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The 11 Best Fire Pits of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Gather around the fire for warmth, conversation, and s’mores

Fire burning in the Novogratz Asher 27-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit

The Spruce / Ashley Craiger

Fire pits bring a special ambiance to any outdoor space, along with the perfect amount of warmth to enjoy a cozy night outdoors on cooler nights. Traditional wood-burning fire pits provide that classic campfire experience, but propane fire pits are perfect for quick and easy backyard hangouts without worrying about firewood or time-consuming cleanup at the end of the night. 

Smokeless fire pits can burn wood or pellets using designs that send any small amounts of smoke and campfire smells skyward, or burn propane or natural gas for a completely smoke-free experience.

To help you find the right fire pit for your outdoor space, we tested 28 different wood-burning, smokeless, and propane options at our own homes, evaluating each for ease of assembly and use, heating performance, smoke control, design, extra features, and value. We also enlisted expert assistance in how to best set up and use a fire pit for optimum safety and performance.

According to Larry Campbell, a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, when considering where to place your fire pit, you need to keep in mind “safety is always first,” and “you need to be sure the area you plan to use the fire pit is a fireproof-type surface. If you choose wood, a dirt area surrounded by paver stones works well to be safe.”

With Campbell’s advice in mind, we carefully set up each of our fire pits in our own outdoor spaces, many for six months or more, using them just like you would in your own backyard for evening campfires, get-togethers, and even roasting some marshmallows.

Editor’s Note: This review was updated in March 2024 after testing several of the models for six months.

Best Overall

Solo Stove Yukon 2.0

Solo Stove Yukon 2.0

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Smoke Control
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Comfortable and even heat

  • Sends smoke directly upward

  • No strong campfire smell

  • Easy cleanup

What We Don't Like
  • Accessories sold separately

We loved the way the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 provided even heat all around without even a whiff of smoke when we tested it in our backyard, which is why it’s our favorite fire pit. Assembly is fast and easy, and it’s light enough to move around if you’d like to enjoy a fire in a different part of your yard or want to take it camping. It even includes a protective ring to protect the grass underneath if you don’t have a solid surface available, so you can use it just about anywhere.

The first thing we noticed about this fire pit was the simplistic design, which results in straightforward assembly. There are only three pieces to put together—the protective ring that lets you use it on grass, the main fire pit, and a ring on top that helps with ventilation. It also includes a removable ashtray that simplifies cleanup, but that comes already in place. The three pieces came together very quickly, and we were able to start our first fire without any trouble.

Campbell tells us that when burning wood, smoke is inevitable. However, this unit is designed to funnel all the smoke straight up (instead of blowing at you with the wind).

Without checking the instructions, our first fire produced a lot of smoke. But once we built the fire the way Solo recommends, the difference was remarkable. There wasn’t any visible smoke, and we couldn’t even smell burning wood. We were able to fit six pieces of wood in at once, and then feed smaller pieces to maintain a nice fire that put off even heat all the way around at a very comfortable level. We were able to lounge in a hammock near the fire pit and enjoy the comfy, smokeless heat.

How It Performed Long-Term

After testing this fire pit for four months, it continued to provide even heat all around at a very comfortable level. Smoke production was essentially absent once we got the hang of building and maintaining the fire. We never noticed any smoke ever blowing in our faces or any lingering campfire smell in our clothes or hair.

Thanks to the removable ashtray, we also found it very easy to clean out. However, we wish that it came with a cover for storage during the colder months, as we had to rummage around in our garage for something roughly the correct size and shape. Solo sells a cover and other useful accessories, but all you need is something to cover it up and prevent dust and debris from accumulating inside when it's not in use.

Dimensions: 17 x 27 x 27 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Fuel Type: Wood | Features: Smokeless

Logs burning in the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0

The Spruce / Jennifer May

Best Budget

Yaheetech Outdoor Fire Pit

Yaheetech 32" Outdoor Fire Pit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    4/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Large wood capacity

  • Useful accessories

  • Doubles as a grill

What We Don't Like
  • Too low for comfortable grilling

  • No removable ash container

The Yaheetech 32-inch Fire Pit comes with everything you need to get started, including a fire poker and spark screen, and you can even use it as a grill, so it provides a whole lot of value. It is not technically a smokeless fire pit, but we did note that it produced much less smoke than we expected, and the large bowl holds about eight pieces of wood comfortably. The rust-resistant finish protects it from the elements too, so you can safely leave it uncovered when it's not in use.

