The Best Fire Pits For Your Patio Or Backyard (2024)

What are the best fire pits for your patio?

While there are several backyard landscaping ideas that can shape your patio or backyard to become a serene, breathtaking space, the best fire pits do this with considerable ease.

There is something about having a fire to chat around when you are at home. This is the concept of the fireplace.

Fires create a focal point. People sat around a fire in ancient times and told stories all night long. So again, this is a concept around which campfires became the norm in outdoor activities around the world.

From giving your backyard the tweaks that it needs to move from good to great, to warming up the cold evenings and winter days, fire pits are more than an immense addition to any home around the world.

©Maxwell MacKenzie

Technology continues to improve our lives. And not just ours, but for animals and pets too. Centuries ago, people would transport building materials using their own hands carrying one block after another to the building site. Then the invention of the wheel and consequent invention of vehicles made work easier.

The fireplace has evolved too. From people collecting wood and creating a fire every time they needed one, to fire pits that now use propane, you don’t really have to go through the whole process of collecting firewood.

And yes, the fire is mostly smokeless. No soot; no unburnt wood to worry about later.

We have tried various fire pits up to this point and come up with a list of the best fire pits for any homeowner seeking to improve their patio or backyard.

1. Outland Living Firebowl 893 Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit

You can now say a confident goodbye to dealing with firewood and having to get rid of ash the next day after a wonderful night under the stars. With these best fire pits for patio, you can enjoy a great night under the stars with this clean and realistic propane campfire.

Thanks to its compact and very portable design, you can also carry these propane fire pits when you go for camping adventures, tailgating get-togethers, RV travels, or beach parties. You'll be able to set up this smokeless fire pit within minutes and without having to use any tools.

This outdoor fire pit measures 19 x 19 x 11 inches in length, width, and height. The total output is 58,000 BTU/HR and the max gas supply pressure is 250 PSI.

You can even use this smokeless fire pit to keep yourself warm as you enjoy your view from your balcony if you live in an apartment or condo, or if your friend does. You can carry it to their house whenever you want to share a lovely evening with them.

Image Source: Outland Living

So, what comes with this purchase? You get a pre-attached 10 ft hose, a cover and carry kit, a 4.4-LB natural lava rock set for a flickering effect, and a fully adjustable regulator complete with a chrome valve knob.

You can use this knob to vary the flame height and get the flame you prefer. The stainless steel construction of these propane fire pits is a major selling point because it adds to their durability.

Get ready to make new and cool memories with your family and friends under the stars.

2. Outland Firebowl Propane Gas Fire Pit

This beautiful little fire pit is one of the best fire pits of its size. It is compact and lightweight, pleasing to the eye and very portable. If you are going out camping, it will fit very nicely in the car, if you are keeping it in the house somewhere, it can tuck itself on a shelf or a designated corner and still remain barely noticeable. You can use it on the balcony, backyard, or patio, and it will take up very little space.

It measures only 48 cm (19 inches) and weighs about 11 kilograms(25 pounds) but makes a ton of heat; more than 55,000 BTUs. For safety and to keep the propane gas tank far from the fire pit, the fireplace has a long hose to allow setting the tank away from the burner.

To start the fire, you need to push the ignition button, while to control it; you use the dial. It has decorative rocks which serve well to improve the beauty of the whole composition whether it is on the patio, yard, or campsite.

As its hallmark in the best fire pits, it comes with a strap system that you can use to carry it around from and into the car, house, backyard, or wherever you plan to use it. Due to the high-quality steel construction with a protective enamel finish, this fire pit will serve you the outdoors, barely feeling the effects of the weather.

Image Source: Outland Living

Additionally, thanks to its small size, if you are worried about weather effects on the fire pit you could just carry it into the house when you are done using it.

This is one of the best-priced propane gas fire pits due to the size, looks, and amount of fire it produces. With over 440 reviews and a rating of up to 4.8 stars on Amazon, you can never go wrong with the Outland Firebowl is a choice.

Some users have termed it the best for all-around activities from camping to just hanging out by your patio. Other users think it has high-quality craftsmanship for its price and too sturdy it amazes.

3. Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit

This fire pit first debuted on Kickstarter, raising a whopping $1.1 million. It was loved, and it beat its target by thousands of percentage points. The stainless steel constructed fire pit is now one of the best fire pits on Amazon, selling like ghost cookies. It is the only wood-burning fire pit in this guide, for a good reason.

