The Best Fire Pits for Cozy Nights and Outdoor Entertaining

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Fire pits create a natural gathering place for everything from backyard entertaining to camping trips and quiet evenings outdoors. We researched more than 125 fire pits and hands-on tested 15 smokeless, wood-burning, gas, and tabletop options, evaluating each for heat output, smoke reduction, ease of setup, durability, portability, and overall fire pit experience.

A well-made fire pit burns more efficiently, produces less smoke, and holds up better to repeated outdoor use than cheaper alternatives. Some models focus on portability for tailgating and camping, while others are designed to anchor a permanent outdoor living space. 

After testing, our favorite is the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 thanks to its effective smokeless design, durable construction, and versatile size for small gatherings.

Fuel type, fire pit size, portability, and maintenance requirements can all affect which model is the right fit for your outdoor space. Ahead, learn what features matter most and compare the strengths and drawbacks of the best fire pits.

1. BEST OVERALL: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Blue Sky Outdoor Living Ridge Portable Fire Pit 
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3. BEST EASY-CLEAN Tiki Brand Patio Smokeless Fire Pit
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4. BEST PORTABLE: Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit
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5. BEST SMOKELESS: Solo Stove Infinity Flame Propane Fire Pit
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6. BEST FOR DECKS: Cuisinart Chimenea Propane Fire Pit
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7. UPGRADE PICK: Ninja Fireside360 Outdoor Heater & Fire Pit
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8. BEST FIRE PIT TABLE: Outland Living Granville Fire Table
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9. BEST MULTI-FUEL: Breeo Smokeless Y Series Portable Fire Pit
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10. BEST TABLETOP: Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit
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Best Fire Pits at a Glance

Our Top Picks

We tested the best fire pits available for a wide range of warming purposes. Read on to learn more about their construction, how they performed, and the top picks by category.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Warmth 5/5; Durability 4.8/5; Aesthetics 4.8/5; Value 4.8/5

Many fire enthusiasts believe there is no substitute for a wood fire, but they could do without the smoke. The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is a great solution. It’s a smokeless fire pit that’s the perfect size for gatherings of three to five people. This upgraded model features a removable fire grate and an ash pan that didn’t exist in the previous version. This addition makes cleaning a breeze. It also comes with a stand and a soft-side carry case.

The key to this model’s smokelessness is its dual-wall construction. The wall of the fire chamber is separated from the outer wall by an inch of air space. Ventilation holes around the base of the outer wall allow a constant influx of fresh air that rapidly heats as it moves upward through the wall space. As the super-heated oxygen-rich air escapes through vent holes around the top of the inner wall (just below the rim), it ignites smoke particles exiting the fire.

Solo Stove is one of the more aggressively marketed brands, and in our tests, the Bonfire 2.0 lived up to the hype. We used natural tinder and kindling to start fires in all of the wood-burning fire pits. This one started instantly with just one match. The 360-degree airflow design allowed ample fresh air to flow upward through the burn chamber, creating a chimney-like effect that allowed us to quickly build up the fire. It took about 10 minutes before it was smokeless. 

The only times that we experienced a smoky fire were when we used poor-quality firewood—wet, green, or partially rotted—or when we added wood above the rim. For best results, we used 12-inch logs and avoided overloading the burn chamber. Like other dual-wall fire pits we have tested, the Bonfire 2.0 burns wood faster than traditional fire rings or pits. Plan on going through about 1.5 to 2 times as much firewood. At the end of the fire, almost nothing was left to clean up; everything burned down to a fine powdery ash.

What our tester says: “It looks great. It’s easy to use and easy to transport. For anyone who is thinking about buying a smokeless fire pit, the Bonfire 2.0 would make an excellent choice that is absolutely worth it.”—Mark Wolfe, Product tester and writer

Read our full review: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Get the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 fire pit at Amazon (Amazon-exclusive bundle) or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

An affordable fire pit doesn’t have to be “cheap.” The Blue Sky Outdoor Living Ridge fire pit is made of heavy-duty alloy steel, weighs less than 15 pounds, and can burn either firewood or wood pellets. The smokeless dual-wall design means it starts quickly and burns efficiently. The base nests inside the burn chamber for easy transport, and it includes a convenient shoulder carry case. 

