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The right fire pit will bring you together with friends and family without leaving you with smoke in your eyes and smelling like a campfire. In our five-year pursuit of the perfect fire pit, we have bought and tested 25 fire pits to find the best. In this update, we compare the top 14 options available for purchase today.
The best fire pit for most people is the wood-burning Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, which delivers on our dream smoke-free backyard hangout with friends and family. It delivers one of the best smoke-free performances and is great for entertaining groups of friends, family, and kids. If your budget allows it, consider adding the optional Solo Fire Pit Surround, which provides a table surface for drinks, cooking hot dogs or s'mores, as well as a safety barrier for kids and pets.
The best fire pit for camping or use on the beach is the Outland Living Mega. It burns propane, which is ideal for a portable fire pit because it doesn't make a big mess. It is also great for communities or HOAs that don't allow wood-burning fire pits.
Read on to learn more about the full range of options, including the best for smaller backyards Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, and budget options that can save you hundreds of dollars and yet still deliver a great outdoor experience.
For patios and groups, the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 offers an a nearly smoke-free night around the fire. Like the Bonfire 2.0, the Yukon delivers a great fire pit experience thanks to Solos Stove's thoughtfully designed 360-degree airflow. Our testers emphasized that “it burns clean and requires minimal work to ignite.” Tending the fire was minimal, and the heat output was consistently hot from start to finish. Smoke was minimal and only present during ignition and extinction, as expected. The larger size can accommodate logs up to twenty-two inches, which helped produce a strong fire that we could still feel from over six feet away.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
Fuel Type
Measured Burn Time
Measured Assembly Time
Max Recommended Log Length
When purchasing a Solo Stove fire pit, the buyer can purchase a stand for an additional cost. The stand is an important feature for most users, helping prevent damage to the ground below the fire. Many competitors have designs with built-in stands or include stands with your purchase. If you value a built-in stand and an intuitive ashtray, another option worth checking out is the Tiki Brand Reunion Smokeless pit. The Tiki is almost 20 pounds heavier and has a much smaller maximum log size. However, it costs about the same as the Yukon if you buy the matching stand. Our testers also found the sleek design of this Solo Stove model visually appealing. Still, the lack of places to grab and carry the stove can make moving it awkward and challenging without multiple hands. Minor concerns aside, the Yukon is our favorite for larger groups and big gatherings, making it an excellent choice for the backyard and beyond.
The Yukon excels at burning hot and hassle-free, making it our favorite option for groups and gatherings. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 ensures a low-smoke, clean burn. “The double-walled stainless steel construction provides a more robust platform than its aluminum counterparts, and we noticed its ability to withstand the elements longer,” says our lead reviewer. Weighing 21 pounds, it's portable and offers above-average heat for its size, though the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 and Tiki Brand Reunion Smokeless produce more. “It produces clean and efficient flames, meaning less mess to deal with, and results in a longer 60-minute burn time in our tests,” notes our lead tester. Compared to the Original Solo Stove, the 2.0's removable ash pan is the main upgrade, not justifying replacement. The Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 burns hotter, lasts 70 minutes, and takes 22-inch logs, but is pricier, heavier (42 lbs), less portable (27" diameter), and uses more wood, increasing costs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
21.2 lbs
Fuel Type
Wood, Pellet (adapter sold separately)
Measured Burn Time
60 minutes
Measured Assembly Time
3 minutes
Max Recommended Log Length
16"
The Bonfire lacks strong radiant heat output. You can increase warmth with Solo Stove's heat deflector (sold separately). While the Solo Stove's price is in line with competitors, the stand is sometimes sold separately and is excessively expensive. We started without the stand, but it then burned a hole in our deck. Solo Stove customer service was sympathetic and sent us a stand for free. Since this is a necessary part of the setup, we've linked the model with the stand included in this review. Overall, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is hard to beat in terms of functionality and value, making it a fantastic pick for those who want an all-around, well-designed fire pit.
The dual burn of the Solo Stove (down and right) not only reduces smoke, it creates a lot more flame than the other two traditional fire pits. Credit: Chris McNamara
With more campgrounds banning wood fires for more of the year, the Outland Living Mega is an increasingly compelling option. The use of propane makes this fire pit a versatile choice, whether in the backyard or at the campsite. The Outland Living Mega produces no smoke and boasts a 58,000 BTU rating, delivering a solid amount of heat for its size. While the heat output isn't as high as its wood counterparts, like the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, the adjustable flame dial, minimal cleanup, and a fire pit free of fire restrictions are a great trade-off.
