Fire Pit: Here Are 8 Choices For Your Backyard Fire Pits

Fire Pits For Your Backyard

Fire Pits For Your Backyard

Updated on 10/1/2023
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
Learn More about Emma Downey

Your backyard may have a great focal point in the form of a fire pit, which will define the outside space with utility and aesthetics. We studied the most effective fire pits, examining each model in terms of its dimensions, composition of materials, degree of adaptability, and overall aesthetic. It was also important to consider how easy it was to put together and the kind of burn.

The Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit is our top recommendation because it is very long-lasting, has a design that allows it to serve as both a grill and a heater, and is affordable.

You Can Use Your Patio Throughout The Year When You Install Fire Pits.

When You Install Fire Pits.

When You Install Fire Pits.

There is no denying that the temperature has dropped a little bit outside. However, a fire pit will keep you toasty and warm on those chilly evenings. Put your fire pit in the middle of the patio so everyone can see it. Arrange your chairs in a circle around the perimeter of the fire pit. Maintain a stock of a few blankets for those who are prone to getting unusually chilly. The next step is to call over your loved ones and encourage them to assemble in the newly established warm place!

Find out which fire pits are the finest to use to keep your garden toasty below.

Our Absolute Favorites

Best Fire Pits

Best Fire Pits

  • The Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit from Home Depot comes out on top overall.
  • Best Budget: SINGLYFIRE 22-Inch Fire Pit at Amazon
  • The Bryndle Root Fire Pit from Frontgate is Worth Every Penny.
  • The Home Depot carries the best propane, the Hampton Bay Park Canyon Propane Fire Pit Kit.
  • Amazon's Choice for Best Wood-Burning Fire Pit: the TIKI Low Smoke Wood Burning fire.
  • The Yardbird Rectangular Fire Pit Table, available at Yardbird.com, wins the award for Best Table.
  • The least smoke-producing option is the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit sold at REI.
  • Amazon has the best portable option: the Fireside outdoor fire pit Pop-Up.
  • The Barebones Living Cowboy Fire Pit & Grill from Food52 is the Best Option for Cooking.

The Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel 30. Fire Pit Is Rated The Best Overall Product.

Hampton Bay Piedmont

Hampton Bay Piedmont

  • Size: 29.6 x 29.6 x 23 inches
  • Steel is the material.
  • Fuel Type: Wood
  • It features a rotating cooking grate and mesh cover.

When searching for a fire pit that is both strong and affordable to add to your patio, the Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit is an option that is both aesthetically pleasing and adaptable. The fire can be seen clearly from every direction thanks to the circular form of this 30-inch model's bowl, which features a diamond pattern along the bowl's rims. For further protection, the bowl's interior is protected with a mesh screen. Due to the safety ring surrounding the top edge, the fire pit is easy to move into and out of storage. Applied to the inside of the bowl is a high-temperature paint to ensure that the bowl can withstand the intense flame heat.

Not only can you toast marshmallows and keep your hands warm with this fire pit, but it also comes equipped with a grilling grate that lets you grill your favorite dishes directly over the flame. You may either position the grid so that it is now over the fire or install it on the provided pole, which will allow it to be moved away from the heat as necessary. In addition, this model comes with a mesh cover that helps shield your visitors from stray sparks and a poker that can be used to tend to the logs contained within the unit.

The material of this fire pit is susceptible to rusting if it is kept outside and unprotected from the elements. When not in use, the product should either be covered or stored indoors, where it is protected from the elements.

Pros

  • Well-priced
  • Durable construction
  • Rotating cooking grate
  • Including a cover made of mesh

Cons

  • Material that isn't protected can rust.

Best Budget: SINGLYFIRE 22-Inch Fire Pit

SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Fire Pit

SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Fire Pit

  • Size: 22 x 22 x 20 inches
  • Steel is the material.
  • Fuel Type: Wood
  • Spark screen is one of the features.

The SINGLYFIRE Fire Pit is a low-cost, freestanding fire pit with a very straightforward and uncomplicated design. The steel bowl is somewhat shallow, and four solid legs support it. The bowl also has an integrated log grate, which guarantees that air can flow around the wood. The bowl is protected from wear and tear by a layer of high-temperature paint, and the box contains a spark screen made of mesh and poker for maintaining the fire.

