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Nothing quite sets the mood like a crackling fire, but setting up a traditional campfire (like a Dakota Fire Hole) in your backyard can be dangerous and even illegal in some areas. Luckily, the right fire pit can take all the rustic charm of a smoldering campfire and make it safe for use on patios, decks, and other types of outdoor spaces. Some of these fire pits resemble simple bonfire setups, while others use a more elaborate design for a luxury outdoor aesthetic.
Top 5 Fire Pits
- Best Overall: OutVue 36 Inch Fire Pit with 2 Grills
- Best Premium: Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 27 Inch Fire Pit
- Best Mini: Solo Stove Mesa 5.1 Inch Tabletop Fire Pit
- Best Safety Features: U-MAX Wind Guard Fire Pit Table
- Best High-End: Outland Living 403 Series Fire Pit Table
Compare Top Fire Pits
| Model | Dimensions | Material | Fuel Type | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OutVue 36 Inch | 36”L x 36”W x 26”H | Steel | Wood | Two adjustable grills, table conversion |
| Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 | 29″D x 29″W x 18.5″H | 304 Stainless Steel | Wood | Smokeless design, removable ash pan and base plate |
| Solo Stove Mesa | 6.1″D x 6.1″W x 6.1″H | 304 Stainless Steel | Wood/Pellets | Smokeless, portable, dual-fuel |
| U-MAX Wind Guard | 28″D x 44″W x 25″H | Stainless Steel, Aluminum, PE rattan, Glass | Propane | Weather-resistant finish, 50K Max BTU |
| Outland Living 410 | 32″L x 44″W x 24″H | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Propane | Powder-Coated Finish, 50K Max BTU |
Best Overall
Courtesy AmazonOutVue 36″ Fire Pit Table
- $84.99
- $129.98
- 35% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros & Cons
✓ Converts to a 36-inch round table seating up to eight people
✓ More affordable than competitors
✓ Includes a fire poker, dual adjustable cooking grills, and a waterproof cover
✗ 20-pound wood capacity may require frequent refilling
✗ Assembly required for initial setup
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers are very happy with their purchase, with many praising the fire pit’s easy assembly and durable build quality. However, some customers complained about the waterproof cover, saying it feels thin and cheap. Others said it was difficult to clean ash out of the fire pit. Still, customers were happy overall with the table’s size and the unit’s price, showing that it’s a great bargain for potential buyers.
Best Premium
Courtesy AmazonSolo Stove Yukon 2.0 27″ Fire Pit
- $529.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros & Cons
✓ Premium stainless steel construction
✓ Efficient smokeless design for clean burning
✓ Easy-clean ash removal system
✗ Higher price point than traditional fire pits
✗ Burns through wood quickly
What Customers Say
Many customers noted that Customers praise the Solo Stove Yukon’s durable stainless steel build quality, high heat output, and smoke-free operation. Some customers said the unit produces some smoke when you first start it up, but after it gets going, the smoke stops. However, some customers complained that the heat doesn’t distribute far away from the stove, so if you want to feel the warmth, you have to stand about a foot away from it. Still, most buyers are very happy with their purchase, with many citing the stove’s efficient design as being a game changer for backyard gatherings.
Best Mini
Courtesy AmazonSolo Stove Mesa 5.1″ Tabletop Fire Pit
- $79.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros & Cons
✓ Extremely portable with included carrying case
✓ Versatile fuel options (wood or pellets)
✓ Smokeless technology in compact form
✗ Limited heat radius due to size
✗ Small fuel capacity requires frequent refilling
What Customers Say
Most customers praise the stove for its impressive heat output, lightweight portability, and pellet compatibility. However, some users complained that the fire needs attention every 10 minutes or so to keep it going since the stove is so small. Still, 79% of all reviews are five stars, showing that most customers are extremely happy with their purchase.
Best Safety Features
Courtesy AmazonU-MAX 44” Wind Guard Fire Pit Table
- $289
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros & Cons
✔ Converts into a table with an included cover
✔ Heat-treated glass flame guard
✔ Has a durable stainless steel burner and control panel
✘ The cover won’t last for more than a few seasons
✘ Build quality is hit-or-miss
What Customers Say
Many customers praise the U-MAX Wind Guard Fire Pit Table for its easy assembly and practical windscreen design. Others praised the unit’s appearance, specifically its blue fire glass and glass-top surface. On the other hand, some customers complained about the fire pit cover, saying it wouldn’t last more than a year without rotting. Other customers claimed that the craftsmanship is lacking, with some pieces not fitting together well and with certain areas of the PE rattan finish not adhering to the frame. Still, most customers are thrilled with both the look and performance of this fire pit.
