Best Fire Pits of 2024

Best Overall: Outland Living Mega Fire Pit

The Outland Living Mega Fire Pit is a round fire pit with a generous 24-inch diameter. It comes ready to use and doesn’t require assembly. With its 34-pound weight, this model is also relatively easy to transport, meaning you could take it on camping trips or move it to the garage or shed for storage.

According to Tom "TC" Rother – owner and manager of Lawn & Leisure, an outdoor furniture store in Sterling, Virginia – propane fire pits, like this one, offer convenience. He says that users can “move it around at will” depending on where they want to set up the fire pit.

Outland Living’s Mega Fire Pit is fueled by propane and designed for use with standard 20-pound tanks. It offers 58,000 BTUs of heat output to help keep those sitting around it warm. BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit, is a measurement commonly used for heating sources like fire pits and patio heaters. It takes 1 BTU to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. Put simply, the higher the BTU, the more powerful the unit.

Users can adjust the height of the flame using the chrome valve on the unit. This fire pit is made from durable steel with a powder coating and enamel finish to help it better withstand the elements. Each purchase includes an attached 10-foot hose and regulator, natural lava rocks, and a propane tank stabilizer ring. This model also comes with a UV- and water-resistant cover if you decide to leave it out in the elements. If you want to easily bring the fire pit with you, you’ll need to purchase the Mega Carry Bag separately.

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Best Budget: Lemy Square Metal Fire Pit

The Lemy Square Metal Fire Pit retails for just $48.99, making it the least expensive option on our list. Despite its budget-friendly price, it’s a stylish option to add to your outdoor space. The wood-burning, square fire pit is surrounded by a faux stone border. Giving you bang for your buck, the stone surface allows it to double as a table when not in use.

This model is made from durable steel. A mesh cover is included with each purchase to shield the flame and prevent debris or sparks from jumping out as the wood burns. A grilling grate and other accessories are included with each purchase, allowing users to grill foods over the open flame. A protective cover also ships with each model. However, this unit requires some assembly before it’s ready to use.

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Best Smokeless: Tiki Smokeless Patio Fire Pit

If you’re looking for a fire pit that won’t produce as much smoke as other models, then the Tiki Smokeless Patio Fire Pit is a solid contender. Tiki’s patented airflow technology works to minimize the amount of smoke that escapes as the fire burns. This round fire pit has a 24.75-inch diameter and can provide heat for a 4-foot radius around the flames.

The pit is made from durable 16-gauge stainless steel. It’s coated with a black powder to help it withstand the elements. A stand for the fire pit, a weather-resistant cover to keep it protected, and a pack of wood to use for your first fire are included with each purchase. This model also has a removable ash pan to minimize cleanup time.

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Best Wood-Burning: Breeo X24 Smokeless Fire Pit

There’s something special about the scent and crackle of burning logs. Warm up on a chilly night with the wood-burning Breeo X24 Smokeless Fire Pit. The pit’s design increases airflow and oxygen, allowing the flames to burn hotter and produce less smoke. This model can also be used for cooking and is compatible with Breeo’s various cooking accessories.

This round fire pit has a 24-inch diameter. It has a durable and weather-resistant corten steel base with a stainless steel rim and stainless steel legs. If desired, you can upgrade to a stainless steel base for an additional $170. If you choose the corten steel model, your fire pit will have a blue steel finish when you unpack it. However, over some time and exposure to the outdoors, the finish will turn to an earthier copper color.

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Best Propane: Bali Outdoors Propane Fire Pit Table

Versatility is key for outdoor entertaining, and the Bali Outdoors Propane Fire Pit Table has a lot to offer. In addition to easily controllable propane-fueled flames, this model features a ceramic tabletop for gathering around, dining, or holding drinks.

This fire pit features a hidden compartment to hold a 20-pound propane tank. The integrated pulse ignition system and control knob make it possible for users to adjust the flame, which delivers up to 60,000 BTUs to keep everyone sitting around it nice and toasty.

Each purchase includes glass stones for the pit section. The unit also comes with a cover lid to close off the fire pit area when it is not being used, providing additional table space for food, drinks, and more. The tabletop is made from ceramic, while the frame features durable steel construction and the burner is made from stainless steel.

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Best Portable: Inno Stage Smokeless Fire Pit

Planning a camping trip or beach vacation and want to bring a fire pit along with you? Looking to go ice-fishing or tailgating and want to enjoy some added warmth or a hot flame to cook over? Enter the Inno Stage Smokeless Fire Pit.

This is a smokeless, wood-burning model designed to be portable and easy to set up with integrated handles and an included carrying bag. The fire pit weighs just 16 pounds. It’s much smaller and more compact than other models, further easing transportation. However, this smaller size isn’t ideal if you’re looking for more of a permanent fixture for your backyard.

This metal model is painted black, giving it a stylish, contemporary look. It’s designed to resist rust and hold up well to very high temperatures, though the manufacturer does recommend cleaning it after each use to protect against rust and oxidation.

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Best for Parties: Hampton Bay Piedmont 30-inch Steel Fire Pit

Impress your guests with this stylish, 30-inch fire pit that features a two-in-one design. The Piedmont Fire Pit is larger than the other round models on our list, providing space for more friends and family to hang out together. This fire pit can also function as a grill with the addition of the cooking grate.