Even while the bowl of this fire pit isn't as massive as the bowls of some other alternatives, it can still store up to 120 pounds, which means you can pack it full of wood. It works wonderfully for making s'mores or simply relaxing by the fire on a warm summer night. To keep the item from rusting, the manufacturer suggests storing it in a covered location. It is straightforward to relocate it inside because it just weighs 11 pounds.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight design
  • Built-in log grate
  • It contains a spark screen as well as a poker.

Cons

  • It is not suggested to store anything outside.

Best Splurge: Bryndle Root Fire Pit

Bryndle Root Fire Pit

Bryndle Root Fire Pit

  • Size: 42.5 x 39.5 x 13 inches
  • Composite made of cement and fiberglass as the material.
  • Fuel Type: Propane
  • Featuring an ignition that is powered by a battery

The Bryndle Root Fire Pit is all-in-one of a kind and looks very natural, making it well worth the additional money to purchase it. It is constructed out of a fiberglass composite material and has a design approach reminiscent of a rustic appearance. This type features a grainy texture and a finish that mixes different colors; it was designed to appear like logs. You will place the lava rocks that are provided in the basin that is located inside the "stump." The bowl has a generous lip, making it the ideal place to set down your drink or prop up your feet.

This elegant fire pit is fueled by propane, and because a 10-foot commercial-grade connection line is included in the package, you may keep the fuel tank in a different location. The manufacturer produces a similar propane tank cover that resembles a stump, but it is sold separately from the tank itself. You can also convert this fire pit to run on natural gas; however, the conversion equipment is available for purchase individually. When utilizing this fire pit, you have the option of selecting between two different heat settings, and at the end of the night, protecting it from the elements is as easy as tossing the cover with the pit over it.

Pros

  • Design that grabs one's attention.
  • Two different levels of heat
  • The wide rim provides space for drinks.
  • Including a covering for protection

Cons

  • Absence of a lid for the propane tank

The Hampton Bay Park Canyon 35-Inch Steel Propane Fire Pit Kit Is Our Pick For The Best Propane.

Hampton Bay Park Canyon 35 in. Steel Propane Fire Pit Kit

Hampton Bay Park Canyon 35 in. Steel Propane Fire Pit Kit

  • Size: 35 x 35 x 26 inches
  • Steel and resin make up the material.
  • Fuel Type: Propane
  • Automatic power cutoff is a feature.

A propane fire pit is practical, and the Hampton Bay Park Canyon is not only an appealing option but also has built-in storage for the fuel tank. The attractive appearance of the base makes it suitable for use on any patio, and it can hold a liquid propane tank weighing up to 30 pounds. The construction is made up of both resin and steel, and it has an outstanding 50,000-BTU output, allowing it to heat an area of 215 square feet in size.

This fire pit has an adjustable heat control. However, the rules are hidden under the base, so getting to them can be challenging. You can fill the bowl above the table with the included white fire glass with this set. The 35-inch top has a generous lip, making it an excellent place to rest plates or drinks. In addition, when it is not used as a fire pit, the covered pit may be used as a side table.

Pros

  • Adjustable heat
  • The propane tank is hidden within the base.
  • A tabletop is attached to the rim.

Cons

  • It isn't easy to get to the controls.

The TIKI Low Smoke Fire Pit Is The Best Option For Wood Burning Fire.

TIKI Low Smoke Fire Pit

TIKI Low Smoke Fire Pit

  • Size: 24.75 x 24.75 x 18.75 inches
  • Steel that is made of stainless steel
  • Fuel Type: Wood
  • Design that emits a minimal amount of smoke and an ashtray that is removable

With the TIKI Low Smoke Fire Pit, you can hear the crackling of a real wood fire without worrying about breathing in smoke. The fire warms an area approximately 4 feet in diameter around the pit, and because of its innovative internal ventilation system, it produces far less smoke and ash. The fire pit is made of powder-coated stainless steel, which is long-lasting and comes with a stand that raises it off the ground. Fire pits like this one can be lit with traditional firewood or the company's wood packs, both of which are simple to light and produce heat for half an hour.

The TIKI Fire Pit has a width of just under 25 inches, but the bowl is the more compact size, measuring just 16 inches across and deep. A weatherproof cover is supplied to protect it from the elements, and an ashtray slides out from the bottom of the pit, making it extremely simple to clean. You may even keep it outside. It is a beautiful low-smoke alternative, although the pricing is a little steep considering its size.

