When it comes to choosing a fire pit, it’s always easier to go for a wood-burning pit or bowl. These models are usually inexpensive and attractive. They also remove the worry that comes with hooking up to a fuel source like a propane tank.
Another popular option among the best fire pits is propane fire pits. They’re larger and tend to cost more. Whichever type you settle for, having a fire pit in your garden, patio, or backyard makes your moments outdoors more enjoyable.
You can easily buy a functional fire pit online. However, the challenge is with choosing the best type, given the multitude of options available. We have compiled a review of some of the best pits to narrow down your search.
Best Fire Pits Reviews
Comparison Chart
22 inch Fire Pit for Outside Outdoor Wood Burning Small Bonfire Pit Steel Firepit Bowl for Patio Camping Backyard Deck Picnic Porch,with Spark Screen,Log Grate,Poker
28″ Propane Fire Pit Table, Black Outdoor Fire Table, Square Rattan Plaited Fire Table with Lid,50000 BTU Auto Ignition, 2 in1 Fire Pit Table for Courtyard/Patio/Balcony
We recommend these fire pits as the best for home gatherings and BBQ parties. You’re sure to find something that fits into your budget and matches your style.
SINGLYFIRE 22” Outdoor Fire Pit
One of the factors you should think about when buying a fire pit is safety. Its construction and fuel usage can tell you a lot about what to expect. This is where the SINGLYFIRE Outdoor fire pit comes in.
Product Highlights
The SINGLYFIRE fire pit has a durable and robust construction made of steel frame and a black heat-resistant finish. This pit bowl is lightweight and allows you to carry it around with ease. To prolong its lifespan, avoid leaving it outdoors after use.
For your safety while using the pit, it comes with a mesh screen. This serves to keep embers, sparks, and debris from flying out of the fire. It also has a wood-handle poker which you can use to remove the charcoal or wood safely.
Versatility
The SINGLYFIRE fire pit is designed to meet your needs in a variety of settings. You can use it as an outdoor fire pit to warm yourself on chilly nights. Its design also allows you to use it as a BBQ grill. When you have parties at home, use it to entertain your guests.
As a small and compact fire pit, it’s also highly portable. You can bring it along for camping, tailgating, RV trips, or beach parties. Its set up is as easy as attaching the four legs to the outer rim and you’re ready for entertainment.
What to Like About SINGLYFIRE 22” Outdoor Fire Pit
The SINGLYFIRE fire pit has a small and compact structure that makes it easy to use. Setting it up is quick, and it can be used in a variety of settings. The mesh screen protects by keeping embers and sparks under control.
What Not to Like About SINGLYFIRE 22” Outdoor Fire Pit
You’ll have to contend with moving the fire pit in and out of safe storage. You can’t leave it out in the open as exposure to weather elements will tamper with its quality. The legs are also not very sturdy and will bend in a few days.
Pros
- A small and compact fire pit, ideal for small parties and gatherings
- It’s lightweight and easy to move around
- Its portability makes it a good companion for beach parties and camping
- Comes as a budget-friendly price
- Has a mesh cover that prevents embers and sparks from flying out of the fire
Cons
- Some issues with durability
- The finish peels off pretty fast, exposing the metallic parts to rust
Landmann Big Sky Stars and Moons Fire Pit
The name of this fire pit alludes to its design. The creativity that goes into making the product incorporates big star and moon shapes for an attractive finish.
Product Highlights
The Landmann fire pit is a cozy addition to your backyard or patio. The stars and moon design create an incredible fire ambiance at night.
Construction
The pit is made from sturdy steel and features a large 23 ½ inch bowl where you light your fire. The full diameter safety ring serves as a footrest while you relax. It can also come in handy as a handle when transporting the fire pit. The size of the fire pit is 29.5” in diameter and 23” high.
Portability
Landmann is a lightweight product and hence portable. You can take it for beach parties, camping, or vacations away from home. It weighs less than 35 pounds, which includes the full-size enamel cooking grate and poker.
Safety
The fire pit comes with a spark screen that protects you and your guests from flying sparks and debris. As you sit around to enjoy a 360-degree view of the fire, you’re assured of safety.
What to Like About About Landmann Big Sky Stars and Moons Fire Pit
The design of the fire pit is unique and outstanding. The moon and star cutouts allow for increased airflow to keep your fire burning. The pit is graciously spacious and comes with a mesh covering for added safety.
Its height is also ideal, letting it sit at a comfortable distance off the ground. The pit is easy to use, clean, and outlasts most models on the market.
What Not to Like About Landmann Big Sky Stars and Moons Fire Pit
The fire pit relies on wood only. Its lack of compatibility with other fuel sources is a significant drawback. The paint also seems to be poorly done and flakes in a few months. The legs are flimsy and keep coming off.
