The Best Fire Pits for Outdoor Entertaining
Bring the magic of a campfire to your backyard, patio or deck with these affordable picks.
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Our top picks:
In recent years, our experts have watched the fire pit market go from smoldering to flaming to red-hot. “A fire pit is an easy addition to a yard and can work with any price point, making it a universally loved feature,” says Blythe Yost, CEO and co-founder of Tilly, an online landscape design company. Adding a fire pit is also the perfect way to extend your outdoor entertaining season — it could even last year-round, if winters in your area aren’t too harsh. They're great for keeping guests warm and helping to fire up a batch of s’mores.
All the interest in fire pits has brought many manufacturers into the space, not to mention countless artisans whose hand-crafted fire pits double as works of art. The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have spent decades testing the best outdoor living and cooking gadgets, including pellet grills and smokers, gas grills and so much more. With fire pits, we considered the build quality and durability of each model, as well as their fuel type, size and safety features.
After you’ve perused our fire pit picks, read on for more details on how we evaluate, as well as what to think about when choosing the best fire pit for your backyard. Also, check out our other advice on outdoor living, including round-ups of the best decking materials, gazebos and outdoor projectors.
Pros
- Deep basin
- Great airflow
- Beautiful, durable design
Cons
- Heavy
This unique wood-burning fire pit from the makers of the classic backyard tiki torch impressed our experts with its perfect balance of size, convenience and smart design for the ultimate fire experience. Although its 25-inch diameter places it in the mid-sized category of tested models, this fire pit’s deep basin allows enough room for logs (or wood pellets) and prevents embers from flying everywhere. Our engineers note that its internal airflow system helps keep the fire going while dramatically reducing the amount of smoke it emits. We also love this pit’s elegant yet weatherproof black exterior that suits almost any backyard. At 45 pounds, it’s not particularly portable — but you’ll want to show it off every night anyway.
• Size: 24.75" x 24.75" x 18.75"
• Fuel type: Wood
• Material: Stainless steel
• Weight: 45 lbs.
Teamson Home Light Grey Magnesium Oxide Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Pros
- Affordable price
- Unique design
- Good for grilling
Cons
- Concrete finish is harder to keep clean
The most inexpensive fire pits tend to look that way, with cheap materials and flimsy construction. The Teamson fire pit is an exception to the rule, with a concrete design and solid, joint-free construction that our experts see in models costing two to three times as much. From a safety perspective, this pit is a great choice if you have small kids at home, since the durable steel cover keeps embers from flying out. Our experts also like the grilling grate, enabling you to cook burgers and dogs over the open flame. Weighing just 22 pounds, it's easy to move about the yard — or throw in back of the SUV to take to the campsite or tailgate party.
• Size: 18.5" x 20.87" x 20.87"
• Fuel type: Wood
• Material: Concrete
• Weight: 22 lbs.
Pros
- Durable
- Great airflow
- Deep basin
Cons
- Heavy
The Breeo X Series was designed with durability in mind — each fire pit is made from steel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and you can choose between a classic stainless steel finish or corten steel, which is designed to be left out in the elements and develop a natural reddish patina. These fire pits have a simple, rustic design, a deep basin and an internal airflow system to keep smoke to a minimum. Breeo also offers a variety of accessories for the pits, including a grilling package and an insert ring for adding to an existing concrete or stone fire pit. Choose between the smaller X Series 19 for two to four people or the larger X Series 24 (shown here) for three to seven people.
• Size: 14.75" x 27.5" x 27.5"
• Fuel type: Wood
• Material: Stainless or Corten steel
• Weight: 62 lbs.
Pros
- Very low smoke
- Deep basin
- Great airflow
Cons
- Can be difficult to move
- Can rust inside
Wood-burning fire pits are beloved for the campfire-like experience they provide, but the smoke scent can cling to hair and clothes. Solo Stove makes the lowest-smoke wood-burning fire pits we found, thanks to an advanced airflow system that promotes efficient combustion. The Solo Stove comes in three different size options: The compact Ranger, the mid-size Bonfire (shown here), and the large Yukon. They all share an identical stainless steel cylindrical design, but our testers think the Bonfire will suit most people, with enough depth for logs and space for a small group to gather around.
• Size: 22" x 22" x 17"
• Fuel type: Wood
• Material: Stainless steel
• Weight: 21.8 lbs.
Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Fire Pit
Pros
- Great for cooking with swivel-top grill
- Deep basin
- Large diameter
Cons
- Can rust
This deep, steel lattice wood-burning fire pit from Bali Outdoors comes with a swivel-top grill for making kebabs, s’mores and anything else you want to cook over an open flame. Users love the fire pit’s sturdy build, its large 32-inch diameter and its outer ring that doubles as a miniature table. The pit’s deep basin is compatible with both logs and charcoal, and it gets decent airflow from the surrounding mesh screen.