Assembling this fire pit proved to be a straightforward process, with clear instructions that we found easy to follow. We did need to use our own screwdriver, but it’s lightweight enough that we didn’t have any trouble putting it together.

After the initial setup, we didn’t have any trouble getting a fire started or keeping it going either, and we liked the inclusion of a fire poker for moving things around, and holes in the bottom seemed to help with oxygen flow. It doesn’t include a removable ash container, but the fire pit is light enough that we didn’t have any trouble turning it over to empty it out.

The best thing about this fire pit is that it doubles as a grill. You need to get a good fire going, and then let the flames die down, so it does take some time and effort. Once the flames were low and the coals smoldering hot, we were able to grill some hot dogs and hamburgers. We wouldn’t recommend it over a dedicated grill if you have the space and budget for one, but it’s nice to have the option.

Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 25.2 inches | Material: Iron | Fuel Type: Wood | Features: Grill, spark screen, poker

Best Smokeless

Tiki Smokeless Fire Pit

Tiki Patio Smokeless Fire Pit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Smoke Control
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Fast and easy setup

  • Includes a pellet starter bag

  • No smoke or odor when using pellets

  • Very little smoke using firewood

What We Don't Like
  • Accessories sold separately

  • Two people needed for assembly

If you enjoy relaxing around a campfire with friends but you’re tired of acrid smoke blowing in your face and then smelling like burned wood when you’re done, you’ll love the Tiki Smokeless Fire Pit. This fire pit works with both pellet fuel and regular firewood, and it produces very little smoke in either case.

We noticed a bit of smoke and campfire smell when burning regular firewood, but the tiny wisps of smoke went straight up instead of into our faces. It doesn’t come with any accessories, but Tiki does sell a fire poker and screen, and a griddle/grill attachment if you need them.

This fire pit is easy to assemble, but it is a bit heavy and we found it to really be a two-person job. It’s just a matter of attaching the base to the main unit with three screws, but it’s much easier if you have one person to hold the components in place and another to fasten them together. Once set up, starting a fire with the included pellet bag was effortless. We loved that we didn’t even have to tend the fire when using the pellet pack—just sit back and enjoy the fire—which produced pleasant, even heat at a distance of about five feet.

We found that the Tiki works just as well as the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 (our best overall pick) when burning the pellet packs, but it doesn’t handle firewood quite as well. When using this fire pit with firewood, we did notice just a hint of smoke. It was barely noticeable, though, and the design of the fire pit directed it straight up. We recommend using Tiki’s pellet packs for a totally smokeless fire, but regular firewood works well enough if that’s all you have around. 

Dimensions: 24.75 x 24.75 x 18.75 inches | Material: Stainless Steel | Fuel Type: Wood/pellets | Features: Smokeless with pellets

Best Design

Frontgate Classic Copper Fire Pit

Frontgate Classic Copper Fire Pit

Frontgate

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Large diameter

  • Very sturdy

  • Stylish copper bowl

  • Simple assembly

What We Don't Like
  • Does not include a cover or spark screen

Balancing function, style, and durability, the Frontgate Classic Copper Fire Pit exhibits the best design among the fire pits we tested. This fire pit is built around a spacious copper bowl that sits upon an iron base, which offers an attractive contrast of colors and lends it a rustic, yet sophisticated look that isn’t easy to find.

During our initial testing, we created a smaller fire with five logs, but we felt the bowl could have easily fit twice as much. The unit is also noted as being able to hold logs up to 2 feet long, but we used standard 16-inch pieces of firewood while testing.

We also love that the unit has a wide base and sturdy build—the base is made of thick and heavy metal that never rocked or shook on windy days. The other side of that sturdiness is that the fire pit is hard to move, in part due to its 66-pound weight, so it's not a great portable option.

We found this unit to be very easy to assemble, and the entire process took us less than five minutes. All we needed to do was place the bowl on the stand and the grate inside the bowl, and it was ready to go. It doesn’t come with a spark screen, cover, grill, or any other accessories, so there’s nothing else to set up.

