There are many landscaping design options for homeowners that can liven up their backyards. A trend that's getting more and more popular each day is the addition of a fire feature. From roasting marshmallows to throwing parties, the best outdoor fire pits are suitable for almost all landscaping designs.
You have just finished dinner and it's time to break out the s'mores. You head outside, light up your outdoor fire pit and are ready for a cozy night with family or friends. But before you start roasting marshmallows, take a moment to consider these outdoor fire pits that will change your life!
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
PRODUCT NAME | Weight (Pounds) | Dimensions (Inches) | BUY NOW |
|---|---|---|---|
22.0 | 28.5 x 25 x 24.2 | ||
96.0 | 32 x 44 x 23 | ||
23.3 | 19x19x11 | ||
Other Great Recommendations | |||
29.5 | 30x19x11 | ||
20.0 | 19.5 x 19.5 x 14 | ||
The Best Outdoor Fire Pits In The Market That Money Can Buy!
Now that you’re well-versed on making a selection and how to use an outdoor fire pit, you can now shop, which is definitely the fun part!
So, without further ado, here are the best outdoor fire pits that are worth your investment:
Landmann 26364 Fire Pit - Best Heat For WoodBurning
The Landmann Savannah Garden Fire Pit is a reliable wood-burning fire pit that will stand up to extreme heat, fit any backyard or patio decor, and has an incredible design. There are many reasons why it's an incredible option including its deep design, solid steel construction, and the 360° heat radius.
This fire pit arrived on our doorstep ready for setup which took us less than 10 minutes. Compared to the time to assemble other wood-burning pits, the Landmann Savannah is an alluring choice. We have tried setting up other units and they took us hours, so we definitely appreciate Landmann fire pit's nice, simple design. Its assembly only consisted of the attachment of its four legs and the mounting of a couple of supporting tabs for its spark guard. You'll need an adjustable wrench to tighten everything, so if you have a socket wrench, that would be better.
As soon as the fire pit is fully assembled, just slip the top on. You'll notice that the spark screen reaches the bottom part of the unit. That's a plus as there's no way for this unit's top to get knocked over. The embers get nicely contained as well. With its deep pit design, you can place 18-inch logs inside it and you can still close the top.
It's worth mentioning that the Landmann Savannah also comes with a cover that completely encapsulates the unit. The Savannah Garden Fire Pit of Landmann is 23-1/2″ wide, so it comes in the right size for a small to medium-sized backyard. Since it has a lightweight construction, you'll also be able to easily reposition the fire pit.
Pros
- Quick and easy to assemble
- Offers 360-degree heat
- Has a deep fire pit to accommodate large logs
Cons
- Needs protection against rust
Check LandMann 26264 Price On Amazon
Outland Living Propane Fire Table Affordable Gas Pit With Decent Size
If you are on the lookout for a quality propane gas outdoor fire pit table, one of your best options is Outland Living's Propane Fire Pit Table. It has a stainless steel burner rated 35,000 BTU and a black tempered glass table top that makes the entire unit a strong contender to be the best outdoor fire pit on the market.
The entire unit looks complex to set up, but don't be fooled! It was actually easy and quick, plus it doesn't require any special tool. We were able to finish the entire assembly process in under 30 minutes. Surprisingly, the instructions from the user’s manual were clear, concise, and easy to understand. As the entire unit is heavy, make sure you start the assembly process near where it will sit in your outdoor space.
As for its tempered glass top, it’s thick and sturdy, but what's most notable with this outdoor fire pit is its beauty. When you add it to your outdoor space, it’s guaranteed to stand out and become the space's focal point. Of course, it’s not just beautiful but it’s also a powerhouse!
This fire table can conceal a five-gallon propane tank within the table to provide 16 hours of flame that's smoke-free! The end result? A super luxurious and sturdy fire feature that's sure to elevate your experience of your own backyard! For an added drama, purchase a glass wind fence in order to maintain the table's flame and keep the hands of kids away as well. It will definitely add more flair to this incredible outdoor fire feature.
