★ Independently researched & tier-ranked — no paid placements · Updated July 2026
HomeFire PitsWhich Fire Pit Should You Buy in 2026?
Fire Pits

Which Fire Pit Should You Buy in 2026?

Compare the 10 best fire pits of 2026, wood-burning, propane and smokeless picks for every patio, budget and backyard size, plus fire safety tips.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.

The short answer

For most backyards the best fire pit in 2026 is the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, a 19.5-inch smokeless wood burner whose double-wall airflow design burns off smoke before it reaches your eyes, backed by rust-resistant stainless steel and a removable ash pan for easy cleanup. If you want the drama of a big flame without wood or ash at all, the Solo Stove Infinity Flame Propane puts out up to 72,000 BTU on a smokeless gas burner, while the Solo Stove Yukon scales the same smokeless wood-burning design up to 27 inches for groups of six or more. Buyers who want furniture as much as fire should look at the BALI OUTDOORS 42-inch propane table, which doubles as a dining surface, or the budget-friendly EcoNook 32-inch table. Campers and tailgaters get real portability from the Outland Living 19-inch propane pit, the Flame King 24-inch propane pit and the ultralight collapsible mesh pit that packs down to a backpack-sized bundle. The OutVue 36-inch model adds built-in cooking grates for anyone who wants to grill over the flame. Whichever style you choose, keep the pit well clear of structures, fences and overhanging branches, and check local burn regulations before your first fire. Below we compare all 10 on fuel type, size and who each suits best.

overall

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

9.5
Check price on Amazon →
best propane fire pit

Solo Stove Infinity Flame Propane Fire Pit

9.3
Check price on Amazon →
best fire pit for large groups

Solo Stove Yukon 27 Inch Fire Pit

9.1
Check price on Amazon →

The full list, compared

#ProductBest forTypeSizeBest for
1Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 overallWood-burning smokeless 19.5 inBest overall backyard fire Check Price
2Solo Stove Infinity Flame Propane Fire Pit best propane fire pitPropane/gas 42 inBest gas fire table Check Price
3Solo Stove Yukon 27 Inch Fire Pit best fire pit for large groupsWood-burning smokeless 27 inBest for 6+ people Check Price
4BALI OUTDOORS 42 Inch Propane Fire Pit Table best fire pit tablePropane/gas 42 inBest furniture combo Check Price
5Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit best portable propane fire pitPropane/gas 19 inBest for camping/tailgating Check Price
6Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit best classic wood-burning designWood-burning 36 inBest classic steel bowl Check Price
7Flame King Smokeless Propane Fire Pit best budget propane fire pitPropane/gas 24 inBest budget gas pit Check Price
8OutVue 36 Inch Fire Pit with 2 Grills best fire pit with cooking gratesWood-burning 36 inBest cook-and-gather combo Check Price
9EcoNook 32 Inch Fire Pit Table best budget overall fire pitWood-burning 32 inBest value pick Check Price
10Portable Collapsible Mesh Fire Pit best ultra-portable camping fire pitWood-burning 22 inBest for backpacking/camping Check Price
#1
overallS-Tier

Best overallSolo Stove Bonfire 2.0

★★★★★Tier score 9.5/10
Smokeless secondary-burn design304 stainless steel with ceramic coatingRemovable ash pan for easy cleanupPortable at 21.75 lbsSeats 4 to 6 people

Why we picked it: The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is the fire pit most people should buy first in 2026. It uses a double-wall airflow design that pulls air in through the bottom vents and recirculates it near the top of the flame, burning off smoke before it ever reaches your eyes or your clothes, and Solo Stove's stainless steel construction with a high-heat ceramic coating is built to survive years of regular use without warping or rusting through. The removable ash pan slides out from underneath for cleanup that takes minutes instead of a shovel and a trash bag, and at 21.75 pounds the 19.5-inch Bonfire is genuinely easy to carry between the patio and the garage for winter storage. It comfortably seats four to six people around it for a typical backyard gathering. It costs more than a basic steel fire bowl, and it is strictly a wood burner with no gas hookup option, but for anyone who wants the least smoke and the least hassle from a wood fire, nothing else on this list matches it.