Aside from the easy assembly and design, we love the overall size of the fire pit. It has a deep bowl that allows you to create a fire in a range of sizes. Plus, this fire pit is a great size for larger gatherings. We were able to place five Adirondack chairs around the unit, but there was still lots of space to add more people if needed. 

How It Performed Long-Term

We continued testing this fire pit for four months, including several fires on cold and windy days in late fall. We loved how sturdy it is and that neither the fire pit nor any of the firewood inside blew away despite very strong winds.

We didn’t notice any weathering or wear, and doubt there will be any due to the heavy-duty construction and thick metal used for both the bowl and the stand. We did find ourselves wishing it came with a cover when it was time to pack it away for the winter, but so far, it is holding out just fine in the elements.

Dimensions: 40 x 40 x 14 inches | Material: Copper/iron | Fuel Type: Wood | Features: No extra features included

Hand lighting logs in the Frontgate Classic Copper Fire Pit

The Spruce / Jodi Espinosa

Best Splurge

Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit

Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Smoke Control
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Speedy assembly

  • Large bowl

  • Rustic aesthetic

  • Sturdy

What We Don't Like
  • Not easily portable

  • No accessories included

The Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit has a sturdy build, a large bowl that allows it to produce a good amount of heat, and a unique, rustic design. It is made from steel, and once the fire starts burning, it turns a bronze color (courtesy of the patina layer it develops when the fire burns). We think this is a stylish heat source that could seamlessly blend into any outdoor living space.

While it is described as being a smokeless model, we did notice some smoke, but it was very minimal. It's also worth noting that fire pit accessories for the unit, such as a lid and poker, must be purchased separately. For an all-in-one solution, the Yaheetech 32-inch Fire Pit (our best budget pick) includes a poker, screen, and grill attachment, but it lacks the high-end look of the Breeo X.

We were able to assemble this unit in approximately one minute without any tools. It was an easy one-step process of connecting the bottom piece to the main unit to set it all up, and then it was ready for a fire.

This is a heavy fire pit, but the handles made it easy enough to move around to different parts of our yard. It’s not the best option to bring tailgating or camping due to the weight, but the handles do make it a viable option if you don’t mind hauling around such a heavy fire pit. The benefit there is that it’s very sturdy and doesn’t even budge in high wind. We experienced winds around 30 mph during testing that shifted the rest of our patio furniture around, but the BreeoX stayed in place.

How It Performed Long-Term

We continued using the Breeo X for regular fires for about four months, and it remained an interesting focal point in our yard for the entire time. We didn’t notice any wear and tear beyond the development of an attractive patina that only enhanced the high-end appearance.

Though it was never fully smokeless, we did notice that people with asthma were able to enjoy time around the fire without any adverse reactions due to the significant reduction in smoke and soot in the air.

Dimensions: 27.5 x 27.5 x 14.75 inches | Material: Steel | Fuel Type: Wood | Features: Smokeless

Best Wood Burning

Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit

Hampton Bay Piedmont 30 in. Steel Fire Pit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Heating Performance
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Straightforward design

  • Large capacity

  • Effective spark screen

  • Attractive design

What We Don't Like
  • Needs to be covered

  • No written instructions

The Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit is our favorite traditional wood-burning fire pit because it’s easy to set up and use, holds lots of wood, and includes several useful accessories. This fire pit doesn’t have any smoke management features, but the mesh screen effectively prevents any sparks or embers from escaping, and it also comes with an accessory that transforms it into a grill.

This fire pit features a classic, straightforward design that’s both easy to assemble and use. The instructions weren’t very easy to follow and relied on diagrams instead of the clear written directions that we would have preferred. The process was easy and intuitive though, so it only took about 21 minutes to assemble. Once we finished assembly, we didn’t have any trouble starting or maintaining a fire.

The included poker came in handy for stoking the fire and adding more firewood. We were able to use the hook on the end of the poker to remove and adjust the mesh cover each time we had to add more wood. The lid felt sturdy and it did a good job of keeping sparks and floating embers trapped inside the fire pit, but it’s light enough that shifting it to the side to roast a few marshmallows wasn’t ever an issue.

This fire pit isn’t flashy, but the classic, stylish design fits very well into our outdoor space, and it’s simple enough that it should work just about anywhere. We especially like the large capacity, and that it can double as a grill if you don’t have enough room for both a fire pit and a grill. We do recommend you pick up a fire pit cover though, as we left it uncovered in the elements and the screen started to rust.  

