Whether you're entertaining, camping, or just have a craving for perfectly toasted s'mores, the best fire pits produce cozy fires while minimizing smoke and annoying cleanup. Some even double as a patio heater or a grill. However you're using it, the ambiance from a roaring fire pit just can't be beat.
After extensively testing a dozen models for ease of use, fire quality, and durability, we've selected the best fire pits. Below, you'll find an option for every space, budget, and lifestyle.
Find out more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.
Our picks for the best outdoor fire pits
Best overall: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit - See at Amazon
Best smokeless: Ninja Fireside360 Outdoor Fire Pit and Patio Heater - See at Amazon
Best budget: Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit - See at The Home Depot
Best propane: Tiki Brand Customizable Propane Fire Pit - See at Amazon
Best heavy-duty: Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit - See at Amazon
Best small: Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit - See at Amazon
Best portable: Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace - See at Snow Peak
Best overall
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is the best fire pit we've tested because its design facilitates blazing fires with minimal smoke. Plus, it's available in seven colors.
What we like
What we don't like
The Bonfire 2.0 was a standout in our testing. For the best head-to-head comparison, my 10-year-old and I set up the top fire pits in a circle and tested them under identical conditions. Once the fires had burned for half an hour, my son and I shared a clear favorite: the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0.
It's literally easy enough for a kid to use. My son built and lit the fire, and within five minutes, the logs were ablaze, and the fire was roaring. At its hottest, the Bonfire 2.0 was a little too hot to get close to, but it also sent heat the second furthest of any model I tested. It warmed me from 8 feet away, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
It's kind of smokeless. While advertised as "smokeless," the Bonfire 2.0 clearly allows smoke to escape, as did any wood-burning model we tested. However, the Solo Stove seemed to do a better job dissipating the smoke than any other full-size wood-burning pit we tested. Standing in the smoke's path, I didn't get the eye-burning pain typical of classic campfires.
Assembly was quick and easy. I needed the instructions, but they were clear. I like that the pit comes with a carrying case, and it only weighs 23 pounds, making it light enough to store, though it may be a little bulky for travel. Despite its relatively light weight, the Bonfire 2.0 felt heavy-duty and showed no wear and tear after testing. Cleanup was a breeze thanks to the removable base plate and ash pan. You just wait for it to cool down, lift out the plate and pan, and safely dispose of the debris.
It has an attractive appearance. I tested the basic, no-frills Stainless Steel version, but it's also available in Mulberry, Deep Olive, Bronze, and four other colors. The Bonfire measures 19.5 inches in diameter and is sized to fit groups of four to six. Solo Stove also offers its fire pit in three other sizes, the Ranger 15, Yukon 27, and Canyon 30.
We're currently testing the new model. New this season, Solo Stove has introduced the Summit, which promises the best smokeless performance yet (with larger flames) thanks to better air flow, quick lighting, and a built-in stand. We're currently testing it out.
Best smokeless
The Ninja Fireside360 is a propane fire pit and heater with multiple settings that let you adjust heat output and choose between flames for warmth or ambiance, if you don’t want the extra heat. It’s entirely smokeless, and there’s no annoying clean-up or fire starting.
What we like
What we don't like
Only a propane fire pit is actually smokeless. Despite what advertising may say, there's really no such thing as a truly smokeless wood-burning fire pit. While all of our picks do an excellent job at dispelling or minimizing smoke, for a truly smokeless option, you'll want to check out a propane fire pit.
It's so easy to use. The Ninja Fireside360 produced absolutely no smoke during testing, since it runs on a tank of propane. Both setup and lighting are incredibly easy, and you can control the intensity of the fire with a turn of the dial. I love relaxing around it, since I never have to worry about even the tiniest bit of smoke in my face.
It doubles as a patio heater. You can choose from three different modes: flames without heat, flames with heat, or just heat. Its versatility is its defining feature. If you want to enjoy s'mores on a hot summer night without heating, you can use the flames without the heat. Or, if you want a simple patio heater without a raging fire, it does that, too.
I love it, but it's not the same as a wood-burning fire. I like the look of it, too. It has a design that wouldn't look out of place in a bistro, and it's withstood heat waves, cold snaps, and thunderstorms without a hint of damage. But if you're looking for a crackling, wood-burning fire, you'll have to look elsewhere — just know you'll have to deal with at least a little bit of smoke. And while you won't have to buy firewood, it also goes through propane very quickly.
Read our Ninja Fireside360 review.
Best budget
The Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit is the best budget fire pit we've tested. Its open construction allows for excellent airflow, making starting and maintaining the fire a breeze.
