The 11 Best Fire Pits of 2024 for a Toasty Outdoor Hangout

Best Overall

Outland Living Mega Fire Pit

View On Amazon $210 View On Wayfair $208 View On Walmart $208

The Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega is a great pick, striking the right balance of performance, budget, size, and looks, which is why it’s our top pick for the best fire pit. We love how incredibly easy this fire pit is to set up and use.

It arrives pretty much assembled, all you need to do is add the lava rocks and hook it up to a propane tank, which took us around five minutes. Once assembled, it took us less than two minutes to start the fire, which is easily controllable with a knob that adjusts the height and intensity of the flame.

This was particularly appreciated while roasting marshmallows as we could turn down the flame to ensure we didn’t end up with a burnt mess. Although we’d like it if the flame could go a little higher for those really chilly nights, the fire pit gives off plenty of heat. We could still feel the warmth on our faces sitting 3.5 feet away.

We were incredibly impressed during our tests that this model seems to be truly smokeless. We found this especially helpful when there was a breeze, and no one needed to reposition their chair to avoid plumes of smoke—there really is no excuse not to sit out by the fire!

As this is a propane model, there was no ash produced, and the only residue we found in the fire pit was from adding the lava rocks. This fire pit also appears incredibly durable. After testing, the only wear we found were just a couple of small scratches in the bottom from initially adding the lava rocks, and some of the rocks were discolored from the heat.

One small improvement we’d like is a longer propane connector so the attached gas tank could stay completely out of sight while using the fire pit, but it’s not at all a deal breaker. Weighing 34 pounds, this isn’t the lightest fire pit on our list, but two people could move it easily. The only accessories available are the Mega carry bag for easier transportation and a natural gas conversion kit.

Overall, we’re impressed with the Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega fire pit. It’s easy to set up and use, gives out an impressive amount of heat to warm up to eight people, and has a flame you can control. Plus, it’s completely smokeless, which is a huge bonus.

How It Performed After Six Months

The Outland fire pit is incredibly easy to use and requires basically no maintenance. We love the included protective cover that allows us to leave it outside no matter the weather. While we noticed no change in the performance of the fire pit, we should note that the rocks did become discolored the more we used it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 24 inches | Fuel type: Propane | Material: Steel

Best Budget

Better Homes and Gardens Damon Wood Burning Fire Pit

View On Walmart $94

This fire pit comes in at under $100 and stands out in two ways that the other budget options we tested didn’t: It’s quick to assemble and weighs just over 15 pounds, making it our lightest option on this list by far. The wood-burning model holds 5 pounds of wood thanks to its deep bowl. We were able to produce a fire that lasted for over an hour and was easy to tend to—the extra space allowed us to move the logs around and make adjustments.

Another reason this ended up being one of the best fire pits we tried is its included accessories. It shouldn’t stay outside in inclement weather, so we appreciate that it came with a cover. It also includes a mesh screen to control sparks (we didn’t feel unsafe without it, though, due to the deep bowl design) and comes with a poker to allow the user to safely adjust the burning wood at a distance. 

We also liked the simple aesthetic of the fire pit, which isn’t too ornate or decorative and would fit well in most backyards. If you’re looking for a simple model, don’t mind taking it in and out of a garage or basement when you want a fire, and like the idea of an affordable wood-burning option, this is a great pick.

How it Performed After 1 Year

For a basic fire pit, it's very easy to use and maintain. We especially appreciate the wide, deep bowl that gives you plenty of space for moving wood around, and the screen that blocks spitting embers. Our least favorite aspect is that it offers no weather protection and can't be left in the elements—we store it in the garage.

Product Details: Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 21.06 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Steel

Best Splurge

Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit

View On Amazon $599 View On Walmart $801 View On Home Depot $599

Through our testing, we determined that the Breeo X Series Wood Burning Campfire is the best fire pit for people that host guests in their backyard all summer long. If that’s you, it’s well worth the price. Made in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this smokeless option uses double-walled construction to trap hot air in the gap between the walls and pressurized oxygen to essentially reburn it, creating a hotter and stronger fire. 

The double-wall and the reburn that comes from it produce added oxygen, which allows the pit to burn its own smoke before it reaches you. While the brand doesn’t claim to be 100% smokeless, it does give extensive tips on how to burn a fire with considerably less smoke than the average fire pit, like using shredded newspaper,  cardboard, or resin-soaked pine at its base. 

A special aspect of the Breeo is the use of Corten steel, which starts as a steel finish and, with use, forms a patina. The patina is a corrosion-resistant coating that prevents rusting and turns the fire pit a beautiful bronze color. To clean the Breeo and ensure consistently low-smoke fires, you’ll need to clear the ashes every four to five burns. We found setup to be incredibly easy without requiring any tools. The 62-pound pit can be left outside, so it requires very little upkeep. 

Another nice bonus: This can work as a grill if you choose to buy the campfire grate. Keep in mind that the fire pit’s accessories (like a cover or spark screen) do require additional purchases. 