• Size: 32" x 32" x 25"
• Fuel type: Wood or charcoal
• Material: Alloy steel
• Weight: 27 lbs.
Pros
- Elegant
- Easy to use
- No mess or maintenance
Cons
- Not particularly warm
While there are a seemingly infinite number of pricey, design-forward, show-stopping fire pit tables on the market, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a functional and elegant table with a propane fire centerpiece. We like the 410 series from Outland Living, with a wide 36-inch glass top and excellent user reviews. Perfect for patios and balconies, this table hides a propane tank in its base and provides just enough heat and light for an elegant outdoor gathering. Because it’s a gas fire, this fire pit gives off zero smoke and doesn’t require any maintenance or clean-up.
• Size: 36" x 36" x 24.5"
• Fuel type: Gas
• Material: Aluminum and steel
• Weight: 83 lbs.
Sunnydaze Cosmic Outdoor Fire Pit
Pros
- Very wide
- Sturdy
- Cute design
Cons
- Can rust
- Not very deep
This massive 42-inch wood-burning fire pit has a simple and elegant black finish, with cosmic star-and-moon cut-outs for a charming glow pattern at night. Its extra-large construction means it can warm a crowd, while its basic spark screen lid helps prevent embers from escaping. It’s not as deep or well-ventilated relative to its diameter as the low-smoke options on this list. Some users also complain of rusting, so you’ll need to cover it properly or store it out of the elements.
• Size: 41.5" x 41.5" x 23"
• Fuel type: Wood
• Material: Alloy steel
• Weight: 30 lbs.
Pros
- Portable
- Great airflow
- Includes grill grate and Bluetooth capability
Cons
- Narrow footprint means smaller fires
This uniquely shaped wood-burning fire pit is compact and lightweight, with side handles for extra portability. In testing, we loved the fire pit’s three-speed fan settings that control the size of the flame, as well as its interesting “x-ray mesh” body that gives you a full view of the logs while they’re burning. The BioLite FirePit+ is designed to fit four standard 16-inch logs at a time, but it can also be used with charcoal. There’s also an included grill grate if you’re looking to cook while camping or in the backyard and Bluetooth compatibility for controlling the fan remotely.
• Size: 21.7" x 13" x 15.75"
• Fuel type: Wood
• Material: Enameled steel
• Weight: 19.8 lbs.
Outland Living Outland Living Mega Firebowl
Pros
- Easy to use
- No mess or maintenance
- Generates great heat
Cons
- Exposed propane tank
The Firebowl line of portable and no-mess propane fire pits from Outland Living is simple to use and performs exactly as expected. Each has a 58,000 BTU output and generates great heat without the embers, ash, smoke or maintenance of a wood-burning fire pit. These fire pits are also allowed in many places that have a ban on wood-burning fires. While the Firebowl comes in a range of sizes, we like this larger, 24-inch Mega Firebowl for backyard living. The 19-inch Deluxe Firebowl is also portable (with a cover and carry kit!) and great for camping and beach trips.
• Size: 24" x 24" x 13
• Fuel type: Propane
• Material: Alloy and stainless steel
• Weight: 22 lbs.
Pros
- Weather-resistant materials
- High-quality construction
- Sculptural form
Cons
- Too heavy to move around
Since it launched nearly a decade ago, Stahl Firepit has developed a loyal following in the Pacific Northwest, emanating from the brand's headquarters in Portland, OR. Now the reputation is spreading nationwide. Our experts like the pit's sculptural form and the way the steel develops a deep patina over time (it's also available in anodized aluminum that stays black or silver, depending on which finish you choose). The rugged materials can withstand all kinds of harsh weather, and the nonwelded construction means there’s no chance of it coming apart at the seams. We also like how easy the fire pit is to assemble — simply slot the puzzle-like sections together and you’re ready to go.
• Size: 12" x 30" x 30"
• Fuel type: Wood
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 105 lbs.
Pros
- Excellent proportions
- Quality construction
Cons
- Burns through a lot of wood
- Not portable
The simple elegance and ample coffee table-like proportions of CB2's rectangular fire pit make it an ideal choice for large-scale outdoor entertaining. Our engineers say the black iron construction and heat-resisted painted finish should combine to make a pit that will provide years, if not decades, of service. The interior grate ensures even air flow and prevents the bottom of the fire pit from burning too hot, though it still needs to be placed on brick, stone or other fireproof material.
