An outdoor fire pit is one of the best ways to extend your grilling abilities. It makes a cool night cozy and adds so much ambiance to an evening.
A fire provides warmth and mood lighting. It also elevates conversations, sparks excitement, and has a way of eliminating quiet lulls in an exchange.
There are many outdoor fire pits to choose from. In this review, I’ll show you the ten best units on the market and help you find an outdoor fire pit that perfectly fits your lifestyle and budget.
Table of Contents
The Best Outdoor Fire Pits
Here is my list of the ten best outdoor fire pits on the market in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. I’ll start with the five best overall choices, but if you’d like to see the entire list, feel free to skip ahead by clicking here.
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Best Outdoor Fire Pit Reviews
Here are the ten best fire pits of 2021. I start with my favorite all-around choice (the Outland Living 410) but read on if you need more options. There are nine other fantastic models to choose from!
1. Outland Living 410 Series 36-Inch Patio Deck Fire Pit Table – Best Overall Choice #1
The Outland Living 410 Series 36-Inch Patio Deck Fire Pit Table is my number one choice for a few reasons.
This propane fire pit is not only sleek and sturdy but also safe and easy to use.
To light, press the push-button ignitor. Now you have 42,500 BTUs of flame to play with. The chrome manual control valve allows you to maintain absolute control and dial in your ideal temperature and flame height without smoke.
This backyard fire pit is also a beauty. The woven base is sturdy and handsome – plus, it allows you to hide and conveniently access a five-pound propane tank.
The tempered glass top is thick (8mm), cleans up nicely, and works a bit like a reflector. It’s soothing to watch the flames dance off the glass rocks inside the fire bowl.
This unit is also durable. The burner, burner pan, and fasteners are made of stainless steel, so they are rust-resistant and intended for all-weather use.
If you’re looking for a sleek, well-made gas fire pit that is amply sized (6” L x 36” W x 24.5” H), easy to use, and made to last, take a look at the Outland Living 410.
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2. Solo Stove Bonfire Smokeless Fire Pit – Best Overall Choice #2
The Solo Stove Bonfire Smokeless Fire Pit is one of my favorite fire pits on the market.
This circular wood-burning fire pit is 14” tall, 19.5” wide, and weighs in at only 20 pounds, making it ideal for life on the road. It also comes with a carrying case.
You’ve seen wood-burning fire pits before, but I doubt you’ve experienced one like this.
This unit was engineered to increase burning efficiency. And it does. In the process, it also virtually eliminates smoke.
Here’s how it works.
The bottom of the stainless steel bowl is vented, so cool air enters the base and increases oxygen flow.
The ash pan is raised, so embers and coals stay hot without inhibiting oxygen flow.
But the real magic happens thanks to the double-walled construction. This warms the air and pushes it over the fire, burning off tiny particles of wood that would have been smoked.
The result is clean, even burn without all the smoke!
Fire without smoke. It sounds impossible, right? But the Solo Stove Bonfire Smokeless Fire Pit somehow does it – all while remaining portable, cost-efficient, and handsome.
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3. TIKI Brand 25-Inch Stainless Steel Fire Pit
The TIKI Brand 25-Inch Stainless Steel Fire Pit is an award-winning wood-burning fire pit, and that’s not surprising.
If you’re tired of dodging smoke trails and messy cleanup, you’ll like this fire pit.
This unit comes with an intelligent, internal airflow system that stokes the flames and reduces smoke and ash. The ash that doesn’t burn up drops into a removable pan for easy cleanup.
But that’s not all. TIKI also includes wood pellet packs that light instantly and burn off in thirty minutes.
So you’ll never have to use caustic lighter fluid, search for newspapers, or have to deliberate about whether it’s too late in the evening to add just one more log to the fire.
The TIKI Brand 25-Inch Stainless Steel Fire Pit makes outdoor fires simple, predictable, clean, and completely mobile.
At 16” tall, 25” wide, and 45 pounds, this pit performs just as well on the home patio as it does on the road.
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4. Solo Stove 27-Inch Yukon Fire Pit
The Solo Stove 27-Inch Yukon Fire Pit is identical to the Solo Stove Bonfire Smokeless Fire Pit, with one exception: It’s 7.5” wider.
There are a few features that distinguish this wood-burning fire pit from the pack.
To start, it’s just plain good-looking. The stainless steel construction is sleek and durable.
Just as important, this wood-burning pit is efficient – way more efficient and cleaner burning than most. And that’s because of a few distinct design features.
Unlike traditional fire pits, this one has a vented base and a raised ash pan. So oxygen is increased, and hot coals stay hot without producing excessive smoke.
What little smoke is produced is burned off thanks to the unit’s double-walled construction. It’s almost like a smokeless grill.
As a result, you get a clean, even burn without smoke or messy ash. What little ash that is produced funnels down into a removable pan.