Pros
  • Smokeless double-wall design cuts eye-watering smoke dramatically
  • 304 stainless steel with ceramic coating resists rust and warping
  • Removable ash pan makes cleanup fast
  • Lightweight at 21.75 lbs for easy moving and storage
Cons
  • Premium price for a wood-only fire pit
  • No gas or propane option, wood and kindling only
Who should buy it

Anyone who wants a backyard wood fire without the heavy smoke, ash mess and constant repositioning of a traditional fire bowl.

Who should avoid it

Buyers who want push-button propane convenience or who need a larger fire pit for groups of eight or more.

Key specs: Wood-burning - smokeless double-wall design - 304 stainless steel with ceramic coating - 19.5 in diameter - removable ash pan - 21.75 lbs - seats 4-6

#2
best propane fire pitS-Tier

Best propane fire pitSolo Stove Infinity Flame Propane Fire Pit

★★★★★Tier score 9.3/10
Up to 72,000 BTU outputSmokeless signature flame designRuns up to 5.5 hours on a 20 lb tank304 stainless steel constructionSeats 5 to 8 people

Why we picked it: For anyone who wants real fire pit ambience without dealing with wood, ash or smoke at all, the Solo Stove Infinity Flame is the propane pick to buy. It produces up to 72,000 BTU of heat output and runs for roughly 5.5 hours on a standard 20-pound propane tank, which comfortably covers a full evening of entertaining without needing to swap tanks mid-gathering. Solo Stove built the burner with the same smokeless-flame philosophy as its wood-burning line, so the visible fire looks tall and consistent rather than the low blue flicker some cheaper gas fire pits produce. The 42-inch diameter table seats five to eight people, and the construction uses 304 stainless steel, powder-coated steel and UV-resistant waterproof materials so it can live outside year-round. The propane tank itself is not included and has to be sourced separately, and this is the most expensive product on this list, but it is the closest a gas fire pit gets to matching the visual drama of a real wood fire.

Pros
  • Up to 72,000 BTU for strong, consistent heat
  • Smokeless signature flame design looks taller and fuller than typical gas fire pits
  • Runs about 5.5 hours per standard 20 lb propane tank
  • Weather-resistant stainless and powder-coated steel construction
Cons
  • Highest price on this list
  • Propane tank sold separately and needs to be refilled or exchanged
Who should buy it

Buyers who want a large, impressive gas fire pit table with genuine flame presence and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Who should avoid it

Budget shoppers or anyone who already owns a wood-burning fire pit and does not need a second gas option.

Key specs: Propane/gas - up to 72,000 BTU - smokeless flame design - 42 in diameter x 20 in H - 304 stainless steel - seats 5-8 - tank not included

#3
best fire pit for large groupsS-Tier

Best fire pit for large groupsSolo Stove Yukon 27 Inch Fire Pit

★★★★★Tier score 9.1/10
27-inch smokeless wood-burning bowlRemovable ash panIncluded stand for stability304 stainless steel with ceramic coatingIdeal for 6 or more people

Why we picked it: The Solo Stove Yukon scales up the same smokeless double-wall technology as the Bonfire into a genuinely large 27-inch fire bowl built for bigger backyards and bigger groups. It is rated for six or more people sitting around it comfortably, which makes it the right choice for households that regularly host, rather than the smaller Bonfire that suits four to six. Like the rest of the Solo Stove wood-burning line it is built from 304 stainless steel with a high-heat ceramic coating and includes a removable ash pan for cleanup, and it ships with its own stand for stability on grass, gravel or a patio. It is heavier than the Bonfire, and it costs considerably more, so it is not the pick for anyone with a small deck or a tight budget, but for a family that regularly gathers a full backyard of guests around one fire, the extra bowl diameter and heat output are worth the jump in size and price.