Pros
- Landmann is a great product that comes at an affordable price and gives value for money
- Lightweight and portable
- Its versatility makes it an excellent companion for adventure away from home
- Easy to assemble and use
- The spark cover protects you against burns
Cons
- The paint flakes within a short time, exposing the metal to rust
- The legs keep coming off and might require you to find a way to support them
Generic Propane Fire Pit Table
If you don’t want to struggle with newspaper and kindling to get a blazing fire going, choose the Generic Propane pit. It offers all the sizzle of a traditional fire pit and eliminates the headache.
Product Highlights
Generic comes with a tabletop that makes it multifunctional and gives it a fashionable appearance. When not in use, you can cover the pit with the provided lid. This easily converts it into an outdoor dining or coffee table.
Design
Its style and fashion appearance correspond to your garden, terrace, or courtyard style. The fire pit is made based on unique craftsmanship and design. It undergoes several processes to spray the rust-proof black paint.
The bottom steel panel is well-curated for a wicker look, and the combination with the tabletop makes it elegant. The unique antique copper art finishes make the pit a lot more appealing.
Durability
The fire pit is made from sturdy steel that keeps it from cracking from exposure to high heat. Both the burner and control panel are made from stainless steel for more durability. The ignition device makes for easy adjustment of the flame as well as giving you simple switch control.
Safety
In case you’re worried about your safety in using this fire pit, remember that it’s a CSA-certified product. This means it meets all the legal requirements for safety. Use propane fuel for a stable flame without carbon emissions. The heat output is 50,000 BTUs, strong enough to provide ample warmth and a romantic bonfire atmosphere.
What to Like About Generic Propane Fire Pit Table
The pit has a tabletop that easily converts into a minibar when the fire is not in use. It’s made of sturdy steel that prevents cracking and damage. The ignition system makes it easy to control the flame. Since the gas uses propane, the glow is bright, warm, and green.
What Not to Like About Generic Propane Fire Pit Table
The ignition system is not well made and will fail after a few uses. The pit comes with no assembly instructions and will take you a while to get up and running. It may come without some of the hardware parts too.
Pros
- Burns on propane and has a clear, warm, and blazing flame
- The shape of the pit assumes a table that can smoothly function as a coffee table
- The size of the fire pit is ideal for most situations
- Easy to put together and get it running
- Has a classy solid construction that fits in well with patio furniture
Cons
- The fire pit may arrive without some parts
- The ignition system fails within the first few uses
Landmann 26″ Barrone Fire Pit
Another excellent choice among the best fire pits is the Landmann Barrone fireplace. Made from antique bronze, it unearths an epitome fashion and functionality.
Product Highlights
Bronze is a highly conductive material and hence is ideal for a fire pit. It allows for excellent airflow to keep the flame alive. The fireplace measures 23″ square around the edges while the pit is 10″ deep.
It can hold a lot of wood and allows you to stack it any way you want. The vents let in air from any direction, with the mesh keeping the flame under control.
Features
Landmann pits come with a nicely arranged lid that’s also easy to remove. Use the poker hook to place the cover in a position to avoid burning yourself.
The height of the fire pit is perfect, and it looks nice from every angle. You can see the good welds and decorative rivets. When the product isn’t in use, you can use it as a décor piece for your patio or porch.
It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to move around. The only drawback of this fire pit seems to be its high price.
What to Like About Landmann 26″ Barrone Fire Pit
The fire pit is made from bronze, a highly conductive material that radiates heat faster. Bronze looks good when combined with any furniture, and it comes at just the right size. The lid is well-made and perfectly fits in its place.
What Not to Like About Landmann 26″ Barrone Fire Pit
The pit is a little on the higher price scale. You could easily find one with similar features at a lower cost.
Pros
- Made from a highly conductive material that keeps the fire burning
- Built to last and the lid is heavier than most others on the market
- Its usage ranges from grilling fire to a bonfire
- The bronze finish fits in well with different patio furniture
- Attractive finish and the size isn’t too big or too small
Cons
- Too pricey
- Not made to safety standards
Bali Outdoors Wood-Burning Fire Pit
The last item on this list is the Bali Outdoors fire pit that comes as a durable stainless steel unit. It’s highly recommendable for every backyard and garden. It provides an ideal ambiance while enjoying an evening by the fire.
Product Highlights
The fireplace is designed with a platform where you can cook steak and chicken. Apart from the grill function, the pit has other useful features like a log rack and poker. It features a four-legged design that gives it extra stability while in use.
Features
Bali Outdoors fire pit measures 32” by 24” which is spacious enough for a cozy flame. It also has a circular steel ring fixed on the legs to enhance its stability.
The poker and the log rack that come along with the fire pit enhance your steak roasting experiences. One of the outstanding features of the product is the steel mesh that swivels 360 degrees. You can use it for grilling food.
Sturdy Construction
The steel construction makes the product highly durable. It’s made for dual purpose and an excellent choice for outdoor grilling and heating. The design includes a cooking grate for more convenient grilling.
What to Like About Bali Outdoors Wood-Burning Fire Pit
The fit enjoys a large 24” inner bowl diameter and comes with an 18.7” cooking grate. You can use it for heating and grilling, depending on your needs. The steel construction makes it durable and features a circular steel ring that makes the legs more stable.