The fire pit is designed with a double wall that enables unique airflow efficiency to make it extremely magical. The stove has air intake holes at the bottom to channel oxygen into the fire as it burns.

These holes also pass warm air up the walls of the stove enabling further heating back into the firebox through smaller holes at the top of the stove. The first mechanism is what the company calls primary combustion, and as air passes through the top holes back into the burner, it enables the secondary combustion.

The result is a more complete burn ensuring no smoke comes out of the fire and that all the wood is used up to relieve the stress of collecting half-burnt logs of wood when you are done using the fire pit.

For the patio, this fire pit is a revelation. Its smokeless fire ensures you will not spend your time dodging smoke, and neither will your clothes be smoking like you just spent a day inside an average wood-burning stove.

The fire pit is not too small, definitely not the backpacking kind. It measures 35cm (14 inches) tall and has a diameter of 50cm (19.5 inches) weighing in at 9kgs (20 pounds). It is compact and lightweight nonetheless. It does not need to be assembled, it is ready to use as soon as it is delivered.

Despite its fire burning efficiency, this solo stove fire pit requires cleaning more often because the soot lines up the walls and sometimes the ash is stuck in the holes. However, to make it easy to clean, flip it upside down to get the ash out. It also smokes for a couple of seconds when you initially light the logs, which is quite understandable. However, once the fire gets going, there will be no smoke, literally.

This is not the kind of fire pit you leave outside on your patio or backyard for a few days. It does not resist weather elements very well and requires to be kept away from the rain to prevent it from rusting.

Image Source: Solo Stove

The polished stainless steel exterior is minimalist enough to bring out the exquisite outdoor design, however, if you do not keep it away from rain or morning dew, like might wear off sooner than you expect. Nevertheless, etc. It can be used for camping as it fits well into most cars.

This fire pit has over 360 reviews on Amazon with a general rating of 4.8 stars out of 5. Some people have said it is the best fire machine they have ever seen at such a small size.

Others have written that their patio experiences are now more defined thanks to the fire pit. It is a bit pricey for a log-burning fire pit? Yes, it is. Is it worth the price? We definitely think it is and if you are looking for something around this fit, getting this will dazzle you.

4. Outland Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit Table

This is one of the best fire pits to win international awards. Its design complements any backyard or patio without much hustle. It can be used for any outdoor space for warmth on cold days, mornings or evenings.

The fire pit can be used for a long duration without requiring maintenance at all. Its plaited or woven Polyethylene around the body is very weather-resistant to ensure that the durability and strength of this fire pit table are guaranteed.

The frame is made from powder-coated aluminum, making the whole pit table a strong and sturdy addition to your patio.

The table has a height of 23 inches (58 cm), a width of 32 inches (81 cm) and a length of 44 inches (112 cm). This is a good size to make a good statement in your backyard if you would love the feel of a proper table.

The tempered black glass top provides space around the fire to place your drink or even your feet without fear of burning, of course, if the fire is not spreading out too much due to wind or its intensity. In addition, the package comes with a decorative glass rock set to give you the proper landscape feel while the fire burns.

Image Source: Outland Living

To light the fire pit table, an ignition button is provided on the side of the table, which also allows for proper control of the 35,000 BTUs of heat it will ignite.

To light it, you will need a propane tank which is not provided with the table, and you have to purchase that separately. It has internal storage for a standard 20 lb (9kg) tank. A chrome manual control allows you to control the flame height depending on what you would like to achieve. The flame is smoke-free.

It comes with a warranty of one year. Despite its somewhat steep price, this fire pit table has received over 411 reviews on Amazon with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.

It ranks first in fire pit tables. Some customers have praised it for its easy assembly, and others have called it the center of the party. This is definitely one of the best fire pits if you are willing to spend a little more, but there is a lot of value for money in the purchase as well.

5. Blue Rhino Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit

With over 200 customer reviews on Amazon, this fire pit is one of the best bargains for adding some aesthetic feel to your patio or backyard landscape without breaking the bank too much. It has a nice feel and it looks like a permanent fixture in your space. The rugged look is safe enough for it to be left out in the cold, rainy, icy, or rough landscape. It is as outdoor as a fire pit can be.

Onto the most important thing; the fire. This propane gas fire pit produces up to 30,000 BTUs of heat, ensuring that it is enough to warm your patio and your friends on a cold day or night.

Without having to mess with wood and ashes, you can enjoy the warmth and its easy setup. You need a standard propane gas tank that is hooked up and hidden in the fire pit’s casing below. You press a button and sit back as it warms your space to get the fire.

