The 10 best fire pits for 2026, according to testing and outdoor experts
We spent months trying fire pits and interviewing landscapers and camping pros to find great smokeless, wood-burning and propane picks.
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The best fire pits can help you enjoy your backyard well into the fall, and these days, they're one of the hottest additions you can make to your outdoor space. Allison Messner, cofounder and CEO of the virtual landscape company Yardzen , says nearly 60% of the firm's designs now include this feature. It's no wonder: Unlike a patio heater , a fire pit offers the kind of ambiance you can only get from a crackling, flickering flame, and in some cases, you can even use it in place of your grill .
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Over the past several months, our team tested 10 smokeless fire pits , rating them on factors like ease of setup, design and heat output. And while we generally prefer them to traditional wood-burning fire pits, they're not the only option. So we asked landscapers, campsite directors and chefs for their glowing recommendations. No matter if you're looking for a tabletop fire pit or something to warm a crowd, you'll find it in this guide.
Best fire pits for 2026
Size:19.49" dia. x 17.52"H | Weight:23.3 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:4+ feet | Included accessories:Stand, removable ash pan, carrying bag
Solo Stove is one of the biggest names in fire pits, and our testing showed why its models are so popular. The company's streamlined smokeless designs have made these devices accessible to nearly every kind of homeowner. They come in a wide variety of sizes, and they're known to last (many of our editors have owned their Solo Stoves for five-plus years), making them a good value. In short, these fire pits do their job exceptionally well.
Why it's great:Though the Bonfire isn't tiny, it's easy to move and comes with a bag, making it exceedingly portable. “If you want to bring it to the beach, desert, or just move it around your yard, this is a great option," says Sara Bendrick, a landscape contractor and owner of Sarita Landscapes in San Diego. Despite its size, it produces a lot of heat — the brand says the Bonfire can seat four to six people, and our testing confirmed that. The fire is very intense if you're sitting close to the pit, and you can still feel it from four feet away.
Though the fire pit is low on frills, its beauty lies in its simplicity. Made from stainless steel that develops a patina the more you use it, it comes ready to go out of the box. It's also fairly lightweight: pop it in the included carrying bag, and most folks should be able to tote it to wherever you're setting up camp. Just keep in mind you must use the base (not shown here) if you're placing the Bonfire on a flammable surface, such as a wood deck. Once the night's over, you let the pit cool, then remove the grate and ash pan.
Minor criticisms:All wood-burning Solo Stoves get very hot to the touch, and they can take an hour or more to cool down, based on our testing. That means you have to wait until you can clean out the ash — and if you use the fire pit at night, you shouldn't head to bed until the fire is fully out. Solo Stoves should not be left out uncovered, as rain can mix with the ash and become corrosive.
- Ready to use out of the box
- Relatively lightweight and easy to move
- Durable construction
- Comes in four colors
- Frame gets very hot to the touch
- Takes at least and hour to cool down (and must be completely cool before you can clean out the ash)
Size:12.5"H x 12.5"D | Weight:15 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:Unlisted | Included accessories:Stand, removable ash pan
Another win from Solo Stove, the Ranger 2.0 is one of the brand's more compact models. It is also one of the brand's most affordable, and though you can certainly get cheaper fire pits, they likely won't be as streamlined or produce as little smoke as this one.
Why it's great:Just take it from Carolin Fuller, director of consumer marketing at Campspot , an online camping resource and directory: "My husband and I enjoy camping and exploring the wilderness in spots off the beaten path, so the size and portability of a fire pit are important to us," she said. "The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is small enough to fit among the rest of our gear but big enough to throw off plenty of heat during cold nights in camp. It comes in a convenient carrying case, the removable ash pan makes for easy cleanups, and the smokeless design means we don't have to play musical chairs to avoid stinging eyes."
Fuller noted that many of her Campspot colleagues — and fellow nature lovers — appreciate all the accessories, like "a removable shield to minimize flying embers and a cast iron cooktop that turns your fire pit into a portable griddle — perfect for morning eggs and bacon!"
Minor criticisms:The Stove Ranger is designed to warm only two to four people, so it's on the smaller size. For larger spaces and groups of four to six, you might need to invest in the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 (about $100 more). The brand also offers many handy accessories, like a fire poker , for your pit, but they all must be bought separately.
- Fairly lightweight/portable
- Compatible with grill top/hub
- Smokeless design
- On the more affordable side
- One fuel type
- Small
Size:24" dia. x 16"H | Weight:22 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:3+ feet | Included accessories:Wind guard
After trying out this 24-inch bowl-shaped fire pit, our tester, Commerce Editor Saundra Latham , was impressed. Though she says she's "not the best at starting fires," she was able to get a strong blaze going easily. "The wide bowl made it easy to start the fire without getting nervous about burned fingers," she says.