Pros
  • 27-inch bowl comfortably seats 6 or more people
  • Same smokeless double-wall airflow as the smaller Bonfire
  • 304 stainless steel with ceramic coating for long-term durability
  • Comes with its own stand for stability
Cons
  • Significantly more expensive than the smaller Bonfire
  • Heavier and less practical to move for smaller patios
Who should buy it

Households that regularly host larger gatherings and want the biggest smokeless wood-burning fire pit on this list.

Who should avoid it

Owners of small patios or balconies, or anyone who only hosts four to six people and does not need the extra capacity.

Key specs: Wood-burning - smokeless double-wall design - 27 in diameter - 304 stainless steel with ceramic coating - removable ash pan - included stand - seats 6+

#4
best fire pit tableA-Tier

Best fire pit tableBALI OUTDOORS 42 Inch Propane Fire Pit Table

★★★★★Tier score 8.9/10
60,000 BTU CSA-certified burnerPulse ignition with adjustable flame knob15 lbs of blue fire glass includedHidden 20 lb tank storage compartmentDoubles as a dining table with included lid

Why we picked it: The BALI OUTDOORS 42-inch Propane Fire Pit Table is built to replace a piece of patio furniture, not just add a fire feature next to one. Its CSA-certified stainless steel burner puts out up to 60,000 BTU through a pulse-ignition system, so it lights with one turn of the knob and lets you dial the flame from a low glow to a full blaze. It comes with fifteen pounds of blue fire glass that reflects light back through the flame rather than absorbing it the way plain lava rock does, and a hidden compartment inside the rectangular base keeps a standard 20-pound propane tank completely out of sight. The included cover lid turns the whole unit into a flat dining or coffee table during the day, so one purchase covers both a fire feature for the evening and usable table space for the rest of the day. Assembly takes about 30 minutes with a screwdriver, and at 77.5 pounds it is meant to stay in one spot rather than travel.

Pros
  • 60,000 BTU CSA-certified burner with pulse ignition
  • Blue fire glass included creates a more reflective, upscale look than lava rock
  • Hidden compartment conceals the propane tank completely
  • Included lid converts the fire table into a usable dining surface
Cons
  • Heavy at 77.5 lbs, not meant to be moved often
  • Matching glass wind guard sold separately
Who should buy it

Patio owners who want a fire pit that also functions as real outdoor furniture and are willing to dedicate permanent space to it.

Who should avoid it

Renters, apartment dwellers or anyone who needs a fire pit that can be picked up and moved or stored easily.

Key specs: Propane/gas - 60,000 BTU CSA-certified burner - 42 x 24 x 24.2 in - 15 lbs blue fire glass included - hidden tank compartment - 77.5 lbs

#5
best portable propane fire pitA-Tier

Best portable propane fire pitOutland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit

★★★★★Tier score 8.8/10
58,000 BTU outputSmokeless all-weather gas firebowlIncludes cover and carry kitPre-attached 10-ft hose and adjustable regulator4.4 lbs lava rock included

Why we picked it: The Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit is sized and equipped specifically for people who take their fire pit with them. At 19 inches wide and 11 inches tall it fits in a car trunk or an RV storage bay, and the included carry kit and fitted cover make transporting it between the garage and a campsite or tailgate lot straightforward. It still delivers 58,000 BTU of heat through an all-weather firebowl that burns clean and smokeless, and the pre-attached 10-foot hose keeps a standard propane tank at a safe distance while a fully adjustable regulator with a chrome valve knob controls flame height. It ships with 4.4 pounds of natural lava rock to help hide the burner and spread the flame more evenly, and an optional CSA-approved natural gas conversion kit is available if you want to run it off a fixed line instead of a portable tank. It puts out real heat for its size, but it is not intended to be a centerpiece fire feature for a large backyard gathering.

Pros
  • 58,000 BTU in a genuinely portable 19-inch footprint
  • Smokeless all-weather firebowl design
  • Includes carry kit, cover and 4.4 lbs of lava rock
  • Optional natural gas conversion kit available
Cons
  • Smaller flame presence than a full-size backyard fire pit
  • Propane tank not included and adds to the carry load
Who should buy it

Campers, tailgaters and RV owners who want a real propane fire pit that packs up and travels easily.