We tested the Ridge fire pit with both firewood and pellets. Both fuels worked very well and burned smoke-free. The visual flame quality and warmth were excellent. However, the small interior dimensions of the burn chamber made it necessary to use very short firewood pieces. Plan on cutting store-bought firewood in half, or consider this smaller model as an excellent choice for burning wood pellets.

As with other dual-wall fire pits, the ash was minimal and finely textured. The product is designed so that the ashes fall into the base, where it is easy to simply dump them after the fire has burned out. This was one of the easiest to clean of all the wood burners we tested.

The cost savings gained from alloy-steel construction create a potential vulnerability in this model. After several fires and storing it under a covered porch when not in use, the high-temperature paint began to falter. The finish didn’t rust, but it did begin to develop a patina. Emptying the ashes promptly after use and storing it in a dry location will be key to its longevity.

Get the Blue Sky Outdoor Living fire pit at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Blue Sky Outdoor Living.

Our Ratings

Those who crave a fire pit that adds a stylish touch and a sense of permanence to the patio need look no further than the Tiki Brand Patio smokeless fire pit. It features a 16-gauge stainless steel burn chamber, a sleek powder-coated steel-band exterior finish, a wooden ash drawer handle, and wrought-iron feet for a refined appearance. The model measures 24.75 inches in diameter and 18.75 inches high, weighs 43 pounds, and can burn either wood pellets or firewood.

One standout feature of this large model was the steel burn-assist cone for use with wood pellets. Place it in the center of the fire pit, lay a bag of pellets over it, light the four corners of the bag, and the fire gets going in minutes. The dual-wall design ensures a hot, efficient burn and leaves little ash to clean up. Plus, a handy ash drawer makes disposing of the ashes about as clean and easy as possible. 

The Tiki looked and worked great. We liked the combination of heat-resistant stainless steel inside the burn chamber paired with a decorative exterior. Interestingly, although the burn chamber was actually smaller than expected, it produced a big hot flame and near-zero smoke. With its large size and bulky styling features, this is more like a piece of furniture and is not really designed for portability. It comfortably seats eight guests within the heat ring, but it could fit up to 10. 

Get the Tiki Brand fire pit at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings

Where lightweight packability is critical, the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up fire pit excels. Optimized for storage and travel, the frame folds to fit inside a soft-side carry case, and it weighs just 7.6 pounds. In operation, the elevated fire platform (which measures 15 inches high by 24 inches square) provides ample space for a campfire that will satisfy a crowd of 8 to 10. It supports up to 125 pounds of weight, so there’s no need to worry about it collapsing under the weight of heavy firewood.

The kit includes the pop-up aluminum base, four aluminum edges, and a stainless steel fire mesh. It only takes about a minute to set up. In its “Base Camp” configuration, this model can be used on fireproof surfaces like gravel, concrete, or bare earth. Upgrade to the “Heat Shield Combo” to get the protective heat shield that makes it safe to set up on fire-sensitive surfaces like wooden decks or grass.

Although the Fireside Pop-Up has an unconventional design and is not effectively smokeless, it created a surprisingly traditional campfire ambience in our test. Unlike with solid-sided smokeless fire pits that obscure the firewood and can leave the impression of a burn barrel, this one goes for the “naked” fire look with clearly visible firewood and embers, as it would appear in an old-fashioned rock ring. 

As for durability, neither the mesh nor the frame showed signs of stress or fatigue after a dozen cycles of setup-campfire-cleanup-store, even with marginal care. We didn’t always clean up immediately after the fire was out. During camp trips, it remained set up throughout the weekend, and we only cleaned out the built-up ashes at the very end of trips. This left the stainless steel mesh dirty and clogged so that we had to use a brush to clean it, but it did not rust.