Why it's great:The Cleanburn comes with a base that doubles as an ash catcher and a top ring that serves as a wind guard. All the pieces are made of stainless steel, and Latham appreciated how the wind guard offered extra separation between people and the fire, while keeping the flames from dancing all over the place.
As with any high-quality smokeless fire pit, this one produces a small amount of fine ash. It's easy to dump: just twist off the bowl, and you're left with the base that holds the debris. Latham was struck by how few ashes remained after a big fire; she also reports that the base is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Minor criticisms:Latham, who also owns a Solo Stove, notes that the Cuisinart produces slightly more smoke. Her main critique is that the Cuisinart doesn't come with any accessories (a spark guard, cover, cooking grill and other items are available, but sold separately). That said, she thinks this is "a great pick if you want the traditional wood-burning fire pit experience with a minimum of fuss. The design is sleek too."
- No tools required for setup
- Effectively funnels any smoke upwards, away from people's faces
- Easy to dump ashes
- Sleek bowl shape
- Doesn't come with any accessories
- Produces slightly more smoke than Solo Stove
Size:6" dia. x 6"H | Weight:1.4 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood or pellets | Heat output:2+ feet | Included accessories:Stand, pellet adapter, carrying bag
If you have just a deck, patio or balcony, you'll want the Mesa. This tabletop fire pit packs a decent amount of heat in a tiny package and is a clever way to add ambiance to a tight space.
Why it's great:The Mesa works like most Solo Stoves and even comes with the same features, including a stand, carrying bag and a top ring that guards against wind. Our tester was able to get a 6-inch-tall fire going in just a couple of minutes using a starter and says the heat radiates as far as two feet, pretty impressive for such a small gadget. "I found it incredibly easy to set up and light up. It's especially great for someone like me who doesn't have a big yard with a dedicated area for a larger fire pit," she says.
Scott Fischer, chef and president of the online butcher shop Happy to Meat You , owns this version and calls it “a little ball of contained fire.” “I use the Mesa for atmosphere and heat on my condo balcony," he said. "It's small enough to sit on an outdoor patio table — even a two-seater bistro table — and robust enough to emit a warm flame on cool summer nights, and cold winter nights as well.” He even takes the Mesa with him when he goes camping with his grandkids to make s'mores.
You can use small branches or wood chunks, chips or pellets as fuel. Though the fire pit doesn't have a removable ash tray, you don't really need one, says our tester: "It's very easy to clean. You just wait until it cools completely, then flip the fire pit over to discard any leftover ash. You can also wipe it down with a towel or spray it with a hose to dislodge any ashes that may be stuck to the bottom."
Minor criticisms:The exterior of this portable pit gets extremely hot. The good news is that it cools down much more quickly than larger models; based on our testing, you should be able to clean it out within 30 minutes or so.
- Impressive flame for such a small device
- Extremely portable
- Available in four colors
- Exterior gets very hot to the touch
Dimensions:24.75" dia. x 18.75"H | Weight:43 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood or pellets | Heat output:4+ feet | Included accessories:Stand, cover, wood-light pack, removable ash pan
This modern-looking fire pit won us over for many reasons, but especially because of how easy it is to maintain. A wood handle under the frame gives you access to the ash pan — no reaching into the fire pit or flipping it over.
Why it's great:"Thanks to the ash tray, which easily pulls in and out, cleaning up this fire pit is a cinch," said Product Testing and Reviews Editorial Director Lauren Matthews-Ide . She also appreciates the number of accessories the Tiki comes with, which makes this fire pit a veritable bargain in our testing pool, despite its high upfront price.
Extras include a built-in stand, a weather-resistant cover and a wood pellet pack . Matthews-Ide lit her inaugural fire using the pellets and says, "It could not have been easier to get going. You just put the included metal cone into the fire pit, place the pellet pack on top, and light each corner. Instant fire!" Alternatively, you can use logs and kindling, which is the more economical choice, as the bag of pellets lasted only about 30 minutes in testing.
This fire pit has a less industrial look than many options on the market, a big plus if you prefer a traditional design. The dark-colored metal is unobtrusive, and the conical design has the added benefit of helping direct any smoke (of which there's very little) away from your face. "This is a solid, well-made firepit that is simple to assemble and so easy to use," says Matthews-Ide. Tiki also sells fire pit accessories like a griddle and a tabletop.
