5 Best Outdoor Fire Pits for Backyard or Patio

Chris HuntAbout the Author: Hi! I'm Chris Hunt, and I wrote this article. With years of experience as a former firefighter and knowledge of combustible materials, I have personally researched and compiled the information presented here. Please note that the content provided is solely my opinion and should not be construed as professional advice. Additionally, I do not guarantee the quality or performance of any of the products featured. Please be sure to review the website's Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions before using the site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (without additional cost or expense to you).

Best Wood Burning Fire Pit

Best Propane Fire Pit

Yaheetech Square Outdoor Fire

Yaheetech 32in Outdoor Fire Pit Metal Square Firepit Wood Burning Backyard Patio Garden Beaches Camping Picnic Bonfire Stove with Spark Screen, Log PokerCheck Price on Amazon

We like wood-burning fire pits because they give an authentic camping feel. However, we feel a wood-burning fire pit is best for the backyard but might cause damage to a wood deck or patio.

Endless Summer Lava Rock Patio Fire Pit

Endless Summer 30 Inch Square 30,000 BTU LP Gas Outdoor Propane Gas Lava Rock Patio Fire Pit Table with Slate Tile Mantel, BrownCheck Price on Amazon

We feel gas-burning fire pits are less likely to cause damage to a deck or patio because it sits higher above the ground. In addition, it causes less wear and uses propane, spitting out fewer embers.

A dedicated fire pit in the backyard or patio would make backyards more comfortable, safer, and visually appealing. In addition, a fire in a fire pit can often burn much more smoothly because it’s raised and may allow additional oxygen to flow through the fire.

At the end of this review, we provide buyers a guide on things we considered when buying a fire pit – but we know you want to see our top picks!

The Best Outdoor Fire Pits for the Home

So here are our picks for the best outdoor fire pits:

Let’s review them individually.

1. Yaheetech Square Outdoor Fire – Best Wood-Burning Fire Pit

Quick Review: This is our pick for the best wood-burning fire pit. We like that it is a low, wide fire pit for people to sit on chairs.

Yaheetech 32in Outdoor Fire Pit Metal Square Firepit Wood Burning Backyard Patio Garden Beaches Camping Picnic Bonfire Stove with Spark Screen, Log PokerCheck Price on Amazon

We feel this fire pit is excellent for hosting people as it appears designed for people to sit around it on chairs. It’s got a spacious feel to it.

The dimensions are 32″ L x 32″ W x 14.4″ H. So it’s about 2-3 feet wide (80cm). It weighs 30.4 lb (lighter than we expected!).

The pit for the fire can hold both wood and charcoal. Still, it’s best not to use accelerants like gasoline or fire starters (that’s pretty standard for fire pits – fire accelerants burn hot and can cause damage to a fire pit).

The mesh lid is the last thing on our list of “pros.” This lid is a great safety measure to prevent embers from popping out and save people from falling in! Unfortunately, the mesh gets hot when the fire is burning, so poker can help users remove the lid (and stoke the fire).

We like that it comes with an excellent well-fitted cover. Sometimes, it’s hard to find one that perfectly fits when looking for an after-market cover. So it’s great that this one has a purpose-designed surface. In addition, the texture helps minimize the risk of rusting over time if used regularly.

Now for the things that we are more cautious about in this model.

We love this design, but it’s low to the ground. We feel a taller one might be ideal if the fire pit stands around (rather than sitting). We think of a fireproof mat to prevent the heat from damaging the ground below.

The other thing is that it could be hard to construct. Some reviewers have noted that the screw holes are too tight, and the paint seeps into those holes to make it even harder to screw them together. So even though the manual says it takes 20 minutes to construct, expect to spend a while putting it together.

Why This Fire Pit

Keep in Mind

Great Center Piece for outdoor Seating Area: This is best for sitting around rather than standing around.

Decent Size: At 32″ x 32″, it’s not too big, not too small – suitable for people to sit around.

Comes with a Great Cover: The cover fits perfectly and protects the fire pit from the weather.

Mesh Lid: The mesh lid keeps the fire contained and prevents embers from spitting out.

Low to the Ground: It’s designed for seating areas, not standing around them.

Hard to Construct: The holes for the screws are tight, making construction pretty frustrating.

2. Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Fire Pit – Best Fire Pit for Grilling

Quick Review: This is our pick for the best fire pit for grilling. This fire pit has a removable grilling plate for cooking outdoors.

BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit, 32 Inch Outdoor Backyard Patio Fire Pit with 18.7 Inch Cooking Grill Grate, BlackCheck Price on Amazon

We feel this fire pit is suitable for a genuine wood-burning fire experience where we can roast our marshmallows and even cook a steak!

A fire pit’s average height and dimensions are 32 and 25 inches high (about 2 feet in diameter). The one thing that exceeds the average is that it’s nice and deep to allow users to fit lots of wood there.