Image Source: Endless Summer

The pit has enough space around it to place a snack, beverage, or your feet if you are sitting back on a nice outdoor seat. Just don’t put either of these things too close to the fire, especially your feet.

The pit comes with a cover if you would like to cover it for the times you are not using it. However, if you forget to do that, no problem. The pit will still function at its best level.

Lava rocks to add some beauty to the pit are included in the package. They help disperse the dancing flames around the recessed area that holds the burner. No matter the weather and how long you leave it out, it will keep lighting on.

It has a rating of 4.1 on Amazon and some users have described it as a sturdy fire pit that is portable and easy to set up.

The aesthetic appeal has been most appreciated. The propane gas fire pit is very well priced as well ensuring that customers don’t break the bank to afford it. This makes it one of the best fire pits on the market.

6. TIKI Brand Stainless Steel Low Smoke Fire Pit

This low smoke fire pit is a proud Edison Awards Winner 2021 and has a patented internal airflow system that you'll love. This internal airflow system ensures that you have low smoke, less ash, and better fire.

The included ash pan also helps with the cleaning process because it lessens the mess created by the ash. The measurements of this TIKI brand fire pit include a diameter of 25 inches and 16 inches in depth.

Image Source: TIKI

You get a weather-resistant cover, a stand, and a wood pack with this purchase. If you don't want to use the wood pack, you can also use traditional firewood. However, there are benefits to using the TIKI brand wood pack such as getting an instant light fire and enjoying a 30-minute burn per pack.

Another advantage of using this outdoor fire pit is that it is durable. The 16-gauge stainless steel construction and the weatherproof powder-coated exterior mean that you'll be using this TIKI brand fire pit for a while.

7. AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME Fire Pit Outdoor

This AMAGABELI home fire pit is made of durable material that is heavy-duty and rust-resistant. The cast iron used to make this outdoor fire pit has a thickness of 2.28 millimeters and is finished with black high-temperature paint.

Image Source: AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME

This paint allows for better heat and rust resistance and also ensures that your outdoor fire pit can withstand any weather. When it comes to assembling this outdoor fire pit, you can be sure that it won't take any more than 5 minutes.

You can use it on your patio, backyard, deck, and even during your camping adventures. The fact that it's very affordable means that you can get it without breaking the bank.

8. Endless Summer Gas Outdoor Fireplace

This fire pit features a steel rim top plus real inlaid brick to fit a classical style that matches well with most outdoor furniture. It takes less than an hour to assemble and light up when you press the button.

The fire pit is weather-resistant and long-lasting. It needs a propane tank (bought separately) to light up to 30,000 BTUs of heat. The tank is well hidden under the case to ensure that the good looks are maintained.

The package includes lava rock that adds a good aesthetic look to the flame. After heating up, these rocks contribute a lot of heat to the outdoor space aside from just the heat coming from the flame.

To protect it from weather elements and wind abrasion, you could use the protective cover made from vinyl that comes with the fire pit. However, like most of the best fire pits, you don’t need to cover them. Instead, the covers are just for users who prefer to take extra care of the pit if you are not using it.

Image Source: Endless Summer

The Endless summer fire pit has received over 300 reviews giving it an average of 3.9 out of 5 on Amazon. A lot of the customers love it and have called it the only fire pit you will need.

Others have complimented its small size, making it portable and fitting on a small patio. Whether you need one for your patio or the backyard, this fire pit is sturdy and will definitely serve you well.

What Are Considerations When Choosing the Best Fire Pit for Patio?

1. Fire Pit Type

As we've seen above, there are various types of fire pits. For example, you can get one in the shape of a bowl, a tabletop fire pit, and so on. Let's look at a few.

a). Fire Tables

Fire tables come in various shapes and sizes. Some common shapes include rectangular fire tables, square tables, and octagonal fire tables. Most fire tables use natural gas, propane, or electricity as a source of fuel.

You can place this type of fire pit as the centerpiece between your patio seats. The best part about them is their elegance and the fact that they have a ledge around the pit area where you can place your cups or glasses.

Therefore, whether you're planning to enjoy a glass of wine or a hot mug of coffee as you get some warmth, you know that you have somewhere to place it.

b). Fire Bowls

These fire pits for your outdoor space are often made of metal and are shaped like a large bowl. Some common materials used to make fire bowls include copper and steel.

However, you can still find that are made of concrete. The advantage that this type of fire pit has over the fire tables is that they are more portable.

