If you have a grassy yard or large outdoor space attached to your home, there’s a good chance you’ll have thought about sprucing it up for barbecues and sunny garden parties. Whether you intend to roast marshmallows and smores, or just chill around the campfire with a beer and some good friends, a fire pit will most likely prove to be a sound investment. To help you discover the best outdoor fire pits in 2023, we've tested and reviewed some of the more popular models in today’s market. The Endless Summer Outdoor Fire Pit takes the cake as the best fire pit on the list, followed closely behind by our other top picks.
Our Top Picks For Fire Pits
The Best Fire Pits
Best Overall
The Endless Summer Outdoor Fire Pit is an ideal accompaniment to any outdoor patio space. This fire pit table features a 50,000 BTU stainless steel burner that provides a warm and inviting atmosphere on cool mornings or chilly evenings. The faux wood mantel has a multi-tone wooden look that complements the stamped steel base with its weather-protected finish. The insert table provides convenience with easy access and can be hidden away if needed. This outdoor fire pit also comes with white fire glass, a protective cover, and adjustable feet for added stability. The unique cut-out design adds charm to the outdoors. Plus, it uses a standard 20-pound LP grill tank (not included) and has a hidden control panel with an easy push-and-turn ignition and an automatic shut-off safety device. This is an attractive addition to any outdoor space due to its superior construction, contemporary design, and safety features. This best overall fire pit is ideal for outdoor gatherings as it creates a warm and pleasant environment while providing maximum safety in any environment.
Pros
- Unique cut-out design adds charm
- Insert table provides convenience
- Includes a protective cover
Cons
- Assembly is a bit tricky
Easy to Use
With a 40,000 BTU heater, an interconnected push-turn ignition, and a concealed panel to keep controls safe from unauthorized users, this recommendation has plenty to offer. It is powered by a standard LP grill tank, which allows you to get cozy outside without the ashy mess of a traditional fire. It has a modern look with a rectangle design, black glass mantle, white fire glass, and brown wicker base; it also functions as a regular table with inserts. On top of this, Endless Summer says the easy assembly allows you to use your fire table without the hassle of a long and complicated installation.
Pros
- Ideal size with a clean look
- Fires up quickly
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not suitable for windy days
Most Portable
The Dragonfire outdoor fire pit is ideal for unwinding in your backyard or favorite outdoor location. The fire pit bundle consists of an easy-to-carry dual-wall fire pit, a fire pit stand, a deflector ring, a spark screen, and an all-weather cover made from pure polyester. Dual walls allow you to enjoy a fire without the inconvenience of smoke because the smoke circulates inside the fire pit. The brand claims the spark screen protects you, your family, and the deck/patio surface from the burning embers. The company recommends dry wood logs for the finest fire experience.
Pros
- Includes stand, wood pack, and weather-resistant cover
- A mesh pan for an easy cleanup
- Easy to carry
Cons
- After some time, paint chips and melts away
Best for Barbecues
The Bali Outdoors wood burner is built a little differently from other fire pits. This product comes with a triangle frame rack that holds logs and allows for plenty of ventilation, making it possible to create a large (and safe) fire. The multi-functional grill swivels a full 360 degrees, making this fire pit perfect for both bonfires and barbecues alike. If you’re looking to invest in a high-end fire pit, this should be near the top of your list. The outer ledge is designed around the central fire area, which can act as a drinks station or a place to keep your roasting utensils. The pit is designed as a wood burner with four legs to ensure impeccable construction and stability.
Pros
- Swivel grill design is great for barbecues with multiple cooks
- Easily-assembled and secure design
- Better ventilation than most other fire pits
Cons
- More expensive than similar wood burner fire pits
Sturdiest Design
There’s plenty to admire about the Yaheetech Multifunctional Fire Pit Table. From the affordable price (you can find this make for less than $100) to the sturdy design and multipurpose uses, you can’t go wrong with this industrious fire pit. This fire pit is so simple to use. It may not come with all the added features of other models, but sometimes less is more. It has a painted iron construction that provides long-lasting durability, with a polyester cover that keeps it protected against all weather. A mesh lid is also included to prevent stray embers from flying out of the pit. Also, it comes with a fire poker.
Pros
- Looks great in most gardens
- Easy use for beginners
- Quite inexpensive in comparison to other fire pits
Cons
- Somewhat limited in functionality if you’re experienced with barbecues and bonfires
Largest Option
The Sunnydaze Cosmic Outdoor Fire Pit is much larger than a lot of other fire pits on our list, which makes it a must-have if you’re planning a substantial garden party with a bonfire. This may be one of the more heavy-duty models, but it is still easily portable and easy to set up. The galactic cutouts around the outside are also a unique and welcome touch. This outdoor fire pit has a rust-resistant construction made with strong steel material. It has a unique moon-and-stars design. Also, the standard spark screen and wood grate allow for great protection and airflow, while the tripod-style legs ensure enhanced stability.
Pros
- Looks different from other fire pits
- Large enough to accommodate lots of people around the sides
- Simple to set up
Cons
- Cosmic design may not be to everybody’s taste
Best for Beginners
The Y-ME Wood Burning Fire Pit is another large design, complete with celestial cutouts around the rim. If you want romance, the moons and stars on this fire pit will create a lovely atmosphere in your garden. The pit also comes with the standard dual-use grate for increased airflow and barbecuing meats and vegetables. The fire pit also comes with an additional cover to prevent rust, which means you can keep the product outside no matter the weather. Conveniently priced, this fire pit is well worth your consideration.