Plus, the walls of this pit are made of mesh to let air flow through the fire. Because the fire gets tons of oxygen, it burns easier and cleaner than an in-ground pit.

We are big fans of the cooking grill. It can be adjusted up and down and swivels 360 degrees. The swivel is great to use once the food cooks. The chef can swivel it around so it’s no longer directly over the fire to let it sit and cool.

The one complaint we have about the grill grate section is that adjusting the height is not easy. We love that you can adjust it, but it’s hard to change the grill height mid-fire because… it could get too hot to touch!

Now for the things that concern us a little.

There isn’t a mesh lid to place over the fire while it’s burning. So, it’s not as good at spitting embers as some.

It doesn’t have a storage cover, which we’d prefer.

Why This Fire Pit

Keep in Mind

Great for Wood Fires: It feels like a campfire in your backyard.

Deep Pit: The bottomless pit allows users to fit more wood than other models.

Intense Burn: The sides allow oxygen in and around the pit to fuel the fire.

Removable Cooking Grate: You can place the cooking grate on, adjust its height, and swivel it – making it great for a cookout!

No Lid: There isn’t a mesh lid to prevent embers from spitting out.

No Cover: We wish it had a total storage cover to protect it from the elements.

Smokey: Wood fire pits are much more smokey than propane fire pits.

3. Tiki 25-inch stainless steel smokeless fire pit

Quick Review: An impressive fire pit that comes in 25-or 21.5-inch models. The superb design includes a stand, a weather-resistant cover, and a wood pack.

TIKI Brand 25 Inch Stainless Steel Smokeless Fire Pit - Includes Wood Pack and Cloth CoverCheck Price on Amazon

We are very excited about this one. First, the design and construction quality is excellent. It has 16-gauge stainless steel and pairs with a durable weatherproof powder-coated exterior.

The heating radius is quite decent, providing around 4-feet of warmth.

Note that the smokeless part of the name is more of a marketing gimmick. It should be low-smoke; however, that name doesn’t sell as much.

Finally, it comes with an ash pan to quickly clean up the wood remains.

Why This Fire Pit

Keep in Mind

Great design: It’s a top-quality construction and a beautiful, modern design.

Solid materials: You can’t go wrong with its 16-gauge stainless steel and weatherproof powder-coated exterior

Low smoke: You can store your firewood right under the fire pit.

Cover included: You can protect it from the elements when it’s not in use.

No Lid or Grate: While we generally prefer when the fire pit comes with adequate protection, the superb design minimizes the risk of sparks flying around.

It gets hot!: The fire pit will get hot during operation, so don’t touch it and keep a safe distance. Also, keep it at least 15 feet away from walls and structures.

4. Endless Summer Lava Rock Patio Fire Pit

Quick Review: This gas fire pit is easy to construct and has no fuss.

Endless Summer 30 Inch Square 30,000 BTU LP Gas Outdoor Propane Gas Lava Rock Patio Fire Pit Table with Slate Tile Mantel, BrownCheck Price on Amazon

This pit is a nicely designed and well-thought-out concept. It fits the average size for a fire pit – 30 x 30 x 24 inches and can fit most 20 lb gas cylinders in the cabinet underneath (cylinder not included). But we particularly like that there are no tools required for construction.

Something great about propane fire pits is that they’re relatively clean. They usually have a simple push-button ignition and adjustable flame strength. As a result, there’s minimal smoke, the cabinet doesn’t get hot, and there are minimal spitting embers. This combination adds up to a smooth, consistent fire without the hassle.

What’s more – it comes with a cover, a massive tick in the pros column, as you can probably tell by now. It means it can be protected from the elements when not in use.

There’s a lot we like.

So why wasn’t our top pick?

We don’t like the design as much as the other propane fire pit above. That’s all! Aside from that, it’s a great little fire pit.

Why This Fire Pit

Keep in Mind

No Tools Required for Construction: It’s impressive that they’ve managed to create a fire pit that you can construct without tools.

No Hassle Propane Fire: You can turn it on and adjust the strength with one dial.

Comes with a Cover: This will help keep it clean and safe from the elements.

The Design: This is just our personal preference, but we like the design of the other propane fire pit on the list (above) more than this one.

Not a Wood Fire: We prefer the smell and feel of a wood-burning fire.

5. Pleasant Hearth Martin Extra Deep Wood Burning Fire Pit

Quick Review: This might appeal to people who like the look of a stone fire pit. It’s pretty significant compared to some other holes.

Pleasant Hearth Martin Extra Deep Wood Burning Fire Pit, 26-InchCheck Price on Amazon

This model checks most of our boxes:

  • It has a mesh cover that completely encases the fire pit, reducing the possibility of embers flying around.
  • We’ve reviewed the Pleasant Hearth brand before, and it has excellent quality and support behind it.
  • It comes with a poker and a cooking grid.
  • It has a lower price than most other products on our list!