Minor criticisms:You won't want to move this fire pit around your yard much, as it's heavy. "One person technically could carry it, but I would recommend two, even though it has handles on both sides," says Matthews-Ide. She also recommends having a friend help you put the fire pit together. The assembly is meant to be tool-free, but she had trouble aligning one of the bolts and needed to reach for a drill; plus, the individual pieces are heavy.
- Includes weather-resistant cover and a built-in stand
- Elevated design that makes it stand out from the industrial-looking competition
- Ash pan is easy to access and empty
- Heavy and hard to move around
Size:28.5" dia. x 27"H | Weight:88 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Propane | Heat output:3+ feet, 40,000 BTUs | Included accessories:Slide-out propane tank tray, fuel gauge
This gas fire pit operates off a 20-pound propane tank, and getting a flame going takes nothing more than flipping a switch and turning a knob. According to the brand, you can expect about seven hours of use from a single tank.
Why it's great:Beyond its ease of use, this fire pit won us over with its sleek, modular design. Just as its name promises, this model can be customized with all types of handy accessories, like a glass surround , a patio heater attachment and a tabletop (shown here). We loved how the table made this fire pit useful even when we didn't want to turn it on. For that reason, we think it's also the best fire pit for patios.
Lava rocks on top give it a modern look, and though the dark-colored metal shows dirt, it wipes clean easily. Even without a cover, the Tiki has shown zero signs of wear after months of use — and it has sat out in some very nasty rainstorms. Its weather-resistance is key, as it weighs a whopping 91 pounds, making it difficult to move.
Minor criticisms:Because it uses propane, this fire pit's build is slightly more complicated than wood-burning options. Setup took about 20 minutes. It also puts out less heat, and the flames are highly susceptible to wind. But that's the nature of a gas fire over a wood one.
- Sleek and modern
- Customizable with inserts and accessories (sold separately)
- Gas fuel means you don't need to worry about constantly feeding the fire
- Holds up to weather, even without a cover
- Heavy and hard to move around (even though it has wheels)
- Must stand closer to fire pit than with the others to feel warm
Dimensions:28"D x 28"W x 25"H | Weight:57 lbs. | Materia:Alloy steel | Fuel type:Propane | Heat output:50,000 BTU | Included accessories:Glass wind guard, cover
When it comes to fire pit tables, more than 3,200 Amazon reviewers stand by this propane-fueled option from Ciays, which is perfect for smaller patios and cooler nights (it reaches 50,000 BTU for ample heat output). Lava rocks lend to the ambiance, while an external knob lets you control the flame.
Why it's great:This find does double-duty as a table when you're not using the fire function — just secure the included lid. A "nice product for the money," warmly commented one shopper . "Simple to set up. The flame is adequate in size on low. Nice to have on the patio or deck. Highly recommend it if you're looking for a smokeless option."
"Ordered this fire pit because it was an Amazon top pick, and I haven't been disappointed with my choice," wrote another . "Directions were very easy to follow, and the parts were well labeled. The unit is very sturdy, and there's some weight to it so it will stay secure …. "
Minor criticisms:Some Amazon shoppers had difficulty getting a flame to catch and stay ignited, but patient trial and error got things blazing.
- Doubles as a table
- Propane tank contained inside
- Smokeless design
- On the heavier side
- One fuel type
Dimensions:27.5" dia. x 14"H | Weight:61.9 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel or Corten steel | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:4+ feet | Included accessories:Removable ash pan
Breeo is another quality (read: heavy-duty) fire pit for those who want to re-create the campfire experience — or cook up a hearty meal. The brand offers a few accessories specifically for that purpose, including a grill grate , a flat-top griddle and even a pizza oven attachment . If you like to do live-fire cooking, you could easily use this Breeo in place of a grill.
Why it's great:“This fire pit is not only beautiful but durable," says Michael Scheinman, CEO of Campspot . "I like how the thick walls guard it from excess wind and weather. My only word of caution is you will want all of the accessories."
Bendrick is also a fan: "It's a beautiful fire pit that has a refined look and works with rustic, Mediterranean or modern aesthetics," she says. She likes the Series 19 and the Series 24 for a small or medium-sized yard; if you have a larger group of six or more, she recommends upgrading to the Series 30, which is about 35 inches, or the Series 42, which is 46 inches.
Minor criticisms:This fire pit is pricey — the weathered finish shown runs close to $600, and the stainless steel version costs $200 more — and it doesn't come with any cooking accessories, which are also expensive. It's also heavy, so only invest in it if you expect it to become a permanent fixture in your yard.