What Not to Like About Bali Outdoors Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Despite the elegant build, the pit won’t last very long. The legs are poorly manufactured and don’t stick to the bowl.
Pros
- The fire pit is beautiful and practical
- The grill swivels 360 degrees and can be adjusted up and down
- Serves as a heating and grilling fire pit
- Has perfect dimensions and sits at a comfortable height above the ground
- Its circular steel ring enhances the stability of the legs
Cons
- The product is made of fragile metal and feels flimsy
- Too expensive
Buyers Guide
Just like with any other product, purchasing a fire pit requires that you check some essential features. Below are some of the things to consider before making your final decision.
1. Size (Dimensions)
The size of the fire pit you buy matters because it determines how well it’ll meet your heating needs. The product also needs to be proportional to the area where it’ll be predominantly used.
When considering the size, ask yourself whether the pit will be a permanent fixture in your backyard. Do you intend to bring it along for parties away from the house? Small pits range from 22″ to 25″ while bigger ones range from 40″ to 45.”
Small fire pits often come with a bowl where you light the fire, making them ideal for patios and smaller decks. Larger pits are often suitable for BBQ and larger backyard parties.
2. Type of Fuel
Different fire pits are designed for compatibility with varying types of fuel. The most common are wood-burning pits. With wood, you can enjoy a more authentic outdoor experience.
The other type is a propane or gas-burning fire pit. Such pits are easier to maintain and clean than their wood-burning counterparts. On their downside, they are a little more expensive to acquire and maintain.
3. Material
The material of the fire pit is crucial as it determines its longevity and durability. Some common materials are wood, steel, and tile, but there are plenty of other options. Your choice of material will mostly depend on whether you want the fire pit to be permanently fixed or portable.
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for portable fire pits as it’s lighter than stone or tile. It’s also less fragile and can withstand a variety of weather conditions. On the flip side, stainless steel pits are more expensive.
4. Functions
As you research your new fire pit, keep in mind its purpose. In as much as you want a pit for its aesthetic value, its functionality also matters. Some pits are purely made for heating purposes to keep your warm on a cold chilly night.
Others can well be used for other functions like cooking and grilling. Check into this when making your purchase. Large wood-burning pits may be more multifunctional than small propane-burning ones.
5. Design
Apart from the finishing and shape of the pit, you need to check the overall design. Does it come with a control panel and ignition system?
Other essential features are the legs and how well they support the pit. Also, check if it has a mesh cover to keep the flames under control.
FAQs
In addition to the features to consider when buying a fire pit, there are also some frequently asked questions you need to know.
1. Should I Buy or Build a Fire Pit?
While this is a matter of personal preference, building a fire pit comes with some advantages over buying one. A fire pit should be more about safety than anything else. When you make a fire pit, it permits you a great extent of control over the fire so long as it’s built correctly.
You also need to dig deep enough and ensure you use materials that won’t explode when heated. However, dug pits can expose people to danger if they’re left open.
A purchased fire pit comes at a more elevated setting, which could pose a risk if it’s not sturdy enough. Go for pits made of durable metal to prevent them from tipping over while in use.
The other consideration is whether building a pit is cheaper than buying one. The fact is that a ready-made pit will cost you more than building one.
2. How Much Does a Fire Pit Cost?
The cost of a fire pit depends on whether you buy a ready-made one or build your own. Building is less costly, but this could be subject to change depending on whether you have it professionally done. A prefabricated pit will cost you anything between $50 and $3,000 depending on the size, functionality, and fuel type.
3. Do I Need a Burn Permit for a Fire Pit?
This depends on the local by-laws. Check what your state or municipal laws say concerning fire pits. Some communities have banned the use of open fire pits.
4. How Do I Pick the Right Spot for Your Fire Pit?
A fire pit is one of the outdoor designs in your home. When choosing the best spot, consider the space the pit will occupy. You also need to check that the area is safe.
Avoid placing your fire pit on a wooden patio and instead place it on concrete or natural stone. The surface should also be leveled and structurally sound.
5. How Far Away From the House Should a Fire Pit Be?
The most suitable distance of the fire pit from the house should be determined by the location of your patio. This is the area where you’ll use the fire pit most of the time. You could also place it at any other outdoor area designated for socializing.
Another determining factor is the location where you can enjoy the most natural view of the skyline. Consider taking advantage of the high ground in your home.
Final Verdict
There’s no denying that fire pits can make your evenings a lot more fun and warm. The best fire pits are not only aesthetic but also functional. The market is awash with a multitude of fire pits that differ in size, style, and purpose.
When choosing the best one for your home, ensure it’s built to last. The more versatile it is, the better it’ll serve its purpose. You want a product that you can use at home or on vacation to stay warm.
Whether you want to buy or build a fire pit, check that it meets all the safety standards. Most importantly, check the local by-laws to see if the use of fire pits is allowed.
