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The 15 Best Fire Pits to Upgrade Your Patio This Summer

Starting at just $74.

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Blooming hydrangeas, rose-scented candles and fresh cucumber gimlets—ahh, yes, the warmer months have arrived. But before you start decking out the backyard with string lights and inflatable pool floats, you might want to consider giving it the ultimate upgrade: a fire pit. Perfect for s'mores with the fam or wine nights with friends, a cozy fire provides space for people to gather, converse and snack. And it extends your patio’s usefulness beyond summer, so you can enjoy gatherings through the beginning of winter (or whenever the snow comes). Sold? Us too. Here are 15 of the best fire pits—from decked-out fire table sets to portable ones—to snag just in time to break out the floaties.

The Best Fire Pits at a Glance 

Types of Fire Pits

  • Wood-burning fire pit: A wood-burning fire pit is essentially a contained campfire. This is the type of fire pit for those who are looking for an authentic experience. That’s because it offers the most sensory type of fire—you can smell the smoke in the air, hear the soft crackling of the wood and feel the waves of heat against your skin. There are several different types of wood-burning fire pits. Stone or brick fire pits offer a classic and popular design. However, since this is the most authentic type of fire pit, it also requires the most effort to maintain, since you’ll need to keep it covered and protected from the elements when it's not in use. Make sure that you place this pit far away from trees or debris to avoid a fire hazard. You'll also want to regularly shovel the ashes from the pit to prevent any long-term damage, so it's smart to keep a metal ash can nearby to collect them.
  • Propane fire pit: These types of fire pits are fueled by propane, so they’re a lot easier to care for than wood-burning fire pits. While propane fire pits are the more convenient option, they’re typically pricier than their wood-burning counterparts. There are three main types of propane fire pits. First, there’s a copper bowl option, which is pricey, but aesthetically-stunning and long lasting. Then, there’s a portable propane fire pit, which is either very lightweight or will have wheels attached for mobility. Lastly, there’s a propane fire pit table, which incorporates a ledge around the pit, ensuring that you maintain a safe distance from the flames while simultaneously providing a space for guests to place food or drinks.
  • Gel-fuel fire pit: Gel-fuel fire pits are both portable and versatile, and they’re not bad to look at, either. They mainly come in two designs: a tabletop fireplace that uses isopropyl alcohol fuel or one that uses gel-fueled logs, which provide a clean alternative to wood fuel. These types of fire pits are slightly less common than the others because while they are gorgeous and convenient, they don’t offer as much heat.
  • Natural gas fire pits: Natural gas fire pits rely on fuel that’s delivered directly through a natural gas line, which is incorporated into the design. You can get creative and choose between a sunken or raised pit, depending on your preference and outdoor space. The installation of these fire pits is costly, but you’ll end up saving money on maintenance down the line. This is a great, long-term option for homeowners, because once you install it, you rarely, if ever, have to worry about it. However, if you’re looking for a more convenient option, a propane fire pit is the way to go.

Where to Buy Fire Pits

You can find a solid selection of standard fire pits available at home improvement staples, like Lowes and Home Depot. However, if you’re searching for something more aesthetically pleasing, Wayfair and Anthropologie have some gorgeous options available. For those seeking a wide variety of fire pits in all different shapes and sizes right at your fingertips, Amazon is your best bet.

How We Chose the Best Fire Pits

After sifting through the top-reviewed fire pits on the market, we selected our picks based on whether they use wood/propane/natural gas/gel fuel, have a durable exterior that holds up over time, and put out minimal off-gassing and smoke. We also looked at any additional features it offered, such as rocks, removable covers or grilling accessories.