You can comfortably move your fire bowl from one side of your patio or backyard to the other with ease. Some common fuel options include propane, natural gas, and wood. Therefore, you get get a wood-burning fire pit that is a fire bowl.

c). Tabletop Fire Bowls or Tables

You can think of these as mini fire bowls and fire tables. You'll need to place these fire pits on a table so that they can act as a focal point. The advantage of these smaller versions is that they are more portable.

These types mostly use propane and gel fuel gas fuel. These are great options if you have a pool area, a deck, or a small patio.

d). Chiminea

Traditional chimineas were made from terracotta (clay). However, modern chimineas are made from metals such as copper, aluminum, and cast iron.

Chimineas have been used for heating and have been around for years. However, they are very heavy and can be a hassle to move around. Nonelethess, they produce plenty of heat and use wood as a source of fuel.

e). Fire Columns

Fire columns are tall and slim. If you have a small area dedicated to your fire pit, consider getting a fire column. These fire pits use propane or natural gas for fuel and will give your space a unique and elegant vibe.

2. Fuel Type

As you consider the type of fire pit you want to get, think about how easy it will be to get the type of fuel it uses. This is important to consider because you don't want to be stranded with a fire pit that you can't use because you can't find the fuel.

Another thing to consider when choosing the fuel type is the kind of vibe you want with your fire pit. For example, consider wood fuel if you like the sound of a crackling fire as you sip your mug of cocoa.

Alternatively, if you prefer complete silence or don't mind the soft hiss of a propane fire pit, then propane gas is your fuel. Remember to have a place to store your wood if you decide to get a wood-burning fire pit.

The advantage of using natural gas or propane as a fuel is that you get less smoke, debris, and ash.

3. Safety

How safe is it to have a stone fire pit, wood fire pit, or any other fire pit in your patio or backyard? You have to consider this before you get a fire pit. For example, do you have pets or kids that love to play in the backyard?

Ensuring that you get a good fire pit that matches your household is a big deal. Also, before you purchase your fire pit of choice, talk to everyone in your household about thedos and don'ts when dealing with the fire pit.

Another safety consideration to note is that you can't use a wood-burning fire pit under low branches, in windy areas, or on covered porches.

4. Construction

What materials are used to construct the fire pit you want? Ensure that you choose one that has a durable construction so that it lasts the longest. Although cast iron is the most reliable choice in terms of durability, it's also heavy.

Therefore, take this into consideration as you choose the kind of material you want to get. Cast aluminum is also another great choice, but it's prone to rust.

Copper is also cool, but you have to take into account the fact that it might stain. Therefore, you just have to choose your battles when it comes to material.

5. Wood-Burning Laws

Before getting a wood-burning fire pit, ensure that you're familiar with the wood-burning laws in your area. If need be, check with your home owner's association if they have any restrictions. You can also diligently check with your city or county laws for any restrictions about fireplaces, fire pits, and burning wood.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Fire Pits for Patio

1. How does an outdoor firepit work?

Depending on their source of fuels, fire pits work differently. However, a propane fire pit works in an interesting way. The fire pit burner sits in a pan and is surrounded by fire-resistant glass, lava rocks, or ceramic logs.

What you'll see is the propane fire that burns clean without producing any smoke or ash. This is why these fire pits are a common feature in many modern homes. You get to enjoy the heat of an outdoor fire without having to deal with the smoke or ash.

2. Can you place your fire pit on top of pavers?

Yes. Placing your fire pit on pavers is ideal because the concrete is sturdy enough to handle the weight and will not catch fire.

Therefore, if you're looking for a nice spot for your outdoor space fire pit and have some nice pavers, you don't have to worry about ruining them.

If you must place your fire pit on grass, consider getting a fire-resistant mat before placing your fire pit. For both pavers and grass, ensure that the fire pit is stable and will not wobble in any way.

3. Do fire pits give off much heat?

Gas fire pits don't give off as much heat as their wooden counterparts. Nonetheless, they do give off enough heat to keep you and your loved ones warm as you enjoy your backyard or patio.

We do not recommend using gas fire pits to cook food. The advantage of using gas fire pits is that they are smokeless and do not produce flying sparks.

4. What stones should you not use in a fire pit?

The stones and rocks that you should avoid when dealing with a firepit are porous rocks that may contain water.

Some of these stones include pumice, shale, limestone, sandstone, basalt, soapstone, conglomerate, metaphoric rocks, river rocks, and pea gravel.

These stones and any others that have been lying in a riverbed are unsuitable for fire pits because they can explode if they still have water in them.