Who should avoid it

Homeowners who want a large, stationary centerpiece fire pit for regular backyard entertaining.

Key specs: Propane/gas - 58,000 BTU - 19 in W x 19 in D x 11 in H - smokeless firebowl - carry kit and cover included - 4.4 lbs lava rock

#6
best classic wood-burning designA-Tier

Best classic wood-burning designSunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit

★★★★★Tier score 8.7/10
36-inch diameter steel fire pitDecorative crossweave cutout patternIncludes spark screen, poker and cover24-gauge steel with high-temp black paintSeats 6 to 8 people

Why we picked it: The Sunnydaze Crossweave is the traditional open steel fire bowl on this list, built for anyone who wants a classic backyard bonfire look rather than a smokeless engineering solution or a gas hookup. The 36-inch diameter overall design comfortably gathers six to eight people, with an 11-inch-deep, 31-inch-wide fire bowl doing the actual burning. It is made from 24-gauge steel finished in a high-temperature black paint for rust resistance, and the decorative crossweave cutout pattern around the sides throws a warm, dappled glow across the patio at night in addition to functioning as ventilation for the fire. It comes with a spark screen, a poker and a round weather cover included in the price, and at 23.8 pounds it is light enough to reposition around the yard as needed. It does produce more visible smoke than the Solo Stove models since it lacks a secondary-burn chamber, so anyone smoke-sensitive should look at the Bonfire instead.

Pros
  • Classic 36-inch open fire bowl seats 6 to 8 people
  • Crossweave cutout pattern adds visual interest day and night
  • Comes complete with spark screen, poker and weather cover
  • Lightweight at 23.8 lbs for easy repositioning
Cons
  • No secondary-burn technology, produces more smoke than the Solo Stove models
  • Steel construction needs occasional touch-up to prevent rust at cut edges
Who should buy it

Buyers who want a traditional, affordable open wood fire bowl with classic styling and all the basic accessories included.

Who should avoid it

Smoke-sensitive users or anyone who specifically wants a low-smoke design like the Solo Stove Bonfire.

Key specs: Wood-burning - 36 in diameter x 24 in H overall - 31 in x 11 in fire bowl - 24-gauge steel - spark screen, poker and cover included - 23.8 lbs

#7
best budget propane fire pitA-Tier

Best budget propane fire pitFlame King Smokeless Propane Fire Pit

★★★★★Tier score 8.5/10
58,000 BTU outputSelf igniter for one-touch lightingCompatible with 5 to 40 lb propane tanksIncludes cover and carry straps1-year manufacturer warranty

Why we picked it: The Flame King Smokeless Propane Fire Pit delivers most of what buyers want from a portable gas fire pit at a noticeably lower price than the Outland Living or Solo Stove propane options. Its 24-inch firebowl puts out up to 58,000 BTU through a self-igniter that lights the flame at the push of a button rather than requiring a separate lighter or match, and the pre-attached 10-foot hose with a QCC connector works with the full range of standard BBQ propane tank sizes from 5 to 40 pounds, so it fits whatever tank you already own. It ships with a fitted cover and carry straps for transport, and Flame King backs it with a one-year manufacturer defect warranty. It is not as heavy-duty as the pricier propane options on this list, and the 24-inch bowl throws less overall heat than the larger tables, but for buyers who mainly want an easy, low-cost gas fire pit for a patio or RV site, it covers the basics well.

Pros
  • 58,000 BTU with a convenient self-igniter
  • Works with 5 lb through 40 lb propane tanks
  • Cover and carry straps included
  • Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
  • Less heat output and presence than larger, pricier propane fire pits
  • Lighter-duty construction than premium options
Who should buy it

Budget-focused buyers who want an easy, self-igniting portable propane fire pit for a patio, RV or campsite.

Who should avoid it

Buyers who want a large centerpiece fire table or the most durable long-term construction available.

