Out of all four elements, fire is undoubtedly the one that is the most fascinating for human beings. In addition to the warmth it provides, blaze has a beauty which draws people toward it. Fire pits are the perfect way to enjoy the flames in a safe, comfortable, and contained manner – think of them as upgraded, controllable campfires, enclosed in strong, solid units.
The best fire pit can be a great addition to any backyard. Not only does it provide warmth, it is also a charming decorative accessory for your patio. Fire pits can be perfect for social get-togethers, allowing friends and family to gather around the bonfire for warmth, laughter, conversation, and even some good old marshmallow toasting. The portable types can even be taken along to campsites and barbecues. In addition to setting the mood, fire pits can also be used for cooking, if a crate is placed on top. O this page you will find the best fire pits reviews on the market and much more!
However, low-quality fire pits can do more harm than good. Make a wrong, uninformed decision, and you’ll end up with a useless contraption that creates inconvenient messes, fails to light up properly, or deteriorates rapidly after just a few uses. In worst case scenarios, a malfunctioning fire pit can be downright dangerous, owing to hazards such as gas leaks, or the uncontrolled spreading of the flames.
When purchasing a fire pit, identifying the good fire pits from the bad can be difficult. In addition, the availability of a wide array of different models with varying features, materials, and fuel sources can make it tough to make the right choice.
If you’re looking for expert fire pit reviews and a detailed buying guide, we’ve got everything you need right here. We’ve spent countless hours on research, sifting through everything that the market has to offer, to bring you a list of top ten fire pits, with honest, concise reviews on each. In addition, we’ve put together a comprehensive buying guide that contains information on all aspects of purchasing a fire pit, providing you everything you need to make the best, most informed decision.
Skip the research and read on for everything you need to know in order to purchase the best patio fire pit for your backyard. Let's find the best outdoor fire pit!
Home Maker Guide created for informational purposes only. Thus, we neither endorse you in any way to buy specific products in our reviews, nor making you act like it’s written in our guides. We are reserving the rights for you to make your personal decision.
ARCHIE ADAMS
Editor-in-Chief of the Home Maker GuideWhile fire pits are a great way to bring warmth and personality to your outdoor space, choosing the right one can be a difficult task. In addition to the vast selection of products available, there are also multiple factors to take into account, such as the different types of fuel source, materials, and sizes, not to mention your intended usage and any additional accessories you might require. These are all aspects that need to be considered during the process of selecting and purchasing the absolute best fire pit for your garden.
To aid you in the process, and ensure that you’re equipped with all the information you need to make the right choice, we’ve compiled a comprehensive buying guide, to simplify the entire process for you. This guide contains all the key points you need to consider and be aware of before you set out to select and buy a fire pit. Read on for our expert tips and info.
There are many reasons why this product can make a great addition to your backyard or patio. Firstly, the most obvious reason is the warmth they provide. They can be great for pleasant summer nights, and can warm up frosty fall evenings. In addition they provide a safe way to enjoy flames – they are contained in the fire bowl which prevents it from spreading, and accessories such as spark guards can keep you and your loved ones protected from flying sparks and embers. Fire pits will also keep any resulting messes (such as ash or other debris) contained in one place, and all you have to do to clean up is empty the fire bowl into the trash after everything has had a chance to cool down.
Another major benefit of the top fire pits is the aesthetic appeal they provide. They can really add to the outdoor ambience, and enhance the décor of your patio/backyard. They also serve as excellent talking points at gatherings, and are great for entertaining purposes, as guests tend to congregate around them for warmth and conversation.
Finally, best fire pits are also beneficial because of the wide range of uses they have. In addition to the obvious warmth and light they provide, they also are excellent for toasting marshmallows and roasting hot dogs in the backyard. If required, they can be covered with a cooking grate and used to grill food, and if portable, they can be taken along to campsites or beaches. You can even use them as a quick and easy way to dispose of bills and old documents.
While propane and natural gas fire pits are easy enough to use – all it takes is a button/lever to turn them on and customize the height and intensity of flames – there is a particular process that needs to be followed for wood burning fire pits.
When purchasing the best fire pit, in addition to knowing about the various types of fire pits the market has to offer, it is also essential to know what your priorities and needs are, as this will help you narrow down your options.
If all you’re looking for is a small cozy fire to enjoy with family in the evenings, a basic fire pit with a standard 20-25 inch diameter will suffice. These are good for placing on a patio, and using for warmth and some light s’more-making.
However, if you have bigger plans, and intend to use it as a part-time grill, you will need to buy a bigger pit, and also ensure that it comes with/can accommodate a cooking grate. There’s nothing quite like a fire pit BBQ.
If you’re looking for a device you can take along to the beach or on camping trips, a foldable portable model is your best bet.
Meanwhile if entertaining is your prime intended use, you will need to invest in a bigger model (35-45 inch) and might want to consider the sleeker, more decorative units, which have features such as outside rings on which guests might place their drinks, etc.