- Emits a lot of heat
- Refined style meshes well with most aesthetics
- Paired with cooking accessories, could replace your grill
- Pricey accessories increase overall cost
Size:49"H x 17"W x 17"L | Weight:35 lbs. | Material:Corten steel, sheet metal | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:Unlisted | Included accessories:N/A
If you're in the market for something outside the box (ahem, bowl), look no further than this geometric wood-burning chiminea from Terrain. "It gives you more of a fireplace vibe," says Messner.
Why it's great:The chiminea's vertical dimension adds a layer of height and interest to any landscape, and its heat-resistant, pre-oxidized alloy steel develops a unique, rust-like finish when exposed to the elements. Its sleek, narrow profile allows for use "in smaller spaces where you might not have room for a fire pit surrounded by a large circle of chairs," shares Messner.
This design is the top fire pit alternative for Yardzen's design clients, adds design director and landscape architect Kevin Lenhart. It's made from heavy-gauge Corten steel and comes in the rust finish shown here or matte black.
Minor criticisms:Some reviews note the steel could be more substantial. There is no doubt the minimalist chiminea adds a striking glow to an outdoor area, but for the price, some hoped the construction would be better.
- Architectural design
- Sturdy construction
- Patina adds charm
- On the pricier side
Dimensions:12''H x 39.9''W x 39.9''D | Weight:83 lbs. | Material:Concrete, steel | Fuel type:Propane | Heat output:50,000 BTU | Included accessories:Propane tank cover
For a more robust option, Messner recommends this top-rated fire pit table from Joss & Main made from lightweight, weather-resistant concrete. An output of 50,000 BTU will keep larger areas and groups cozy, plus it boasts an adjustable flame and comes fully assembled, cover included.
Why it's great:"If you're all about simplicity and want a warm fire at the flip of a switch (or the light of a match), I'd recommend going with a gas fire pit," advises Messner. "The push-button ignition makes this one easy to turn on, and it comes preassembled for an easy setup. The boxy silhouette works especially well in contemporary designs."
Messner's clients love it too: "This model is Yardzen's most requested option among fire pits with an attached propane tank (and the second most used fire pit in Yardzen designs overall). It has a 60-inch fuel hose, providing multiple ways to orient or hide the tank and cover nearby."
Minor criticisms:This fire pit table is the second-heaviest pick on our list, making it another style that will be tough to adjust if you redo your yard.
- Sizable ring
- Base comes fully assembled
- Made with weather-resistant concrete
- Pricey
- Heavy
Factors to consider when choosing a fire pit
✓ Intended usage:The first step in evaluating a fire pit when looking to make a purchase is to put some real thought into where and how you'll actually use it: "Wood-burning fire pits are ideal for traditional fires, fire pit tables usually allow room for drinks when entertaining, and gas-powered fire pits offer convenience," says Messner. "If you plan to move your fire pit around or take it on camping trips, you may benefit from a portable and lightweight option."
✓ Fuel type:
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Wood:"Wood-burning fire pits provide an authentic campfire experience but require a steady supply of firewood and tend to produce more smoke (meaning more cleanup)," says Messner.
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Gas/propane:You won't have to worry about smoke with a gas fire pit, but they lack that classic look and feel. If your fire pit runs on propane (and is not hooked up to a gas line), know that you'll need to replace the tank when it runs out.
✓ Design:As for the style, "Fire pits also come in a wide range of designs — from rustic fire bowls to sophisticated fire tables — so consider how it will complement your existing furniture or overall backyard aesthetic," says Messner.
✓ Heat output:You can measure output by BTUs with gas fire pits, but it's less precise with wood-fueled models. With all of the best fire pits we tested, you'll feel warmth from three or more feet away (the only exception is the tabletop Solo Stove Mesa, but it's only six inches tall!). If you find your fire pit doesn't radiate enough warmth, check if the brand sells a heat deflector. Many do, and as a bonus, they can help reduce the amount of firewood you use.
✓ Safety and space:Messner advises looking for "sturdy construction, a stable base, a spark screen or lid to contain embers (if burning wood) and safety shut-off valves (for gas-powered pits) to help prevent accidents." You should also avoid discarding any foreign materials into the flame and ensure the fire pit is properly secured and guarded when not in use. "Additionally, you'll need ample room around and above the fire pit for air to flow, along with a solid, heat-resistant surface such as gravel or concrete below."
How we tested and chose these fire pits
We started by researching top-selling fire pits, sorting through hundreds of customer reviews until we landed on 10 popular models to test. We sent them to editors across the country and had them use them throughout the summer. They scored them on the following criteria:
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Setup:Testers timed themselves on how long it took to assemble the fire pit. They also noted if it required tools.
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Operation:We asked testers to record if the fire required a starter and the time it took for the fire to ignite.
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Portability:Our panelists noted the fire pit's weight and tried carrying it on their own. They also noted whether it had handles or wheels to make it easier to move.