Dimensions: 23 x 29 x 29.3 inches | Material: Steel | Fuel Type: Wood | Features: Grill, spark screen, poker

Best Tabletop

Solo Stove Mesa

Solo Stove Mesa Smokeless Fire Pit

Solo Stove

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    4/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Smoke Control
    3.8/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Compact and light

  • No smoke when using pellets

  • Works well for roasting marshmallows

  • Multiple color options

What We Don't Like
  • Gets hot to the touch

  • Pellets don’t burn very long

Tabletop fire pits are often just for looks, but the Solo Stove Mesa delivers a surprising amount of heat in addition to the pleasant ambiance of a flickering campfire right on your outdoor table. We were used to tabletop fire pits that are nice to look at but not really functional, so we were impressed at the amount of heat delivered by the Mesa and delighted that we could actually use it to roast marshmallows just like a full-sized fire pit.

The Solo Stove Mesa is essentially a downsized version of our best overall pick, the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, with the same solid performance and smokeless technology. You have the option to burn regular wood in the Mesa, but the diminutive size is more fitting for kindling than full-size firewood. It also includes a pellet adapter, and we found that smoke production was almost nonexistent when burning pellets. The pellets didn’t last very long though, and we found ourselves needing to add more every 10 minutes or so.

We were able to sit around the table with this fire pit, burning pellets without any noticeable campfire smell or visible smoke. It put out a surprising amount of heat for such a small tabletop unit—especially compared to the decorative models we were used to—but at a level that was comfortable for crisp evenings and not really enough to keep you warm in the bitter cold of winter. 

How It Performed Long-Term

The Mesa continued working well through continued testing. We found that you need to be careful when adding pellets, as dumping in too many at once can smother the flame. This is a very small fire pit after all, so the fire is a little delicate.

We were able to use it throughout the warmer months and found that it was very easy to clean out and store when the weather turned colder. We were able to wipe it down with a paper towel to clean it out, and the stainless steel finish still looked great at the end of the season. The tiny size makes it easy to stow away where it won’t get damaged or accumulate debris inside, and then it’s ready to go when the weather cooperates.

Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.1 x 6.8 inches | Material: Stainless Steel/Ceramic | Fuel Type: Firewood/Pellets | Features: Pellet adapter

Fire burning in the Solo Stove Mesa Smokeless Fire Pit on a patio table

The Spruce / Hannah Freedman

Best Propane

Outland Living Mega Fire Pit

Outland Living Mega Fire Pit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Smoke Control
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to set up and use

  • Adjustable flame

  • Good amount of heat

  • Durable cover

What We Don't Like
  • Can't completely hide the propane tank

When you don't want to deal with the hassle of finding firewood, lighting a fire, or dealing with ash and smoke, a propane fire pit is an excellent option. We found this large fire pit to be very easy to set up and use, loved the adjustable heat level, and enjoyed the sturdy construction that you can count on to stay in place. Despite experiencing high winds during some of our test fires, this fire pit stayed put, and the flame never faltered.

We loved how easy it was to adjust the heat and felt its warmth from all around the fire pit more than 3 feet. Plus, the adjustable flame let us fine-tune it to get it just right.

This fire pit doesn’t have an enclosure, so there’s no way to hide the propane bottle. If you’re not a fan of having your propane bottle out in the open, the Hampton Bay Crossridge (our best for patios pick) has a large base that conceals the propane bottle, and it doubles as a table when not in use.

Setting up the Outland Living Mega Firebowl is quick and easy—just add the lava rocks, hook up the propane tank, and it’s ready to go. The whole process only took us about five minutes, and starting a fire requires no additional work since all you need to do is open the gas valve and spark a flame.

Although it doesn't come with a lot of accessories, it does include a durable cover to protect it when not in use. We also found the cover helpful for keeping the rocks contained when moving the pit around. It's relatively light (at just 34 pounds), so it's a great portable option, especially for places where a traditionally wood-burning fire pit is not ideal.

How It Performed Long-Term

We continued testing this fire pit for an additional six months, and we really loved how easy it was to start up a fire any time we wanted. We noticed some discoloration in the lava rocks over time, but that never impacted the operation of the fire pit, and adding new lava rocks would be easy if you wanted the old coloration back.