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Best Overall

1. The Solo Stove Bonfire

Solo Stove

  • Materials: stainless steel
  • Fuel Type: wood
  • Suggested for: 3-5 people
  • Pros: smokeless flame, portable, comes with a removable base plate, ash pan and carry case
  • Cons: not ideal for larger spaces, more of a portable option

This sleek steel firepit scored 93 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review for its nearly smokeless burn. “[The] 360-degree Airflow design draws in air from small holes in the bottom and releases it as heated oxygen up through the top. Somehow, the result is a nearly smokeless burn, such that campfire sitters experience the warmth of a traditional fire, without any of the smoke-in-your-eyes effects,” writes Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint. And in addition to the affordable $250 price, it has an ‘Aspen ski chalet chic’ design and offers several useful and fun accessories you can pair with it (like fire pit tools and roasting sticks).

Best Budget

2. Yaheetech Outdoor Fire Pit

Yaheetech

  • Materials: iron with woven mesh
  • Fuel Type: wood/charcoal
  • Suggested for: 4-6 people
  • Pros: hexagon shape, protective spark screen, includes a cover and poker, available in 3 sizes
  • Cons: metal can feel flimsy in the wind

This guy has an average 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon for a reason: It’s a durable, uniquely designed fire pit under $100. Its hexagonal shape can extend the fire’s flame, while its included mesh cover allows for airflow (and prevents sparks or embers from flying). Plus, it’s made of black-coated heavy-duty iron, and its 24-inch width is surprisingly lightweight. “First off, this is a gorgeous firepit. The unique shape and screen are perfect for a smaller space or group. Even when not in use, it is very pleasant to see in the backyard,” writes one reviewer. “No issues. No rust. The pedestal base does not get hot to the touch. This is a great piece at a good price point.”

  • Materials: glass fiber reinforced concrete cement
  • Fuel Type: propane or natural gas
  • Suggested for: 8-10 people
  • Pros: multifunctional, contemporary and eco-friendly design, propane or natural gas options, doubles as a large dining area, includes multiple accessories for cooking, central flame produces less off-gassing
  • Cons: expensive

If you’re looking for the ultimate fire pit, you just found it. This luxurious, 51-inch by 33.7-inch piece can be fueled with natural gas or propane—and its included, removable cast iron griddle was inspired by Korean barbecue (so you can say goodbye to boring hotdogs and hamburgers this Fourth of July). It comes with seven accessories, including ceramic balls, griddle pans and stands, a tank cover, a splatter guard and a propane or natural gas hose. But that’s not all: The pit is finished in ultra-chic, glass-fiber concrete cement, which requires less energy to produce and results in less off-gassing.

Bonus: When the weather cools down or you need extra surface space, the set includes a cover that can be placed over the center of the pit to turn it into an expansive tabletop.

Best Design

4. Terrain Square Bowl Fire Pit

Terrain

  • Materials: iron
  • Fuel Type: wood/charcoal
  • Suggested for: up to 5 people
  • Pros: trendy rustic design, weather-resistant, extra wood storage at the bottom, simple to use, under $500
  • Cons: may rust with extended use or if left outdoors

ICYMI, rustic and traditional designs are everywhere right now—and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a wood-burning fire pit that nails both trends like this guy. It has a sleek, low-profile build with a weathered iron finish and the firewood storage on the bottom makes it just as practical as it is beautiful. Plus, the extended bowl also helps control the flame (aka less off-gassing with smoke in the eyes) and the rectangular base offers some extra surface space to keep plates and pokers while roasting marshmallows.

“Finally ordered the fire pit of my dreams and am so happy with it—the design alone makes it worth it. It's nice to have something in our backyard pleasing to the eye to go along with our weathered Adirondacks,” one reviewer writes.

Best Wood-Burning

5. Tuscola Steel Outdoor Fire Pit

Greyleigh

  • Materials: steel and brass
  • Fuel Type: wood/charcoal
  • Suggested for: 4-5 people
  • Pros: weather-resistant, deep fire bowl, includes a protective spark screen, log grate and poker, easy to clean, drains well after rain, affordable
  • Cons: base may detach from the top, prone to rusting over time

Fully equipped with a log grate, spark screen and fire poker, this steel fire pit is just as stylish as it is effective. Its spherical base is finished in distressed black with brass accents, and we love how its tapered base draws visual interest. It also includes two handles (for easy transport), and its 9-inch fire bowl allows you to burn several pieces of wood at a time—all for under $200.