The material the best fire pit is made of determines its appearance, design, and durability. There is no single best material for a fire pit – it all depends on the décor of your backyard, and what you plan to use it for. There are multiple different types of materials, but the following are the most common:
Steel fire pits are among the most popular varieties. They are available in multiple models, ranging from relatively inexpensive to more high-end, and are usually lightweight and durable (although they are not as sturdy as cast iron). While some models are weather-resistant, steel can start to rust over time if left unprotected, so it is essential to invest in a cover. However, generally, steel fire pits are low-maintenance.
In terms of the aesthetic appeal, steel can be fairly drab in its original, brushed, untreated form. However, many models come with a black, heat-resistant finish or are powder-coated, which makes them more attractive and more durable. Regardless of its coating, however, steel can get very hot during and after use, so it is essential to treat it with caution and allow it sufficient time to cool down after you are done using it.
While these might not be as sturdy as most materials, stainless steel fire pits are attractive, sleek, industrial and minimalist in terms of design. In addition, these types of firepits are also rust-free and maintain their eye-catching appearance for a long time. While not a very common material, these models are offered by some manufacturers. However, stainless steel cannot be left out in the open, exposed to the elements, and you will need to invest in a good waterproof cover.
Cast iron is one of the most popular materials for fire pits. It makes for an extremely sturdy and durable product, which is unlikely to rust. In addition to their durable qualities, cast iron fire pits also radiate the most amount of warmth, as compared to other materials, and are great for grilling and cooking purposes.
However, cast iron fire pits are not always portable, as they tend to be rather heavy, and can also be a bit on the pricey side. In addition, if left exposed to the elements, they can also discolor, so you will need to invest in a heavy-duty cover.
These type is the most expensive one, but ultimately the most desirable. Copper will never rust, and exposure to flames and heat will only enhance its appearance, allowing it to develop a rich and eye-catching patina over time. In addition to radiating plenty of heat, these products are also ideal in terms of décor and can lend a rustic charm to any backyard.
The size of the perfect fire pit you choose should not only depend on what you plan to use it for but also the amount of space you have available. Ideally, you want so that there are no plants, power lines, other structures, or any flammable objects near it, and you’ll need to ensure that there is plenty of room for people to walk comfortably and safely around. Before you make your choice, measure the space where you plan to place it, and then choose a model and size which is in accordance with the amount of available space you have.
Small sized fire pits are usually 20-30 inches in diameter and are ideal for anyone who is only interested in the occasional use or needs something portable. These models can be moved around with ease, and taken along for camping and beach trips, or to parties at friends’ houses. These are often foldable models and come with carrying cases to allow for easy transport. If you need a device to take along to other locations, have less space, or are not willing to commit to the regular and prolonged use of a fire pit, a small-sized model is your best bet. However, keep in mind that these may not hold a lot of wood or allow for very large fires.
Medium sized fire pits are usually 30-38 inches in diameter and are generally the most common. These offer a good balance of moderate size, portability (in some cases), and a nice-sized bonfire. They can hold a good amount of wood, and make for bright, cozy, and longer-lasting fires. Clean-up of ashes is also fairly manageable. These types of models are not foldable and usually consist of a bowl propped up with a stand. However, since medium-sized pits are the most common, there are plenty of options and designs to choose from.
These tend to be 38 inches or larger in diameter, and are not portable. However, they make for the biggest, most long-lasting fires, and can accommodate large crowds, big cooking grates, and multiple custom design features (such as an outside rim for placing drinks) with ease. Clean-up can be a hassle with this size, as the bowl cannot easily be picked up in order to tip its contents into the trash. Maintenance will also require greater effort on a more regular basis. Only opt for this size if you have sufficient space, plan to use the fire pit regularly for big crowds, and do not need to move the pit around.
Fire pits are great additions to backyards, camping trips, and beach parties, but they cannot be used on their own. There are multiple accessories that need to accompany even the best fire pit, in order to make it easy and enjoyable to use. While some models come with accessories included, others require you to buy them separately. Ultimately, when you are looking to buy a fire pit, it is important to take your needs and intended usage into account, to determine which accessories you will require with your purchase.
This is a metal instrument used for tending and stoking the flames. Generally, a fire poker should be long enough so that you can tend to the fire without bringing yourself too close to it, and should have a heat-resistant handle, to provide comfort and easy manoeuvrability. In addition, a poker can also be used to remove or replace the spark guard screen.
This is an essential accessory, as it protects your fire pit from the elements, and keeps rain, snow, leaves, and other debris from getting in. Covers should generally be made of durable metal or waterproof materials, to ensure adequate protection.
A spark guard is a wire mesh screen (usually shaped like a dome), which is used to contain the flames within the fire bowl, and protect everyone gathered around from any stray flames, sparks, or rogue embers that might end up flying off the bowl. Spark guards usually have a looped handle on top, to allow for easy removal or placement by using a poker.