Key specs: Propane/gas - 58,000 BTU - 24 in W x 24 in D x 12 in H - self igniter - fits 5-40 lb tanks - cover and carry straps included - 1-year warranty

#8
best fire pit with cooking gratesB-Tier

Best fire pit with cooking gratesOutVue 36 Inch Fire Pit with 2 Grills

★★★★★Tier score 8.3/10
Two height-adjustable 360-degree swivel grillsConverts to a 36-inch round table with lidHolds up to 20 lbs of woodIncludes fire poker and rain-proof coverSeats 6 to 8 for dining

Why we picked it: The OutVue 36 Inch Fire Pit is built for households that want to cook over the fire, not just sit around it. It includes two height-adjustable, 360-degree swivel grills that let you position a pan or food directly over the flame at whatever height controls the heat you need, and when the fire is out, the included lid and tabletop turn the whole unit into a 36-inch round table that seats six to eight people for a meal or coffee. The bowl holds up to 20 pounds of wood for a solid multi-hour burn, sits on four legs for stability, and is finished in a high-temperature powder coating for rust resistance. It comes with a fire poker, a rain-proof cover and mesh vent screens to contain sparks, and assembly takes about 20 minutes. It is heavier and bulkier than a simple fire bowl because of the extra grill hardware and tabletop pieces, and buyers who never plan to cook over their fire pit will not get full use out of the design.

Pros
  • Two adjustable swivel grills make it genuinely useful for outdoor cooking
  • Lid and tabletop convert it into a 36-inch dining table
  • Holds up to 20 lbs of wood for longer burns
  • Includes fire poker, rain-proof cover and spark screen mesh
Cons
  • Bulkier and heavier than a simple fire bowl due to the grill hardware
  • Overkill for buyers who only want a fire feature, not a cooking surface
Who should buy it

Buyers who want one product that handles backyard cooking, a wood fire and a patio table.

Who should avoid it

Anyone who only wants a fire pit for ambience and warmth and has no interest in cooking over it.

Key specs: Wood-burning - 36 in W x 36 in D x 28 in H - 24 in fire bowl - 2 adjustable swivel grills - holds up to 20 lbs wood - poker and cover included

#9
best budget overall fire pitB-Tier

Best budget overall fire pitEcoNook 32 Inch Fire Pit Table

★★★★★Tier score 8.2/10
32-inch square fire pit tableDeep 4.6-inch fire bowlIncludes spark screen and fire pokerRemovable bowl for easy cleaningLowest price on this list

Why we picked it: The EcoNook 32 Inch Fire Pit is the pick for anyone who wants a genuine wood-burning fire pit table without spending much to get one. The fire bowl is 4.6 inches deep and 24 inches wide, deeper than many similarly priced pits, which lets it hold more wood and burn longer between refills, and the surrounding 32-inch square top turns into usable table space for four to six people once the fire is out. The bowl itself is removable from the frame, which makes draining rainwater and clearing out ash and debris considerably easier than pits with a fixed bowl. It ships with a mesh spark screen lid and a fire poker included, and while a cooking grate is not part of the package, the table surface and fire bowl combination cover most casual backyard use cases. Build quality is lighter gauge than premium options, so it suits occasional weekend use more than nightly heavy fires.

Pros
  • Genuinely low price for a full wood-burning fire pit table
  • Deep 4.6-inch fire bowl holds more wood and burns longer
  • Removable bowl simplifies drainage and cleaning
  • Spark screen and poker included at no extra cost
Cons
  • Lighter-gauge construction than premium steel fire pits
  • No cooking grate included
Who should buy it

Budget-conscious buyers who want a real wood-burning fire pit table for occasional backyard use.

Who should avoid it

Frequent users who want the heaviest-duty steel or a built-in cooking grate.