Take it from one five-star review (one of 990-plus, actually): “This fire bowl is beautiful! Easy to handle and versatile in positioning. We use it on a back patio and it’s bigger than it looks—you can use medium to large logs in it, burns well and the included screen comes in handy. I would recommend this to anyone with a smaller space for a lovely, controlled fire.” They also add: “It rained the first time we used it, and [it] was no trouble to clean out, as it has drain holes in the bottom.”

  • Materials: concrete and stainless steel
  • Fuel Type: propane
  • Suggested for: up to 10 people
  • Pros: weather- and rust-resistant, adjustable flame, modern design with multiple size/finish options, includes a flame cover, comes with a touch-up kit to keep the paint looking fresh
  • Cons: paint chips over time

We were first drawn to this fire pit table for its modern design—which comes in charcoal and concrete finishes—but stayed for its versatility. It’s available in two sizes (36-inch and 42-inch) and includes a height control knob that allows you to adjust the flame’s size. “This piece looks great out of the box. It was very well wrapped and secured—and it comes with touch-up paint to cover blemishes. The flame is strong, even off of a tank, and [they’re even bigger when we] connect it directly to our propane line to the house. For ¼ of the price [compared to similar designs], we are extremely pleased.” writes one reviewer.

Plus, while this one runs on propane, you can also use a gas conversion kit (also available on Wayfair) to fuel the fire with natural gas: “We chose to operate it with natural gas instead of propane and ordering the natural gas conversion kit through the supplier was amazing! The conversion kit was received within days of order,” another reviewer adds.

  • Materials: concrete
  • Fuel Type: isopropyl alcohol
  • Suggested for: 2-3 people
  • Pros: eco-friendly fuel offers 40-50 minutes of burn time, small portable design, substantial flame height, can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Cons: requires separate fuel that’s sold separately, shouldn’t be left outside for extended periods of time

Above, we mentioned how gel fuel (aka isopropyl alcohol fuel) is often used in portable fireplaces as an eco-friendly option. But did you know it also produces a smokeless, odorless flame? Indeed—and this table-top option from Colsen has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating with more than 500 reviews for doing just that: “Every time I use this fire pit with guests over, people ask me about it…they can't believe that it runs on alcohol. The flame that it gives off can get quite high and it is truly smokeless…doesn't give off any odor whatsoever,” writes one reviewer.

Not to mention that it only weighs 18 pounds, so it’s easy to transport around the house (and can be used both indoors and outdoors). That said, the brand recommends that you only (and exclusively) use isopropyl alcohol as fuel, sold separately here.

Best Natural Gas

8. Natco Belvedere Natural Gas Fire Pit

Natco

  • Materials: glass fiber reinforced concrete
  • Fuel Type: natural gas
  • Suggested for: 6-8 people
  • Pros: 65,000 BTUs of flame power, affordable compared to other options, handcrafted and one-of-a-kind finishing on the bowl, includes lava rocks, simple to use with a key-valve ignition
  • Cons: does not have an electronic ignition or variable control

For anyone who’s looking for an ultra-warm flame output, this natural gas option is your guy. It offers 65,000 BTUs of flame power at a fraction of the price (most models run upwards of $4,000) and each bowl has been handcrafted with a custom Patina finishing process that offers a one-of-a-kind design with subtle variation. “This fire pit was worth the three-week wait and has exceeded our expectations. Unlike the typical tabletop versions, this [style] is low and you can feel the heat on your legs,” one reviewer says, recommending the 65,000-BTU option over the 50K one (apparently the heat output is worth the extra cash).

