Cory Fernandez
Commerce Editor
Bridget Shirvell
Fire pits come in multiple sizes and configurations, from small and portable to larger single units and table-style chairs. They also have various fuel options: natural gas, wood and propane. But before investing in a fire pit, consider where you’ll place it and how you’ll use it. Will you be cooking marshmallows or simply sitting nearby to keep warm? Do you want to take it on the road, or will it stay in the backyard?
To help you decide, we consulted experts who recommend keeping the following factors in mind:
Using recommendations from experts in outdoor landscape and design, along with other top-rated options, we rounded up the best fire pits to shop for your next backyard campfire.
This gas-powered fire pit table has plenty of room for drinks, food and more, and provides up to 50,000 BTU (British thermal units) of heat to keep you warm, according to the brand. It’s also easy to use — just connect a propane tank to the hidden compartment inside of the table. Aside from its simplicity, this pit is sleekly designed with lava rocks in the middle, and a silver control knob for maintaining the heat levels and flame. This fire pit is available in 32- and 42-inch models.
This Breeo pit is perfect for anyone with a sensitivity to campfire smoke — it’s made from heavy-duty steel and can achieve a smokeless burn, thanks to the double-walled design and secondary combustion holes, according to the brand. As the wood burn grows, the walls heat up, causing pressurized hot air to rise and mix with the smoke, resulting in the smoke reburning without escaping the pit and potentially causing eye irritation, according to the brand. It’s also available in multiple finishes and sizes.
At under $150, this fire pit is one of the most affordable options on the market. It includes a cooking grate for grilling, a mesh screen and a poker for safety, according to the brand. It’s also made of durable steel, and has a safety ring and rotating cooking grid for barbequing.
Solo Stove fire pits are built for ease and portability, and this smokeless option is a bestseller. It’s made from stainless steel, and comes with a removable ash pan and a carrying case for easy transport. It’s also smokeless, thanks to airflow technology that makes it easier to start and maintain your fire.
The Outdoor Greatroom Company offers a variety of eye-catching fire pit designs, and this table-style pit is no exception. It’s made of a powder-coated aluminum frame with a mesh base and composite top, and also comes with a matching composite burner cover, according to the brand. It’s easy to move around your space, comes with a standard manual, battery-operated ignition sparker, and is also quite versatile — though initially set up for liquid propane, the pit can be converted to natural gas fueling using an included kit.
Sunnydaze makes a range of outdoor products, including hammocks, fountains and patio umbrellas.The brand’s wood-burning fire pit has a relatively simple set up and is easy to move if you change your mind about where it should be. At 36 inches in diameter, it’s large enough for family and friends to gather around and comes with a metal, built-in wood-burning grate and poker. This fire pit comes in both Black and Bronze.
This fire pit comes with two adjustable grill plates for grilling food with aluminum foil, and they are safe to use simultaneously. The middle of the fire pit collapses so that it can be used as a flat table to hold food, drink and supplies. It also comes with a cover to protect it when you aren’t using it or when there’s inclement weather.
Below, we compiled expert advice on factors to consider, including fuel type, location, and safety precautions.
This means deciding between a fire pit table, a covered fire pit or a portable fire pit. These will usually be steel or stone. You should also decide if you want a smokeless fire pit (which aren’t always entirely smoke-free, according to Shaunfield), which has a lot less smoke than other types, especially wood fire pits.
Location is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for a fire pit, says Hilliard. Here’s how to best determine your fire pit’s prime real estate:
Some models come with electronic ignition — others you light with a match or lighter, especially if using wood or pellets. Gas fire pits are the easiest because they ignite instantly, according to Shaunfield.
“Fires can spread from sparks, embers, or being too close to something flammable, and gas or propane bring their own risks,” says Shaunfield. “That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to where you start a fire.” Both Hilliard and Shaunfield recommend placing it at least 10 to 12 feet away from a home.
As with any fire, it’s important to have a fire extinguisher that you are familiar with using, especially if a fire becomes unexpectedly out of control.
“When you’re done, make sure it’s completely out — no glowing embers left,” says Shaunfield. “The best way is to dump water over it and stir the ashes with a stick until the smoke and embers are totally gone.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bridget Shirvell is a former contributor at NBC Select. For this article, she spoke to outdoor landscape experts about the best fire pits, including tips on how to shop for them. She also researched and compiled other top-rated fire pits.
Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor at NBC Select. He contributed additional reporting.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