This is a type of grill which is placed at the bottom of a fire pit, to protect the pit and elevate the fire logs to allow for adequate air flow. Sufficient airflow around and underneath the burning logs leads to better burning fires that last longer. Some models come with a log grate built into the design, while others will include one separately. For models that do not include a log grate, customers can either purchase one separately or pour some sand into the bottom of the fire bowl and stack brick on top, upon which they can place the burning logs.
This is an optional but useful accessory – a cooking grate is a grill which can be placed on top of the fire pit, and used to grill foods like steak, burgers, corn, shish kabobs, or the like. This is a super useful accessory for entertaining.
This accessory is only ever included with the best portable fire pit models. Foldable varieties can be neatly zipped into their carrying cases and transported to your location of choice.
These are not an accessory per se, but rather a useful feature – heat-resistant handles located on both sides of a fire pit allow for easy transport of the unit.
While fire pits can be fun, and are a relatively safe way to enjoy a campfire, multiple considerations need to be taken into account, in order to make sure you use your best fire pit in a safe and responsible manner. Here are some safety tips to help you in this regard:
In addition to using the fire pit safely, it is equally important to maintain it properly. Here are some maintenance tips:
There are three main types of fire pits, which vary in terms of their fuel source. Being familiar with all three types can help you determine which one you need, and make the selecting process a whole lot easier.
This is the most common and popular type. They tend to be cheaper than the other varieties and are also the most readily available, and easiest to set up and use. In addition, they also create the biggest, brightest, and hottest fires out of all other variants. If you’re looking for the bright and cheery comfort of a crackling bonfire, this is the device for you.
The best wood burning fire pits come in varying sizes, from small table-top and foldable models, to larger ones with big fire bowls that can accommodate huge fires. They generally come with mesh guards to protect against sparks, a poker to stoke the bonfire, a log grate on which to place the wood, and a cooking grate on which you may grill food.
While they are obviously the most authentic type, the wood burning variety can have its drawbacks. Starting a fire in a wood burning fire pit takes time and effort, and you will, additionally, need to look into purchasing and storing wood. Ashes will also need to be disposed of at the end of every use.
These are fueled by propane gas tanks, and the best thing about them is that you can have flames going with a simple push of a button, and their intensity can be controlled easily – definitely less labor-intensive than wood-burning models. Since no wood is involved, there are also no messes or ash, and no resulting clean-up.
This type is generally larger in size as compared to their wood burning counterparts, and tend to be more ornate in terms of design. Some models are portable, while others are built into tables, with the propane tank hidden from view for aesthetic reasons.
The only problems with a propane fire pit are that you will need to keep purchasing liquid propane, which is pricier than regular wood, and the tanks will need to be replaced every time they run out. In addition, you will also need to be wary of gas leaks, as these can be dangerous.
The most expensive of the lot, natural gas fire pits are hooked up to a natural gas line, so you will need to check whether such a line is available and accessible to your backyard where you will be placing it.
The set-up and installation will involve the hiring of a licensed professional to connect your device to the gas line, and if there is no gas line running to your backyard, you will need to shell out a lot of money for plumbing.
However, once installed, this type is absolutely worth it. Since it is connected to a gas line, you will, effectively, never run out of fuel. There is also no bulky propane tank to disrupt your décor, and no wood to create a mess, post-fire. All you need to do to operate this kind of pit is to use the simple ignition and control mechanism.
While the initial expense is substantial, these pits tend to be the most economical to maintain and cleanest to use in the long run.
In addition to varying in terms of their fuel source, they can also vary in terms of style. Some of the more popular designs include the following:
This type is ideal for moving around and taking along on camping trips. They generally feature foldable legs, are relatively lightweight, and can be stored in a carrying case for easy transport from one location to the other. While they are portable, they may lack the sturdiness and durability of larger, heavier models, and will generally be unable to accommodate very large fires.
These types of top-rated fire pits are designed for easy entertaining and decorative purposes. Shaped like a table, with the fire bowl located in the middle, these fire pit tables are generally sleek and large and feature a rim surrounding the fire bowl, where people can put up their feet or place their drinks. This type looks especially attractive on patios.
A fire pit is a fun product to own – not only can it light up a backyard and provide comfort, warmth and good cheer, its more portable versions make for great and convenient companions on camping trips and at beach visits. However, finding the best outside fire pit for your needs and specifications can be a complicated task.
When purchasing one, it is essential to be informed about the different types that are available, the varying uses to which they can be put (and what exactly you need one for), the different materials and sizes they are available in, and any additional accessories that might be required to complete your fire pit experience. In addition, it is important to be well-informed about the safe usage and maintenance before you actually purchase one.
Lack of information and guidance leads to poor decisions, and money wasted. That’s why we have put together the ultimate buying guide. Here at homemakerguide you’ll find all the information you need to make the smartest and best decision.
In addition to our comprehensive guide, we have also gone ahead and picked out the best-rated fire pits for you to consider. After carefully reviewing the features of each, and looking through countless customer reviews, we’ve compiled ten best fire pits reviews to make the selection process easier for you. Our reviews of best-selling fire pits will help steer you toward the best purchase possible.
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