When it comes to outdoor design, fire pits are already an increasingly popular feature, transforming backyards into cozy, inviting havens for social gatherings and relaxation. When done right, a backyard fire pit is the perfect place to provide warmth, foster ambiance, and create a focal point for outdoor spaces.

However, the variety in design, materials, and functionality means that not all fire pits are created equal, or in the case of some municipalities…simply not allowed. Before buying, it’s crucial to thoroughly research your fire pit to ensure compliance with local regulations, find the best fit for your outdoor space and lifestyle, and guarantee long-term durability and safety.

Soaring popularity of course leads to lots of options (good news) but also can cause some serious ‘analysis paralysis’ (not so good). So what are some great options that will look good, best fit your space and work for where you live?

We’re so glad you asked. Our editors have been on the hunt to answer that very question, and have come up with a whole backyard full of options, carefully curated into the three main fuel types, yard size, modern amenities, and last but certainly not least, pits that’ll look great in your space.

Ready to play with some fire? Let’s get started!

WOOD BURNING

Wood burning is the OG of all fire pits. However, it’s also the most problematic. While the aromatic smell of an open fire may offer a primal level dopamine hit, many municipalities simply don’t allow for them. Even those that do will have lots of regulations around when it is permissible to use them. This is why it’s so important to check with your local and state .gov sites to confirm if wood burning is okay, and if there are fire ban laws as well.

That said, if wood burning fire pits are permissible in your locale, here are some great options for your smaller spaces…

Solo Stove, Ranger 15in W Stainless Steel Round Wood Fire Pit w/Stand $269.99

Ideal for spaces like slab patios and smaller yards, the Ranger offers the brand’s signature 360 degree airflow that super-heats air to burn off smoke before it can get to your clothes and hair. So no pesky post-fire smell, teary eyes, or a game of musical chairs to dodge smoke, instead you and your guests can enjoy ultimate warmth without sacrificing comfort.

 

 

 

Breeo, X Series 24in Corten Smokeless Fire Pit w/Corten Steel Outdoor Round Wood Fire Pit $599.99

The X Series from Breeo is the brand’s most versatile fire pit. This larger, but still compact space-friendly fire pit also offers airflow technology to give you the ability to gather around the fire without the smell and smoke. Additionally, it’s grilling and cooking compatible when adding the Outpost Grill or SearPlate Griddle to your grilling and entertaining arsenal.

 

 

 

 

 

Cuisinart, Clean Burn Fire Pit $199.99

Finally, if the love of a small space-friendly wood fire keeps you warm, but the idea of ashy clean up leaves you cold – this wood fire pit by Cuisinart is your new BFF. The 24″ pit offers a low smoke fire with a extreme clean-burning heat (thanks to it’s conical design) that ensures nothing but ash is left after your fire. And when it comes to clean up? Simply remove the fire bowl and dispose of whatever ash remains captured in the bottom bowl-shaped tray.

 

 

Does your backyard offer you more room to play? Here are some options for your designated medium to large fire pit spaces…

Ohio Flame, Liberty 30″ Wide Natural Steel Fire Pit w/Angular Base $454.94

Part fire pit, part art piece. This contemporary round wood burning outdoor fire pit by Ohio Flame offers a rustic natural vibe with gallery inspiration. Carbon steel construction features a natural steel finish with a pottery-like bowl design and an angular base.

As a coverless fire pit, you do want to be sure to place this pit in an open, designated, fire-friendly area and never leave it unattended.

 

Sunnydaze, 40″ Outdoor Large Round Cast Iron Fire Pit w/Cooking Ledge $299

Looking for something functional as well as rustically beautiful? This large, wood fire pit by Sunnydaze doubles as an open flame pit as well as a cooking station (courtesy of a removable cooking ledge). Made from cast iron, this pit is a great choice when you’re looking for a solid piece that won’t easily tip.