Pros
- 35,000 BTU propane gas fire table
- Smokeless, clean flame
- Auto ignition
- Beautiful design with 8mm black tempered glass top
Cons
- Not portable
Check Outland Living Price On Amazon
Outland Living Firebowl Deluxe Outdoor Propane Fire Pit
A popular propane gas fire pit, the Outland Living Firebowl is adored for the powerful atmosphere it gives to an outdoor space. Most fire pit tables like the previous fire pit table we featured from Outland only have 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs. With the Outland Living Firebowl, you get a more powerful heat source with a heat output that reaches 58,000 BTU/Hr. This is because it’s the standard fire pit that uses propane for power.
If you don't know already, 58,000 BTUs as heat output is very high. It even surpasses a patio heater's heating output. To fuel the fire pit, you need a 20-pound propane tank. You have the option of using a smaller propane tank but it will result in more frequent replacements. At the highest heat setting, it'll consume a 20-pound propane tank in eight hours. In its lower setting, it can reach up to 16 hours of use.
An aspect that we love about this fire pit is its assembly which is almost non-existent! You won't have to assemble the unit apart from connecting the unit's gas hose to its burner. Add the lava rocks into the center portion of the unit and you're set.
As for its size, its diameter is 18.5" and it's 10.5" tall. It's smaller than most fire pits in terms of diameter, but its heat output is incredibly high that the unit makes up for its small size. Its height, on the other hand, is perfect as it allows you to roast marshmallows easily.
Pros
- 58,000 BTUs
- Comes with lava rocks
- Has an auto-ignition feature
- Doesn't require assembly
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Some find it small for their patio
Check Outland Living FireBowl Price On Amazon
CobraCo SH101 100% Copper Outdoor Fire Pit Budget Friendly
Enjoy the outdoors all year round with this super stylish copper fire pit from CobraCo! Measuring 30 inches (width) x 19 inches (height), it’s extra-large to accommodate large logs and to ensure that you have a fire burning for a long time. It’s built using 100% copper that's hammered by hand, so it’s sturdy and capable of withstanding harsh outdoor elements.
Its design is contemporary and it comes with its own metal stand. It isn't coated which was intentionally done by CobraCo to give it a rustic texture and look, enhancing your outdoor area's aesthetics. Also, when we added the unit to our backyard, the lack of coating made the space a lot homier as it conveyed a country ambiance.
The CobraCo SH101 Outdoor Fire Pit already comes with a vinyl cover and a screen to ensure its longevity. The vinyl cover is added in the package to give the unit ample protection against rain or leaves when it's in storage or not in use.
As for its assembly, we put the entire thing together quickly. The only thing that we didn’t like with CobraCo's fire pit is it doesn't come with holes at the fire pit's bottom part. If you want to add a drain to the fire pit and increase air circulation, just drill a hole at the bottom.
Copper isn't just a beautiful material, but it’s also made to last. This fire pit comes with a stand made of iron to stabilize it and make sure that it has a sturdy base to prevent the unit from being knocked over. As it's circular, it can be used from all angles, making sure all of your visitors and guests feel warm and comfortable by the fire.
Pros
- Has a massive, deep fire bowl
- Accommodates large quantities of wood
- Gorgeous with a hand-hammered finish
- Durable
Cons
- Some find it low in height
Check CobraCo SH101 Price On Amazon
Solo Stove Outdoor Fire Pit - Cheap On Price But Not On Quality
The Solo Stove Outdoor Fire Pit is the last product on our list of the best outdoor fire pits. It has a modern design, stainless steel construction, and it burns hotter compared to regular fires. It also makes starting a fire easier from the walls that block the wind.
There are lots of reasons why we think the Solo Stove Outdoor Fire Pit is one of the best. First of all, it eliminates that campfire smell that sticks to your clothes as it burns with less smoke! We know you are wondering how this is possible. Well, it’s one of the key features of Solo Stove's fire pit. The unit has the manufacturer's patented air intake system, allowing the fire to be fed by hotter air which causes a secondary combustion.
