It's Fire Pit Season—Here Are 10 We Love

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While some prefer to spend their summer days by a body of water, others would rather gather around a fire, and for those in the latter camp, we found the best fire pits you can buy online. From propane-fueled to wood-burning, there are plenty of worthy options out there, but they’re not all equally good. So, consider this your cheat sheet to snagging the perfect one for your outdoor setup. Not only are we serving you a curated list of the best options on the market, but we answer all of your burning questions (yes, that was a fire pit joke) about how they work, what to look for, and more.

Plus, unlike some outdoor accessories, like pool lounge chairs and dining tables, there’s no specific window of time to best enjoy your fire pit. Use it in the middle of summer or in the dead of winter; either way, you’ll love the cozy feel of a warm flame beside you. That said, we happen to think now is the ideal time, so get one while they’re hot! The only thing you have to consider is gas- or -wood-fueled. Later, we break down how both work, their benefits, and their drawbacks.

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Bonfire Fire Pit & Stand

This portable fire pit is one of the most popular smokeless fire pits around, and thanks to its patented removable base plate and ash pan, nature lovers can just pick up the plate by the integrated finger holes and throw the ashes away after using it. No mess, no smut, and no dark stains on the patio. The coolest part, however, is the trademarked Signature 360-degree Airflow Design, that creates a highly efficient secondary burn that doesn't completely smoke whoever happens to be sitting downwind. In other words, the fire pit is built with technology that keeps the flame burning upward. The technology also keeps the smoke to a minimum, so no one will leave the campsite wreaking.

Fire Pit for Outside

When you think of a traditional fire pit, something like this may come to mind. It's simple in both its appearance and function: It's made entirely of iron and utilizes wood as fuel to keep the fire going. Unlike the first one, which features patented technology to keep the flame burning upwards, this one is less fancy, but keeps you just as warm and the marshmallows just as toasty. The only downside is that because there are no barriers to keep the flame controlled, the smoke will blow wherever the wind lets it, so you and your pals may have to shift around the circle to avoid smoke inhalation. One happy reviewer said, "This backyard fire pit is a great addition. It's very sturdy. I love that it includes a grill rack, a canvas cover, a spark screen, and the tongs. Great value for the money!" The reviewer makes a good point! This fire pit may not be the most high-tech option on our list, but it does come with everything you'd need for a successful campfire, especially the spark screen, which is similar to a splatter guard in that it protects anyone in the immediate vicinity from painful burns.

Burrows Fire Pit Table

As you may be able to tell, this fire pit uses propane instead of wood, which does, indeed, come with a few convenient benefits, including a clean burn that doesn't produce sparks that could burn people. The flames on a propane-fueled fire are also easier to both ignite and extinguish: Just flip the switch. Wood-burning fires can sometimes take hours to put out. Plus, when you're not using it as an at-home campfire, pop the matching lid atop the surface and use it as an outdoor dining table. If you're wondering how to keep this beautiful piece of furniture from degrading in inclement weather, worry not because it is made of weather-resistant materials and comes with a protective storage cover. After all, it's 86 pounds, so it's not exactly portable.

Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit

Back to wood-burning, which may be harder to start and put out, but always smell delicious. This Amazon find is backed by more than 2,000 five-star reviews. One of them said, "For those who would rather have a genuine wood fire rather than propane, this is tough to beat. It looks good, works well, and is reasonably priced. We’re glad we got it." It also comes with a sparks screen and a poker to stoke the flames and keep them going when they start to deflate. It's also only 24 inches tall, so if your outdoor space isn't huge, this is a good find that won't overwhelm the patio.

Kinzie Concrete Propane Fire Pit

Concrete is one of the best materials for a fire pit because it's so durable. The only downside is usually the price: Because it's so durable, it tends to be really expensive—like, in the thousands for something small. So you can imagine our surprise when we saw the $400 price tag attached to this pretty sizable concrete fire pit. It comes with a filter, lid, and cover. It won't become damaged in the event of a severe storm, but it will scuff and the paint may chip, so feel free to cover it when needed. The coolest part of this fire pit is the adjustable flame. "I love this fire pit! Now I can enjoy a fire year-round on my deck. It's really easy to light and I can adjust the flame height," one reviewer said. "It actually puts out a good amount of heat from the flame. I sit out all the time with friends enjoying my deck now." It also comes in beige and a charcoal color if green isn't your thing.