This fire pit has a cover made from a UV and weather resistant material, so we’ve left it outside in the elements and never noticed any wear and tear. We did find ourselves wishing that the propane connector hose was a bit longer so it was easier to keep the tank out of sight, but we continued to enjoy the almost instant, no-fuss ambiance and warmth this fire pit provides.


Dimensions
: 13 x 24 x 24 | Material: Stainless Steel | Fuel Type: Propane | Features: Adjustable flame

Best Modern

Novogratz Asher Wood Burning Fire Pit

Novogratz Asher 27-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Smoke Control
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Attractive design and shape

  • Available in multiple colors

  • Nice warmth

  • Includes grill and accessories

What We Don't Like
  • Bowl could be deeper

  • Does not come with a cover

If you’re looking for a fire pit with a unique shape and modern design aesthetic, we recommend the Novogratz Poolside Collection, Asher 27" Wood Burning Fire Pit. This fire pit has a unique rounded, bubble-like shape and it’s available in an array of colors that includes red, aqua, green, white, and gray. It provides even heating all around, and it’s value-packed with accessories that include a grill, grill tool, lid, and spark screen (although we wish it came with a cover, too).

While creating a fire, we noted that the bowl was not as deep as those in other models, and we needed to purchase a specific type of wood that would fit. Around 30 minutes after starting the fire, we had to add more wood to refuel it, so the fire pit did require some maintenance.

Once lit, this fire pit provided an overall pleasant and even warmth. We also liked that the fire pit did not generate much smoke, noting that after using the pit, our clothes and hair didn't smell smoky at all, which was a huge plus.

We also enjoyed grilling hot dogs on the fire pit. However, you will need some patience—because of the shallowness of the bowl, we had to wait 45 to 50 minutes for the flames to die down to a level that was appropriate for grilling.

We were able to assemble the unit in around 10 minutes. Although there were no instructions, each part was clearly labeled, and we only had to place the various included parts, such as the grill grate and screen, into the main unit.

How It Performed Long-Term

After four months of additional use, this fire pit's color and look continue to be our favorite feature. Since it's heavy and hard to move, we've left it outside and have enjoyed its bright pop of color in our backyard.

Since this fire pit was exposed to the elements and did not come with a cover, we have noticed a bit of rust appearing between the top cover and the base of the grill (but the blue paint still looks great). We recommend getting a durable protective cover to keep the fire pit looking new, especially since it's not easy to move and store during times when it isn’t in use.

Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 14.5 inches | Material: Steel | Fuel Type: Wood | Features: Grill, grill tool, spark screen, lid, and rain cover

Fire burning in the Novogratz Asher 27-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit

The Spruce / Ashley Craiger

Best for Patios

Hampton Bay Crossridge Antique Brass Fire Pit

Hampton Bay Crossridge Antique Bronze Gas Fire Pit

The Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Heating Performance
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Smoke Control
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Liked
  • Doubles as a table

  • Easy setup and use

  • Ledge usable during fires

What We Don't Like
  • Handle gets in the way when using as a table

  • Only one finish option

The Hampton Bay Crossridge 50,000 BTU Antique Bronze Gas Fire Pit doubles as a table, which is why we love it for patios and other small outdoor spaces where there’s smooth, flat ground but not necessarily enough space for both a table and a fire pit. We found it to be perfect for impromptu weeknight fires and relaxing on the weekend as well, since it’s so quick and easy to use and didn’t leave us smelling like a campfire afterward. During our test fires, we were surprised to find that the ledge around the fire pit remained cool enough to set food, drinks, and other items.

This fire pit uses propane for fuel, so it starts easily, heats evenly, and shuts off quickly. It works especially well for roasting marshmallows since we were able to set it to the ideal temperature without cultivating a bed of coals over a long period of time like you need to do with a wood fire. Then, when we shut it off, we were able to put the table insert back in place almost immediately after shutting off the fire and start using it as a table again.

The Crossridge is only available in one finish option, but the antique bronze patina is a good fit for most rustic outdoor spaces. It fit our patio perfectly, and we loved that we could use it as a normal table when not using it as a fire pit.