This is why you can expect hotter fire as well as less smoke, unlike a wood stove with the Outdoor Fire Pit. It’s also worth mentioning the fact that the engineering of this specific fire pit, specifically the patented air intake system, is so impressive that the Solo Stove Bonfire Pit raised more than $1.1M on Kickstarter!
Another feature that we adore on the Bonfire Fire Pit is its portability. It's lightweight, being only 20 pounds. It also has a durable carrying case, so it can be taken anywhere even to a tailgating event! The only thing that we thought this fire pit lacked was rust protection. Fortunately, that can be easily fixed. Simply spray it with any rust protection coating available in your local hardware store!
Pros
- Very portable
- Log-friendly
- Durable
- Stainless steel construction
Cons
- Needs protection from rust
Safety Tips
Common sense prevails; however, it’s still better to review the safe practices when tending recreational fires. Make sure every member of your household knows the rules. Also, never leave kids alone with a fire pit that’s lighted up.
Furthermore, be aware of the area surrounding the fire pit. Only use it in a space that's open with lots of air flow. Don't place your fire feature under low-hanging plants, trees, or anything that’s flammable.
Read the manual that comes with your fire pit so you know the best way to use it. You'll also be given information regarding the best ways of caring for the unit.
We strongly advise against the use of accelerants including lighter fluid, gasoline, alcohol, and other volatile liquids in starting fires. An accelerant is very dangerous. It can even cause damage to your fire pit.
Benefits of the Outdoor Fire Pits
If you’re thinking of getting an outdoor fire pit for your backyard, here are some of the best reasons why your outdoor space needs one:
Warmth
Since you no longer have to rely on seasons to provide you warmth, you can host yard parties whenever you want. Yes, that’s right – you can get a fire going all night regardless of the weather. Just put on your favourite sweater and clear nights can be turned into outdoor gatherings or even a stargazing extravaganza!
Ambiance
Maybe you are not too keen on hosting parties. That's fine as an outdoor fire pit can be appreciated even for its sheer beauty. Whether you are catching up with your old friend or just gazing at the stars alone, the romance or ambiance that a fire pit can add to your outdoor space is unbelievable.
Variety
There’s a wide selection of fire pits made for outdoor use. There are those that are semi-permanent as they’re heavier but they’re more elaborate. They also make a great focal point for a patio like a fire table. Portable units, on the other hand, are smaller and they're available in several different shapes and materials. They are the ones that can be repositioned in different areas in your backyard. They can even be taken on camping trips with the family! Most fire pits use either wood or gas.
Range of Use
The best outdoor fire pits provide warmth and light, but that’s not all. They can also be used for cooking! Just place grills or grates over a patio fire pit and you can use the unit as a barbecue grill. You may already know that fire pit cooking comes with several advantages as it’s getting a lot of traction these days.
Cooked meats usually become more flavorful as they’re cooked over real fire. If the outdoor fire pit is massive, it’s possible to cook for several people at once. You can also throw a couple of marshmallows on sticks and enjoy warm, tasty treats with your outdoor fire pit!
Safety
When assembled properly, outdoor fire pits are safe to use. They come with sides that prevent fire or even sparks from spreading. There are also models that come with wire mesh to be added on top of the fire pits for added security. As for propane gas fire pits, their flame can be controlled using knobs.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Fire Pit
Fire pits and tables create warm, welcoming, and cozy areas for family members and friends to enjoy; however, you need to know a few things first in order to find the right unit for your specific needs.
Here are the most important ones:
Type Of Fire Pit
Most outdoor fire pits use wood or propane gas. A wood-burning fire pit provides a lot of warmth. It’s also one that you can cook on. You need to stock up on wood for this kind of fire pit, so don’t forget to purchase logs.
As for the style of wood-burning fire pits, there’s an endless array available from traditional and classic to contemporary and modern. Materials used in their construction also vary from slate to hammered copper. To keep embers contained, a wood-burning fire pit needs a screen guard. The best outdoor fire pits already come with screen guards so you won’t have to purchase additional ones. For cooking, you would need a grate or grill.
The main disadvantage of using a wood-burning fire pit would be the fact that you’d have to clean the ash under the pit manually. Also, you need to be very careful with what you burn. Burning wood that has a toxic sealant is a big no-no.
