If you regularly spend time outdoors entertaining yourself, just relaxing or sleeping under the stars while camping, it’s probably a good bet that you’ve thought about investing in a fire pit. From the obvious benefit of the heat they provide on cool nights, to the radiant atmosphere they emit, to that comforting smoke that takes you back to summer camp, they also allow for possibly the greatest invention of all time: s’mores.
Campfires are not only elegant pieces of decor, but once you have one installed and installed, you will surely light it over and over again, especially now that many of us are taking vacations and looking for ways to fix things at home.
Wood fire pits are perfect for those who love the crackling firewood and authenticity of a campfire, while the propane versions are great for those who want an instant fire and prefer a smoke-free experience. Just be sure to check your city’s rules regarding backyard fires (in Denver, for example, open wood burning is prohibited, while propane is fine).
Ready to, well, light things up? We’ve rounded up 13 fire pits to help take your backyard oasis to the next level. Just be sure to stock up on graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. With a fire pit nearby, there’s no reason the s’mores season can’t be year-round.
Sol 72 Gloucester Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit ($ 119; wayfair.com)
Sol 72 Gloucester Steel Wood Fire Fire Fire Pit
Whether you plan to install your fire pit in your backyard or take it with you on your next camping trip, this friendly travel model will have you covered. Made of stainless steel and portable, this firewood pit requires just a match or a lighter to light your logs and comes with its own case, spark screen and poker fire. Check out its easy assembly, elegant design and low smoke factor.
Real Flame Baltic Square Fire Table ($ 1,049.99; bedbathandbeyond.com)
Baltic Square Real Flame Fire Table
When outdoor entertainment is a staple in your home, or has become your new socially distant norm, you can choose to make things better with this successful four-season fire table. With an instant electronic ignition and a 50,000 BTU 20-pound propane tank (not included), it will keep things warm and warm for up to nine hours when in the high position, or 26 hours in the down position.
The stylish CSA-certified table includes a matching top, burner, small brown lava rocks, leveling legs, a gas hose, and a storage top. Not included: your new Host of the Year title.
Greyleigh Tuscola Firebowl Steel Wood Fire Pit ($ 175; wayfair.com)
Greyleigh Tuscola Firebowl Steel Wood Fire Fire Fire Pit
A Wayfair favorite with over 600 reviews, this wood-burning fire pit is all about style, with a worn bronze finish and tapered base. It comes with everything you need to get those roasted s’mores in no time, including a spark screen, fire poker, and cash register. However, one thing to note is that it is not recommended to place it on a wooden platform.
Bond Canyon Ridge Signature Fire Table ($ 429; lowes.com)
Bond Canyon Ridge Signature Fire Table
Add a little flair to your patio with this round fire table complete with stone compound, a black granite countertop, and a stainless steel burner. The 50,000 BTU propane fuel system means there is no lingering smoke odor on your clothes, and an electric ignition allows you to easily control heat settings using a knob.
It also features a special coating system that protects the table from ultraviolet light and extreme temperatures, as well as lava rocks and a protective cover. Hundreds of comments praise him for being a “statement piece”, feeling “like a real campfire” and offering “a great atmosphere tomorrow or afternoon”.
Bonus tip: A reviewer places a round glass top on the table when not in use, allowing it to function as a coffee table.
Endless Summer UniFlame Slate and Faux Wood Gas Fire Fire ($ 801.86; homedepot.com)
Endless Summer UniFlame Slate and Faux Wood Gas Fire Fire
Over 1,200 reviews say this round fire pit, with its handcrafted slate mosaic, faux wood ledge, steel base, and easy propane ignition, is a keeper. The 30,000 BTU stainless steel burner, along with the included bronze colored fire glass, will keep you and your guests in the glow of a traditional fire. Reviewers like it for its easy assembly and maintenance, robustness, pretty tiles, and heat output, and one also notes that “it looks more expensive than it is.”
LLBean Backyard Wildlife Fire Pit and Grill ($ 179; llbean.com)
LLBean Backyard Wildlife Fire Pit and Grill
Balcony, patio, park, camping, beach, (eventual) football stadium tailgate – no need to be campfire-free with this popular, portable number that doubles as a grill. Decorated with charming wildlife pattern cutouts and weighing in at 24lbs, this fire pit features steel walls, a steel mesh guard, and an easy-to-clean non-stick enamel cooking grate. Comments praise its versatility and robustness.
