I'm a lover of all things cozy, so I'm a fan of a good fire pit to stay toasty and warm in my backyard — not to mention the possibility for s'mores without the need for a camping trip. Ninja, the company behind viral sensations like the Ninja Creami and a leader in versatile kitchen appliances — including our favorite coffee maker and air fryers — has left the kitchen to take a stab at outdoor hosting with its very own fire pit. A two-in-one patio heater and fire pit is unlike anything I've ever seen, so I knew I had to try it out.
The Ninja Fireside360 is an entirely smokeless, propane-powered fire pit. After integrating it into my backyard and testing its ease of use, performance, and durability for two months, I personally think it's one of the best fire pits or patio heaters you can buy. It's adjustable, versatile, and easy to use — the perfect addition to any patio or backyard for years of entertaining and cozy outdoor gatherings.
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
What I like
Assembly is a breeze.
The Fireside360 took less than 20 minutes to set up. It comes completely assembled with a box of ceramic rocks nestled in the propane compartment. These ceramic rocks fit nicely into the basin, adding a natural aesthetic to the fire pit while also covering the internal ring.
Propane isn't included with the fire pit, so you'll need to pick up a tank to get started. I move my propane tank between my fire pit and my grill. Run times vary depending on the level of heat and flames you use, but a tank of fuel will generally last you between five and 28 hours.
It's adjustable and powerful.
It's been a long time since I was a Girl Scout, so I'm no longer interested in the painstaking process of starting a fire. Thankfully, the Fireside360 was a breeze to start and use. Once the propane tank is connected, there are two dials to adjust the heat and flame settings. You have to push the dials to ignite, so you won't have to worry about accidentally starting the heat or flames.
A unique feature of this fire pit is its customization options. You can choose to feature flames, heat, or a combination of flames and heat. So, if it's summer and the idea of a bonfire makes you sweat, you can enjoy the ambiance of flickering flames without overheating. Or, if you're just looking for a way to heat up your freezing patio in the winter, it also acts just like a patio heater. Once you turn the dial to start the fire pit, the flames burst to life atop the ceramic rocks in the basin. It almost looks like magic, but I promise it isn't — the marshmallows for my s'mores came out warm and gooey, just like I had been toasting them over a regular bonfire.
For a propane fire pit, I was impressed with its wide range of heating capabilities. I could easily sit six feet away from the fire pit and still feel the gentle warmth. At the same time, I never felt stifled or sweaty when sitting directly next to the heater, either. Additionally, if I ever feel too warm or cold, it's easy to adjust the temperature dial to find the perfect comfort level. The Fireside360 puts out up to 80,000 BTUs of heat — higher than any patio heater in our guide. It's one of the warmest, most powerful options you can buy.
It's actually smokeless.
Since the Fireside360 is fueled by propane, I love that I don't have to worry about waiting for it to cool down or cleaning up piles of ashes when I'm done using it. Plus, the lack of wood means it's completely smokeless.
While testing other fire pits, we've found that even some propane options produce smoke — but that's not the case with the Fireside360. I didn't see a single wisp of smoke during my testing. A smokeless fire pit is a game changer, since I no longer need to switch positions around the fire to avoid smoke or wash the strong bonfire scent out of my hair when I'm done.
This is one of the best-looking fire pits I've ever seen.
I love the way the fire pops out from the ceramic rocks, and the metal caging around the basin keeps hands away from the heating elements while looking chic. The metal even glows while in use, giving off extra light on dark, chilly evenings. I'm also a fan of how the propane is hidden snugly in the interior compartment. It's easy to access, but I like that it keeps everything tucked away.
The design not only looks great — it's durable, too. While I'd normally store my fire pit in my shed when not in use, during testing, I placed it smack dab in the middle of my yard for two months and searched for signs of wear and tear. To my pleasant surprise, it looks as good as new, even through Midwestern rain, frost, snow, and wind. It's safe to use on grass, wood, and stone.
In addition to a separate basin lid, you can also buy a soft cover specifically designed for the Fireside360. It comes in several colors. I tested a black fire pit, but it's also available in beige, navy, maroon, silver, and forest green.
Where it falls short
It eats up a ton of propane.
If you're planning on using the Fireside360 for heat and flames on a regular basis, expect to go through plenty of propane. According to the user manual, running both heat and flames on high means you'll go through an entire tank of propane in five hours.
If you're only running the heater or flames, however — or using both on a lower level — a tank of propane can last up to 28 hours. I haven't gone through an entire tank yet, but I expect I will soon. I've used it for about six hours on medium flames and heat, so I'm sure I'll be running off for a propane exchange next time I use it.
It costs a pretty penny.
The Fireside360's biggest downside is the price. At almost $500, it's not a cheap fire pit. It's generally comparable to the prices of other propane fire pits — the Tiki, our top pick for best propane fire pit, is also $500 — but you're still able to find similar, smokeless models at a more affordable price. Plus, while you technically could take it with you, it's not designed to be portable, especially because it lacks wheels.
That said, I do love how it multi-functions as both a fire pit and a patio heater. Since it acts as two appliances in one, I think it's still a fair price, especially given the adjustability and versatility year-round.
The protective lid cover is sold separately.
Selling the soft cover separately is fairly standard, but I think the fire pit should come with the metal basin lid to protect the fire pit interior and the ceramic rocks at a minimum from the elements. Plus, if you lose or damage the rocks, you'll have to buy a replacement set from Ninja.
What are your alternatives?
If you’re looking for a fire pit but prefer a wood-burning option, I recommend the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. It’s the best fire pit we’ve ever tested, producing a beautiful fire with minimal smoke. It’s also about $100 cheaper than the Fireside360.
For a patio heater without all the bells and whistles of a fire pit, I suggest checking out the East Oak Patio Heater. It’s a powerful, intuitive propane patio heater that throws off impressive heat up to seven feet away. It’s also a fraction of the price of the Fireside360.
For another propane-fuelled option, check out the Tiki Fire Pit. It’s sturdy and sleek, with an easy-to-use design that rivals the Fireside360. However, it has half the heat output, is heavier, and has a more complicated assembly.
For more recommendations, check out our best fire pits and best patio heater guides.
The bottom line
The Ninja Fireside360 is a versatile product that functions as both a fire pit and a patio heater. There's not much out there on the market that does both. You'll go through propane fairly quickly, but it's incredibly easy to use and assemble. I'll be using it for years to come, and it's an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-season fire pit, with the added convenience of a patio heater
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