As for gas fire pits, they are beautiful and warm, although not all of them can be used for cooking. They're often portable for your ultimate convenience. Like wood-burning fire pits, there are different styles available and they differ in price, especially fire tables and fire bowls. Propane pits don’t produce ash and that’s why they are the best options for those with respiratory issues. As they use propane tanks, make sure you keep some in storage so you never run out of fuel.
Material
The following are the most common material options for outdoor fire pits:
Stainless Steel– Stainless steel material is quite common, so you may already know that it’s resistant to staining and corrosion. Stainless steel holds up really well in harsh climates, and it’s easy to clean as well. You will, however, find it rather heavy so it makes an outdoor fire pit a bit difficult to move around a yard.
Cast Iron- This one is the most resistant to corrosion. It can conduct and radiate heat as well, which means it makes it easier for you to enjoy a nice evening when it’s cold outside. It’s also a heavy material, so it’s best if you keep the fire pit in one place.
Aluminum- This one is a material that’s low in maintenance. It also makes an affordable fire pit and it’s rather lightweight and rust resistant, so it’s often seen in portable models.
Copper- The biggest advantage of copper is that it’s an excellent heat conductor, which means it can easily light up a fire. It’s also a material that’s durable and resistant to corrosion. Its natural patina which develops over time makes a fire pit uniquely attractive. One downside to it is that it requires more upkeep compared to other fire pit materials.
Style And Dimensions
Fire pits, as mentioned earlier, come in various styles. There are fire bowls, fire tables, and square versions which resemble low tables. The most portable among all styles is the fire bowl. If your backyard requires filling and the space is massive, you’d want a bigger version like a fire table. What’s great about it is that it can be used to create a warm spot for gathering in your outdoor space.
Most fire pits are 20 to 45 inches in diameter. A smaller unit is 20 to 25 inches while a larger pit is anywhere between 40 to 45 inches in diameter, similar to the size of a dining table. Typically, a small fire pit is a bowl type, so it’s perfect for a compact patio or deck.
Location
Check local ordinances for the placement of your new outdoor fire feature. Code requirements may restrict the places where you can add a fire pit within your property. It's already obvious that you should never use a fire pit indoors. Other places that are not the best places to add fire pits include anywhere that’s too close to a home’s indoor area, the lawn, anything that can quickly catch fire, and a patio that’s made of wood.
Open backyards are the best location for the placement of fire pits as they also give homeowners greater options for their positioning. The best options for open backyards include fire bowls, freestanding pits, and stone fire pits. If there’s grass in the area, we don’t suggest you use timber as it might light up from flying embers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re searching for a wood-burning or propane fire pit for your outdoor space or camping trips, there are lots of incredible options with the best ones proven and tested by us. Outland Living is one of the best manufacturers of stylish outdoor fire pits, but our favorite would be their durable Outland Living Fire Table.
It’s a fire feature and outdoor furniture in one as it also offers enough room to place hot chocolate or cocktails while the burner warms up everyone. Still, you won’t go wrong with any of the units above. As a matter of fact, we’re excited for you to enjoy your new backyard addition!
FAQs:
Are outdoor firepits easy to use?
Outdoor firepits are easy to install and use. Always ensure you take caution and explain to your kids the dangers while using the firepit. Also, keep it away from flammable gas as it can cause a huge fire breakout. The different types of firepits come with varying setup styles, so you can check the design of your firepit and employ the necessary guidelines or quick setup.
What are the best rocks to use inside the firepit?
Get the rocks that are dense and not likely to absorb water and explode. Such rocks include granite and marble. Other suitable rocks are concrete, lava glass, and lava rocks.
What size of a firepit do I need for my outdoor use?
The size depends on the intended use of the firepit. If you want it to warm the entire family, you need a large firepit, but if you are alone, you can get the small firepit easy to manage and quick to set up.
Do I need a fire extinguisher?
This is a safety precaution you'll need in case of razing fires. You can get a fire extinguisher to put out the fire that shows the danger to your house or location.