Round Fire Pit

If you want your fire pit to be as functional as it is fashionable, this is a good pick. As its name implies, AllModern designs and sells midcentury modern-inspired pieces, and this hand-crafted, log-burning steel bowl is no exception. Midcentury modern furniture, for the most part, features very soft curves and little adornments, as the post-war design movement was all about rejecting the unnecessary extravagance and detail of the past. One happy customer said, "This fire pit exceeded my expectations. It is heavy, sturdy, thick walled and quality made. We didn't want another thin flimsy fire pit from one of the local home stores that barely lasts a season. This will stand the test of time I'm sure. Well worth every penny!"

Classic Copper Fire Pit

The heavy gauge copper basin isn't just pretty to look at; it's also designed and finished to resist even the most extreme weather conditions. The bowl is nestled within a sturdy powder-coated iron grate to ensure a well ventilated fire, which will not only keep the flames going upward, but also keep the flames going. "I've had this fire pit for eight years. I bought it specifically because it was made of copper and would not rust away," one reviewer said. "It has proved to be a worthy investment. Just don't expect the brilliant finish to last. It will tarnish very quickly with use but I think the patina adds to the charm." We happen to agree. Nothing wrong with a good patina!

S'mores Roaster

As far as we're concerned, a tabletop s'mores roaster is definitely considered a fire pit. After all, it does boast a piping-hot flame and, like the others on our list, can be used to cook a marshmallow. Unlike the others, though, this one is a mere $70, which is just one of the many benefits. It's portable, clean burning, smoke-free, and utilizes a gel fuel. And because it's so small, it's easy to store and totally safe to use indoors.

Coupe Fire Table

This is one of the more expensive fire pits on the list, but it's worth it. In fact, the fire table's, as Neighbor calls them, are some of the brand's best-selling products. All of the fire tables are hand-crafted and available in multiple sizes and finishes, but they share all of the key elements that make them great, including the concrete body (it's mixed with glass fibers for greater durability), lava rocks, and thick rim for drinks or snacks. It's also compatible with both natural gas and propane, both of which make for a quick ignition with a lighter. The best detail, though, is the gas valve control key, which doubles as a bottle opener. We'll drink to that. It doesn't necessarily require a cover, but letting the rocks soak in storms is going to make starting a fire later more difficult, so do yourself a favor and throw in the custom cover.

Outdoor Fire Pit

Last but certainly not least, this hand-hammered 100 percent copper bowl makes for a classic addition to any outdoor space. This is basic in the best way: It's wood-burning, so you'll get that coveted campfire feel, but it doesn't do anything fancy like some of the gas-burning ones do. We're okay with that. It does, however, include a grate, screen, and poker. Plus, the bowl sits within a sturdy, wrought-iron stand. "The quality is outstanding and I'm sure my wife and I will get many years of relaxation sitting around our beautiful fire pit," one reviewer said. Transform it into a stylish coffee table when you're not lighting a flame with the matching lid.

How We Chose the Best Fire Pits

There are a lot of fire pits out there—some of which are better than others and some are so ineffective that they can shatter if exposed to too much heat (I was sure not to include that one in the list), so when I set out to choose the best fire pits, I turned to customers who genuinely love theirs. Usually when recommending products, we'd ideally choose pieces that my colleagues and I have tested themselves, but since so many of us live in New York City, where outdoor space is limited and fire pits would be hazardous, I turned to the internet to find the crème de la crème of fire pits. So, I spent hours finding the most beautiful wood-burning and propane-fueled options out there. Then, before adding them to the list, read basically every review, confirming they're worthy of House Beautiful readers who cherish aesthetic as much as they do functionality. You can trust that every product is backed by plenty of five-star reviews from real customers.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Fire Pit

Size: If you have a huge outdoor space, size may not matter very much. On the other hand, if you are working with a small patio or terrace, size is key. If your fire pit is too big, it can actually be a bit dangerous because the smoke may not have enough room to dissipate, the flame may rise too high and burn a nearby wall—or worse, a person! If you are wondering how to measure for your specific space, here is our guide: Get a fire pit that's small enough for you and your friends and family to sit at least three feet away from the flames if it's wood-burning. If it's gas-fueled, the flames won't bellow in the wind as much, making them a bit safer. Size doesn't matter if there aren't many physical constraints on your outdoor setup.