• Size: 15.5" x 48" x 24"
• Fuel type: Wood
• Material: Iron
• Weight: NA
How we chose the best fire pits
Our experts started by surveying the current marketplace to identify the top-selling fire pits you’re most likely to find at home centers, specialty dealers and online. They also attend trade shows and industry events, including HPBExpo and the International Builders Show, to keep up with the latest trends in outdoor living. Next, they identified brands that have performed the best and proved the most reliable through years of testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. They also considered newer brands with unique features or innovations.
Model evaluation began with a thorough review of technical data, including an assessment of materials and quality of construction. Testers also tried out fire pits at their homes, focusing on how easy it was to start and maintain a fire, the level of heat and smoke generated and the portability of each fire pit. Our experts also pored over thousands of online reviews looking for red flags related to safety, performance and maintenance.
What are the main types of fire pits?
The primary decision you need to make when shopping for a fire pit is whether you want a wood-burning or gas pit.
✔️ Wood-burning fire pits use wood logs, wood pellets, charcoal or some combination thereof, and you build your fire the way you would an open bonfire. However, they’re generally safer and more convenient than bonfires because the vessel tends to be deep enough to prevent embers from flying everywhere. Many are designed to give off less smoke, and many have ashtrays in the base for convenient cleanup. Some also have internal fans to keep the fire going. You should opt for a wood-burning fire if you love that campfire smell, are interested in cooking outdoors or want to generate a lot of heat. The drawbacks are the ash cleanup, the fuel maintenance and the potential for smokiness, as well as the potential fire hazard from embers.
✔️ Gas fire pits use propane or natural gas to generate a “clean” fire, with no embers, ash or cleanup. They’re generally safer and more consistent than wood-burning fire pits because there’s no fire hazard from embers, and they can be switched on with the flip of a switch or by pressing a button. They often have different heat and flame-height levels. Gas fire pits are great to use for elegant outdoor tables or patios, or when camping somewhere where wood fires are banned or inconvenient. However, gas fire pits aren’t always intended for cooking because, unlike gas grills, they often don't have grease traps, sealed burners and other features designed to contain messes. They also don’t provide you with the smell of a campfire and you’ll need to be able to store the propane tank somewhere. Tanks and gas lines also need to be carefully inspected and maintained to prevent leaks.
What else to consider when shopping for a fire pit
✔️ Size: Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, and the picks in this list range from 15 to 42 inches in diameter. It’s intuitive, but generally speaking, the larger the fire pit, the more people it can accommodate. The largest picks can comfortably seat 10 people around them without crowding, while the smallest can accommodate only two or three. Smaller fire pits are generally easier to transport and store. Choose the size that makes sense for you and your outdoor space — and try to prioritize depth when possible. We find that deeper fire pits generally hold more logs without spilling out the top and don’t throw off embers that may disrupt your enjoyment of the fire.
✔️ Material: The most common material for standalone fire pits is steel. Some will be designed for the elements and will develop their own patina; others are stainless and won’t rust easily but should still be covered. Those made with very raw materials will rust quickly if not protected. There are also fire pits that are painted or housed inside another exterior, such as brick, concrete or fiberglass. If you want a fire pit that’s going to stay put in your backyard for months on end, make sure you invest in something that will stand up to the elements, or get a good cover to put over it when not in use. Otherwise, you can get a more lightweight and portable option that can be stored indoors.
✔️ Safety features: In general, propane fire pits are safer than wood-burning fire pits because they don’t produce the embers, ash and smoke that pose a fire hazard. However, gas lines and propane tanks should always be checked to prevent potential leaks. Most wood-burning fire pits in this list have basic protections including wire mesh shields and deep basins to prevent embers from falling outside the pit. One of the most important things you can do to reduce the fire hazard of your pit is to place it a safe distance away from any structures, and position it on a fireproof surface such as concrete, brick or stone. You can also buy fireproof mats to place under portable fire pits.
✔️ Bonus features: Many fire pits will come with extra features such as cooking equipment, unique exterior designs, batteries for charging devices while camping, Bluetooth connectivity, side tables and more. These can be fun and useful, but don’t prioritize these features over the safety and performance of the fire pit itself.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This article was a collaboration between experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Improvement & Outdoors Lab and Kitchen Appliances Lab.
In his role as Director of Home Improvement & Outdoors, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like Consumer Reports and This Old House. He's a regular at trade shows and industry events, where he stays on top of trends around outdoor living, often speaking on the subject.
Nicole Papantoniou runs the Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, overseeing all content and testing related to cooking products. She started testing and developing cooking tools, gadgets, gear and appliances in 2014. She is trained in classic culinary arts and is a professional recipe developer.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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