The Best Fire Pits to Cozy Up to This Season

Table of Contents

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by Architectural Digest editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission.

If you’re lucky enough to have the right backyard space , any of the best fire pits will allow you to relish the great outdoors all year long. Whether it’s a cold spring afternoon or a mild summer eve, that fire pit will come in handy for cooking up s’mores and hot dogs, staying warm by the fire, or, more simply, enjoying the ambiance of an open flame from some well-appointed patio furniture .

Today’s fire pits go beyond just a metal bowl for lighting up wood, extending into design statements that not only radiate warmth but also good taste. From sleek, minimalist models that fit right in with the modern aesthetics of a city dweller's home to rustic, handcrafted options for your A-frame upstate, there are dozens of new models brimming with charm.

To take the heat off of you (figuratively speaking), we’ve rounded up our top picks for the most attractive and functional backyard fire pits you can buy right now, including the best propane , wood-burning, smokeless, gas, and portable options to really, uh, spark some joy this season.

The Best Fire Pits, According to AD

  • Best Smokeless Fire Pit: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 , $250
  • Best Portable Fire Pit: Solo Stove Ranger , $200
  • Best Fire Table : Neighbor Rook Fire Table , $4,390
  • Best Antique Look: Sunnydaze Rustic Cast Iron Fire Pit Bowl , $140
  • Best Brutalist Design: OuterStone Fire Pit Table, $5,434
  • Best Wood-Burning Fire Bowl: Fritz Hansen Cast-Iron Fire Bowl , $279
  • Best Chiminea: Hearth & Hand x Magnolia Wood-Burning Fire Pit , $170
  • Best for Camping: Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill , $320

Browse by Section:

Best Fire Pits | Other Fire Pits We Like | How We Chose These Fire Pits

The Best Fire Pits, Overall

Best Portable Fire Pit

Solo Stove Ranger 2.0

$232.00, Amazon

Specs
Dimensions: 12.5" x 15"
Materials: stainless steel
Weight: 15 pounds
Fuel type: wood

Solo Stove specializes in stainless steel fire pits that are smoke-free, and its best-selling Ranger model seen here is one of most portable fire pits out there at a fairly compact 15-pound size, which makes it ideal for taking along on road trips or tailgating (especially considering it comes with a nifty carry case to make transportation hassle-free). Crafted from premium stainless steel, its patented 360-degree Airflow Design ensures a near-smokeless burn, so your hair and clothes won’t smell like charred wood afterward. It also boasts a removable ash pan, making clean-up easy.

Best Large Smokeless Fire Pit

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

$250.00, Amazon

Specs
Dimensions: 14" x 19.5"
Materials: stainless steel
Weight: 23.3 pounds
Fuel type: wood

This five-star outdoor fire pit from Solo Stove that’s just a little bigger and heavier than the Ranger is great if you’re focused on functionality (especially when it comes to roasting marshmallows). It’s easy to clean with a removable base plate and ashtray. And you can enjoy warm summer nights relaxing by the fire without smelling like a campfire afterward, thanks to its vented design. You can even pack it up in a carry bag and take it on the go. And, unlike the Ranger, which only comes in the standard stainless steel option, the Bonfire is available in a slew of eye-catching hues. There are also a number of optional add-ons, from a heat deflector to a griddle, if you want to go the full nine yards with your outdoor setup.

Best Fire Table

Neighbor Rook Fire Table

$4390.00, Neighbor

Specs
Dimensions: 14.75" x 36"
Materials: teak, concrete
Weight: 263 pounds
Fuel type: gas, propane

Neighbor’s stealthy fire table is ideal for curating a Southwestern-inspired vibe. By day, it’s where you’ll enjoy morning coffee, an afternoon read, or simply kick your feet on the slatted wood top. By night, you’ll be able to hang outside with your closest confidants and enjoy a nightcap comfortably thanks to the smokeless flame from this gas-powered roundtable.

Best Rustic Fire Pit

Sunnydaze Rustic Cast Iron Fire Pit Bowl

$189.00, Amazon

Specs
Dimensions: 15" x 30"
Materials: cast iron
Weight: 25 pounds
Fuel type: wood

Amazon sells what feels like millions upon millions of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, but this country-inspired, wood-burning option definitely stands out for people who want more of an antique-inspired style. It’s made of durable, weather-resistant cast iron (in either rust or steel colors), and it has a cheerful shape and convenient handles, not to mention the budget-friendly price point. It comes in three sizes, so you should be able to find one that works with your space.