Best Oversized

9. Outland Living Series Fire Table

Outland

  • Materials: aluminum and stainless steel
  • Fuel Type: propane
  • Suggested for: 8+ people
  • Pros: good for cooking and dining, adjustable flame, hidden storage compartment, includes a pre-attached hose with regulator and decorative rocks
  • Cons: propane tank not included

Perfect for the amateur chef, this fire table boasts a 24-inch height that’s perfect for cooking and dining flame-side. It features a single stainless-steel burner that can produce up to 50,000 BTU of heated flames and an auto-ignition control valve that allows you to vary the flame height (which is nearly smokeless, according to the manufacturer). Furthermore, the design features a sturdy aluminum frame, weather-resistant resin wicker and a slab of black tempered glass that makes it the perfect patio accessory. It also conceals a 20-pound propane tank (not included) with ease in its hidden storage compartment.

“This table is really solid, and the sides come off with just a simple lift of the integrated rings to access underneath for propane changes or to stow the glass top when in use. It puts out enough heat that you don’t have to choose between heating your area or your drink. On cold days, hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks need to be put someplace else. Very happy with it,” one reviewer writes.

  • Materials: proprietary cement
  • Fuel Type: Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
  • Suggested for: 1-2 people
  • Pros: miniature sized, 5-ounces of rubbing alcohol offers 50-minutes of burn time, easy to clean
  • Cons: too small to use with large groups of people

Our first thought upon discovering this personal fire pit? Awww. While its 5-inch diameter makes it an adorable countertop accessory, it can also burn for up to 50 minutes on just five ounces of rubbing alcohol (AKA fuel). “The flame is very impressive but never feels out of control…I love the fact that it is super easy to [use]. Just pour in a little isopropyl alcohol, light it up and when the alcohol is gone, the flame just disappears,” writes one reviewer. Just be sure to double-check that the word "isopropyl" is on the rubbing alcohol bottle to prevent from undesirable soot.

Best Concrete

11. Cosiest Square Fire Pit Table

Cosiest

  • Materials: concrete and glass
  • Fuel Type: propane
  • Suggested for: 4-6 people
  • Pros: Hand-painted finish is available in six colors, adjustable knob, includes a cover, wind guard, blue fire glass, lava rocks and a metal lid
  • Cons: color may appear different from the pictures

This is the perfect fire pit for hosting friends, and it's portable, so you could even bring it to them if you want. It's also guaranteed to make you the envy of all your neighbors with its modern, cubist design that looks incredibly delicate, but is impressively strong, according to shoppers. It's built with sturdy, long-lasting materials, like fire-retardant magnesium oxide, and includes a stainless-steel burner bowl. This fire pit is also super user-friendly: Push a button and the fire lights up, like magic.

“The fire pit came fully assembled, just had to attach the propane bottle, add the lava rocks and the glass stones and it was ready to go. My hubby bought three propane tanks so he can enjoy it anytime he wants and as long as he wants. This is a must-buy. BEAUTIFUL,” writes one reviewer. That said, other reviewers noted that the green hue is different in person from the pictures, so be sure to look at customer photos before you buy.

Best Wooden

12. Ecosmart Fire Teak Fire Table Set

EcoSmart

  • Materials: concrete composite accented with solid teak wood
  • Fuel Type: liquid bioethanol or natural gas/propane
  • Suggested for: 6-8 people
  • Pros: crafted from teak wood that’s engineered to hold up over time, multiple fuel options, doubles as a coffee table when not in use, includes multiple accessories, holds up for years to come
  • Cons: expensive

With a multi-functional table design that offers the best of both worlds, this unique option looks so good, it doubles as a coffee table and fire pit in one. Mainly, this has to do with the pit’s wooden exterior, which is crafted from (naturally weather-resistant) concrete and accented with solid teak wood. Per the brand, “Our industry-exclusive teak finish is made of the strongest hardwood available to prevent warping and cracking.”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to design. You have the choice between ethanol fuel (eco-friendly, can be used indoors and powered by fermented plants), or natural gas/liquid propane for colder environments that require a higher heat output. Plus, it includes everything you need, from a glass windscreen, all-season cover and lighting tools (ethanol models) to a jerry can and bottle adapter that makes refueling easy.

