Best Fire Pits – Excellent Gear to Improve Your Outdoor Living Spaces!
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to upgrade your backyard or patio, then you may want to consider adding a stylish and practical fire pit. Late nights relaxing with friends and family can become something even more remarkable when you sit by a roaring fire.
These beautiful and function centrepieces can be an excellent way to improve your outdoor living spaces, which is why we are going to look at some of the best fire pits you can find. Each one of these pieces is gorgeous and will add a sense of class and style to any home.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Fire Pits in 2020 - Comparison
- 10 Best Fire Pits - Reviewed
- 1. AZ Patio Heaters GS-F-PC Propane Fire Pit
- 2. Heininger 5995 58,000 BTU Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
- 3. CobraCo SH101 Hand Hammered Copper Fire Pit
- 4. Landmann 26364 23 Savannah Garden Light Fire Pit
- 5. Sun Joe SJFP35-STN Cast Stone Fire Pit
- 6. Landmann 28335 Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit
- 7. Sunnydaze Diamond Weave Outdoor Fire Pit - Large 40 Inch Round Wood Burning Backyard & Patio Firepit Bowl
- 8. Best Choice Products Home Outdoor Patio Natural Stone Gas Fire Pit for Backyard
- 9. Catalina Creations 29" Heavy Duty Cast Iron Fire Pit with Cover and Accessories
- 10. Blue Rhino Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit
- How To Choose Fire Pit
- Final Verdict
10 Best Fire Pits in 2020 - Comparison
Image | Name | Dimensions (inches) | Heat output (BTU's) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 38 x 29 x 38 | 40,000 | ||
  | 19.2 x 19.2 x 11.5 | 58,000 | ||
  | CobraCo SH101 Hand Hammered 100% Copper Fire Pit (Currently unavailable) | 30 x 30 x 21 | 58,000 | |
  | 24.25 x 25 x 28.5 | 58,000 | ||
  | 36.4 x 13 x 35 | 50,000 | ||
  | Landmann 28335 Big Sky Stars & Moons Fire Pit (Currently unavailable) | 17 x 29.25 x 29.25 | 58,000 | |
  | 20 x 40 x 40 | 55,000 | ||
  | 9.1 x 28 x 28 | 30,000 | ||
  | 19.69 x 29.53 x 29.53 | 30,000 | ||
  | 30 x 30 x 24 | 30,000 |
10 Best Fire Pits - Reviewed
1. AZ Patio Heaters GS-F-PC Propane Fire Pit
This particular model from AZ Patio Heaters is built to be a sturdy centerpiece for your patio furniture.
Although it is relatively small, it is made high so that you can place a propane tank underneath the pit. Overall, this model is designed for long nights sitting around the fire with friends.
As far as performance goes, this fire pit can emit up to 40,000 BTU’s of heat, which covers a radius of about 15 feet. For safety purposes, you should keep all wooden furniture at least a foot or so away.
One really cool feature of this fire pit is the table topper, which enables you to use the piece as a regular table when you don’t need extra heat. The pit itself also uses glass beads to add an elegant and refined look.
Best of all, you can buy different colors if you like and customize the appearance. Finally, it comes with a thermocouple flame failure device so that there is no risk of a propane leak.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Uses propane for reliability and efficiency
- Compact design is easy to install
- Tank is covered for better appearances
- Works as a table as well
- Puts out around 40K BTU's of heat
- Warms an area of about fifteen feet
- Sets up in minutes
- Uses glass beads to add an elegant appearance
- Thermocouple flame failure device for safety
Cons
- You will most likely have to purchase additional beads to fill the pit
- Water may damage the insides, so you have to cover it in wet conditions
In some cases, you want a fire pit that is more portable than anything else so that you can bring it with you on various occasions, whether it’s camping, tailgating, or something else.
Fortunately, this compact fire pit from Heininger is just the ticket as it is small enough to fit in your backseat or trunk, but powerful enough to provide just the right amount of heat and light.