Best Brutalist Design

OuterStone Fire Pit Table

$5720.00, Outer

Specs
Dimensions: 40” L x 40” W x 14.2” H
Materials: OuterStone®, stainless steel, aluminum
Weight: 162 pounds
Fuel type: gas, propane

From a glance, this fire pit from Outer has a similar appeal to one of Frama Copenhagen's stylish fragrance diffusers —the ceramic stone spheres act as wind guards, meant to keep the flame centralized while heat gets directed outwards. The table itself is decidedly modern, available in either a rectangular or square shaped marbled stone that adds some nice contrast if you’re looking to decorate your exterior with pieces that have a brutalist look.

Best Fire Bowl

Skagerak by Fritz Hansen Cast-Iron Fire Bowl

$569.00, DWR

Specs
Dimensions: 7.5" x 22.9"
Materials: Cast iron
Weight: 40 pounds
Fuel type: Wood

Position this streamlined fire bowl in the middle of your outdoor space and you've got yourself a stunning centerpiece. Crafted by Danish design company Skagerak , it’s not only a sculptural addition to the home, it’s also super functional—the conical shape filters ash to the bottom, helping evenly dissipate heat and create a more efficient burn. There are two built-in handles to make it easier to move around and it comes fully assembled. As an added perk, you can add a cooking grate for easy grilling (with no propane tank required).

Best Chiminea

Hearth & Hand x Magnolia Wood-Burning Fire Pit

$170.00, Target

Specs
Dimensions: 50" x 17"
Materials: steel
Weight: 14.77 pounds
Fuel type: wood

“When I first started looking at fire pits, I was drawn to chimineas because I wanted a more controlled way to enjoy the flames,” says contributor Stewart Savin. This petite chiminea caught Savin's eye immediately since it would fit comfortably in her North Carolina backyard, but wasn’t overly expensive. “We use it a few times a year with a small Duraflame log , and it’s now held up well after two years of sitting in our backyard. Even when we aren't using it, it adds a bit of style to our space,” she says.

Best for Camping

Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill

$320.00, SSENSE

Specs
Dimensions: 14.75" x 14.75"
Materials: stainless steel
Weight: 23 pounds
Fuel type: wood

Snowpeak’s fire pit and grill has a foldable silhouette that makes it easy to take on camping trips and minimizes added bulk. The lightweight Japanese design keeps coals off the ground, too, so you don’t have to worry about any tedious cleanup. “This fire grill and pit is an instant hit with everyone who’s seen it,” says commerce editor Audrey Lee. “It will keep you warm against any chilly temperatures, but I like it best for making s’mores during summer hangouts.”

Other Fire Pits We Like

Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit

$150.00, Amazon

Specs
Dimensions: 15" x 30"
Materials: Cast iron
Weight: 20.1 pounds
Fuel type: Propane

Outland Living’s Firebowl is one of the most popular fire pit options on Amazon, with over 15,000 five-star reviews to its credit. Many happy shoppers agree that the sturdy frame combined with a stainless-steel burner give it an edge. Plus, it's easy to use, easy to clean up, and compact in size. This fire pit is ideal for transporting in the trunk on camping trips, tailgating adventures, beach excursions, or as an outdoor centerpiece in your own backyard. The flame size can be controlled by turning the valve knob, and because it uses propane, it’s an ash-free and smokeless fire.

West Elm Concrete Low Round Fire Pit Table

$2499.00, West Elm

Specs
Dimensions: 12" x 43"
Materials: Concrete, lava rock filling
Weight: 166 pounds
Fuel type: Propane

Though it’s designed to sit low to the ground like your standard man-made campfire, this sleek West Elm fire pit is one step ahead. Simply push the button to light a flame in the lava rock bed and delicately rest any drinks you’re indulging on the substantial surrounding lip. It’s great for small, casual gatherings with family, neighbors, or friends and made with an industrial weather-resistant sealant against rain or snow. An additional polyester cover gives it some extra weatherproofing, too.

Pottery Barn Nerissa Concrete Round Fire Pit Table

$3799.00, Pottery Barn

Specs
Dimensions: 14" x 38"
Materials: Concrete, steel, lava rocks
Weight: 225 pounds
Fuel type: Propane

Here's another round fire pit style that comes with two different fuel type compatibilities (propane or natural gas), depending on your preferences. The flames spark up from genuine lava rocks, creating a luxe vibe. The neutral colors it’s available in allow it to serve as a functional addition to your backyard that won’t be an eyesore but will still get plenty of use during cozy late wine night chats in the summer or winter. There’s also a lid available (purchased separately) that allows you to convert the fire pit into a table.