We tested this model with and without the heat shield and consider the added expense worthwhile. It was easy to install by means of four hook-and-loop straps at the corners. The heat shield only added about 4 ounces of weight to the entire package and allowed us to set up pretty much anywhere we wanted. It’s a great choice for bonfires on the go, wherever there’s no established fire ring.

Get the Fireside Outdoor fire pit at Amazon or Fireside Outdoor.

Our Ratings

The Solo Stove Infinity Flame combines the convenience of propane with the visual appeal of a traditional campfire in a sleek, modern fire pit design. During testing, we were especially impressed by the flame pattern, which looked fuller and more natural than many gas fire pits we’ve used. It also produced strong 360-degree warmth, with heat radiating evenly around the unit. At its highest setting, the Infinity Flame delivers up to 72,000 BTUs, making it powerful enough for chilly evenings and larger outdoor seating areas. 

The smokeless propane system ignited quickly, adjusted easily, and produced no noticeable fumes during operation. We liked that the propane tank stores neatly beneath the fire pit, keeping the setup clean and uncluttered. Assembly, however, took much longer than expected—about 90 minutes in our case—because the unit arrived with many individual components that required careful assembly, even with good instructions included.

Once assembled, though, the Infinity Flame felt sturdy and looked refined enough to fit into almost any patio or backyard setting. For shoppers seeking dramatic flames, high heat output, and smokeless convenience, it delivers a premium fire pit experience.

What our tester says: “The Infinity Flame fire pit emits beautiful clear flames from the center of the unit as well as the glass-filled ring for the coziest fire pit experience – even on chilly nights.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Solo Stove Infinity Flame fire pit at Amazon or Solo Stove. 

Our Ratings

When it comes to wood decks, fire pit options are limited by spatial and safety considerations. Our favorite safe and attractive option for decks is the Cuisinart Chimenea propane fire pit. Fueled by a grill-style propane tank (not included) housed inside the fire pit body, this model starts at the click of an automatic igniter switch and eliminates the clutter and hassle of firewood. The adjustable burner, surrounded by 8 pounds of lava rock, produces up to 40,000 BTUs of heat, which radiates outward thanks to a built-in heat deflector.

Admittedly, we didn’t like assembling this fire pit. The parts lined up the way they were supposed to, but the instructions were unclear in a few places. Total build time was about 1.5 hours, and the only tool we needed was a stubby #2 Phillips-head screwdriver to access a few awkwardly placed screws on interior curves inside the housing.

The fire pit worked perfectly. The igniter worked without incident, as did the flame adjustment knob. It reflected heat outward at least 7 feet with the burner set on low; the high setting was simply too hot for our late-spring weather. We especially liked the space savings and the anchoring effect due to the fuel tank being hidden inside the body. It was a great setup for a wood deck with no unwanted heat buildup inside the metal housing, no heat directed toward the deck, and plenty of warmth for those seated nearby.

Get the Cuisinart fire pit at Amazon or Target.

Our Ratings

The Ninja Fireside360 combines the warmth of a patio heater with the ambience of a smokeless fire pit in one sleek propane-powered unit. During testing, we were impressed by how evenly it distributed heat in all directions, comfortably warming a seating area roughly 10 feet across. Unlike tall tower heaters that direct heat in one direction, the Fireside360 created a more natural campfire-style experience that encouraged guests to gather comfortably around it. We also appreciated the realistic flame display, which added visual warmth even when using flame-only mode on milder evenings.

Setup took less than 15 minutes, including adding the lava rocks and connecting a standard 20-pound propane tank, which is hidden neatly in the base. The cool-touch lower section remained safe to handle during operation, and the smokeless design allowed us to use it under a covered patio without soot buildup. Although breezy conditions reduced some heat output, the Fireside360 still performed better than many patio heaters we’ve tested. Its higher price may not suit every budget, but for shoppers seeking both heat and atmosphere in one refined outdoor feature, this Ninja stands out.