Performance-wise, this pit is really great for illuminating your outdoor space. While it can produce up to 58,000 BTU’s of heat, the smaller size means that it doesn’t go very far. Nonetheless, it works really well at adding a bit of atmosphere to your setting while also allowing for some warmth.
The other thing about the heat level is that it all transmits upwards. This means that the bottom of the pit stays relatively cool, so you could put it on almost any surface without any burn risk. For appearance’s sake, this pit comes with decorative rocks that will last for years.
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Compact design fits almost anywhere
- Propane hose with regulator attached
- Burns smoke-free
- All-weather design
- Relatively lightweight
- Delivers up to 58,000 BTU’s of heat
- Includes decorative lava rocks for appearance
- Bottom of pit does not get scalding
Cons
- Heat range is limited
- Flames may be too bright for some users
So far, we’ve seen fire pits that use artificial (read: gas-powered) flames to illuminate the night and keep you warm.
However, if you prefer to use old-school methods for getting a roaring fire, then you will want something like this CobraCo 100% Copper Pit.
What we like about this model is its simple elegance.
It’s a gorgeous hand-hammered copper bowl and a steel stand to hold it up. It’s wide enough to carry several large logs, and because the whole thing is metal, you can use it again and again.
To further enhance your fire experience, this pit also comes with a metal mesh cover so that you can minimize the amount of sparks and smoke that come off the wood. Also, the cover can help keep leaves and other debris out of the bowl.
Finally, it also has a stretchable vinyl wrap so that you can put the whole thing away and keep water and other elements from getting inside.
Pros
- Sturdy copper and steel construction
- Hand hammered design for a better aesthetic
- Extra large for patios and outdoor seating
- Works with wood and charcoal
- Metallic mesh cover for fire protection
- Vinyl wrapping to keep elements out
- Relatively lightweight design for easier transportation
Cons
- Copper surface requires regular cleaning and upkeep
- Metal stand may not be as sturdy as the bowl
Our final fire pit is another steel wood-burning model. Like the others we’ve seen, this one comes with a deep bowl so that you can make larger and stronger fires, and it comes with intricate designs on the side.
Some cool features that we like about this pit include the metal rings on the side for easy carrying.
The open-air design for better flow and heat dispersion, and the fact that it is lighter than most other models. Overall, if you are looking for something cost-effective and easy to use, this will be a great option.
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Deep pit design for larger fires
- Open-air construction for better airflow
- Metallic mesh cover to reduce smoke and ash
- Side rings for easier carrying
- Sturdy metal feet for stability
- Relatively lightweight for easier transportation
Cons
- Paint may start to peel off quickly
- Steel can begin to rust over time
If you want the ultimate fire pit experience, you could buy some artistic masonry blocks and build something in your backyard that will last a lifetime.
However, that is a lot of work, so instead, you can choose to buy this model from Sun Joe.
It has the real appearance of a masonry project, but it is portable and much more convenient.
Besides the appearance, we like the fact that it comes with a robust cast iron bowl for burning wood or other substances with ease. Like the other wood burning pits we’ve seen, this unit also comes with a metallic mesh cover so that you can minimize the amount of smoke and ash billowing out. Not only that, but it comes with a metal grate for your logs so that you get ideal airflow while burning.
Overall, if you want to add some class and style to your patio or backyard without having to build anything yourself, this is a fantastic alternative.
Pros
- Durable cast stone and iron construction
- Concrete provides insulation for the heat
- Steel bowl allows for burning of any wood
- Metallic mesh cover included
- Large size provides ideal outdoor decoration
- Metal log grate allows for proper airflow
Cons
- Sides can get quite hot
- Requires two people to move into place
- Bowl may be too shallow for some users
Next, we have another fire pit that allows you to build big fires and keep your backyard warm with affordable style.
If you like the stars and moon motif, then you will love this pit, along with all of the standard features that come with it.
First of all, this model is rather deep, meaning that you can build some pretty impressive fires inside.