Fuel: There are two options when it comes to what keeps your fire going: wood and gas. One isn't necessarily better than the other; it just depends on what you prefer. Plus, each one comes with as many benefits as it does drawbacks, so make your decision based on what seems most appealing to you and what will function best within your space. Wood-burning fire pits are ideal for people who love the traditional campfire experience, as you'll hear the crackle and smell the woodsy scent. Wood-burning fire pits are also generally more cost-effective and easier to set up than their propane and natural gas counterparts. The downside, though, is that actually getting a fire going and putting it out can take a lot longer. Gas fire pits, on the other hand, are more environmentally friendly and easier to maintain. All you have to do is flip a switch and the flames will rise or fall. They do tend to be more expensive, though.

Included Accessories and Special Features: These elements aren't as crucial considerations as the previous two, but they definitely help make for a more enjoyable experience. Special features to look for include anything from a spark screen, which keeps rogue sparks from landing on your skin) to pokers, which are the easiest way to keep wood-burning fires going for hours on end.

What Style of Fire Pit Is Best?

You may think this is more of an aesthetic issue than it is one of function, but hear us out: The style does, in fact, matter. If you want the best of the best, opt for a metal fire pit, which can hold up against pretty much any weather—regardless of the severity. If they are high-quality metal, they will be finished in a material that will prevent them from rusting. Metal is also highly absorbent, so it can effectively spread and maintain heat. On the other hand, if you want a more permanent-feeling fire pit, go with stone or concrete, which, as you can imagine, are just as durable as metal. Your final option is glass or resin ones, which are the most fragile of the three styles. These are more decorative than they are durable, so if you want to get the most use out of yours, you may want to steer clear of these two materials. As far as shape goes, heat will distribute more evenly with a round fire pit, but we love a rectangular shape as much as the next. Just make sure you're along the long edge to feel the warmest.

What Is the Safest Fire Pit?

As much as we love wood-burning fire pits, propane ones are generally considered the safest option. For starters, their flames are completely, 100 percent controllable. You can turn the flame on or off within one second. Propane-fueled fire pits also include useful elements such as thermocouples and gas shut-off valves, which are most helpful in a potential emergency situation or if you plan on being away from your fire pit for a long time. These mechanisms prevent any accidental fires or gas leakages. Because the flame is so easily controlled, it's nearly impossible for the fire to get out of hand or grow to a height that could be dangerous.

Is It Better to Have a Shallow or Deep Fire Pit?

It's better to have a deep fire pit because the depth will both keep your fire contained and better distribute the heat. A deep fire pit is also considered safer. A better contained fire is always a better option than the alternative. From an experiential perspective, a deep fire pit bowl can hold more wood, making for a bigger and more voluminous flame. Be careful not to go too deep, though, because anything more than 25 inches (that's for the bowl specifically, not the full fire pit itself) can cause more smoke. The more space the flames have to interact with oxygen at the base, the more smoke there will be. It's a tricky equation to figure out, but going with anything between 18 and 22 inches is always a safe bet.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

Although many House Beautiful editors don't live in homes that can accommodate a fire pit, that doesn't mean I haven't done my homework to make sure that all of the products I'm recommending are the best options out there. I have covered many outdoor furniture and decor topics at House Beautiful, including where to buy outdoor furniture, the most stylish pool floats, and the best pool lounge chairs, that I'm well-versed in helping you look for the best fire pits. For this story, I researched all of the answers to readers' most burning questions (no pun intended) about buying outdoor fire pits and condensed the responses for you to read. You can trust not only my words of advice, but also my eye for the best product recommendations.

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