Get the Ninja 360 FireSide fire pit at Amazon, SharkNinja, or Sam’s Club.

 Our Ratings

For those who enjoy quality outside time even when the temperature dips, the Outland Living Granville fire pit table adds a little extra warmth with modern style. This fire table exhibits quality construction from the inside out. The powder-coated aluminum frame is wrapped in espresso-brown ultraviolet-resistant resin wicker and topped with 8-millimeter black tempered glass. The burner, pan, and fasteners are made of stainless steel. It includes a built-in 50,000 BTU propane burner and 10 pounds of “arctic ice” clear fire glass stones to surround and diffuse the flame. Inside the base, there is room for a 20-pound propane tank as well as a spare.

After a quick assembly (approximately 40 minutes), we didn’t have to wait to test the Granville fire table. It started immediately with the electronic ignition, and the flame adjusted smoothly from barely a flicker to a 6-inch-high wall of fire. The heat was impressive, and the glass stones shimmered and almost glowed in the dark. It was a really nice look and feel.

This table was sturdy and well built and made an attractive impression. A couple of things were missing from the basic kit that would have made it more functional. A tempered-glass insert is available (sold separately) to maximize surface area when the fire is not in use. This fire pit with cover availability (sold separately) is sleek, modern, and warming.

Get the Outland Living Granville fire pit at Amazon or Outland Living.

Our Ratings

The Breeo Y Series combines the low-smoke performance of a smokeless fire pit with the versatility to burn multiple fuel types, including firewood, wood pellets, and lump charcoal. Built from heavy-duty 304 stainless steel, it felt exceptionally durable during testing.  While it’s not a collapsible fire pit, it’s still portable enough for camping trips, tailgates, or moving around the backyard. At 31 pounds, it’s heavier than some compact fire pits, but the wooden carry handle made transporting it easier than expected.

We also liked the adjustable leg system, which raises the fire pit from 15 to 20 inches for safer use on decks, patios, and uneven ground. During testing, the Breeo’s double-wall airflow system produced a bright, hot fire with very little smoke once the unit reached operating temperature. Its raised X-shaped base also improved airflow beneath the logs and ash, helping the fire burn efficiently for long periods using relatively little wood.

The Y Series costs more than many moveable fire pits, but its versatility, durable construction, and impressive burn efficiency help justify the higher price.

Read our review of Breeo’s X Series fire pit: Breeo X24 Smokeless Fire Pit

Get the Breeo smokeless fire pit at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Breeo. 

Our Ratings

A tabletop fire pit adds a cozy ambience for outdoor entertaining. For aesthetics alone, propane, gel, or alcohol burners are quick and easy, but for interactive fun, nothing beats the cool factor of a real wood fire. The Solo Stove Mesa XL is a great choice for making s’mores or adding some warmth and cozy flames to an outdoor table. 

Like larger Solo Stoves, this scaled-down version uses dual-wall construction and 360-degree airflow inside the burn chamber to produce an attractive flame with minimal smoke. Unlike its larger siblings, this one comes ready to burn wood pellets or firewood and is equipped with a folding stand and a drawstring carry case. For a more personalized aesthetic, choose from among the basic stainless steel finish or five different color finishes.

In our tests, fires in the Solo Stove Mesa XL burned with an appearance very similar to that of the Bonfire 2.0. The compact size was perfect for use on an outdoor coffee table, where it was easy to add a few scoops of pellets or chunks of firewood every 15 minutes or so. For the longest burn time without constant feeding, we found that chunky pieces of firewood about 2 inches thick and 6 to 7 inches long worked best.

The Mesa XL scored very high for its smokeless operation, and the smaller size seemed to shorten the required warm-up time. The fires were generally smoke-free within 10 minutes or less. The only cautionary concern was the Solo Stove Mesa’s surface temperature. Any fire pit will get dangerously hot, but this one felt a bit more hazardous due to the “cute” size and the close proximity to users. It’s important to use extra caution when children are nearby.