 

 

Endless Summer, Kettle 28.5″ Wide Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit $284

Finally, for those larger spaces where wind can be an issue. This kettle-style fire pit from Endless Summer offers plenty of toasty flame enjoyment with the security of high side walls and an anti-ember mesh guard. The spacious, deep bowl allows for larger fires and more warmth for the enjoyment of you and your guests.

 

 

 

 

 

PROPANE

Safe, convenient and stylish are three of the main reasons propane fire pits have become the most popular choice for several years in a row. With their quick ignition, adjustable flame and zero cleanup, propane pits are a much easier use case than wood pits. Add to that there are zero sparks or embers, which allows you to use them safely in areas like patios and decks that are a big no-no for wood fires. In areas where strict fire regulations against wood, and/or high fire risk fire bans are in place, propane fire pits are often permitted. And unlike gas, the fuel is tied to a portable propane tank, you can feel free to move them around to different areas of your backyard space.

Being such a popular choice, there’s an absolute plethora of styles, sizes and designs out there. Speaking of which, here are just a few of our favorites, starting with these options that are ideal for your smaller spaces.

Living Accents, 18.7″ W Porcelain/Steel Square Propane Fire Pit $79.99

At just under twenty inches wide, this easily portable propane fire pit puts out a pretty impressive 50,000 BTU heat rate. At thirty pounds, it’s light enough to easily fit on an existing patio table. Or simply center it in your chair space without taking up too much real estate. Designed to draw from a 20lb LP tank, this tiny mighty will run for a good, long time.

 

 

 

Costway, 16″ Square Outdoor Propane Fire Pit w/Lava Rocks $224.99

Looking for something a little more dramatic that still fits in a smaller space? At 25 inches tall and 16 inches wide, this stainless steel column pit has been coated with steel ore powder to resemble a solid wood beam with a “grayed” wood look. The 20lb propane tank is completely hidden inside, adding to the illusion. When ignited, the flames dance around a bowl of lava stones, giving off a toasty 30,000 BTUs. There’s even two handles on either side, making it easy to move wherever you see fit. And when not in use, this comes with its own waterproof cover, keeping it clean and looking good year round.

Whether your style leans modern coastal or modern rustic, this is a truly unique piece to add to your space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Captiva Designs, 34″ Square Outdoor Propane Fire Pit Table w/Lid & Fire Glass $259.99

Having items that multi-task is a huge plus for smaller spaces. When lit, this fire pit table gives off a toasty 50,000 BTUs while offering your guests a spot to place their drinks. When you’re ready to eat? Pop on the included lid and you now have a bistro-sized table perfect for serving four.

There are certainly plenty of similar versions out there, but our editors liked the Captiva for its easy push-button ignition, its built-in automatic safety gas cut off device and of course, its budget friendly price.

 

 

Have a little more real estate to play with? Here’s some of our favorites, ideal for your medium to larger backyards…

Endless Summer, Elizabeth Slate Tile and Marble 41 1/4″ Propane Fire Pit $929

Craving more of a full-size dining experience with your guests? At over three and a half feet each side, this large fire pit table has enough room for guest to enjoy their meal, sides and drinks in comfort while taking in all the warmth of 50,000 BTUs.

 

 

 

Elementi, Aurora 34″ Outdoor Propane Fire Pit Coffee Table $899

Architecturally stunning, this coffee table-height fire pit is a whole vibe. Center it around your patio set to be the piece de resistance for your cool modern space.

 

 

Ukiah, Relic Home Audio Bluetooth Fire Pit w/Beat to Music Technology $1,199.99

Finally, for the backyard hosts who really want to take their entertainment up a notch. This 42″ long rectangular fire pit isn’t just a table for placing your drinks and enjoying cozy flame comfort. It also includes two 3.5-in marine-grade speakers plus custom subwoofer for incredible sound quality which you can control in 4 modes: Music, Fire, Music and Fire, and Beat to Music (Beat to Music mode lets you sync the flame to your music with custom Reactive Flame technology).