What we like
What we don't like
This is the best fire pit under $200. We initially set a $100 limit in our search for the best budget fire pit, but we had difficulty finding full-size options from reputable brands. So, we upped our limit to $200 and are happy with the performance of the Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit. Hampton Bay is exclusive to Home Depot and encompasses a range of affordable patio furniture, including fire pits and heaters. The Piedmont is their top seller.
It's easy to build a raging fire. With its airflow-promoting design, the Hampton Bay Piedmont is ideal for building a powerful fire. My son started a fire in five minutes with only a firestarter and four logs. On a hot day, I could still feel the heat from 7 feet away, which was among the best. I also like that the pit comes with a lid, grill, and poker.
There were a few glaring negatives. The assembly took half an hour, including putting on the legs, heat plate, and outside ring. It was a pain, but at least the instructions were clear. The materials weren't the cheapest I've dealt with, but they weren't exactly durable. In fact, the fasteners started rusting within a week of setup. The Piedmont doesn't appear to have any smoke-reducing properties. When the wind blows your way, the smoke is uncomfortable, and you'll likely get covered with ash too. Also, you'll either need to flip the pit or use a shovel to get the ash out. Still, for its price, this is an outstanding fire pit.
Best propane
The Tiki Brand Customizable Propane Fire Pit gives your patio a chic feel with just the turn of a knob. It's the best propane fire pit we've tested because of its user-friendliness and array of accessories.
What we like
What we don't like
Propane fire pits are easy to start and maintain. Wood-burning units get all the attention when discussing fire pits, but propane models have their place. Our best smokeless pit also runs on propane, but our tester had a special affinity for the Tiki Customizable Propane Fire Pit.
I like how easy it is to use. You just turn on the propane tank, press the ignition button, turn the gas knob, and you have a flame. When you're done, unlike wood-burning pits, you don't have to wait for wood to burn down or douse it with water. You just turn the gas off, and the fire is out. Also, there was no clean-up and no ash to deal with.
It took the longest to set up. The Tiki propane pit is the most labor-intensive to assemble, taking an hour and including a long list of steps to assemble it from the ground up. Yet, the finished pit seems durable. It hasn't shown any signs of wear or tear. I like that it comes with decorative lava rocks and a metal cover.
I wish the propane fire pit put off more heat. I could maybe feel it from about 3 feet away, which was among the weakest I tested. However, you can purchase a heater attachment for better heat distribution. I didn't test it, but Tiki Brands claims it provides a 6-foot heat radius. The brand also offers an array of other fire pit accessories, including a table attachment to turn the pit into a patio table.
Best heavy-duty
Durable, versatile, and beautiful, the Breeo X Series 24 is an outstanding fire pit that serves as a hub for outdoor entertainment, can help you cook dinner, and looks like a piece of art simultaneously.
What we like
What we don't like
This sturdy steel fire pit is backed by a lifetime warranty. Even from the beginning, I had a positive experience with the Breeo X Series 24. It was incredibly easy to assemble. There weren't any directions, but I didn't need any. It came assembled, and I had it ready to go in five minutes. The pit is made of rugged steel, which makes it hefty.
It develops a rusty patina. The Breeo fire pit started rusting immediately, but that's by design. The Corten Steel version develops an attractive weathered patina over time (about a year.) If a rusty fire pit sounds unappealing, the X Series pits are also available in corrosion-resistant stainless steel. In addition to the X24, the line features the X19, X30, and X42, with the number corresponding to the bowl's interior diameter.
The resulting fire is a little weak. It has a unique construction with airflow coming from the bottom of the pit, and holes around the rim to divert the smoke. In practice, though, I was unimpressed with its fire burning. It took longer than the other pits to get started, and it seemed to produce more smoke while emitting less heat. I retested it because I was surprised by this performance. It did a little better the second time but wasn't nearly as good as our top pick. Clean-up is also a hassle. To remove the ash, you must use a vacuum or a shovel, which Breeo sells separately. The X vents make shoveling difficult.
Also check out the steel fire pit from Yeti. For a similar heavy-duty fire pit, we recommend taking a look at the Yeti Fire Pit. It's also made of Corten steel that patinas over time, but it produces a stronger fire. It carries a hefty $1000 price tag, though, we still recommend the Breeo X24 over Yeti's option. Read our Yeti Fire Pit review.
Best small
The Solo Stove Mesa is the best small fire pit we tested. It lights quickly and produces a surprising amount of heat. It's available in 10 colors, and there's a larger version.