Sol 72 Derbyshire Outdoor Steel Wood Fire Pit ($ 199, originally $ 209.49; wayfair.com)
Sol 72 Outdoor Derbyshire Steel Wood Fire Fire Fire Pit
This compact wood burning fire pit features mesh sides and a spark screen that prevents the coals from escaping. It also includes a poker to help stir the fire safely, and it’s weather resistant so you can keep it outside all year round.
LLBean Biolite Fire Pit ($ 249.95; llbean.com)
LLBean Biolite Fire Pit
Do you love a big fire, but are you afraid of the smell of smoke? Consider this portable fire pit, which uses 51 air blast fans to inject oxygen into the fire for a hot burn and runs on a power supply that is USB rechargeable.
Hungry? A removable grill is included and a fuel grill can be adjusted to burn coal or wood. A load will last 24 hours on average or five hours on high and at just under 20 pounds it’s easy to carry (meaning those s’mores are always an option).
Kingso Outdoor Fire Pit ($ 59.99, originally $ 70; amazon.com)
Kingso outdoor fire pit
This Amazon No. 1 bestseller is loved not only for its super affordable price, but also for its portability and versatility. Use it as a campfire, sure, but also as a 22-inch grill on your next camping trip or beach party (grill not included). Carrying it will be easy as it weighs just 6 pounds. The included mesh cap prevents your embers from blowing up and poker allows you to safely remove the cap.
Fire Pit Landmann USA Big Sky Stars and Moons ($ 156.46, originally $ 180; amazon.com)
Landmann USA Big Sky Stars and Moons Fire Pit
Go ahead and promise your family or guests the moon and stars during your next night’s gathering, with this clever fire pit that comes with decorative cutouts for an extra ambiance. Made of sturdy steel with a 23½-inch diameter, 12½-inch deep pan, this model includes an enameled cooking grate and spark arrester.
FiveMetalDesign Custom Northwoods Ring of Fire (from $ 196; etsy.com)
FiveMetalDesign Custom Northwoods Ring of Fire
With a 5-star rating and best-seller status, this heavy-duty 12-gauge steel fire ring is loved for its detailed wildlife design and the option to customize it with up to 12 characters (great gift idea !). Available in five sizes, 30 to 60 inches in diameter, it weighs 21 to 54 pounds, making it easy to transport.
Grice Concrete Propane Gas Fire Pit Table ($ 498, originally $ 761.99; allmodern.com)
Grice Concrete Propane Gas Fire Pit Table
Streamlined love, modern decor? This 50,000 BTU weather resistant propane fire pit will bring you comfort and style. At 42 inches wide by 15 inches tall, it is made of concrete and stainless steel and comes with lava rocks. The adjustable flame has an eight-hour burn time and a power button. Critics praise its heat production and contemporary aesthetics.
Bali Outdoor Fireplace ($ 165.99; amazon.com)
Bali Outdoor Fireplace
Spend more time outdoors in the heat of a fireplace. This elegant cast iron model features a round 360 degree wire mesh screen to allow the fire to be seen from all angles. Do you need more fuel? Add firewood and artificial logs easily through the sliding door. Called just the right size by multiple reviewers, it scores points for being easy to assemble, sending smoke rather than the eyes, and having an “excellent” build.
ChristianburgWeld Rocket Stove (from $ 114.91; etsy.com)
ChristianburgWeld Rocket Stove
You don’t have to be a space scientist to see the fun in this quirky Etsy bestseller. With a 5-star rating for quality and design, this self-powered metal stove can also hold cookware with flat X-shaped bars on top. At nearly 13 inches tall with legs, it can be placed on a patio, camping or table for easy, portable use.
Hiland Fire Pit Fire Glass ($ 18.95 for £ 10, originally $ 32; amazon.com)
Hiland Fire Pit Fire Glass
Looking for a higher heat than that provided by lava rocks or stone? Do you want to add a little color and extra flash to your fire pit? This easy-to-maintain recycled fire glass works on natural gas or propane fires, comes in a rainbow of colors, turns your pit into art, and is highly rated for its beauty, quality, and hypnotic visual effect.
Note: Prices above reflect the retailer’s listed price at time of publication.