It was surprisingly portable relative to its steel construction and design shape. Even better, once you turn off the flame, the fire pit cools down in 30-60 minutes compared to many hours for a wood-burning fire pit.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
25 lbs
Fuel Type
Propane
Measured Burn Time
400 minutes
Measured Assembly Time
3 minutes
Max Recommended Log Length
N/A
Some users may find the lack of an electric igniter a problem (although electric igniters tend to fail over time). With continuous burn, this fire pit will go through a 5-gallon propane tank in about six to seven hours. This pit may not provide the heat output as desired in colder conditions, making it less appealing to those seeking maximum heat output. Overall, the Outland Living Mega is still a great choice for those seeking a propane fire pit with a versatile, no-frills design. While the included lava rocks do not evoke traditional campfire feels, upgrading to fake logs like the Barton Ceramic Wood Log Set is easy.
It is also a solid value, especially considering you don't have to buy firewood, which can cost a lot at many supermarkets and campgrounds. There is a smaller 19" version of this fire pit called the Outland Living Deluxe, which we have also tested. This larger size of the Mega is the best for most people in most applications and is only nominally more expensive than smaller models.
While we have only tested a few larger propane home fire pits, the Outland Living Granville stands out. We tested this model for over two years at a vacation rental with 800 guests over the test period. The Granville held up remarkably well. The previous model, the Hearth Fire Pit Table, showed many more chips and dings and had to be replaced in less than two years. In addition, the Granville is at a great height, is better for drinks and food placement, and allows you to store the propane tank under the table. The low-height models usually have a long hose that is difficult to conceal and requires a second location for the propane tank.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
96 lbs
Fuel Type
Propane
Measured Burn Time
400 minutes
Measured Assembly Time
5 minutes
Max Recommended Log Length
N/A
Like all propane models we tested, the Piezo igniter is not as durable or consistent as we would like. It also doesn't crank out the heat. Our lead tester claims, “The flames provide some warmth but are more for ambiance than overcoming freezing temperatures.” Check out the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 if heat output is a top priority. The pricing of the Outland Living Granville is also somewhat confusing. The manufacturer lists a high price, but always has nearly 50% off. The different colors can also vary wildly in price at different retailers. Despite our critiques, we love the look, durability, and size, and think this model is the best option for homes we've tested.
group shot during testing Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Product Comparison Table
How We Tested
We took fire pits from various categories and pushed them to the limit over months of testing. From the beach to the mountains to backyard gatherings, we tested fire pits in many conditions to find where each pit excels. Emphasis included heat output, dividing heat into overall temperature, and heat dispersion outwards. Along with the heat, we analyzed smoke management and how well each pit dealt with smoke during ignition, burn, and extinguishment. We did independent testing to verify weight and dimensions, and measured the volume of each pit using liquid measurements. Learn more about how we test fire pits.
Why Trust GearLab
The lead tester is Kenji Mowrey from South Lake Tahoe, CA. Kenji is an advocate of all things outdoor-related and specializes in outdoor gear design, for which he is currently finishing his studies. Growing up in a family of outdoor sales reps, he spent his earliest days at retailer shows and grew up in the world of all things gear-related. He is joined by GearLab founder Chris McNamara, who has spent over 2000 hours testing fire pits over the last nine years, both at home and camping. Chris has now tested over 1000 products for GearLab.
Analysis and Test Results
We conducted side-by-side testing of each fire pit to ensure the most thorough and reliable comparisons. To determine the overall score, we used five key metrics, each weighted by its importance and relevance. Heat output ranks as the most critical factor. Smoke control also carries significant weight, since excessive smoke can quickly turn a relaxing evening into an uncomfortable experience.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is the best deal in the higher-end smokeless fire pit category. It's not cheap, but it has superior smoke management and scored very high. Our testers also admired the Outland Living Mega for its value relative to cost. It provides a simple but durable construction that is hard to beat. If you don't care about smoke management, the Amazon Basics Steel Lattice works fine at a low price.