 

 

 

 

OTHER OPTIONS: BIOETHANOL & GAS

If wood burning isn’t allowed and hauling heavy tanks of propane isn’t your thing, there are other options out there.

For smaller areas, apartment balconies, indoor/outdoor spots, or for those who simply don’t want to have to deal with anything that produces smoke, bioethanol fire pits are a great option. Environmentally friendly, bioethanol is an alcohol created by fermenting the byproducts of sugar and starch-heavy plants (beets, corn, soybeans, etc.). When ignited, its flames give off all the beauty and color of a “traditional” fire, but without any of the smoke, embers or ash. It also leaves zero residue, so there’s virtually no clean up. The only downside really is cost. The average cost per hour for bioethanol currently is around twice that of propane, but much of that is due to it having a smaller commercial footprint. And of course, the long run price of zero maintenance versus the upkeep of other fuel types could make it a perfect fit for you.

Here are a few options that caught our editors’ eyes.

EcoSmart Fire, Stix Fireplace $1,995

Campfires never looked like this. The EcoSmart Fire Stix Fire pit (without the ‘pit’ part even being necessary) is an ultra-contemporary twist on the traditional bonfire, with “sticks” made out of tubular stainless steel. These sticks both hold up and surround the central burner that uses bioethanol fuel for a warm flame without any soot, smoke or ash. Try getting that with a regular fire.

Standing approximately 31″ high, this small space friendly fellow gives off a cozy 18,600 BTUs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lumens, Chaser 38″ Fire Pit Table $2,995

Prefer a more traditional looking fire pit? This sleek, bone colored, square option has a generous area outside the pit area, perfect for placing glasses and small plates.

Output for this comes in around 20,433 BTUs, more than enough to keep any spring/summer night at bay.

 

 

 

 

Le Feu, Dome Indoor/Outdoor Sky Fireplace $1,995

Imagine how cool this chic Scandinavian piece would look hanging from your enclosed patio or three season room? The piece sweeps down from a disc canopy along a slender downrod. The sleek elliptical opening in the rounded housing confines a bio-ethanol burner. The suspension frees up floor space while adding the vibrancy of the flames to the home decor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving on to our final fuel type – natural gas comes out as the clear winner in terms of being the cheapest cost per hour of all the fuel types we’ve discussed (that includes wood if you purchase it, obviously not if you cut your own). With such a compelling offer you might be wondering why gas takes second place to other types like propane and wood. The answer of course is twofold, first, upfront cost is more (professional set up plus installation) and second, once your line is installed, it’s location is for the most part, permanent. However if your outdoor entertainment area is such that you know you’ll be keeping your footprint for the foreseeable future, then gas could be exactly what you need.

Sound like exactly what you’re looking for? Here are some favorites of ours, and hopefully yours as well…

EcoSmart Fire, Gin 90 Bar Height Teak Fire Table $7,145

Seating for six and made from solid teak, this investment piece will serve you well for years to come. Durable for decades, the teak comes naturally oiled and ready to be admired. The long rectangular fire pit radiates an impressive 55,000 BTUs and a glass shield to ensure against any unexpected winds.

 

Elementi, Nantucket 27″ Natural Gas Fire Pit $629

Sometimes the yard is willing but the budget is not. This cute and cozy fire pit gives off a cozy 40,000 BTUs and at only 27″ wide, it’s both economical in price and space.

The neutral gray stone color and simple bowl design allows it to pair nicely with a variety of styles from contemporary to minimal.

 

 

 

Elementi, Hampton 56″ Natural Gas Fire Pit $1,799

Finally, if you have the space but still interested in a bargain, this coffee table height, rectangular beauty can be purchased for under two grand. At 56″ long there’s plenty of real estate for folks to gather and enjoy the 45,000 BTUs of flame and heat.