Best High-End
Courtesy AmazonOutland Living 403 Series Propane Fire Pit
- $
- $599.99
- % off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros & Cons
✔ Has a heat output of 50,000 BTUs
✔ Has a weather-resistant Ultraviolet Light High Density Polyethylene wicker finish
✔ Includes an Arctic ice decorative glass rock set
✘ Premium price point
✘ Doesn’t include the burner lid, the glass wind guard, or a heavy-duty cover
What Customers Say
Most customers praise the Outland Living 403 Series Propane Fire Pit for its durable build quality, tasteful design, and easy assembly. Many buyers said that they liked that the propane tank is hidden and elevated under the fire pit cabinet. On the other hand, some reviewers complained that starting the unit can be difficult on windy days since the glass wind guard is sold separately. Still, most customers were happy with their purchase, with some recommending that customers buy the wind guard and cover for a better user experience.
Fire Pit Buying Guide
Before you buy your fire pit, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. Read our buying guide below to learn what to look for when shopping:
Fuel Source
Fire pit tables can use a variety of fuel sources, with propane and wood being the most common. Here’s a more in-depth look at the top fire pit fuel sources:
- Propane: This is the most common fuel source for fire pit tables. The fire pit connects to a propane tank that’s hidden in a cabinet underneath the table’s surface, much like a typical outdoor grill. While propane tables cost more up-front, they’re easier to ignite than wood and charcoal tables, often featuring a push-button ignition system.
- Natural gas: These tables connect to a natural gas line. They usually require professional installation, and they’re not portable—they have to stay where you install them. However, you never have to worry about refilling the fuel source.
- Wood: This type of fire pit resembles a traditional bonfire. Wood fire pits can be difficult to light and maintain, posing a safety risk with their live fire. However, wood is affordable (or free, if you have trees you can cut) and easy to source, making it a common fuel type.
- Charcoal: Similar to wood tables, charcoal tables can be difficult to start. However, they’re easy to control once the fire gets going because the flame is small and evenly burning.
- Bio-ethanol: Bio-ethanol is a green fuel that doesn’t produce smoke, ashes, or embers. It’s a good option if you’re worried about your environmental footprint, but it’s more expensive than the other fuel types on this list.
- Gel: Gel is another environmentally friendly fuel that doesn’t produce smoke, ashes, or embers. However, it’s rare to find a table that uses it.
Material
The material of your fire pit affects its durability and appearance. Since your fire pit table is going to be outside as a piece of patio furniture, consider how the material holds up to the elements. Here are a few of the most common materials for fire pits:
- Steel: Steel tables are durable and typically have a powder coat to prevent rust.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel is one of the most popular options for fire pit construction because of its sleek, modern look. Stainless steel is weather-resistant, rust-resistant, and lightweight.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is resistant to warping, cracking, and rusting, but it’s not as durable as heavier materials.
Size
We recommend considering the size and layout of your yard before you choose a table. If your yard is small, a 20 or 25-inch table will suffice. If you have a larger yard, you may want to buy a 40 or 48-inch table.
Ignition
If you don’t want to spend 15 to 20 minutes lighting your fire every time you use it, consider a model that uses propane or natural gas. These models usually have a push-start feature for quick ignition.
Heat Output
Your gas fire pit table should tell you how much heat it produces in British Thermal Units (BTUs). In general, it should provide 20 BTUs for every square foot of heating. Many top models offer up to 50,000 BTUs.
Fire Pit Table Safety Tips
While using a fire pit table can be fun, it poses some safety risks if you’re not careful. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t leave your fire pit table uncovered outdoors during bad weather. Doing so could damage it beyond repair. If a storm is coming, you should either use a protective cover for it or move it into your shed or garage.
- Don’t use a gas fire pit table in a confined space. Gas emits toxic fumes, so you have to use it in an open or screened area.
- Keep flammable items, children, and pets away from your fire pit table to prevent burns.
- If you’re using your fire pit table on a deck or balcony, make sure that it has at least two layers of heat shielding underneath it.
- Always place your fit pit table on a flat, level surface. This means you shouldn’t place it directly on grass or dirt.
Fire Pit Table FAQs
How far should a fire pit table be from my house?
Maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from any structure, including your house, fences, or overhead features, like trees or balconies. For larger fire pit tables or those with higher BTU outputs, consider increasing this distance to 15–20 feet.
Can I use a fire pit table on my deck?
Yes, but use proper precautions. Use a heat shield underneath, ensure that the area is level, and verify your deck’s weight capacity. Gas-powered units are generally safer for deck use than wood-burning models.
How do I maintain my fire pit table?
Clean it regularly, protect it from elements with a cover when not in use, check fuel lines and connections monthly (for gas units), and remove ash and debris after each use (for wood-burning units). Store in a dry location, like a garage or shed, during extended periods of non-use.
What fuel type is best for regular use?
Propane or natural gas typically offers the most convenience for regular use, providing instant on/off capability and consistent heat. However, wood-burning units provide a more traditional experience and often higher heat output.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of products with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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