Nothing beats spending a long evening outdoors by the fire. The best fire pits allow you to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for a stylish design to be the focal point of parties or longing for quality time roasting marshmallows with family, there's a fire pit for you. A fire pit keeps you warm and transforms your outdoor space into a cozy retreat, extending the time you can comfortably spend outside. You can say goodbye to having to go inside and call it a night because it's too cold.
We've got you covered when choosing one of the best fire pits. Our selection includes affordable options from top brands like BioLite, Tiki Brand, and Solo Stove. We'll also guide you through the key considerations. The first choice you'll need to make is how your fire pit is powered. Want the benefits of a fire pit without smoke? A propane model is a modern, eco-friendly option. Prefer a more traditional approach? You'll also find fire pits that burn charcoal and wood. Keep in mind that wood-burning options require more maintenance to remain in top condition than gas-fueled options. Technological advances such as clever airflow management mean you can find fire pits that generate maximum heat without the smoke.
Can't decide between a patio heater and a fire pit? A great fire pit provides similar heat to a patio heater and offers the bonus of providing entertainment for you and your guests. They're a great choice if you enjoy making fire gazing part of your evening's activities. In terms of budget, there's a wide range available with models ranging from $100 to $1000. Don't forget to invest in a heat protection mat to prevent damage to your surface.
Planning to entertain outdoors? Check out our guide to the best grills.
The best fire pits we recommend in 2024
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The best fire pit overall
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is designed to be enjoyed by both novices and experienced campers. Its 360° Airflow technology creates a smokeless fire, so heat and warmth can be enjoyed without the unpleasantness of smoke. Its 19-inch diameter is large enough to entertain small gatherings and parties but still portable to transport around via the free carry case.
Solo Stove’s Product Marketing Manager Ty Hancock says that “the Bonfire 2.0 is our most popular fire pit. It is big enough for backyard entertaining but still portable for camping.”
We tested the Bonfire 2.0, weighing its ease of use, maintenance, and claim to create a smokeless fire. The extractable base plate and ash pan simplify cleaning the fire pit, as they can be easily removed and emptied after use.
The fire pit produces a smoke-free fire for the most part; only a very small amount of smoke was experienced, but not enough to affect the overall enjoyability of use. The fire pit felt safe to use, but the main difficulty was the awkwardness of moving it around, plus the reflection of fingerprints on the stainless steel shell.
Read more: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 review
The best budget fire pit
If you're looking for a small, cost-friendly fire pit to enhance your backyard’s atmosphere or to take to a friend’s house, the East Oak Mini Tabletop Fire Pit is the perfect choice. Priced at just $69.99, this fire pit is available in six shades, including silver, blue, and speckled black.
Our expert, Jonathan Knoder, tested the lightweight 4.37-lb fire pit at length. Firstly, he found it easy to set up. After stacking the fire pit on top of the stand and mat, adding the ash pan and the center ring is just a matter of a few simple steps, which he found intuitive and quick.
Measuring just 7.56 inches wide and 10.1 inches tall, the East Oak Mini Tabletop Fire Pit is a compact and portable solution. Its nylon carrying case makes it easy to take to a friend’s house for an evening of food and drink. The silicone insulation pad ensures your tabletop remains free from burn marks.
Jonathan had to chop wood very finely, as the fire pit is very compact, even with the central column removed. The fire pit eats through wood quickly, so keeping the fire going can distract from your evening; he had to add a strip or two of pine every three minutes.
The East Oak Mini Tabletop Fire Pit truly shines when fueled by pellets. It burns bright and long, lasting a whole hour without any top-ups. Thanks to the triple combustion airflow system, it emits only a small amount of smoke, and the flame looks premium. Unsurprisingly, this fire pit has a 4.7/5 star rating on Amazon from 110+ reviews, as its performance is truly impressive.
Read more: East Oak Mini Tabletop Fire Pit review
Best premium fire pit
Tested by our resident yard expert Jason Cockerham, the Breeo Luxeve Smokeless Fire Pit had much to prove, considering it costs nearly $2,000. However, it aced our tests, producing nearly no smoke and looking extremely sophisticated.
Weighing 120 lbs, this is not a portable fire pit at all. Once delivered and set in the desired spot, the large structure should be considered a permanent yard accessory. Nevertheless, it’s easy to set up and made of stainless steel, so it looks like something from a five-star hotel or high-end restaurant.
