miniature sized, concrete design and runs on isopropyl alcohol

Our first thought upon discovering this personal fire pit? Awww. While its 5-inch diameter makes it an adorable countertop accessory, it can also burn for up to 50 minutes on just five ounces of rubbing alcohol (AKA fuel). “The flame is very impressive but never feels out of control…I love the fact that it is super easy to [use]. Just pour in a little isopropyl alcohol, light it up, and when the alcohol is gone, the flame just disappears,” writes one reviewer.

BUY IT ($99)

8. Outland Living Series Fire Table

Best Table

  • Why We Love It: Good for cooking and dining, adjustable flame, included accessories and hidden storage compartment

Perfect for the amateur chef, this fire table boasts a 24-inch height that’s perfect for cooking and dining flame-side. It features a single stainless steel burner that can produce up to 50,000 BTU of heated flames and an auto-ignition control valve that allows you to vary the flame height (which is nearly smokeless, according to the manufacturer). Furthermore, the design features a sturdy aluminum frame, weather-resistant resin wicker and a slab of black tempered glass that makes it the perfect patio accessory. It also conceals a 20-pound propane tank (not included) with ease in its hidden storage compartment.

$730; From $552 AT AMAZON

9. Terrazzo Square Outdoor Fire Pit

Most Unique Design

  • Why We Love It: Concrete terrazzo design, multiple finish options, adjustable flame settings and includes cover

If you’re looking to take your alfresco aesthetic to the next level, this is the fire pit to do it with. Its speckled terrazzo finish comes in black and white color options, and the table’s 41.75-inch width makes it the perfect statement maker. Not to mention that it can easily hook up to a natural gas line, and its adjustable flame setting can output up to 55,000 BTU of heat.

BUY IT ($1,698)

10. Loon Peak Stone Propane Fire Pit Table

Best Stone

  • Why We Love It: Traditional stone design, runs on propane and concealed storage space

Finally, a stone fire pit to complete your backyard’s traditional aesthetic (because what’s old is new again in the world of design). Its timeless stone finish is made from durable yet lightweight concrete, and its adjustable flame output goes up to 40,000 BTU. Plus, it features a concealed storage space for a propane tank (sold separately) and lava rocks that match the pit’s exterior finish.

BUY IT ($700)

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11. TIKI Brand Stainless Steel Fire Pit

Best All-Weather

  • Why We Love it: Comes with a wood pack and a weather-resistant cover

Everybody hates getting smoke in their eyes when they're just trying to kick back by the fire pit. You can adjust and move your seat a million times, but the smoke just seems to find you, no matter where you settle (we've all been there). Fear not—this stainless-steel fire pit might be the answer to your prayers. It utilizes a patented internal airflow system that the company claims is designed for a better fire, with low smoke and less ash. It also comes with a weather-resistant cover and a wood pack, so once you get it set up, it's ready to roar!

$395 at Amazon

12. COSIEST Square Fire Pit Table

Best for Entertaining

  • Why We Love it: Sleek and sophisticated design

This is the perfect fire pit for hosting friends, and it's portable, so you could even bring it to them if you want. It's also guaranteed to make you the envy of all your neighbors with its modern, cubist design that looks incredibly delicate, but is actually incredibly strong, according to shoppers. It's built with sturdy, long-lasting materials, like fire-retardant magnesium oxide, and includes a stainless-steel burner bowl. This fire pit is also super user-friendly: Push a button and the fire lights up, like magic!

$600 at Amazon

13. Aoxun 2-in-1 Fire Pit

Best for Summer Barbecues

  • Why We Love it: Multi-functional and affordable

This is the ideal fire pit for stress-free summer barbecues. It's multi-functional– coming fully equipped with an adjustable grill that swivels 360-degrees, so you have the option to grill up some mouthwatering hot dogs or veggies. Or you can choose to simply use this fire pit for warmth if that's more your vibe, it's totally up to you! It boasts an easy set up, too: You can reportedly get this grill up and running just 15 minutes after tearing open the package.

$90$40 at Amazon

PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.