If wood is free, wood fireplaces are the cheapest to operate. However, as soon as you start buying wood at a grocery store, the wood fireplace costs skyrocket.
Heat Output
The East Oak Smokeless boasted an impressive rating through our infrared reading, hitting temperatures upwards of 1,200℉. It also provided a more even distribution around the pit than comparable smokeless models. Even six feet away, the heat was still being displaced and felt by our testers.
The Solo Stove (down and right) produces much more heat output and less smoke than the standard single-burn fire pits like the Amazon Basics Steel Lattice (left). Credit: Chris McNamara
Measuring distances from two, four, and six feet to gauge heat distribution. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The Cuisinart Cleanburn also wowed testers during heat testing. Our infrared readings were consistently over 1,000℉. While its heat distribution characteristics favored upwards over outwards, it was still plenty hot when close by. The Tiki Brand Reunion Smokeless was one of the best-performing larger fire pits for producing heat outward and up. While it doesn't have the deepest inner diameter, the Tiki dispersed heat effectively above the rim, which meant testers could still feel plenty of heat past six feet.
Infrared temperature reading to find heat output. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
With over one hour of burn time on just three logs, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 provided a long-lasting burn that was as impressive as its minimal ignition start-up time. The Solo Stove Yukon was also a star in our burn time test. Solo Stove's airflow technology was on full display, with both models outlasting all other fire pits.
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 has a long burn time without sacrificing the heat. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The size of your fire pit also greatly affects heat output and burn time. Fire pits' various shapes and dimensions can make their true size deceiving. While some pits may present larger, their inner diameter and the shape of the inner bowl can greatly affect their ability to put larger wood and kindling in. We measured the maximum log length to gauge which pits offer the most space.
For example, the design of the Solo Stove is completely cylindrical with a flat bottom. This optimizes space and allows more wood to be loaded into the pit. Other pits, such as the Reunion Tiki and Cuisinart Clean Burn, have a large outer diameter, but the smaller depth of the bowl means less wood can be filled in the pit. The rounded base plate makes it more difficult to stack kindling on the bottom. While this may not be the first consideration when opting for a specific fire pit, it's a good idea to consider how different shapes and diameters affect burn time and heat output.
Even though the Cuisinart Cleanburn (pictured on the right) is almost 5" bigger in diameter, the Solostove Bonfire fits the same size log as the Cleanbrun. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Smoke Management
Effective smoke reduction improves air quality and prevents the undesirable smell of smoke from clinging to clothing.
Gas fireplaces like the Outland Mega mean you can sit anywhere and enjoy the view. You don't have to shift based on the wind blowing constantly. Credit: Chris McNamara
We were highly impressed once again with the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0's ability to keep smoke away at all stages of burn. Its airflow design was on display, especially in the latter stage of burning, where other pits emitted high levels of smoke during smoldering. With pits that do not utilize an oxygen-fed airflow system, such as the Yaheetech multifunctional table, smoke can become a major factor during use. A big plus to a propane-fed fire pit is the absence of smoke; we greatly appreciated the Outland Living Mega because it emits no smoke.
A side-by-side smoke test amplifies how big of a difference a fire pit with ventilation makes. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Portability
Portability depends on the fire pit's type and intended use. Some users need a compact, car-friendly option for camping, while others prefer a larger model for backyard use. We tested in various scenarios to highlight the most portable models for different needs.
Ultra portability is a key standout on the the Solo Stove Mesa. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The Solostove Mesa Tabletop is a standout in our portability rankings. While meant to be a small tabletop accessory, we found its ability to pack down impressive. The included stand collapses and fits inside the pit to accompany the carrying bag. And while it doesn't crank heat like its larger competition, it still provides great campfire ambiance and a more intimate setting as it forces you to pull your chairs in closer.
A coffee mug next to the Solo Stove Mesa showcases the compactness of this tabletop pit. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The East Oak Smokeless was easy to move around for more traditional-sized pits thanks to its lightweight 17 lb stainless steel construction. Testers had no problem carrying it from place to place and transitioning from the car trunk to the campsite. We were also impressed with the inner volume of the pit. Utilizing most of its space, the East Oak boasts a volume of 39.7 liters.