Our expert, Jason, liked the Breeo Luxeve’s understated, rounded design. Breeo cooking accessories, such as the pizza oven, can be attached to the 3-4-inch lip, making it versatile.
Air holes allow air to travel to the bottom of the fire, hence why the fire pit burns almost entirely smoke-free. The fire always lit easily when large sticks were supplied in a log cabin style. It burned various materials flawlessly, including pinion, juniper, pine, and oak.
While Jason found the premium design sophisticated overall, he ruled it wasn’t family-friendly as the exterior gets hot. The glass rocks are prone to slipping onto the floor. After a few uses, he spotted rust forming on the rim and lid, although significant rust damage is covered in the lifetime warranty. Overall, the fire pit is modern, luxurious, and a great high-end addition to adult homes.
Read more: Breeo Luxeve Smokeless Fire Pit review
The best fire pit for cooking
The BioLite FirePit+ is a versatile solution that serves as both a fire pit and a cooking stove. Its integrated fan, powered by a rechargeable USB powerpack, efficiently superheats the flames to create a smokeless effect. The fan can be easily controlled via manual buttons or the Bluetooth BioLite Energy app, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The fire pit, with its enamel-coated steel body and mesh sides, is sleek and all-black, with the powerpack at the front adding a pop of color. The trap door at the base of the pit makes ash disposal a breeze. The BioLite FirePit+ is easy to set up, use, and maintain and versatile. It can serve as both a traditional fire pit and a cooking stove, giving you the power to adapt to your outdoor needs.
Demian Lashlee, Associate Director of International Sales at BioLite, says, “We all love being outdoors and gathering around a campfire but don't enjoy the ‘smokey shuffle’ from inefficient burns. With our FirePit+, you get a significantly better burn thanks to the consistent airflow by the battery-driven fan, creating a flame with way less smoke than a traditional fire. We also love to cook outdoors, and this product allows you to grill your favorite foods over wood or charcoal.”
The BioLite FirePit+ is a valuable investment, priced at $299.95. While cooking accessories can be bought separately, using the fire pit as a stove is unnecessary. We recommend this fire pit for those who value the experience of a fire without the inconvenience of smoke and those who want a portable fire pit/stove that can enhance their outdoor adventures.
Read more: BioLite FirePit+ review
The best tabletop fire pit
The Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit is the latest fire pit released in Solo Stove’s smokeless fire pit range. It’s designed to be extremely lightweight and portable, weighing only 1.4 lbs and measuring only 6.8 inches in height. It has a nylon carry case, a stand to protect surfaces from heat, and a pellet adapter.
The Mesa takes either firewood or wood pellets as fuel. The Mesa is a really enjoyable fire pit; it’s easy to use and suitable for beginners. Little effort is required in terms of cleaning, and it’s ideal for small storage spaces. The review also found that claims that the Mesa can produce a smokeless fire are true, as long as the burn holes are given adequate breathing space.
The only real critique of the Mesa is its price tag; given its small size, it’s quite expensive. It can’t produce enough heat for several people to enjoy at once, so people looking for a fire pit to entertain larger parties may not be well suited to Mesa.
Ty Hancock, Solo Stove’s Marketing Manager, says, “Solo Stove is all about helping people create memories outside. Mesa is the perfect way for new users and experienced pros alike to spend more and more time outside with those they care about.”
Read more: Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit review
How to choose the best fire pit for you
Before investing, it’s worth taking a little time to consider how you will use your fire pit. You’ll want to factor in where you’re planning to put it. If you use it on decking or grass, you’ll want a heat-resistant barrier to avoid scorching your surface. An alternative is to opt for a fire pit that doesn’t radiate heat downwards. Planning a camping trip? You’ll be pleased to know portable options are available so you can gather around the fire wherever you are.
In the excitement of buying a fire pit, it can be easy to forget how you will store it for the long term. If you think you’ll leave it out in the open, look for a rust-resistant model, ideally one with a cover. You’ll thank yourself later.
Worried about safety? Spark shields give you peace of mind that flaming embers won’t stray out towards you and your guests. They’re worthwhile if you think you’ll be huddling around the fire or if there’s anything flammable nearby. If you plan to get close to the fire pit, a smoke-free option can save you and your guests from smarting eyes.
Finally, don’t overlook the tools needed to maximize your fire pit. Check what’s included with the model you buy so you don’t have to fork out for extra accessories on top of the initial outlay.