Pros

  • Low-smoke design
  • ashtray to make the clean-up process easier
  • Exterior that is powder-coated and resistant to the elements
  • Including both the stand and the cover

Cons

  • Expensive about its size

The Yardbird Rectangular Fire Pit Table Wins For Best Table.

Yardbird Rectangular Fire Pit Table

Yardbird Rectangular Fire Pit Table

  • Size: 61 x 32 x 24.5 inches
  • Material: Rust-resistant aluminum
  • Fuel Type: Propane or natural gas
  • Features: Adjustable flame

The Yardbird Fire Pit Table can perform double duty in your outdoor living space, functioning as a coffee table and a cozy fireplace that runs on gas. This specific design is a rectangle measuring 61.5 inches wide by 32 inches long; however, you can also select a square or circular form, depending on what works best in the area you have available. The commercial-grade metal used in constructing this fire pit features a door on the base that provides access to an internal storage space for a propane tank.

The burner tray on this fire pit table is made of brushed stainless steel, and while the product does come with clear glass rock beads, you will most likely need additional glass to fill in the middle of the table. You may control the flame's intensity level with the table's built-in button that activates an automated starter that operates on AAA batteries. When not in use, the lid protects the burner tray from dust and debris, and the box includes a conversion kit for using natural gas. In addition, the manufacturer provides an option for a glass protector, which is available separately.

Pros

  • Multiple shapes available
  • Adjustable flame
  • Included is a conversion kit for natural gas.
  • Automatic fire starter button

Cons

  • Expensive
  • We require additional fire glass.

The Smokeless Option Is A Bonfire Fire Pit With A Solo Stove. Stand Included

solo stove bonfire fire pit

solo stove bonfire fire pit

  • Size: 19.5 x 19.5 x 14 inches
  • Steel that is made of stainless steel
  • Wood is the type of fuel.
  • Smokeless combustion is a feature.

One of the most well-known manufacturers of smokeless fire pits is a company called Solo Stove. The Bonfire is the manufacturer's offering of a smokeless fire pit in the medium size range. It has proven to be quite popular owing to its nearly smokeless burning, stylish exterior made of stainless steel, and lightweight design. The baseplate of the pit has a unique shape that enables more oxygen to reach the fire embers, which in turn helps the wood burn more quickly and at a higher temperature for more efficient combustion. As a direct consequence of this, the fire produces considerably less smoke than would be made by a conventional fire pit.

This specific Solo Stove has a diameter of 19.5 inches and a weight of just 20 pounds when it is empty, making it quite portable fire pit and convenient for camping. We took it camping with us and found that either building it up or taking it down took only about a minute each time! Accessories come in a wide variety and include anything from supports used on wooden decks to gadgets for grilling and cooking. Even though a travel bag is included with this purchase, you'll need to purchase your waterproof cover separately.

Pros

  • Sleek exterior
  • Minimal smoke output
  • Lightweight
  • A diverse selection of accessories is available.

Cons

  • Not included is a cover.
  • Wood is consumed at a higher rate than other types of pits.

Best Portable: Fireside Outdoor Fire Pit Pop-Up

Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up

Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up

  • Size: 24 x 24 x 15 inches
  • Material: stainless steel that does not rust
  • Types of Fuel: Charcoal and wood
  • Features: Collapsible

With the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit, you can transport your campfire wherever you go. The US Forest Service1 and the Bureau of Land Management have approved the fire pan standards of this fire pit, which is extremely lightweight and weighs only 7 pounds. 2 Additionally, it can collapse into a more compact size, making it simple to transport using the weather-resistant carrying case with a zipper.

This pop-up fire pit can be assembled in under a minute and does not require using any tools; moreover, it has a weight capacity of 125 kilograms. The bottom of the fire pit is screened, which helps promote ventilation, which in turn results in less smoke. You can light a fire on practically any surface using the Leave No Trace Heat Shield without causing any damage to the earth. Because you can even use the pan to burn charcoal for grilling, it is an addition that ardent hikers and campers need to have with them.

Pros

  • Collapsible design
  • Exceptionally low in weight
  • It results in no smoke.
  • Fire pan that complies with USFS and BLM rules

Cons

  • A fire shield that has been improperly built might melt.

The Barebones Living Cowboy 23-Inch Fire Pit And Grill Is The Best Option For Cooking.

Barebones Living

Barebones Living

  • Size: 25 x 25 x 14.25 inches
  • Steel is the material.
  • Types of Fuel: Charcoal and wood
  • Griddle for barbecuing that can be adjusted to different heights.