We were afraid this fire pit would be flimsy when we first unboxed it, but assembly was quick and easy, with concise instructions and helpful illustrations. Once we had it assembled, we found it to be extremely sturdy and to work very well as a table. We did need to pick up a propane tank, but connecting it and lighting the fire wasn’t any different from lighting a gas grill. Hampton Bay recommends using it with a screen at first to catch any sparks that fly off the rocks, but we never noticed any and didn’t have to use the screen on subsequent nights.

How It Performed Long-Term

After six months of testing, the Hampton Bay Crossridge continued working quite well, with no diminishing performance and no noticeable wear or weathering. We keep it outside and uncovered, but our patio is protected from the weather so it doesn’t receive the full brunt of the elements. We haven’t noticed any rust or other damage, and it continues to fire up immediately whenever we want a quick weeknight fire or to relax on the weekends.

The only issue we noticed during prolonged testing is that the insert that you remove to reveal the fire pit has a sizable handle, and the handle gets in the way when using the Crossridge as a table. It wasn’t a huge issue at first, but we did find ourselves wishing that the handle was smaller or even flush to make the table even more usable. 

Dimensions: 25 x 30 x 30 inches | Material: Steel/Slate | Fuel Type: Propane | Features: Slate table top, natural lava rocks, mesh screen

Best Portable

Inno Stage Smokeless Fire Pit

Inno Stage Portable Smokeless Fire Pit

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Heating Performance
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Smoke Control
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight and portable

  • Minimal to no smoke

  • Budget-friendly

What We Don't Like
  • May be hard to light

The Inno Stage Portable Smokeless Fire Pit is a compact and lightweight option that is perfect for backyard use and camping trips. It has a very small footprint and only weighs 16 pounds, so it’s easy to pack up and carry wherever you need it. We love that it comes with a durable carrying case with thick handles, which we found to be very easy to pick up and move around.

Aside from portability, we were impressed by how little smoke we detected while using hardwood pellets in this portable fire pit—in fact, we noticed almost no smoke at all. The result is that while you’ll get the ambiance of a campfire from this fire pit, with some comfortable warmth and flickering orange firelight, you won't get much of a campfire smell.

This fire pit isn’t difficult to assemble (about a five-minute process) or use, but we did experience some trouble lighting the pellets at first, and it turned into a trial-and-error process. We could feel the warmth from the fire about two feet away once we were able to start the fire, but we felt like we needed to sit a little closer than that for comfort.

We loved the design and felt like the diamond cutouts added a unique touch, so this is a fun ornamental piece in addition to a functional fire pit. Overall, this is a great smaller option to enjoy in the backyard or to take on camping trips. If you want a more traditional fire pit for friends and family to gather around and smell the campfire, the Hampton Bay Piedmont (our best wood-burning pick) is a value-packed model that puts out a lot of heat and even doubles as a grill.

How It Performed Long-Term

We continued testing this fire pit for six months, including a mini hotdog roast that turned out surprisingly well considering the size and heat output of this unit. We loved that we were able to set it up on the cement pad outside our garage and roast hot dogs without worrying about a lot of acrid smoke pouring into the house.

In terms of wear, we noticed that the inner bowl blackens with use. It doesn’t impact functionality, and we were able to wipe it clean after each use, but it continues to blacken each time we use it. Other than that, the stainless steel construction has held up very well.

Dimensions: 7 x 15 x 12.5 inches | Material: Stainless Steel | Fuel Type: Wood/pellets | Features: Lava rocks, cover

Final Verdict

The Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 is the best overall fire pit because it’s easy to set up, provides a lot of heat, and produces very little noticeable smoke once you learn how to set up and add wood. It’s easy to clean and store when you’re done using it, and it retains its attractive stainless steel appearance over time. For a larger option with a stylish, rustic design, we also love the Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit. It’s a bit more of an investment, as our splurge pick, but it’s perfect for larger gatherings, and the sturdy base keeps the fire burning even in high winds.

Wood pack burning inside the Tiki Brand 25-Inch Smokeless Fire Pit

The Spruce / Emma Tollefson

How We Tested the Fire Pits

Over the last year, we've tested 28 fire pits in our own backyards, patios, and decks across the country, including smokeless, propane, traditional wood-burning models, and table top units. We evaluated each product’s ease of assembly, ease of use, heating performance, smoke control, design, extra features, and value.