Pros
- Added cover fits tightly to prevent rust
- Easy to use and safer than propane designs
- Great for beginners
- Durable and long-lasting compared to some other fire pits
Cons
- May not fit in smaller gardens
Best Design
The OOX looks a bit different from many other fire pits in today’s market, thanks to a tasteful diamond-shaped design cut into the side surface. It also features a series of bottom holes that allow for greater air circulation and longer log burning times. This design may seem heavy-duty yet, despite the steel construction, the ring-shaped handles allow you to move the model wherever you want with ease. With its easy-to-clean and resistant to heat and rust construction, this fire pit will certainly give you some food for thought.
Pros
- Diamond design is unique and fashionable
- Additional bottom holes are great for airflow
- Surprisingly portable, despite the heavy design
Cons
- Not as cheap as some other wood burners which offer similar utility
Outdoor Fire Pits: A Buying Guide
In an ideal world, there will be someone on hand to assist you in finding the best fire pit for your specific needs. Although all the fire pits we have listed are of excellent quality, your own personal preference is the most important thing to consider when making a purchase. With that in mind, it is a good idea to know what you are looking for.
To help you with the buying process, we have developed a comprehensive buying guide to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Things To Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Fire Pit
Before you purchase an outdoor fire pit, make sure you consider the following things. Think about the aspects most important to you so you can spend your time shopping more efficiently. You may want to consider some of the following:
Size
How many people do you need to fit around the fire pit? Fire pits should be between 36 and 44 inches in diameter. The fire pit needs to be spacious enough to support a decent fire. It is also important to control the size of the fire. The right size fire pit will prevent a fire from getting out of hand and ensure that your family or guests can sit close enough to it without getting too hot.
You must also note that not all fire is built with wood. Gas fire pits are also an option that uses natural gas or propane gas. While wood burning fire pit is best for making smores on picnic day, natural gas fire is more aristocratic with automatic ignition systems.
If you have a relatively small backyard or outdoor space, multifunctional fire pits are a viable option. These are most commonly combined with a BBQ or a garden table. These are fabulous space savers and possibly cheaper than buying the two items separately. Same with fire pit tables that are generally made from stone or metal. They sit higher off the ground than fire bowls, saving space while making the backyard look gorgeous.
Rust resistance
Unfortunately, no matter what material your fire pit is made from, it will begin to rust eventually. When purchasing a fire pit, you should choose one made of cast iron. Not only are these more durable, but they also retain heat for longer and heat up faster. They are also more rust-resistant than steel.
There are a few things you can do to reduce the onslaught of rust. It might be a good idea to also buy a UV and waterproof cover. Many of the pros recommend using any commonly used food oil to cover the areas of the fire pit that are exposed during long periods of inactivity.
Style
You will find a variety of styles available for your fire pit, whatever your taste. If you are looking for a traditional round fire pit or square fire pit for your outdoor space, you will be spoilt for choice. If you want something a little more unique like a bonfire, you will need to opt for propane fire pits. Fire pits come in various designs such as world globes, animal-carved or floral-patterned. Quite often, the ornamental fire pit is called a fire globe. Don’t worry—it does the exact same job as every other fire pit. You can even make your evening party shine by opting for backyard fire pit tables.
Most of the colors available correlate to the types of metals used to make the fire pit. These can vary from reddish-brown to cool steel. For more variety, you might want to consider buying a base and fire bowl separately, though these are probably not the best choice if you have children or pets. Complete fire pits are another sturdier option.
When thinking about style, you also want to think about your fire pit seating setup, as that could affect the fire pit you ultimately purchase. Check out how Project Build Stuff creates an easy DIY fire pit seating area and maximizes the pit’s utility.
Safety
A gas fire pit is considered safer than a wood fire pit. As natural gas fire pits are considered an appliance, they can be closer to building structures with minimal supervision. On the other hand, wood fire pits often need to be around 25 feet away from outdoor spaces or decks for the safety of people and property.
A fire pit spark guard is a must, especially if you have children. This is a cover that goes over the fire pit, giving a little extra control whilst still releasing the heat. The guard stops people from getting too close to the pit. When you are choosing a fire pit, you might want to incorporate the price of a fire pit spark guard into your budget. Prices vary but a spark cover can cost around $35, though many fire pits will come with one included.
Other safety items you will need include a bucket of water and something to create a safety circle for children. You can use chalk in the daylight or solar-powered lights in the evening. When choosing a fire pit, you must think about available outdoor space and allow for additional safety measures when necessary.
Fire Pit Price Range
The average price of an above-ground fire pit is $300. Designer or custom-designed backyard fire pits will cost more. Decide on a realistic budget before you buy and always check customer reviews. If you love spending quality time in your outdoor space, you may be willing to pay a little more for one that truly catches your eye rather than one that will simply suffice.
How We Chose These Top-Rated Fire Pits
We check the biggest retailers in the fire pit field to ensure our recommendations are both informed and current. We ensure that every fire pit we suggest are popular and has great customer reviews. We also acknowledge value for money, durability, safety, and style. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision, which is why we take our research very seriously. We stay up to date with the newest innovations, designs, and customer trends.
People Also Asked
How long will my fire pit last before rusting?
Rusting is a natural process that will affect any fire pit at some point in its life, regardless of its rust-resistant material quality. Despite this, a decent, well-maintained fire pit should last around 10 years. To ensure that you get a fire pit that would last you a long time, make sure it is not made with any materials that are prone to rusting.
Where should I position my fire pit?
We recommend placing your fire pit on an old slab of concrete, or a brick platform, as rusting may stain your patio. Additionally, the heat your fire pit produces may scorch your grass. Hence, placing a base layer underneath your fire pit to create some insulation between its base and the ground surface is important to prevent damage.
How do I control the cooking temperature?
Use a metal rake to move the embers around. This will cool the fire pit without relinquishing the heat completely.