We advise going with the Barebones Cowboy Fire Pit if you want a fire pit that also functions as a grill. This 25-inch fire pit is not only the ideal way to start a fire in the evening, but it also comes with a grill grate that can be adjusted to the desired height, making it simple to prepare food directly over the flames. When necessary, the track system can rotate the half-circle grate to cover the pit in a different direction. The firm provides customers with a selection of steel and cast iron cooking utensils.

This fire pit is made from solid steel and has a coating that can withstand high temperatures. It is supported by three legs and has a very straightforward design. The grill's portability and lightweight, thanks to the presence of handles on both sides, make it ideal for taking camping or, as the maker advises, moving to a covered spot for storage.

Pros

  • Modular design
  • Grilling grate with a range of height adjustments
  • There are many other kitchen accessories available.

Cons

  • It is not suggested to store anything outside.

Final Verdict

Final Verdict

Final Verdict

We have chosen the Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit as our top selection for the most excellent product overall. It is a freestanding steel fire pit with mesh sides that allow one to see the flames from all angles. You may do direct grilling over the fire thanks to adding a cooking grate, which is included in the package. Consider purchasing a Solo Stove Bonfire if you are seeking a fire pit that doesn't emit much smoke. This fire pit's contemporary design made of stainless steel results in more thorough combustion.

What To Look For When Buying A Fire Pit

Size

size

size

Various design options are available for fire pits, ranging from the more conventional circular types to tabletop options. When picking one, you should consider the amount of the outside area you have available and how you want to utilize the fire pit. More oversized styles and tables will be beautiful additions to your space if you wish to guests. Portable designs that are simple to move around and stow away are your best choice for outdoor excursions and other activities in confined areas.

Burning Method

Burning Method

Burning Method

It is possible to use wood or propane to fuel the fire in a fire pit; every option has several pros and downsides. Picks that burn wood mean you always have a supply of dry wood on hand, and you also have to deal with any ash and soot that may accumulate. Nevertheless, these fire pits recreate the classic appearance and sound of a fire crackling in the hearth.

When working with propane, you need to pay attention to the gas lines and the propane tank when filling it up. On the other hand, such fire pits emit no ash nor soot during combustion, resulting in a considerably cleaner burn and making them much simpler to clean.

Added Advantages And Functions

Added Advantages And Functions

Added Advantages And Functions

In addition to the pit itself, some available alternatives provide you with a selection of extra accessories, such as spark screens, fire pokers, and grates, that will enhance your overall experience. While you can buy most of these items separately, having them all in one package makes it much simpler to start using your Fire Pit immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Possible To Install A Fire Pit On A Deck?

The answer to this question depends on the fire pit you buy in addition to the deck you have. It would help if you never used wood-burning fire pits on a hardwood deck unless a fire pit mat is also present as a heat-resistant barrier between the wood and the fire pit. Without a wall of this kind, wood-burning cavities can cause various issues for concrete patios, including spalling, cracking, and even explosions. Brick patios and patio pavers should withstand the heat without any problems. The vast majority of fire pits and fire tables that run on propane are designed for use on decks made of wood, composite material, or concrete; nonetheless, the heat might cause discoloration. You should always check the technical characteristics of the exact model you are interested in purchasing.

What Kinds Of Things May Did I Place Around An Outdoor Fire Pit?

It is natural to arrange your seating around a fire pit, as fire pits frequently serve as the focal point of outdoor space. However, it is essential to keep seat walls no closer than four feet from the lip of the pit. Keeping a wood-burning device at least 10 feet away from any building is recommended. According to Joe Raboine, Director of Residential Hardscapes at Belgard, "Homeowners should carefully examine the placement of a fire pit, taking into consideration the closeness of trees and vegetation, the possibility of wind, and the presence of other structures."

What Is The Proper Way To Clean A Fire Pit?

Your first defense against a dirty fire pit is a solid cover to protect it from the weather. A fire pit that has been exposed to water for an extended period might rust. If the component in question is made of steel or copper, cleaning it with warm soapy water and a gentle cloth should do the work. You may also use a little soapy water to clean a gas fire pit; however, you need to be careful not to loosen the gas lines while doing this. Do not use soap in your home if it is cast iron. Instead, steel wool and hot water ought to do the task; nevertheless, you must ensure that the area is dried off right afterward. Stone fire pits may be cleaned with a hose and then allowed to dry in the open air.