Best Stone

13. Loon Peak Stone Fire Pit Table

Loon Peak

  • Materials: stone and concrete
  • Fuel Type: Propane
  • Suggested for: 6-8 people
  • Pros: Traditional stone design is durable, concealed storage space, includes a cover and lava rock filler
  • Cons: doesn’t arrive assembled

Finally, a stone fire pit to complete your backyard’s traditional aesthetic (because what’s old is new again in the world of design). Its timeless stone finish is made from durable yet lightweight concrete, and its adjustable flame output goes up to 40,000 BTU. Plus, it features a concealed storage space for a propane tank (sold separately) and lava rocks that match the pit’s exterior finish. One reviewer says, “It is absolutely gorgeous. Very easy assemble, which took 30 minutes after reading the directions carefully. We are so impressed—and it even came with a protective cover for bad weather. It is so relaxing to sit on our deck at night next to this firepit. Puts out nice heat, even on the low setting.”

  • Materials: stainless steel
  • Fuel Type: wood
  • Suggested for: 6-8 people
  • Pros: powder-coated finish adds durability, smoke-resistant, comes with a wood pack and a weather-resistant cover
  • Cons: leaves a lot of ash, fire might go out quickly

Everybody hates getting smoke in their eyes when they're just trying to kick back by the fire pit. You can adjust your seat a million times, but the smoke just seems to find you, no matter where you settle (we've all been there). Fear not—this stainless-steel fire pit might be the answer to your prayers. It utilizes a patented internal airflow system that the company claims is designed for a better fire, with low smoke and less ash.

It also comes with a weather-resistant cover and a wood pack, so once you get it set up, it's ready to roar: “Somehow this fire pit is actually smokeless?” one reviewer writes. “I was slightly skeptical of this feature, but it really works! The starter bag included actually works super well—the fire from that bag only burns for 30 minutes (as advertised). Makes it so easy to start a fire, wish there was a way it could last longer.”

Best for Cooking

15. Aoxun 2-in-1 Fire Pit

Aoxun

  • Materials: alloy steel
  • Fuel Type: wood
  • Suggested for: 2-4 people
  • Pros: multi-functional, large cooking grill can swivel 360 degrees, adjustable height, lightweight
  • Cons: paint is prone to scuffing over time

This is the ideal wood-burning fire pit for stress-free summer barbecues. It's multi-functional, coming fully equipped with an adjustable grill that swivels by a full 360 degrees, so you have the option to grill up some mouthwatering hot dogs or veggies. Or you can choose to simply use this fire pit for warmth if that's more your vibe. It boasts an easy set up, too: You can reportedly get this grill up and running just 15 minutes after tearing open the package. “The rack (included) is perfect for throwing a couple of steaks on and cast iron cooking, which is big in my neck of the woods. It's large yet light enough for camping—and we've set it up in a permanent spot in the yard because it looks very nice as well. The fire gets plenty of air circulation and you can easily create a fire with consistent heat...perfect for cooking,” one reviewer backs up.

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Why You Should Trust Us

Sydney Meister is PureWow’s Assistant Lifestyle Editor. Along with covering the latest interior design trends and home hacks, she writes about everything from relationships to travel, must-have wellness products and what's happening in the world of celebrity design. Before PureWow, Sydney worked for various interior designers across NYC—primarily as a content creator focusing on trend forecasting and reporting. She's a go-to resource when it comes to interior styling tips and product recs to keep your home looking au courant (hint: it's time to ditch the modern farmhouse look).

PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.