How it Performed After 4 Months

The Breeo X truly does not put out much smoke, which made it a great option for taking on camping trips. We put the corroson-resistant patina to the test by leaving it out in the snow and rain and detected no wear and tear or changes in performance.

Product Details: Dimensions: 27.5 x 27.5 x 14.75 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Corten and alloy steel

Best Wood-Burning

Frontgate Classic Copper Fire Pit

View On Frontgate $552

We found this classic copper fire pit by Frontgate to be an all-around winner when it comes to performance, design, and value. If you have a spacious backyard or patio and love to entertain, this gorgeous wood-burning fire pit will be your best bet. The construction is part of the reason it's so pricey: Its heavy copper basin is made to handle both extreme heat and extreme weather, so you can keep it out all year long. 

It also features a sturdy iron grate that makes for a well-ventilated and thriving fire. The basin holds logs up to 2 feet long; we opted to use five logs during testing for a medium-sized fire, but felt like we could have easily fit twice as many. We like how the large size means it’s great for parties and entertaining; it can easily accommodate five or more people, with plenty of space for everyone. 

The setup took us mere minutes and required no tools, but it’s heavy enough that you’ll likely need to do it with two people. Finally, there’s an option to add a spark guard made of powder-coated iron if you have children or pets around, too. While we were impressed with this fire pit, it’s worth noting that it’s pretty expensive for one that is not considered smokeless.

How it Performed After 4 Months

Our favorite aspect of the fire pit is the size—we like that we can fit a larger amount of people around it and create a bigger fire. It held up really well for its first few months of use, but we would have appreciated an included cover for additional protection against the elements.

Product Details: Dimensions: 40 x 39.78 x 14 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Copper and iron

Best Propane

Hampton Bay Crossridge Antique Brass Fire Pit

View On Home Depot $219

For those looking for a backyard fire pit without the hassle of wood, consider a propane-fueled model like this one from Hampton Bay. The unit doubles as a table to rest drinks or small snack plates on, and the antique design is stylish enough to live on your patio alongside existing patio furniture.

Setting up the fire pit for the first time took us just under 30 minutes, which was much longer than most of the other pits we tested. This is because many other pits were fully assembled straight out of the box, while this option requires assembly, including screwing the sides together. However, we found the setup easy to complete with detailed instructions and well-marked pieces. After assembling the fire pit, we connected our own 20-pound propane tank (which nests out of sight under the table), and it was ready to go. 

The initial setup time was worth it, since getting the fire started took no time at all; just remove the cover, open the propane tank, switch a knob, and push a button to light. It’s the perfect option for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to spend waiting for a fire to start. And when you’re ready to go back inside, turning off the fire is as simple as turning the knob off and closing the propane tank.

We appreciated the even heating on all sides of the pit, which we could feel up to three feet from the unit. While using the fire pit, we didn’t see or smell smoke, which we appreciated as no scent lingered on our clothes or in our hair. After turning off the fire pit and letting it cool, a lid slides over the lava rocks and heating unit to protect them and provide more table surface—a feature we found especially useful when the fire pit wasn’t in use.

How it Performed After 4 Months

This became our go-to fire pit because of ease—just turn it on and you have a fire, no prep or cleanup necessary. Because it's so quick, we found ourselves using it more and more often, sometimes even for just 10 minutes. We would have loved to see another option for the finish, but otherwise we have no complaints.

Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 25 x 30 inches | Fuel Type: Propane | Material: Steel

Best Smokeless

Solo Stove Yukon 2.0

View On Amazon $430 View On Wayfair $570 View On Walmart $429

This Solo Stove model is over 6 inches wider and 6 inches taller in diameter than our pick for best fire pit overall, making it great for longer burn times and larger gatherings. We especially liked the construction of this piece: Setup is quick and easy, and it features a ring on the bottom to protect the grass from the extreme heat below and a ring on the top to encourage ventilation.

It has all of the features that Solo Stove has become so well-known for: The two-walled construction traps air between the walls to burn up smoke before it reaches your hair and clothes, its durable stainless steel will handle the elements and the intense heat while remaining relatively light for the size of the model, and it can easily be cleaned with the removable ash pan. 

We could fit six large logs in the pit, but they did burn fairly quickly. We were impressed with how evenly the fire burned as well. Still, the biggest draw of the Solo Stove is that, when properly cleaned and maintained, it’s a relatively smokeless and smell-free fire pit. 

How it Performed After 4 Months

We continued to enjoy the smokeless aspect of the fire pit—it funnels any smoke it does produce upward instead of out—as well as the sleek design. It is a bit heavy, so we suggest having someone help you move it.

Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 17 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Stainless steel

Best Portable

Tiki Retreat Smokeless Fire Pit

View On Amazon $170 View On Tikibrand.com

This rectangular-shaped option from Tiki is one of the best fire pits to take on the road with you thanks to its size, shape, and built-in carry handles. It also has a removable ash tray pan that you can easily slide out and dump into a trash can, so cleanup is both minimal and convenient. 

It comes equipped with a few useful add-ons, like a Tiki-brand wood pack that helps you create an instant fire (in under 5 minutes) that produces a flame with a 4-foot radius. Those specs contribute to it being great to travel with. It’s quick to get a fire going, and when it starts, it won’t bother neighbors with a large flame or a ton of smoke (it’s a smokeless model). 