BioLite Smokeless Outdoor Wood and Charcoal Burning Fire Pit

$400.00, BioLite

Specs
Dimensions: 15.8" x 27" x 13"
Materials: Steel
Weight: 19.8 pounds
Fuel type: Wood or charcoal

If you're a sucker for newfangled technology, you’ll love the BioLite FirePit, which lets you adjust the fire the old-fashioned way, of course, or use the accompanying Bluetooth app to control the size of the flames—cool, right? It also comes with a rechargeable battery that can run for up to 30 hours and can work on other devices if you take it on the go with you. The foldable legs also make transportation much easier. It's even big enough to moonlight as a hibachi-style BBQ grill (a separate grill grate is included) when camping.

AllModern Rashid Concrete Propane Outdoor Fire Pit Table

$799.00, Wayfair

Specs
Dimensions: 12" x 42"
Materials: Concrete, stainless steel, lava rocks
Weight: 100 pounds
Fuel type: Propane

Fans of clean, crisp lines and simple aesthetics will obsess over this fire pit table with lava rocks and glass fire beads from AllModern. Its low profile makes for a great centerpiece for your gathering space, and its hidden compartment allows you to store your fuel so it won’t be an eyesore. It’s also easy to use—all you have to do is push a button to ignite the fire.

West Elm Galvin Outdoor Fire Table

$4699.00, West Elm

Specs
Dimensions: 42" x 42"
Materials: Concrete, glass fiber, lava rocks
Weight: 300 pounds
Fuel type: Propane

West Elm’s Galvin fire pit is another clean-looking piece that aligns with a brutalist aesthetic, but that doesn’t mean it can't fit in with your rattan and wicker accents, especially if you're following a light tone color palette. The propane-powered table is battery operated, with a hidden key valve ignition for a streamlined look. The concrete texture will withstand any and all weather conditions too, and you can always fashion a table top from wood or glass if you ever want to transform the piece into a full-on table.

How We Chose These Fire Pits

Selecting the best fire pits for this list was a process rooted in a combination of glowing customer reviews, expert opinions, and tried-and-true functionality. The top fire pit picks stood out for their durability, heat efficiency, ease of use, and value, making them reliable centerpieces for any outdoor space. Whether it’s for cozy nights, entertaining guests, or roasting marshmallows, these fire pits consistently delivered on their promises and came highly recommended by real users.

We also understand that aesthetics play a key role in creating the perfect ambiance. That’s why we included a curated selection of design-forward options for those who prioritize style as much as substance. These runner-ups push the boundaries of traditional fire-pit design, offering sleek materials, sculptural shapes, and unique finishes. While they may not be the top performers in every functional category, they excel at making a statement.

Wood-Burning Vs. Propane/Gas-Burning Fire Pits

One of the first decision hurdles you'll face when shopping for a fire pit is the choice between a wood-burning fire pit or one that uses gas and propane. Experts note that the main difference between the two comes down to the burn itself. Propane and gas burn cleaner than wood—that's where the term smokeless comes from. These types of fire pits are easier to maintain and are generally safer choices for guests to be seated around since they emit a more controlled flame (i.e., they're less harmful to the surrounding air quality).

On the other hand, wood-burning fire pits can give off a more authentic, campfire-type feel, but they also produce soot, ash, and creosote , so there might be cleanup or sweeping involved after each use. For a reduced carbon footprint, the best wood options are sustainable, locally-sourced firewood. You can also use wood fuel pellets, which produce low smoke and very little ash or wood scraps and yard prunings to offset environmental damage.

Where Can You Safely Use a Fire Pit?

We recommend reading through FEMA's safety guidelines when it comes to properly using any type of fire-burning accessories. Fire pits should be situated at least 10 feet from your home and any other flammable objects. Children should be monitored while fires are lit and make sure all flames are extinguished when the pit is no longer in use. Before starting a fire outdoors, make sure to review your fire pit's safety manual and extinguishing practices. If you're using your fire pit on public grounds, be sure to familiarize yourself with the land manager's regulations on where to build a fire, appropriate wood to use, and potential burn bans.

Post a Comment