It comes with a metal grate to allow air to flow underneath your logs, and it also has a metal mesh cover to keep smoke and embers from flying out. The pit itself is made of heavy duty rolled steel, but it’s still relatively lightweight when compared to other similar models.
Finally, it even comes with a metallic outer ring that can be used as a carrying handle or as a footrest while relaxing next to the pit.
Pros
- Durable cold-rolled steel construction
- Sand-color coating adds a clay-like texture
- Stars and moons cutouts on the side
- Metallic mesh cover to reduce smoke and embers
- Metal grate for airflow to logs
- Deep well for bigger fires
- Cooking grate included as well
- Relatively lightweight and easy to move
- External metal ring for easier carrying or footrest
Cons
- Paint coating will wear off relatively quickly
- Steel will rust over time
Getting back to wood-burning pits, we have a gorgeous designer model from Sunnydaze. What we like most about this pit is that it has an open-air diamond pattern, which allows for improved airflow (removing the need for a grate), as well as heat dispersion. Not only that, but it looks amazing.
The other cool thing about this pit is that it is coated with high-temperature paint.
This prevents it from flaking too easily, and it keeps the steel frame from rusting too quickly. Another awesome function of this pit is the removable fire bowl, which makes dumping ash and leftovers a breeze. Finally, it also comes with a metallic mesh cover so that you can reduce the amount of smoke and embers flying off.
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Coated in high-temperature paint for better resilience
- Elegant diamond-weave pattern
- Design allows for airflow and heat distribution
- Metallic mesh cover to reduce smoke and ash
- Interior fire bowl is removable for easier cleaning
- Relatively lightweight for easier moving
Cons
- In rare cases, the metal may start to rust quickly
- On rare occasions, the pit may arrive damaged
While wood-burning fire pits are great because they last forever and you can use them however you like, there is something to be said for the convenience of having a pit that runs on propane.
So far, we’ve seen some pretty basic models that don’t offer a lot of customization, but this Stone Fire Pit from Best Choice Products is much more high-tech.
While we would prefer if the propane could fit underneath this pit, the fact is that you can manage with running a hose from an external tank without too many problems. The coolest feature of this model is the one-touch ignition and fire control system, which enables you to adjust the flame level as much as you want.
The appearance of this pit is also remarkable, as it has a stainless steel bowl (filled with decorative rocks), and a stone finish that looks like real masonry. Overall, if you want an elegant and user-friendly fire pit, this is an incredible option.
Pros
- Durable stone and stainless steel construction
- Exterior looks like professional masonry
- Control knob on the side for convenience
- Hooks up to a propane tank
- Delivers up to 30,000 BTU’s of heat
- Relatively lightweight design
- One-step ignition button
- Decorative lava rocks inside the pit
- Weatherproof cover included
Cons
- Propane tank cannot fit underneath, so you have to run a hose to the pit
- May be smaller than you anticipate
- Heat range is limited
If you aren’t that big on copper (or you don’t want to have to clean it regularly), then this cast iron fire pit from Catalina Creations may be a better option.
Although this particular model is quite heavy, it is compact enough to fit just about anywhere on your patio, and it has a deep bowl so that you can build fires as large and as hot as you like.
Overall, this fire pit is another relatively simple design. It has three curled metal legs on the bottom, it has a metal grate inside to allow for airflow underneath your logs, and it comes with a metallic mesh cover to keep smoke and embers from flying around.
While we do wish that it also came with a waterproof cover, you can use a tarp or some other material to keep it dry during the wetter months. We appreciate the fine craftsmanship that signifies that this pit will last for years to come.
Pros
- Durable cast iron construction
- Extra deep bowl allows for bigger and longer fires
- Star emblems etched on the side for added flair
- Metallic mesh cover to reduce sparks and smoke
- Log grate on the bottom to allow for better airflow
Cons
- Much heavier than other models
- Iron will develop rust over time
Next, we have another upright fire pit, much like the first one, we looked at the top of this list.
