The 12 Best Outdoor Fire Pits to Upgrade Your Patio, Vetted By Our Editors

Blooming hydrangeas, rose-scented candles and fresh cucumber gimlets—ahh, yes, the warmer months are on the horizon. But before you start decking out the backyard with string lights and jute rugs, 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 12 of the best fire pits—from propane to gas to smokeless fire pits—just in time to break out the floaties.

First, we had our editors test two of the most popular options: Solo Stove and Ukiah (but more on that below). Then, 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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• Fuel: Most outdoor fire pits are fueled by wood, propane, natural gas or gel. While wood and gel options are usually better for portable pits, gas and propane tend to work better for larger outdoor spaces (more on that below). 
• Size: The shape will be different for each pit, but you can use the following as a general guide for sizing and accommodation: 24- to 36-inch fire pits fit one to four people, 40- to 54-inch fire pits fit five to eight people and 60- to 72-inch fire pits can fit eight to 10+ people respectively. 
• Safety Features: Naturally, safety is a top priority when you play with fire. Be sure to look for features, like a spark screen, poker or guard, plus proper ventilation that will prevent accidents and keep the fire contained. 
• Building Regulations: If you live in an apartment or townhouse, be sure to double-check what regulations or restrictions your building has. Some landlords may have specific rules regarding fire pit size, fuel type, and placement.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.