  • Ease of assembly: We timed how long it took to put each fire pit together to evaluate ease of assembly. We also noted the clarity of the included instructions and whether or not the fire pit included all the tools necessary for assembly. 
  • Heating performance: We evaluated the heating performance of each fire pit by sitting on all sides of the fire and noting whether the heat felt pleasant and evenly distributed.
  • Smoke control: For the wood and pellet burning fire pits we tested that were marketed as smokeless, we tested the efficacy of each pit’s smoke control. (Propane fire pits are also smokeless, but there’s no need to test their smoke control as they actually don’t produce smoke.) Using seasoned firewood or the pellets specified by the manufacturer, and keeping the wood below the lip of the fire pit, we noted whether or not smoke was detected, and also made note of the amount in cases where we did notice any smoke.
  • Ease of use: We noted whether the start-up process was smooth and straightforward or whether it was finicky and required multiple attempts. We also evaluated the difficulty of achieving and maintaining an even flame. For the wood-burning fire pits, we built a fire following the specific instructions included with each pit. We used standard firewood with each piece measuring about 16 inches long, and counted how many logs were able to fit into each unit.
  • Design and extra features: We analyzed the usefulness of any additional and functional design elements, such as an integrated table, and extra features like a firewood poker, lid, or cover, in addition to aesthetic design elements. We also noted the ability of each fire pit to contain sparks with and without a screen for units that came with a spark screen. For fire pits that included grills, we considered the difficulty of setting up the grill and how well it worked by cooking hamburgers or hotdogs.
  • Cleanup and storage: When we were done with the fire-related tests, we tested how easy it was to clean and store each fire pit. For wood-burning fire pits, we evaluated the difficulty of disposing of ashes.
  • Value: Our evaluation of a fire pit’s value was based on whether a given fire pit's features and performance were below, on par with, or beyond what could be expected for its price point.
  • Long-term testing: After our initial testing period, we continued testing the fire pits for up to six months to evaluate their long-term durability and performance. We then reevaluated all of our initial picks and updated this list with the best available options.

What to Look for in a Fire Pit

Size

The dimensions of a fire pit impact whether or not it will fit in your outdoor space. Before you fall in love with a specific fire pit, measure the amount of space you have available in your outdoor area, and then look for fire pits that will fit within that space.

In addition to the fire pit fitting in your outdoor space, you also need to leave enough space around the fire for comfortable seating so you and your guests can enjoy the fire pit’s warmth and ambiance. If you have limited space and a fireproof table, then the Solo Stove Mesa (our best tabletop pick) has a remarkably small footprint.

If you have a lot of space, you can also think about how many people you would like to host around your fire pit. Bigger fire pits produce more heat, and larger diameter fire pits make it easier to fit more people comfortably around the fire. The Frontgate Classic Copper Fire Pit (our pick for best design) has a large diameter of 40 inches, and we were able to comfortably seat five guests in Adirondack chairs around the fire with room to squeeze in more chairs if necessary.

Burn Type

Fire pits are available in traditional wood-burning models, smokeless wood-burning fire pits, propane fire pits, and natural gas fire pits. If you aren’t sure what fuel type is right for you, Campbell says to “remember that wood requires work, whereas propane is a simple turn of a knob.”

Wood burning fire pits take more work to set up and maintain, but they also produce more heat than propane or natural gas-fueled fire pits. Campbell tells us other benefits of wood-burning pits include that they are typically “cheap to fuel” and “cheaper to purchase,” while some downsides of wood-burning fire pits are that they are “messy” to use, require the added step disposing of ashes, and have a longer cooldown period. 

We tested several fire pits that are designated as smokeless, but it’s important to understand that smokeless and smoke-free aren’t the same thing. Campbell notes that “once wood is involved, smoke is inevitable,” so truly smokeless fire pits “are usually gas type.” Some wood-burning fire pits are designed to minimize smoke, in part by burning the wood extra hot, or to send it straight up, to the point where they are functionally smokeless.

Our pick for the best smokeless fire pit, the Tiki Smokeless Fire Pit, produced no noticeable smoke when using pellets and a negligible amount when using regular firewood. The tiny amount of smoke we noticed always went straight up and not toward us or any of our guests, and it kept us warm at a distance of about 5 feet.