A wood fire with little smoke and ash sounds too good to be true, but the Solo Stove 27-Inch Yukon Fire Pit makes it possible.
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5. Outland Living 401 Series 44-Inch Propane Fire Table
If you’re looking for a large propane fire pit that combines functionality and style, take a look at the Outland Living 401 Series 44-Inch Propane Fire Table.
This fire pit table stands firm on a sturdy aluminum frame that’s hidden behind sleek, espresso-colored wicker.
This fire pit measures 44” L x 32” W x 24” H and features a tempered glass tabletop – a perfect place to set drinks and finger foods while you mingle with guests.
The addition of the Arctic Ice fire glass is also a nice touch. Just add to your basin and use the push-button ignition to fire up the 50,000 BTU burner.
It’s as simple as that. Now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the dancing flames and conversation without fighting smoke or dirty ash.
The Outland Living 401 Series 44-Inch Propane Fire Table is one of my favorite fire pits because it is powerful and large enough for groups to gather around without feeling cramped.
And the beauty of this machine is that it doubles as a fireplace and an elegant glass-top table.
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6. Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe Portable Propane Fire Pit
If you’re looking for a portable fire pit that delivers a clean and smokeless campfire experience, check out the Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe Portable Propane Fire Pit.
This propane fire pit is 19” tall and equally wide, making it small enough to travel with but big enough for groups to gather around.
And it only weighs 23 pounds, making it one of the lightest units on the list. It’s also one of the most affordable.
Despite its compact footprint, this unit puts out 58,000 BTUs of firepower. And the beauty is that you can dial in temperatures with the turn of a knob.
Extras include a cover, carry kit, a lava rock set to enhance flame flickers, and a pre-attached 10’ hose. So this fire pit is essentially ready to use right out of the box.
Just attach your propane tank and light up the backyard.
The Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe Portable Propane Fire Pit is an affordable, portable, clean-burning unit safe to use in virtually any environment. It is CSA-approved, which means you can use it in no-burn camping areas.
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7. Solo Stove Ranger Outdoor Fire Pit
Solo continues to reinvent the traditional campfire experience by creating clean-burning, highly portable pits that are affordable, sleek, and mess-free.
There are three Solo fire pits on my best-of list – and for good reasons.
The Solo Stove Ranger Outdoor Fire Pit is the most affordable of the bunch – and that’s because it is also the most compact. It is 12” high, 15” wide, and weighs only 15 pounds.
This fire pit was designed for life on the road, so take it along for the adventure. This stainless steel fire pit can take the abuse.
This unit may be cost-efficient, but Solo didn’t compromise on quality. This unit has all the bells and whistles of its bigger brothers, the Solo Stove 27-Inch Yukon Fire Pit and the Solo Stove Bonfire Smokeless Fire Pit.
Like these units, the Ranger comes with the same nearly-smokeless burning technology and easy-clean-up features.
So take the Solo Stove Ranger Outdoor Fire Pit on the road or use it at home, knowing that you’ll enjoy a good, clean burn that you can walk away from without smelling like a dirty campfire.
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8. Outland Firebowl 883 Mega Propane Fire Pit
The Outland Firebowl 883 Mega Propane Fire Pit is nearly identical to the Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe Portable Propane Fire Pit, with a couple of differences.
This fire pit is larger and offers more firepower, making it ideal for larger gatherings and colder climates. It can also be used as a fire pit grill.
It is two feet wide, just over a foot tall, and weighs only 34 pounds. So it’s big enough for groups but small enough to travel in the back of a compact car.
These are shining features, but I love how safe and clean this quality fire pit is.
It puts out 58,000 BTUs of heat, but because it is propane-powered and CSA-approved, you’re still able to use it in no-burn environments (apartment patios, dry national forest areas).
This fire pit is highly affordable, but don’t let the price tag fool you: It is well-made, good-looking, and designed to endure the rigors of the road and harsh weather.
The burners and body are made from stainless steel, so they are rust-resistant.
If you’re looking for a portable travel companion or want to enjoy the campfire experience, but live in an apartment or townhouse with a no-burn policy, the Outland Firebowl 883 Mega Propane Fire Pit may be your solution.
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9. Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit
The Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit is one of the most rugged, most efficient travel fire pits on the market.
It’s called a “pop-up” fire pit for a reason: Because it essentially assembles itself. No tools, no fasteners involved. Just open the legs, set the cross braces, and get to work.
This unit only weighs 7.5 pounds, yet it is strong enough to hold an impressive 125 pounds of weight.
This unit stands tall because of its portability and price tag, but it earns extra points for efficiency.
The Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit utilizes a fire-rated stainless steel mesh burning system that increases airflow. As a result, you get brighter, hotter fires without the smoke.
For a unit this compact, it provides a surprisingly big burning surface of 576 square inches – plenty of room for a small group to gather around.