What we like
What we don't like
This is a mini version of our top pick. The Solo Stove Mesa is basically like a petite version of our top pick, the Bonfire. It has the same hassle-free setup, stainless steel design, and color range. Since it's so small, the Mesa burns wood pellets instead of logs, which won't fit. Using pellets and a firestarter cube, it took about five minutes to get the fire going. I was surprised by the roaring fire produced by this compact powerhouse. The blaze produced minimal smoke and no discomfort as it headed in my direction.
It's surprisingly warm and easy to clean. Another surprise was how much heat the Mesa put off. I could feel it warming me from four feet away. This is the best tabletop fire pit I tested, provided your table isn't heat-sensitive. While any table will likely be OK, you should only use it on non-flammable surfaces for safety reasons. Cleaning the Mesa is easy. Once cool, you flip it and empty it in a safe receptacle.
For something a little bigger, check out the Mesa XL. The Mesa comes with a carrying bag, a stand, and a lifetime warranty. It's also available in an XL version that's only slightly larger and more expensive, but it holds almost four times as many wood pellets, so it burns longer.
Best portable
When it comes to portability, the Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace is our go-to option. This model is lightweight and collapse down for ease of transport, while offering excellent durability and performance wherever you take it.
What we like
What we don't like
Snow Peak's fire pit is lightweight and perfectly packable. If you're looking for a fire pit to take on road trips or to just use outside the backyard, the Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace is the best portable fire pit you can buy. From the Japanese outdoor brand known for making clever, well-built camping products, the Pack & Carry Fireplace can collapse and fold flat, making it extremely easy to carry to any outdoor setting.Since it weighs just 12 pounds and comes with its own carrying case, there really isn't any excuse to leave it behind.
It's sturdy and spacious. Once you reach your destination, the fireplace expands in a matter of seconds, with wide, rounded-off legs securely holding it in place even when resting on uneven terrain. A series of small holes in the fire pit's frame help to facilitate airflow, while its bucket-like receptacle can hold moderate-sized pieces of wood.
It's well-engineered and very durable. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this model is designed to withstand the elements and be transported regularly. However, because it's made of rugged metal, it takes a bit of time to cool.
It's simple. The fireplace doesn't have a lot of features or frills, although Snow Peak makes a number of fire pit accessories that extend its use even further. The company offers various cooking utensils for instance, and a grill top allows owners to cook over the fire. — Kraig Becker, Business Insider Reviews contributor
Our top picks compared
| Our pick | Winner | Standout features | The drawback | Fuel type |
| Best overall | Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit | Produces easy-to-maintain, raging wood-burning fires | Not truly smokeless | Wood |
| Best smokeless | Ninja Fireside360 | Entirely smokeless, doubles as patio heater | Quickly consumes propane | Propane |
| Best budget | Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit | Simple design, under $200 | Produces a ton of smoke, hard to clean | Wood |
| Best propane | Tiki Customizable Propane Fire Pit | Easy to start and use, smokeless | Doesn't put off much heat | Propane |
| Best heavy-duty | Breeo X Series 24 Fire Pit | Heavy-duty steel construction, lifetime warranty | Rust-colored patina not for everyone, produces a ton of smoke | Wood |
| Best small | Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit | Tabletop size, lightweight | Too small for wood logs | Wood pellets |
| Best portable | Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace | Collapsible design, easy to transport | Very simple design | Wood |
What to look for in a fire pit
You want to choose a fire pit based on how you plan to use it. Do you want it to stay in your backyard or go camping with you? Do you want the traditional campfire experience, or would prefer to skip the hassle of wood? Here are the main factors you should consider:
Size: Larger fire pits are fun because you can build bigger fires and provide heat for more people. But, if you're only going to entertain a few people at a time and want a more intimate experience, smaller fire pits are ideal. They have the added benefit of not burning as long, so you can call it a night earlier if you want. Of course, you can always build a smaller fire in a larger pit.
Fuel type: Wood-burning fire pits are the most popular because they give you the wholesome campfire experience. The downside is that you have to keep buying wood, cleaning up the ash, and being extra careful that the fire is out before you can leave the pit unsupervised. Propane is generally less exciting but lights quicker and is easy to put out quickly. It's also simple to clean.
Design: The best fire pits balance airflow with limiting smoke. Based on my testing, the more open the design, the better the airflow, but there also tends to be more smoke. Pits that limit smoke tend to have an opening smaller than the bowl's diameter and holes near the inner rim that can take in and dissipate the smoke. Our top pick, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, is a perfect example of this.