Propane fire pits are easier to get started and maintain, along with other benefits. According to Campbell, propane fire pits have the advantage of being “clean burning,” provide a smokeless burn, and have a quicker cooldown period. We noticed in particular that the ledge around the Hampton Bay Crossridge (our best for patios pick) remained cool while the fire was burning, and we were able to return it to table mode without waiting too long.

However, Campbell cautions that some propane-fueled fire pits don’t produce as hot or as realistic-looking of a fire, and that they are typically not portable. Propane fire pits also require propane tanks, which are heavy and require regular refills.

Natural gas fire pits require access to a gas line, which represents an additional expense if you don’t already have a natural gas connection where you want to place your fire pit. Natural gas fire pits aren’t portable either. They essentially become a fixed part of your property, so you may want to design your outdoor space around the placement of your fire pit if you’re using natural gas. Natural gas fire pits also fail to produce the same level of heat compared to wood-burning fire pits. They’re very easy to use one installed though, and you never have to worry about finding firewood or refilling your propane tank.

Real Flame Anson Wood Burning Fire Pit parts displayed on the ground

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Additional Features

Some fire pits come with extra accessories and features that can make starting, maintaining, or utilizing a given fire pit easier or safer. Here are some useful features to look out for:

  • Mesh guards and screens: These screens can help prevent sparks and embers from jumping out of your fire.
  • Fire pokers: A fire poker is useful for adjusting the wood in your fire pit to keep the fire going. 
  • Pellet adapter: This allows you to switch between using pellets and standard firewood, with the pellets typically producing less smoke. The Solo Stove Mesa (our best tabletop pick) includes this feature.
  • Tabletop: Fire pits with this feature include an insert that allows you to use it as a table. We loved this feature in our best for patios pick, the Hampton Bay Crossridge, which has a large ledge that you can use to hold drinks and other nonflammable items even when the fire pit is in use.
  • Grill: Some fire pits include a functional grill that you can use if you wait for the flames to subside and cultivate a nice bed of coals. The Yaheetech Outdoor Fire Pit (our best budget pick) includes a grill that we used to serve up tasty hot dogs and hamburgers. 
  • Adjustable heat: This is a propane-only feature that lets you fine tune the heat output of your fire pit. It’s especially useful with our best propane pick, the Outland Living Mega Fire Pit, since you may not always need the full 58,000 BTU of heat.
FAQ
  • What is the best material for a fire pit?

    The best material for a fire pit will vary, depending on your personal preferences and needs. Both steel and aluminum fire pits tend to be durable and easy to move. Cast iron fire pits, on the other hand, are heavy, but they’re also very sturdy and tend to be rust-resistant. They also tend to get hot quickly, which can be either a pro or a con, depending on your heating preferences. Stone fire pits can be made with materials such as retaining wall blocks and pavers, and they can be made in various styles with personal touches to best match your outdoor aesthetic.

    Campbell recommends “plate steel or well-ventilated aluminum (solo type)” fire pits. Campbell tells us that if you think you’ll frequently move your fire pit, a “well-ventilated aluminum (solo type) is best,” whereas if you don’t intend to frequently move your fire pit, “plate steel is best due to its weight.” If you don't plan to move your fire pit at all, Campbell tells us that “a stone type made from prefab interlocking paver stones made for retaining walls is best.”

  • What type of fire pit gives off the most heat?

    Wood burns hotter than propane, which means that wood-burning fire pits give off more heat than propane fire pits. However, the quality of the fire you can create in a wood-burning fire pit will depend on the type of wood you use and its quality. For instance, dry and dense fire wood tends to generate the best type of heat output. In regard to the material of the fire pit, Campbell tells us that, while vented aluminum fire pits may be aesthetically pleasing, they are “not the best for heat.” On the other hand, “plate steel allows for hotter fire and holds heat longer.”

Three kids roasting marshmallows around the Yaheetech 32" Outdoor Fire Pit

The Spruce / Amber Leventry

Why Trust The Spruce?

Jeremy Laukkonen is an updates writer for The Spruce who has over a decade of experience writing about home and garden equipment, appliances, and other home goods. He analyzed our testing data from popular traditional woodburning, smokeless, and propane firepits that we tested for up to six months in our own backyards.

Laukkonen has a permanent fire pit installed in his own backyard and also a portable fire pit that he takes camping for those occasions where the campsite doesn’t provide one, because what’s the point of camping without s’mores?

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