Overall, if you are searching for a decorative centerpiece for your patio or backyard, this is a great option.
Best of all, it’s manufactured by a propane company, meaning that you can rely on high-quality flames.
Performance-wise, this pit delivers up to 30,000 BTU’s of heat that disperses up to around ten feet. It also uses glass beads in the center for decorative purposes, meaning that you can buy different colors to create a more stunning effect.
As for the propane, it sits underneath and is covered by steel sides and an easy access door. To keep the flame going, this unit comes with a piezo igniter and a safety valve to prevent leaks. While we would prefer if there were also a table topper so you can use it as a flat surface, this is a gorgeous piece for any outdoor activities.
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Runs on propane
- Tank fits underneath
- Easy access door for convenience
- Glass beads on top for elegant appearance
- Works as a centerpiece for any patio
- Delivers up to 30,000 BTU’s of heat
- Safety valve and piezo ignition included
- Durable vinyl covering provided
- Safe to use on a wood deck
Cons
- Much heavier than other similar models
- In rare cases, the ignition may cut out suddenly
How To Choose Fire Pit
Size
Depending on your outdoor space, you may have to purchase a fire pit that can reasonably fit without taking up too much room. When determining your size requirements, you will want to measure the pit itself and then add about a foot or two on top of that. It’s always a good idea to keep extra space around the fire so that furniture and clothing don't ignite on accident.
The other thing about size is weight. While the material used will affect this greatly as well, the bigger your pit is, the heavier it will be. As such, you want to consider the possibility of moving the unit on occasion (such as in the winter), and how feasible it will be to do so.
Fuel Type
When looking at different fire pits, you can opt for a more traditional model or something a bit more modern. That being said, you can either get one that lets you burn wood inside, or one that uses propane to deliver customizable results. Let’s compare the two and see how they stack up.
Wood vs. Propane
Overall, the advantage of getting a wood-burning fire pit is that you can reuse it over and over again without worrying about damaging sophisticated equipment. Most of the time, these pits are made of heavy-duty metal, which also means that they can withstand most weather and environments as well.
The downside of wood is that you have to keep logs on hand, and you have to clean the pit out on a regular basis. Ash disposal is usually the biggest problem because it can be messy and difficult to do properly.
Propane fire pits are fantastic if you are more concerned about appearance than anything. Usually, these models are much more stylish and come with a wider array of designs, from all metal to faux-stone. The other cool thing about propane is that you can adjust the fire level to your needs, so you can make it hotter or colder depending on the situation.
The disadvantage of propane is that you have to worry about the tank. Hooking it up can be a hassle, and there is the small chance that it could leak. Also, propane usually doesn’t provide as much heat as wood, so if you want something really hot you may not get it.
Design
One of the biggest reasons to get a fire pit is to add a bit of aesthetic to your outdoor space. As such, you should take the time to browse the various selection of designs and styles and pick the one that works best for your home. Whether it’s an all-metal wood-burning pit with stars and the moon carved on the side, or it’s a fake stone propane pit, you want something that will stand out.
For the most part, propane fire pits will offer much more selection as far as color scheme and style. Usually, if you want a model that resembles masonry, you will have to go with propane. The other good thing about these pits is that they usually come with some kind of decorative rocks, meaning that you can further customize the appearance as you see fit. You can buy different colored stones (including glass) and create something unique to your situation.
Final Verdict
In the end, when picking out our top choice for fire pits, we have to split them up between wood-burning and propane models. That being said, the best propane fire pit we saw was the Sun Joe Cast Stone model. We loved the appearance of the masonry finish, as well as the attention to detail. While it’s not quite as high tech as the Best Choice unit, it is a bit more robust and reliable.
As far as wood-burning pits go, we loved the Sunnydaze Diamond Weave Pit because it looked the best and had the greatest features. We appreciate the fact that you can empty the bowl without having to carry the whole thing around, and we like the open air design.