The Ciays Smokeless was another favorite. Its unique nesting egg design collapses into one piece, measuring just 7.7" tall. It also features a set of built in handles and foldable legs. For a 19" diameter pit weighing just 15.9 lbs, this is by far one of the most portable options given its size and capabilities.
Lightweight and collapsible, the Ciays takes portability up a notch. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Ease Of Cleaning
Factors influencing ease of cleaning include the time it takes to clean, difficulty removing ash and soot, and whether any specialized tools are required.
Once again, the Outland Living Mega is worth mentioning since virtually no cleanup is required. One major benefit of a propane fire pit is that it's easy to keep clean. The only maintenance required is cleaning the lava rocks from the pit when necessary.
We found the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 and the East Oak Smokeless straightforward to clean for wood-burning pits. Both utilize an ash pan system at the bottom of the pit, making ash disposal very easy.
East Oak's ash pan design is easy and quick to clean. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Our favorite cleanup system came from the Tiki Brand Reunion. The Tiki utilizes a slide-out ash pan that's super convenient and easy to dispose of ash with. This also helps keep your fire pit in place without lifting or dumping ash from the main pit.
The ashtray on the Tiki is extremely user-friendly and convenient. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Ease Of Assembly
Some fire pits you unbox, and they're ready to go. Some pits take more time and effort to reach a finished product.
One pit that stands out is the Cuisinart Clean Burn; it was the simplest of all pits tested because it's ready right out of the box. The only assembly needed is latching the assembly stand to the pit, and it's ready to go. On the other end of the assembly side, the Yaheetech Multifunctional Table was less desirable to set up. It requires using Allen screws to connect the side panels and legs, which took our testers almost 40 minutes to assemble. Part of the lengthy setup time was due to the screw quality and tricky threads.
The Cuisinart Clean Burn is straightforward to set up, latch the pit to the stand and you're ready to burn. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
We also admired the Breeo X24 for its ease of setup. Zero setup is required after removing it from the box. Additionally, its Corten steel construction means you can place it in a location and never have to worry about it getting damaged or destroyed by the elements, making it the most durable out of all the pits tested.
Being able to set it and forget it makes the Breeo an attractive option for year-round use. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
How to Pick the Best Fire Pit
Below are four factors to consider when finding the ideal fire pit for your next fire.
Fire pits can vary greatly in heat output, with factors such as size and fuel type. Some models offer excellent heat dispersion and high temperatures, but may burn out quickly. Other pits may burn slower and cooler but provide a longer-lasting, cleaner fire. Also, other fuel types like propane will not reach the same heat level as a wood-burning pit. If you regularly accommodate groups or families, a larger burning pit will be ideal to keep everyone warm. On the other hand, someone who uses their fire pit camping in smaller settings will prefer a compact pit with easier cleanup.
With the advancements in smoke management, many fire pits are now “smokeless.” While there is smoke during ignition and extinguishment, smokeless fire pits greatly eliminate smoke while the fire is burning. This can help avoid the smell of smoke on clothes, produce a more efficient burn, and make it easier to clean up due to less ash production. If you are on the fence about going smokeless, a key consideration is the increased price associated with these pits. If you plan on utilizing your fire pit often, a smokeless fire pit can be worth the investment.
Wood-burning fire pits can be great for get-togethers and gathering around the fire. On the other hand, propane pits will offer more convenience and bypass some fire restrictions (confirm with the local fire district). A wood-burning pit will also require more cleanup than its propane counterparts. If you don't mind maintaining and cleaning up after your fire, then a wood fire pit will offer more heat, but a propane fire pit can be a great option as a backyard staple or portable option while on the go. Ultimately, deciding between fuel types will depend on where you use your fire pit and how often you plan on using it.
With the use of wood, ash will accumulate and require regular cleanup. If you plan on buying a wood-burning fire pit, properly disposing of ash is necessary. This will add additional time to your night and should be accounted for. One of the best features of a propane pit is how easy they are to clean. With no leftover residue or ash, propane pits make cleanup effortless.
Fire pits such as the Solo Stove 2.0 offer a removable ashtray to make cleanup a bit easier. Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Conclusion
Finding the perfect fire pit is no easy task. Deciding on the size, material, features, and fuel type may lead to confusion rather than reassurance. After extensive research, months of testing, and many logs burned, our experts have found top choices in various categories to narrow down what's best for your next gathering around the fire.