Portability: Portability isn't a concern if your fire pit will live in your backyard. In fact, if your yard is easily accessible to passersby like mine is, a heavier, harder-to-steal pit is a plus. However, if you want a unit to take camping, bring along to get-togethers, or store when not in use, look for one that's lightweight and comes with a carrying case.
Accessories: If you want to cook on your fire pit, look for models with compatible grills. While most models are designed to withstand the elements, a cover can ensure your pit is dry when you want to have a fire. Other helpful accessories to consider are fire pokers, ash shovels, and lids.
How we test fire pits
Our testing methodology
When assessing a fire pit, the main factors to consider are the ease of starting a fire, how much smoke it produces, the heating radius, and the ease of cleaning. Here are the main characteristics we look for and how we test them:
Fire quality: I enlisted the help of my 10-year-old son to build and evaluate fires in each of the pits (which doubled as a teaching moment on fire safety). The table sums up what we were looking for.
| What we were looking for | Ideal results | Our findings |
| How easily and quickly fires start in the pit | A sustainable fire starts within five minutes using only a fire starter and four logs. | Most fire pits could do this with no problem. |
| How much smoke is produced | No wood-burning fire is completely smokeless. We looked for units that dissipated the smoke enough to not be uncomfortable when it was blowing at us. | The fire pits exhibited significant variability, regardless of whether they had "smokeless" in their marketing copy. |
| Heating radius | Ideally, you want to feel the fire's warmth without getting too close. | There was a lot of variability. The pits with better airflow tended to emit more heat. |
Cleaning: After a few fires, ash builds up, impacting airflow and performance. We cleaned each fire pit and evaluated how difficult it was. Fire pits with removable ash pans were easier, while models that required you to dump, shovel, or vacuum ashes were a little less user-friendly.
Durability: I left the pits in humid, rainy Midwest summer weather and examined each unit for wear and tear, including rust and discoloration. For the most part, the pits haven't deteriorated, but I'll continue to evaluate them for future updates to this guide.
Setup: You only really assemble your fire pit once, so this was a minor factor we considered, but you want the setup to go smoothly. I timed how long it took me to set up the fire pits and noted if there were any difficult or confusing steps.
Meet the experts behind this guide
James Brains, former senior reporter: I've tested home and kitchen products professionally for six years. For this guide, I tested 10 fire pits with my family in our yard to find the best.
Kinsley Searles, associate home editor: I'm the expert on all things gardens and outdoors at Business Insider Reviews. I keep this guide up to date to reflect current availability, and keep an eye out for the latest models and new releases. When I can, I try out fire pits in my own backyard, where I have an obvious favorite testing methodology — making s'mores.
Fire pit FAQs
How do you clean a fire pit?
It's important to wait until your fire pit is completely cooled before attempting to clean any part of it. Ideally, you'd clean it on a day when you haven't used it at all.
Cleaning the pit is a straightforward process. We recommend wearing protective gloves. First, unhook propane tanks, unplug cords, and then remove all ash, burned wood, and debris from the inside. You can then use some dishwashing soap (the grease-cutting kind tends to work best) and a warm cloth or scrub brush to scrub inside the pit.
How do you put out a fire in a fire pit?
If you're using a fire pit that burns actual wood, you'll want to make sure you effectively extinguish the blaze before leaving it. To do so, douse the flame with water and stir the ashes with a poker or stick. You should see the coals start to cool off. Pour more water over them if they're still lit (and the pit still feels warm). Don't leave the pit until it's entirely cooled off.
Many propane fire pits require you to turn off the propane (or turn off the pit via a built-in switch), and they'll completely turn off. Check the owner's manual for proper operation, as some may differ from others.
You'll always want to have some sort of emergency extinguisher nearby should any fire get out of control, too. This could be anything from a bucket of water set somewhere close, a nearby hose turned on and ready to use, or even a fire extinguisher. If a fire becomes unruly, call 911 immediately.
Which fire pits give off the most heat?
Based on my testing, wood-burning fire pits give off the most heat. Additionally, the larger the fire, the more heat it will put off. So, consider bigger fire pits since they can accommodate larger fires.
What is the best type of fire pit to buy?
It depends on your situation. Wood-burning fire pits are popular because they give you the campfire experience and put off a good amount of heat. But propane fire pits are easy to start and put out and have minimal cleaning.
Smokeless fire pits are in vogue, but they aren't completely smokeless. Still, they have vent holes and a ring around the rim that help dissipate the thick smoke clouds that can make sitting around a fire uncomfortable. Propane fire pits don't burn wood and thus have almost no smoke. If smoke is a big concern, consider a propane pit.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@bjinnox.com.