Get the Solo Stove Mesa XL fire pit at Amazon, Scheels, Nomadic Supply Company, or Solo Stove.

Or, DIY Your Own Fire Pit

Of course, some backyard fire enthusiasts prefer heavier, more permanent elements. If a permanent stone or masonry fire pit is more your style, consider building a DIY fire pit. It’s possible to learn how to build a basic backyard fire pit with inexpensive retaining-wall blocks by following some easy instructions.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Fire Pits

To identify the top fire pits for this guide, we researched more than 125 models from leading outdoor brands before conducting hands-on tests of 15 smokeless, wood-burning, propane, and tabletop fire pits. We evaluated each model for heat output, smoke reduction, burn efficiency, portability, build quality, ease of setup, safety features, and overall design. We also considered practical factors such as price, fuel type, cleanup requirements, storage, and whether the fire pit felt sturdy enough for long-term outdoor use. 

During testing, we assembled each fire pit, burned multiple fuel loads when applicable, monitored smoke levels and heat distribution, assessed how easy each unit was to ignite and maintain, and evaluated cleanup after use. Portable models were also scored on weight, carry handles, and transport convenience. Final ratings were based on performance, durability, ease of use, appearance, and overall value. 

Our Testing Scores

What to Consider When Choosing a Fire Pit

Given how thorough our testing was, our findings can help shoppers identify some of the best options on the market. Potential buyers can select the best appliance for their needs by considering factors like type, fuel, material, where they plan to place it, and use restrictions in the area.

Types of Fire Pits

Fire pits are generally categorized by the types of fuel they burn: firewood, propane, wood pellets, and a few alternative fuels. Each of these types can be a great choice depending on your needs and perspective.

Wood Burning

Wood-burning fire pits offer the classic campfire experience, complete with crackling flames, smoky aroma, and glowing coals for outdoor cooking. The tradeoff is the added work. Firewood requires storage space, protection from moisture, and regular cutting or splitting. Unused wood can also attract insects and deteriorate over time. For those who enjoy the ambience of a real wood fire, the extra effort may be worthwhile, but those seeking lower maintenance may prefer gas or smokeless alternatives. 

Gas

Propane fire pits burn cleanly, produce plenty of heat, and require less maintenance than wood-burning models. They ignite quickly, create no smoke, and eliminate the need to store firewood. The tradeoff is a less traditional campfire feel, along with the need to transport and refill propane tanks. Gas fire pits also rely on hoses, valves, and regulators that may require occasional maintenance or replacement over time. 

Other Fuels

Some fire pits use alternative fuels such as wood pellets, gel fuel, or alcohol. Wood pellets are the most common—they burn efficiently and produce less smoke than traditional firewood, but they require specially designed fire pits for proper airflow and combustion. The biggest drawback to alternative fuels is availability. While wood pellets are becoming more common, firewood and propane are still easier to find at stores, campgrounds, and parks. 

Material

The two most common construction materials are budget-friendly alloy steel and more expensive stainless steel. The difference is that a stainless steel fire pit offers weather and corrosion resistance, even after repeated exposure to high heat, but alloy steel does not. For that reason, alloy steel is usually coated, typically with high-temperature paint or powder coating. But the coatings wear or burn off over time with repeated exposure to super-hot temperatures. 

With proper care—mainly keeping it clean and dry—an alloy-steel fire pit might last a decade or more before rust degrades its usefulness. Expect a well-built stainless steel model to last at least twice as long.

Size and Heat Output

The amount of heat a fire pit generates is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and most standard propane fire pits produce between 30,000 and 80,000 BTUs, with higher numbers providing more warmth. 

Likewise, larger fire pits typically generate more warmth and accommodate bigger gatherings, but they also require more space and fuel. Smaller models work well for patios, camping, or intimate seating areas where portability matters. Heat output varies by fuel type and design, with wood-burning models often producing stronger radiant heat than tabletop or smaller gas units. 

Also, consider how many people will regularly gather around the fire pit and whether the goal is ambience, warmth, cooking, or all three. Choosing the right balance of size and heat helps create a more comfortable outdoor experience. 