It’s also worth mentioning that this fire pit exceeds BLM and Forest Service regulations for fire pans, so it is safe to use in hot, dry climates with high wildfire risk.
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10. Bond Manufacturing 54,000-BTU Tailgate Fire Pit
The Bond Manufacturing 54,000-BTU Tailgate Fire Pit is handsome and powerful enough for backyard gatherings but performs just as well on the road.
This firebox is 18.5” wide and 14.7” tall.No assembly required either. Just attach your hose, hit the auto-ignition, and enjoy 50,000 BTUs of heat.
To increase portability, this unit comes with an easy-to-carry lock handle – and because it only weighs 18 pounds, you’ll have no problem lifting it into the car and toting around.
Despite its low price tag, this unit is durable, sleek, and powerful.
I like the antique copper finish and the fact that the control panel, burner, and body are made from sturdy steel.
Another shining feature is that this tailgating unit allows you to work around no-burn regulations.
More and more apartment and condo dwellers turn to units like the Bond Manufacturing 54,000-BTU Tailgate Fire Pit because they are safe, clean-burning, and inexpensive.
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What to look for in a good outdoor fire pit
There are several features to consider when choosing a fire pit that’s right for you. Most important are burn laws, fuel source, and portability.
Burn Laws
Many communities enforce burn laws. Some prohibit open fires altogether. Others, particularly rural municipalities, don’t appear to enforce burn laws at all.
So before you buy, check with your local municipality, homeowner’s association (HOA), or apartment/condo property manager for details.
All that aside, use common sense and put safety first!
If you live in a condo or apartment, you may have balcony space for a wood fire pit, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a safe practice.
Avoid using fire pits on covered porches, in areas with low branches and dry debris, or high-wind areas, mainly if you use a wood-burning fire pit.
You should also avoid using fire pits indoors, on wood patios, or in spaces with low overhangs.
Fuel Source
Fire pits are powered by two primary fuel sources: wood and propane.
If you enjoy the sound and smell of a crackling fire (who doesn’t!?), a wood-burning fire pit may be for you.
Wood fires are cozy and soothing. You may be in the city or suburbs, but a wood-burning fire will make you feel like you’re hundreds of miles away from civilization.
That said, wood fires require constant monitoring. Once you start a wood fire, you have to stick around until it safely burns out.
Wood fires are also smokey and messy, so be prepared to clean up the ash and carry that lingering campfire smell with you after the party dies down.
Wood, too, can be surprisingly expensive when you purchase it from your local convenience store.
A cheaper alternative is to watch the “free” section of Craigslist. Rather than pay someone to haul old wood from cut trees away, many homeowners prefer to give it away.
Propane gas fire pits are clean-burning, safer to use than wood-burning fire pits, and provide instant gratification.
Because you’re using propane, you have nearly complete control over the campfire experience.
You choose when the fire starts and ends.
You decide how high the flames will soar or how hot the fire will be. And that’s liberating.
A bonus is that there’s no cleanup, no ash, no smoke. So you can use propane fire pits in virtually any environment – as long as you’re using common sense, of course.
The downside is that propane fires don’t crack, pop, and whistle like a wood fire – and for many of us, that’s what makes a campfire so enjoyable.
Propane fires are also limiting because they depend on, you guessed it, propane! Even if you have access to it, you can’t use wood in a propane fire pit.
So expect to take a trip to your local hardware store or propane dealer if you want to keep the fire going.
Permanent or Portable
Are you looking for a showpiece fire pit to complete your outdoor patio space? Maybe a unit that doubles as a fire pit table and provides enough room for your beer and burger?
There are plenty of units that give you that flexibility.
That said, these units don’t necessarily travel well or roll around the patio on their own. So before you purchase, inspect your space. Find a safe location – and check with your local municipality about open burn laws. Some cities require fire pits to be at least 10’ away from any permanent structure.
Portable fire pits are affordable, lightweight, and powered by both wood and propane.
A bonus is that many are handsome enough to take center stage on the patio – but compact and lightweight enough for life on the road.
What is the best fire pit for you?
So what is the best fire pit out there? That depends on your budget, needs, and lifestyle. But if I had to single out one unit, it’d be the Outland Living 410 Series 36-Inch Patio Deck Fire Pit Table.
This propane fire pit is sleek, provides plenty of BTU power, and is large enough to accommodate groups – but small enough to move around the patio.
I like many of Outland Living’s style choices, too.
The woven base is a sleek espresso color that “classes up” any patio.
The tempered glass top (which doubles as a table) is not only handsome but practical. I like watching flames dance off the glass and having a flat surface to place my drink.
This is a good-looking fire pit, but it’s equally tough. The burner, pan, and fasteners are all made of stainless steel so that they won’t rust or corrode.
If you’re looking for a sleek, well-made fire pit table, you may like the Outland Living 410.
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