Why This Fire Pit

Keep in Mind

Medium size and Deep Fire Pit: The heating propagates evenly at 26-inches wide and has open sides.

Prevents Embers Jumping Out: The mesh covers the fire pit entirely, preventing any jumps or spills.

 

No Cover Included: We prefer to include a full cover for protecting a fire pit when it’s not in use.

Not the best poker: Many complain that the included poker is too short and may cause you to burn yourself when rearranging the logs.

What we Look for in an Outdoor Fire Pit

Mesh Lid Screen for Catching Embers

We like to see mesh lid screens on fire pits. It would be best to place the mesh lid on the fire while burning. This lid helps prevent popping and spitting embers from jumping out of the fire.

This jumping is especially common when the wind whips up mid-fire. Rogue embers are one of the biggest causes of fires in outdoor and indoor fireplaces.

A mesh screen will catch most of these rogue embers and save you from calling the fire department.

Included Storage Cover

After using it, it’s always best to throw a storage cover over a fire pit. However, ensure clean and cool before throwing the storage cover over the fire pit.

We like to see the companies providing a storage cover with the purchase. The surface should cover the fire pit, protecting your investment from the elements. In particular, the fire bowl shouldn’t get water in it. That water will start rusting the bottom of the pit within weeks. If we decide to get one without a cover, we’d probably still buy a cover separately.

Height from Ground

Do you want to stand around the fire or sit around the fire? Unfortunately, they don’t design most fire pits for sitting around the fire.

Your main options are a 1-foot high or 2-foot high pit.

People often prefer higher pits on wood decks because the heat is more elevated. Read your fire pit’s manual about using it on a patio.

The height of the fire bowl from the ground is pretty important – especially if you’re using a wood-burning pit. This height is essential because wood-burning fire bowls radiate heat much more than propane-fueled fire bowls.

For some reason, wood-burning fire bowls tend to sit lower. It’s frustrating, but that’s the way it is.

Consider placing a fireproof mat under your pit on a flammable surface. But, again, read your manual for what can and cannot be done.

Wood vs. Propane Fuel

There are two types of fire pits: wood-burning and propane.

A wood-burning pit is to have a real fire – with crackling wood that you play with, stir, prod, and feed. You see the smoke and smell the fire. So if you like that, of course – get a wood-burning pit!

But the con of a wood-burning pit is that it radiates heat down. So it’s not the best for a deck or patio. By contrast, propane pits usually sit higher and radiate less heat down. Check your manual.

The other con of wood is that it requires more work. Therefore, it would be best if you kept an eye on the embers and regularly maintained the fire.

And that’s where propane works well.

Propane can be a good idea if you want a friendly, warm, consistent fire that you can burn while sitting around and chatting. Also, propane pits sit higher and are less likely to radiate heat down a deck.

However, we don’t get as much joy from a propane fire.

It doesn’t sparkle and flickers like a wood fire. You can’t prod, play, chat and drink with your friends while staring into the fire.

Cooking Grill Grate

A cooking grill grate is a great option for a wood-burning fire. We like a grate that sits above the fire and can be adjustable up and down. If you’re planning to cook over your fire, we recommend it. We have a full review of cooking grill grates that you can read for more great ideas.

Firewood Storage

Having a fire pit that has a wood storage section is fantastic. We saw one with wood storage, and immediately it attracted us. Otherwise, you might need a separate firewood rack. See our full review of firewood racks for more details.

Grate

A grate is a panel you place under fire to raise it slightly. It lets air come in under the fire to add oxygen. It makes the fire burn smoother and cleaner, with less smoke and more flame. We like to see a pit that comes with its purpose-built grate. For more on grates, see our full review of fireplace grates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Fire Pit on a Patio or Wood Deck?

This a pretty common question, where the answer is: it depends. Some companies recommend not using their pit on the patio or deck as it’ll damage the surfaces. Others are okay with it if you use a fireproof mat or another fire-resistant surface underneath. So it depends on your fire pit. Consider a propane fire pit for your wood deck or patio using worried. They’re much less likely to radiate heat downward, but again – check the manuals.

Can I use Fire Starters and Gasoline in a Fire Pit?

No! Chances are fire accelerants will probably burn through the fire bowl. Fire pits can usually only hold wood. Wood burns at a specific temperature. If you add gasoline or fire starters, you’ll burn it at a higher temperature and likely damage or steam through the bowl – ruining your fire pit!

Final Thoughts

We like the Yaheetech square outdoor fire pit for a wood-burning fire pit.

We want the Endless Summer lava rock patio fire pit for a propane-burning fire pit.

We kept this in mind when researching where we’d place our fire pit and whether we were more interested in the experience of sitting around a fire (wood burning) or the heat while chatting with friends on the patio (propane).

We hope this review has been helpful for you – and remember always to follow the requirements and recommendations in your fire pit’s manual.