This is a wood-burning model made from durable and long-lasting steel. If you’re not using the cooking grate, you can place the mesh cover on top of the flames to stop stray sparks from flying. A safety ring encircles the 12-inch deep fire bowl to prevent accidental injuries. When the fire has been extinguished and the metal is no longer hot, the safety ring can be used as a handle to make it easier to move the unit to another location or to put it away for storage.

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Things To Consider When Buying Fire Pits

Size and Weight: When shopping for a fire pit, pay attention to the size and weight of each model you’re considering. Size directly impacts whether it will fit in the space you have available for it. In addition to the physical space the unit will consume, remember that you also need to leave clearance around it for walking, placing chairs, and keeping other accessories easy to access.

Remember, the United States Fire Administration recommends placing fire pits a minimum of 10 feet away from a house to minimize the risk of the flames spreading. The dimensions of the pit will determine how many chairs you’ll be able to comfortably and safely fit around it. So, if you’re looking to use your fire pit for entertaining, and have sufficient space, then you might desire a larger model.

The weight of a fire pit impacts how easy it will be to lift or carry it. If you’re looking for a portable model to bring on camping trips or want to be able to store it inside a garage or shed, look for one that you’ll be able to lift without too much difficulty.

Fuel Type: One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make regarding fire pits is the fuel type. Propane, wood, and natural gas are the most common options. Unless your home already has natural gas, then you’ll need to decide between wood and propane, both of which offer their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Wood burns hotter than propane, meaning a wood-burning fire pit produces more heat. If you’re looking for a larger fire pit to fit more people around, you’re more likely to find one in wood-burning models. These types of fire pits are also your best bet if you’re looking for that classic crackling sound.

However, there are some downsides to choosing wood-burning fire pits. First, lighting the fire takes longer, and you’ll need to stay on top of adding more firewood as the flames start to die down. After the fire is out, you’ll also have more of a mess to clean up with the burnt ash in the bottom of the pit. Rother of Lawn & Leisure notes that using “Wood-burning [fire pits] is limited to patios (non-combustible surfaces),” while propane versions can be used on decks and other combustible surfaces.

A propane fire pit can mean less work for you. These models are easy to light and turn off with the turn of a dial or push of a button. Many allow users to adjust flame height in the same way. However, because propane doesn’t burn as hot as wood, these models won’t match the heat output of a wood-burning fire pit. You’ll have to purchase new propane tanks and replace the tank when needed. If the tank isn’t properly connected, there’s also a risk of a dangerous gas leak.

Material: The materials used to make a fire pit impact its quality and durability. Most fire pits are made from metal, but some may be constructed from other materials. For those made from metal, steel is one of the most common types of metal used. Steel is popular for fire pits because of how strong and durable it is. This material is also heat-resistant and able to resist the elements. Steel fire pits are the most low-maintenance.

Other common fire pit metals are stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron. Unlike steel, which will rust, stainless steel and aluminum are more resistant to corrosion. This means that fire pits made from these materials are less likely to rust when left outside, though they will require more maintenance and upkeep than steel options. Cast iron fire pits are another viable choice due to the material’s ability to retain heat. However, these models will be very heavy and difficult to move, and they’ll also take longer to get hot.

Some fire pits are made from stones. These models will need to be built into the space, meaning that they’ll require a bigger investment and they aren’t portable. However, stone fire pits are attractive and increase the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor space. They can be made to desired dimensions, allowing them to be large enough for entertaining a crowd. Stone is durable and able to withstand the elements.

Additional Features: Consider whether or not there are any additional features you would like to see in a fire pit before finalizing your decision about which model to purchase. Jillian Dixon, a store manager of Strosniders Hardware in Kensington, Maryland, shares that “Versatility would be something to look for. Consider whether something has more uses than just being a fire pit. Like, for example, if you're able to grill on it.” Some models come with grill grates, cooking tools, and other accessories designed to allow them to double as a grill.

If you’re purchasing a wood-burning model, you might want to look for one that comes with a poker to help you keep the flames going. Similarly, a mesh screen to cover the flames and stop sparks from flying out and landing on individuals or items around the fire can also be useful.

Those looking for a propane fire pit will want to confirm whether the hose that’s needed to connect the pit to the tank is included with their purchase. Adjustable heat dials and automatic safety shut-off features are something else to look for in these models. Included covers to protect the fire pit from rain, snow, and other elements are a bonus for both propane and wood-burning models.

How We Chose the Best Fire Pits

When selecting the best fire pits, we aimed to offer a variety of options to match the needs of a range of readers. We considered fuel types, price points, design, and more. Additionally, we researched professional and customer reviews and reached out to experts in the field, including Tom “TC” Rother, manager and owner of Lawn & Leisure, an outdoor furniture business in Sterling, Virginia, and Jillian Dixon, store manager of Strosniders Hardware, a hardware and home improvement shop with multiple locations in the greater Washington, D.C. area, for their insights and recommendations.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

The 360 Reviews team at U.S. News & World Report dedicates countless hours to each article before it is published on the site for readers. This process involves extensive research on the subject matter, consulting with experts in related fields, and comprehensive fact-checking. Deirdre Mundorf, the author of this piece, has nearly five years of experience writing about home- and family-related topics. In addition to the work she has done with U.S. News & World Report, she has contributed to Discover Magazine, Bob Vila, House Digest, as well as other online publications.

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