Best fire pit ring: Inno Stage 36-inch Fire Ring Best fire pit for grilling: Bali Outdoors Wood-Burning Fire Pit with Cooking GrillBest smokeless fire pit: Solo Stove Bonfire PitBest propane fire pit: Bond Manufacturing Newcastle Propane FirebowlBest fire pit on a budget: Best Choice Products 21.5-inch Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl Table
Compare styles to find the fire pit suited to your family
Chances are good that if you grew up in a camping household, there was one option and one option only: a wood-burning fire pit that was likely makeshift and low to the ground. But now there are multiple types that serve different purposes, and anyone (or more!) might be the best fire pit for your situation. Running down additional options, there are propane fire pits and you can get a tabletop fire pit (wood-burning or propane) if you prefer; they can come in beautiful vessels and create a mesmerizing, relaxing display for guests. For those on the go, you might also want a portable fire pit—one you can pack with you to go camping, tailgating, or visiting friends. And there are natural gas fire pits, though they are generally the most expensive and must be connected to your house’s main gas line; however, that takes away the hassle of having to refill propane tanks or buy firewood and it’s more environmentally friendly than burning wood.
Wood you like a classic outdoor fire pit?
Wood-burning fire pits are still the best option for warmth, especially if you’re looking for a fire that can reach a fairly large radius. They’re also generally the cheapest and easiest. But they come with downsides. First, you’ll wind up smelling like, well, a campfire. It can be hard to get smoke out of clothes and hair and anyone who’s prone to migraines or asthma can have difficulty with this type of campfire. You’ll also need to douse the fire afterward or wait for the embers to cool down before you can walk away, and you’ll need a place to store wood where it won’t attract bugs or get too wet in the rain. Still, anyone with nostalgia smoldering within them will enjoy one of these fire pits.
Why a smokeless fire pit might be your best bet
If you’re sensitive to smoke but still want the feel of a wood-burning fire pit, you might want a smokeless fire pit, a newer technology that’s made to significantly lessen the amount of smoke emitted from a campfire. Some of these use wood logs, and some use wood chips (which you can buy at most big home improvement and hardware stores). They’re vented at the bottom and double-walled for insulation. One drawback, though, is that the flame tends to be vertical—you won’t feel the warmth from more than a few feet away because the heat doesn’t spread out much. That means a smokeless fire pit is not a great pick for a large group, especially if you don’t want to be forced to huddle up directly next to each other. But it can be perfect for close-up use and for grilling, and they’re easily portable for travel.
Dial-in on a fiery experience
Propane fire pits burn cleaner—there’s no smoke or hot embers to deal with afterward—and they’re easier to control; one button turns the fire on and off and you can generally dial it up or down for a bigger or smaller flame. Prices vary widely because propane fire pits can be highly decorative or more utilitarian and can have special features like colored fire glass (which you can also add on if yours comes with standard lava rocks). Also, they generally don’t get as hot as wood-burning fire pits.
Best fire pit ring: Inno Stage 36-inch Fire Ring
These fire pit rings are portable fire pits for camping, or you can keep them in your backyard. They come in four pieces, are simple to assemble, and also include a carrying case. You can use these fire pit rings by themselves on bare ground or as fire-pit liners.
Best for grilling: Bali Outdoors Wood-Burning Fire Pit with Cooking Grill
A traditional wood-burning fire pit on low legs, this outdoor fire pit is particularly sturdy for long-term use thanks to a reinforcing ring around its base. Its unusual design allows for a second-level grill surface: the grill is adjustable up and down and in a 360-degree circle. It also contains an insert to help place logs in criss-cross patterns for better burning and has a small outer ledge around the top.
Best smokeless fire pit: Solo Stove Bonfire Pit
This Solo Stove smokeless fire pit is made from brushed-finish stainless steel and looks a bit like a colander on the bottom. It’s designed to feed oxygen to the fire from below, and users agree that it really does take away just about all of the smoke. If you’re going to use this on a wooden deck or grass, be aware that you’ll need to use the stand that’s included with this Solo Stove Bonfire. This outdoor fire pit also comes with a carrying case.
Propane fire pit: Bond Manufacturing Newcastle Propane Firebowl
Hide your propane tank in this stone-look column, with a stainless steel fire bowl and an easy-to-use ignition button and adjustable knob to control the strength of your fire. This outdoor fire pit arrives assembled and ready to use. It comes with lava rocks, but you can swap that out for colored fire glass.
What you can get for under $60
It’s simple to find fire rings under $60 if that’s all you need, but that means you’ll need to have ground suitable for it. If you’re looking for more traditional fire pits, you’re probably sacrificing quality to go for a budget type: cheaper quality metal that’s more prone to rust, thinner metal, less sturdy construction, and fewer accessories such as covers, tools, heat shields, and grills. But all of that may be fine with you if you’re planning to use a fire pit occasionally, especially if you can store it in a garage or shed between uses instead of expecting it to be a permanent feature on your patio or in your yard.
Best patio fire pit on a budget: Best Choice Products 21.5-inch Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl Table
Most fire pits are sold piecemeal: you have to buy accessories and covers separately. With this patio fire pit package, you get a fire pit, fire spark guard, grilling surface, water-resistant cover, poker, and a shelf to store firewood or tools. As with most budget items, though, there are drawbacks. It’s not a great pick if you’re in an area with a lot of rain or humidity, as there are complaints about rust—sometimes it’s best to double up on covers for better protection. It’s also on the flimsy side, but if you store firewood on the shelf, that can help to keep it weighted to the ground.
The final word on the best fire pit for your backyard
In the end, the best fire pit for you will take into account a combination of what you intend to use it for, the appearance and height you like best, any smoke sensitivities you or your family may have, and your budget. With so many good options, though, you’re bound to find one that’s just right to add the perfect touch to your summer campout.