Key specs: Wood-burning - 32 in square table - 24 in x 4.6 in fire bowl - removable bowl - spark screen and poker included - budget price

#10
best ultra-portable camping fire pitB-Tier

Best ultra-portable camping fire pitPortable Collapsible Mesh Fire Pit

★★★★★Tier score 8.0/10
Collapsible mesh designPacks down to 13 x 3.6 x 3.6 inAssembles in under 60 seconds, no toolsHolds up to 26 lbs of woodIncludes carrying bag

Why we picked it: The Portable Outdoor Fire Pit is the lightest, most packable option on this list, designed for campers who need a real fire ring that breaks down small enough to fit in a trunk or a backpack alongside other gear. Its detachable stainless steel tube and mesh netting design packs down to just 13 by 3.6 by 3.6 inches, far smaller than the fixed 34-inch tube some competing collapsible pits use, and it assembles in under a minute by connecting the tubes to the support frame without any tools. The heat-resistant 0.96mm mesh netting holds up to 26 pounds of wood and keeps ash and debris contained better than an open ring, while still being simple to wipe clean after each trip. A carrying bag is included for storage and transport. It is not built for daily backyard use or heavy, sustained fires the way a steel bowl is, and it offers no cooking surface or spark screen, but for camping trips where every inch of trunk space matters, it is the easiest fire pit to bring along.

Pros
  • Packs down to just 13 x 3.6 x 3.6 in for easy transport
  • Tool-free assembly in under 60 seconds
  • Heat-resistant mesh holds up to 26 lbs of wood
  • Includes a carrying bag for storage
Cons
  • Not built for heavy daily backyard use like a steel fire bowl
  • No cooking grate or spark screen included
Who should buy it

Campers and road-trippers who need the smallest, lightest fire pit that still holds a real wood fire.

Who should avoid it

Homeowners who want a permanent backyard fire feature or need a spark screen and cooking surface.

Key specs: Wood-burning - 22 in collapsible mesh fire pit - packs to 13 x 3.6 x 3.6 in - holds up to 26 lbs wood - 0.96mm heat-resistant mesh - carrying bag included

Common questionsFrequently asked questions

Is a smokeless fire pit really smokeless?

A smokeless fire pit like the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 does not eliminate smoke entirely, but its double-wall airflow design pulls air in through bottom vents and pushes it out near the top of the flame, which reburns much of the smoke before it rises past eye level. In practice this means dramatically less smoke drifting into your eyes or clinging to your clothes compared with an open steel bowl like the Sunnydaze Crossweave, especially once the fire has been burning for a few minutes and the secondary combustion is fully active.

Is a wood-burning or propane fire pit better?

Neither is objectively better, they suit different priorities. Wood-burning fire pits like the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 and Sunnydaze Crossweave deliver the authentic crackle and scent of a real fire and tend to cost less to run over time since firewood is often free or cheap, but they require gathering fuel, managing ash and are more likely to be restricted during burn bans. Propane fire pits like the Solo Stove Infinity Flame and Outland Living light instantly, adjust with a knob and leave no ash, making them the better fit for renters, apartment patios or areas with wood-burning restrictions.

How much clearance does a fire pit need from my house or fence?

A common minimum is at least 10 feet of clearance from your house, fence, deck railing, dry grass and any overhanging tree branches, though some local fire codes and HOA rules require more, especially for larger fire pits or fire pit tables like the BALI OUTDOORS 42-inch model. Always set the fire pit on a non-flammable surface such as pavers, gravel or concrete rather than directly on a wood deck, and check your specific city or county fire code since exact clearance requirements vary by location.

Do I need a permit for a fire pit in my backyard?

Requirements vary widely by city, county and HOA, some areas allow small residential fire pits without any permit while others require a burn permit, restrict fire pits during dry seasons or drought conditions, or ban open wood fires entirely while still allowing propane and gas models like the Solo Stove Infinity Flame or Flame King. Check with your local fire department or municipal code before your first fire, and note that apartment and condo buildings frequently have their own separate restrictions on balconies and shared patios.

What size fire pit do I need for my patio?