It also comes with a stand and a weather-resistant cover, which means you’ll have everything you need to get started. Of course, you can continue purchasing the wood packs or use regular wood and kindling to similar effects. The smooth, powder-coated steel will keep the fire pit looking brand new for a long time, and while it weighs 41 pounds, it should be easy enough to load in and out of a car with another person helping.

Product Details: Dimensions: 21.50 x 14.50 x 16.70 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Powder-coated stainless steel

Best Small

Novogratz Asher Wood Burning Fire Pit

View On Amazon $137 View On Target $200 View On Wayfair $95

This fun, decorative model we tried from Novogratz will look great all year long with its weather-resistant ceramic outside that comes in colors like persimmon, bright white, and dark green. We loved how attractive it was in comparison to many other fire pits on the market. Due to the small size, it would be a nice option for a patio or poolside area, though we found it too heavy to be truly portable.

The bowl that holds the wood is quite small, which only allowed us to add a few logs at a time during testing, and also meant we had to fill the bowl up every 30 minutes or so. However, this also made the fire pit burn evenly and without a ton of smoke, so there are upsides to the smaller size. 

Additionally, this fire pit has a less common accessory included: a grill grate, which will allow you to cook up some poolside treats whenever you want. We grilled some hot dogs on the grate and noted it took around 45 minutes for the bowl to be hot enough and the embers to be small enough for it to be safe to do so. 

You won’t be able to cook a gourmet meal on this fire pit, but it would be great for things like hot dogs, burgers, or other light and easy fare. The complete set comes with a rain cover, grill grate, fire pit dome, fire pit lid, and a grilling tool. 

How it Performed After 4 Months

The Novogratz fire pit is very attractive and a nice compact model. It doesn't come with a protective cover and we did notice some rust after we kept it outside during snowy weather, so we'd recommend storing this inside during inclement weather to keep it in tip-top shop.

Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 14.5 inches | Fuel Type: Wood | Material: Metal

Best Tabletop

Solo Stove Mesa

View On Amazon $80 View On Target $80 View On Wayfair $79

The best fire pit for someone who doesn’t have a backyard is definitely this Solo Stove Mesa option we tested, as it’s perfect for a small balcony or patio, given that it only stands 6 inches tall and takes up hardly any space. If you want a little ambience but don’t have a large area outside to sit in, it’s a great, affordable option that also comes in a bunch of interesting colors like deep olive, mulberry, and bone. 

While we don’t recommend relying on this fire pit alone for significant warmth due to the size, we were still impressed with the heat it created. You can use small pieces of firewood to make this work, but might be better off using wood pellets or Solo Stove’s own mini oak pieces since they won’t have to be cut down to size. It comes with a stand and a carry bag—and because the fire pit only weighs a little over a pound, it’s definitely an easy option to take anywhere and store in a closet. 

Best of all, the Solo Stove Mesa has all of the specs the larger sizes have, including the stainless steel, double-walled construction and smokeless design. You can even roast marshmallows with the flame, allowing you to have the experience of a real fire pit even if you live in an area with limited outdoor space. 

How it Performed After 3 Months

While we didn't get to use it too many times before the weather got cold, we continued to appreciate both the size and the amount of warmth it emits. A previous tabletop fire pit we used was just for aesthetics, so we really like being able to use one that actually keeps people cozy when gathered around on chilly nights.

Product Details: Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 inches | Fuel Type: Pellet, wood | Material: Stainless steel and ceramic

Best for Camping

Outland Living Firecube

View On Amazon $130 View On Home Depot $125

If you’re camping, backpacking, or RVing this summer, this Outland Living Firecube is one of the best options to add to your gear list. At a little over 22 pounds and 14 inches in diameter, it’s both easy to store and to pack. 

It’s CSA-approved (which means it has passed a series of safety metrics) and uses a 20-pound propane tank cylinder (not included, but available at most hardware stores) rather than wood, which allows it to be used in places that have bans on campfires, although it’s best to check with your campsite before you go. 

The kit comes with a pre-attached 10-foot hose, an adjustable regulator with a knob to control flame size, a cover/carry kit, and over 4 pounds of lava rocks to create a more realistic and flickering fire. It delivers a clean, smokeless burn and works quietly and in inclement weather. 

While it’s not meant to cook on (besides s’mores or weenies on a stick, of course), there’s a reason we chose one that doesn’t have a grill grate: If you’re camping and are counting on fire as a means to cook your food, propane fire pits generally aren’t made to make elaborate meals for a number of people. They’re great for camping because they produce a more controlled burn, but you’re much better off getting a charcoal grill or a camp stove, in addition to a fire pit, if you want to cook food.

Instead, use this Firecube to provide warmth and a source of flame for nights under the stars. However, if you’re camping in a place that doesn’t have a campfire ban, and you’d rather grill on the pit, check out the option below.

Product Details: Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 9 inches | Fuel Type:  Propane | Material: Alloy steel