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Heat output and distribution:We asked testers to measure the distance from the fire pit until they could no longer feel heat. We also asked them to estimate how many people could be warmed by the fire pit.
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Smoke output:Even the best smokeless fire pit may emit a scant amount of smoke. Testers rated the amount on a scale from 1 (a ton of smoke) to 5 (none at all).
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Cooking experience:We had the testers roast marshmallows over the flame. They noted how close they had to stand to the fire, if cooking felt safe and how easy it was.
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Cleaning:Our panelists reported their experience emptying the ash pan. When needed, they wiped down the exterior or cleaned the interior and reported on the process.
That wasn't all! They also shared their thoughts on the fire pit's durability, safety features, accessories and overall value. To round out this list, we also interviewed five experts, including landscape designers and campsite directors who've had access to a range of fire pits and experience using them both for themselves and clients.
A tester roasts marshmallows over a roaring flame as part of testing.
(Carrie McCabe/Yahoo)Other fire pits we tested
Solo Stove Yukon Fire Pit + Stand :This is a great larger Solo Stove, and we named it one of our top picks in our guide to the best smokeless fire pits . However, it's expensive and our tester had some safety concerns, especially because she has a toddler at home. "It's great for warming up but might be a bit of a hazard if you get too close," she explains.
Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit :Our tester, Senior Editor Jessica Teich , loved how versatile this portable fire pit is: "You can use either wood or charcoal, and it sits right on the mesh grate, which provides great ventilation. Just like any fire, though, it requires a bit of kindling and precision to get going, but I had no issues once it was up and running." That said, she struggled a bit to set up the mesh grate at the outset and noticed some discoloration and rust on various components soon after using it.
Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega :Another propane-fueled fire pit, this one was easy to set up and earned mostly raves from our tester, Commerce Editor Kris Scott . However, it doesn't have a push-button ignition, like the Tiki, and the fire wasn't as strong. "I think it'd put out enough heat on a cool fall evening to make being outside around it comfortable. You do need to be fairly close to it to feel the heat well, but the fact that it doesn't emit any smoke or embers makes that easy," she reported.
BioLite FirePit+ Smokeless Fire Pit :At $600 when not on sale, this is one pricey pit. It's large at 27 inches wide and 16 inches tall, but it weighs only 20 pounds, making it popular among campers. Instead of a double-wall design like the other models we tried, this one has see-through mesh sides and uses an electric fan to aid in combustion. While we like it, we felt there were equally effective, portable fire pits for less money.
We tested the fire pits in all conditions to check their durability and heat output.
(Jessica Dodell-Feder/Yahoo)Fire pit FAQs
What is a durable fire pit that can last a long time?
Look for a fire pit made of stainless or Corten steel, which should be able to withstand most conditions, including rain (that said, you should avoid leaving portable fire pits out in bad weather if you can avoid it). Concrete is another popular material, especially for more permanent fire pits; choose it for a modern, sleek look.
How far away from the house should a fire pit be?
The National Association of Realtors recommends traditional fire pits be placed at least 10 feet away from your house, shed, deck and any vehicles, and you should also steer clear of low-hanging branches and other potentially flammable landscaping elements. In some cases, local laws mandate a distance of 25 feet, so check your local guidelines. I suggest opting for more compact, tabletop fire pits (such as the Solo Stove Mesa ) for smaller spaces, and consulting local authorities to better understand any specific laws that might be enforced in your area. You'll also want to heed caution when manning and enjoying the fire pit once it's in place, ideally sitting at least a few feet away from any open flames and being extra diligent when children are in the vicinity.
Does a backyard fire pit add value to a home?
A fire pit can be an investment — especially when you get into the multi-hundred or even thousand-dollar range — but a worthwhile one at that, as some landscape experts suggest a quality fire pit enhanced by a well-designed landscape can increase the value of your home. It's easy to see how adding valuable structures and beautiful architecture to a property could render it more appealing to potential buyers. But, just as with installing a pool or planting trees, this is an instance where the beauty (or at least the practicality) is in the eye of the beholder.
Meet our experts
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Sara Bendrick, landscape contractor and owner, Sarita Landscapes
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Scott Fischer, president and CEO, Happy to Meat You
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Carolin Fuller, director of consumer marketing, Campspot
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Allison Messner, co-founder and CEO, Yardzen
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Michael Scheinman, CEO, Campspot
Update, Sept. 28, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability and revised this list based on the results of new testing. Our No. 1 pick for best fire pit is now the Solo Stove Bonfire; we also added the Cuisinart Cleanburn and Tiki Propane Fire Pit.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
