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These days, having a patio heater is essential for dining outdoors, but if you’re looking to kick back with a group of friends, what you really need is a backyard fire pit.
Backyard fire pits make your outdoor space an attractive and welcoming setting for social gatherings, whether that includes relaxing with your family after a long day or hosting a weekend get-together with friends. These fire pits are more convenient than building or digging a permanent version in your yard, and most require little or no assembly to get set up.
They’re great to have now, with spring on the way bringing warmer early evening temps, and will be essential for summer entertaining. You’ll be able to find them in a range of sizes too, so even if your yard is relatively small, you should still find one that can fit your space safely.
What to Consider
The most important thing to consider when choosing a backyard fire pit is the type of fuel you plan on using, whether that’s wood or natural gas. Although wood-burning fire pits provide a warm and cozy atmosphere, they do take some time and effort to light and maintain, and can sometimes generate frustrating smoke and flying embers. It's also important to remember that wood-burning fire pits should never be used on wooden decks.
Gas-fueled pits typically use a standard propane tank, making them simple to light, and making it easy to control the size and output of the fire itself.
You should also take your overall space into account. While larger fire pits can generate more heat, if they take up too much room, they can be more of an inconvenience and take away from the relaxing atmosphere you’re trying to create. Fire pits that don’t have adequate space around them to allow you to walk past pose a dangerous tripping hazard, as well.
How We Selected
We’ve used fire pits in backyards, and on decks and patios, for years, including both wood-burning and natural-gas fueled models. We kept this hands-on experience in mind when selecting the models for this list, as well as consulting reviews of these products from trusted outlets. To ensure that as many readers as possible would benefit from our picks, we also made sure to include a wide variety of sizes, materials, and fuel types, so regardless of your specific situation, you should find a backyard fire pit that fits your needs.
1
Best Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Sun Joe Wood Burning Fire Pit
1
Best Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Sun Joe Wood Burning Fire Pit
Pros
Attractive style- Included screen
- Included hook for moving logs
Cons
- Can't be used on wooden decks
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 20.5 inches
- Weight: 57 pounds
- Material: Stone
- Fuel: Wood
This Sun Joe fire pit is available in two different styles—both made of durable and heat-resistant stone—and adds a stylish, sophisticated touch to your patio or yard. The large bowl can accommodate logs up to 21.5 inches long, and a convenient wire mesh screen protects nearby furniture—or bystanders—from any errant sparks or embers.
The included 24-inch hook allows you to place or remove this screen without risking injury, and also makes for a handy tool when you need to move logs and kindling around. If any issues arise, the two-year warranty should have you covered.
2
Best Portable Option
Sunnydaze Portable Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl
2
Best Portable Option
Sunnydaze Portable Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Lightweight
- Includes zippered case
- Legs fold up for storage
Cons
- Not as durable as more permanent pits
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 29 x 29 x 24 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Material: Alloy steel
- Fuel: Wood
The light weight of this Sunnydaze model—just 12 pounds—makes it the perfect choice for those who want a portable, easy-to-transport fire pit.
Despite the lightweight design, this circular 29-inch model is still wide enough to handle a decent amount of wood, and the foldable legs make it easy to break down when you’re ready to store it away.
A protective spark screen on top of the bowl allows you to store the included poker inside during transport, and the entire unit fits inside a zippered case. Assembly is simple, straightforward, and should be easy to accomplish yourself.
3
Best for Small Spaces
Christopher Knight Home Chesney Stone MGO Fire Column
3
Best for Small Spaces
Christopher Knight Home Chesney Stone MGO Fire Column
Pros
- Small footprint
- Fits propane tank inside
Cons
- Assembly required
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 29 inches
- Weight: 71 pounds
- Material: Natural stone
- Fuel: Gas
The small footprint of this column-style fire pit would be perfect for those who don’t have a lot of outdoor space. The 71-pound weight and stone body give it a solid, sturdy feel, and an included cover ensures that the column will be protected from the elements when not in use.
The column itself is just large enough to fit a standard size propane tank inside, so you won’t have to worry about storing it elsewhere or trying to hide unsightly gas hoses. It’s also simple to use right out of the box: just fill with lava rocks and you’re all set.
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4
Best Tabletop Fire Pit
U-Max Contemporary Fire Pit Table
4
Best Tabletop Fire Pit
U-Max Contemporary Fire Pit Table
Pros
- 50,000 BTU output
- Includes glass lid
- Adjustable feet make it suitable for uneven surfaces
Cons
- Expensive
- Assembly required
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 43.25 x 27.5 x 24.5 inches
- Weight: N/A
- Material: Rattan and aluminum
- Fuel: Gas
This large, rectangular fire pit includes a removable tempered glass lid, allowing this model to double as a tabletop as well. The weather-resistant rattan and powder-coated aluminum construction make it an especially durable option, and the 50,000 BTU output will generate an impressive amount of heat for you and your guests. It’s designed to conveniently fit a 20-pound propane tank underneath, and a sliding drawer makes it easy to access when it’s time to be replaced. There is some assembly required, so if you’re not comfortable with that, you may want to hire a professional.
5
Best Low-Smoke Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit
5
Best Low-Smoke Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit
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Pros
- Easy to move around
- Generates much less smoke than other pits
Cons
- May be too small for large gatherings
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 14 inches
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Fuel: Wood
If you’re tired of frequently moving seats to stay upwind of the smoke from a fire pit, this low-smoke model from Solo Stove could be just what you’re looking for. It still provides the rustic charm of a wood-burning pit, but its unique double-wall design produces a more complete burn, greatly reducing the amount of smoke or unburned wood particles emitted.
Its compact size also makes it easy to transport, which can really come in handy if you want to keep your patio or backyard clear when you’re not using the pit.
6
Best for Grilling
Bonnlo Outdoor Portable Fire Pit
6
Best for Grilling
Bonnlo Outdoor Portable Fire Pit
Pros
- Includes weatherproof cover
- Affordable
Cons
- Might be too large for those with limited space
- Not as heavy-duty as other pits
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 14 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Material: Alloy steel
- Fuel: Wood or charcoal
This fire pit doubles as a grilling surface, making it great choice for those who want the ability to cook without having to fire up a separate barbecue grill. A grill grate fits over the pit itself, allowing you to cook up hamburgers or hotdogs, and can be easily removed when you’re ready to enjoy the ambiance of a roaring fire.
Six drainage holes on the bottom of the pan allow you to easily extinguish the pit at the end of the night, and will also prevent rainwater from pooling up inside. Some assembly is required, but it doesn’t seem like it’s much of a challenge.
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7
Best High-End Option
TIKI Stainless Steel Low Smoke Fire Pit
Pros
- Built to last
- Removable ash pan
- Compact size
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 24.75 x 24.75 x 18.75 inches
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Material: Stainless steel
- Fuel: Wood
Although it costs significantly more than similarly sized wood-burning models, the high-quality craftsmanship and durable construction of this Tiki backyard fire pit could make it worth the price for the right buyer. While its relatively compact footprint—perched on three wire legs—gives it a minimal and clean look, this model still generates an impressive amount of heat, with a wide, 4-foot heat radius.
At just 20 pounds, this fire pit is easy to move out of the way when not in use, and it also includes a cover to protect it from potential weather damage.
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