For a small patio or balcony, a compact 19 to 24-inch model like the Outland Living or Flame King propane pits fits comfortably without dominating the space. A mid-size 32 to 36-inch fire pit or fire pit table, such as the EcoNook, Sunnydaze Crossweave or BALI OUTDOORS table, comfortably seats six to eight people around it and suits most standard backyard patios. For a large backyard where you regularly host bigger groups, the 27-inch Solo Stove Yukon or a similarly large model gives more people room to sit close to the heat.

Buying guideHow to choose

Wood-burning vs propane vs smokeless

Wood-burning fire pits like the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, Sunnydaze Crossweave and EcoNook deliver the crackle, scent and real-flame feel that many people associate with a backyard fire, and Solo Stove's smokeless double-wall design specifically solves the biggest complaint about wood, the smoke that clings to clothes and stings the eyes. Propane and gas fire pits like the Solo Stove Infinity Flame, Outland Living and Flame King trade that authentic wood-fire feel for push-button ignition, adjustable flame height and zero ash cleanup, which matters most in areas with burn bans or for anyone who wants the fire lit and out again in seconds. If your area regularly restricts open wood fires during dry seasons, propane is the safer long-term choice.

Fire pit bowls vs fire pit tables

A simple open bowl like the Sunnydaze Crossweave or the Solo Stove Bonfire is the most affordable and most portable way to get a fire feature, and it is the easiest style to reposition around a yard as seasons or gatherings change. Fire pit tables like the BALI OUTDOORS propane table and the EcoNook wood-burning table use a lid to convert the same footprint into usable dining or coffee-table surface during the day, effectively replacing a piece of patio furniture rather than adding a separate item. The OutVue 36-inch model goes a step further with two swivel cooking grills built in, so it functions as a table, a fire pit and a grill in one purchase.

Portable and camping fire pits

Not every fire pit needs to live permanently on one patio. The Outland Living 19-inch propane pit, the Flame King 24-inch propane pit and the collapsible mesh fire pit are all built to travel, packing into a trunk, an RV storage bay or even a backpack for camping. Propane options like the Outland Living and Flame King are the faster, cleaner choice for a campsite or tailgate lot since there is no wood to gather and no ash to pack out, while the collapsible mesh pit is the lightest true wood-burning option if you want a real campfire without carrying a heavy steel bowl.

Fire safety and clearance

Before lighting any fire pit, keep it at least 10 feet from your house, fence, deck railings, dry grass and any overhanging branches, and set it on a non-flammable surface like pavers, gravel or concrete rather than directly on a wood deck. Check your city, county or HOA rules before your first fire, many areas require a minimum clearance distance, restrict open wood burning during dry seasons or drought conditions, or ban fire pits on apartment balconies entirely, and some require propane and gas pits to be a certain distance from structures as well. Keep a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher within reach, never leave a lit fire pit unattended, and let ash cool completely for at least 24 hours before disposing of it in a metal container.

At a glanceFeatures compared

FeatureWhy it matters
Smokeless secondary-burn designDouble-wall airflow recirculates smoke back through the flame so it burns off before reaching your eyes or clothes.
Portable, packable buildLightweight steel and collapsible frames make it easy to move a fire pit between the patio, campsite or storage.
Fire table conversionAn included lid turns the fire pit into a flat dining or coffee table once the flame is out.
Weather-resistant constructionStainless steel, powder-coated steel and high-heat ceramic coatings resist rust and warping through repeated outdoor use.
Included safety accessoriesSpark screens, pokers and fitted covers help contain embers and protect the pit between uses.

How we scored these picks

Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.

CriterionWhat we checkWeight
Core performanceThe numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists.High
Build & reliabilityMaterials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints.High
Real-world usabilityWeight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements.Medium
Running costOngoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category.Medium
Owner feedbackPatterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing.Medium
ValueWhat you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment.Medium

Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.

Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.

How we rank

We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.

How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.

10 products compared
Verified specs & owner feedback
One transparent S–C rubric
Refreshed monthly, no paid placements

Update log

  • - Refreshed picks and current prices from Amazon.
  • - Guide first published.