Portability

Portability is a consideration if you plan to move a fire pit between patios, campsites, tailgates, or storage areas. Smaller tabletop and travel-friendly fire pits may weigh less than 20 pounds and often include carrying handles or storage bags for easier transport. 

Mid-size portable models typically range from 20 to 50 pounds, while larger steel, cast-iron, or stone-style fire pits can exceed 75 pounds and are often intended to remain in one location. Before buying, consider not only the fire pit’s weight but also whether it can fit in a vehicle, how easily it cools down, and whether it requires propane tanks or additional accessories for transport. A fire pit on wheels is a good option if you’ll be moving it around a patio. 

Additional Features

Many fire pits include extra features that enhance convenience, safety, or versatility. Common fire pit accessories include spark screens to help contain embers and pokers for adjusting logs. Aside from providing warmth, a fire pit with grill capabilities lets users cook, as well.

Some smokeless models offer pellet adapters that allow users to burn wood pellets instead of traditional firewood. If you’re burning traditional firewood, it pays to have a good set of fire pit tongs to adjust the logs if necessary as they burn. 

Gas fire pits may include lava rocks or fire glass to enhance appearance and distribute flames more evenly. Other useful additions can include removable ash pans, weather-resistant covers, storage shelves, or carrying bags for portable models. Depending on your intended use, these extras make a fire pit easier to use, maintain, and enjoy year-round. 

Use Restrictions

In areas where fire bans are in place, it’s important to check with local authorities before starting any fire. There might be no-burn nights in effect or allowances or limitations on certain fuel types. The same goes for neighborhood or association rules. When in doubt, check the community standards before buying or using any fire pit where it could cause conflict with neighbors.

FAQs  

Now that you’ve learned about some of the best fire pits around, take a few moments to check out these tips and tricks that will help you stay safe and get the most out of your newest addition.

Q. How far away from the house should a fire pit be?

A fire pit should be placed 10 to 25 feet away from flammable vertical surfaces like buildings, trees, cars, and fences. It also requires at least 20 feet of clearance above trees or structures. 

Q. When should you not use a fire pit?

It is important to use good judgment based on environmental conditions. Although burn bans may exempt the use of fire pits, windy conditions are a good reason to forgo a fire.

Q. Is it safe to have a fire pit under a covered patio?

No. It is never safe to operate a fire pit in an enclosed structure. Allow 10 to 25 feet between structures and the fire pit, and at least 20 feet of overhead clearance.

Q. Should I put anything in the bottom of my fire pit?

No, never obstruct the vents in the base of a smokeless firewood or pellet-burning fire pit. In wood burners with solid bottoms, a 1-inch layer of silica sand or fire brick in the bottom can help to protect alloy steel from damaging heat. Gas fire pits require a diffuser, such as lava rock, ceramic logs, or fire glass stones, around the burner.

Q. Can I cook over a gas fire pit?

No, it’s not recommended. While super-hot blue grill flames can vaporize chemical byproducts, gas fire pits burn a cooler flame that doesn’t completely neutralize these chemicals. Cooking over a gas fire pit has the potential to make you sick, plus dripping grease from food could clog the burner.

Q. Can a fire pit ruin my lawn?

Yes, although it’s unlikely that your grass will catch on fire, the patch directly underneath the appliance will most likely die. However, unlike concrete or stone that can be damaged by fire, grass grows back! 

Q. What wood should you not burn in a fire pit?

Avoid burning treated lumber, painted wood, driftwood, or softwoods with heavy sap because they can release harmful chemicals or excessive smoke. 

Q. What is the best way to store a fire pit?

Store a fire pit clean and dry under a weather-resistant cover, or keep portable models in a garage or shed when not in use. 

Meet the Testers

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industries. For more than 20 years, he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances. 

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last. 

The post The Best Fire Pits for Cozy Nights and Outdoor Entertaining appeared first on Bob Vila.

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