Nothing beats a calm summer evening with family and friends gathered around a fire pit sharing stories, reminiscing on the old days, and enjoying the little things in life.
Wouldn’t it be awesome to bring this gathering to your own back yard?
With a little bit of research you can find a high-quality, elegant design that will keep your friends and family coming back to share laughter and memories for years to come. Let’s go over how you sort through propane and wood-burning options to find the best fire pit for your back yard.
Best Propane Fire Pits: Our Top 11 Jump To Wood Burning
Best Wood-Burning Fire Pits: Our Top 8 Jump To Propane
Fire Pit Buying Guide
Propane fire pits run off of liquid propane tanks. They are usually pre-fabricated appliances and may contain a base for storing the propane tank, which can easily be accessed through a drawer or door. Wood-burning fire pits (as implied by the name) burn wood. They are easy to install and use.
To ensure success in buying a fire pit, you need to consider a number of factors – size, style, and durability of the unit are a few to start with. Your local regulations and locations for safe placement are also crucial to consider.
Style
There are a number of styles to choose from. Depending on what you plan to use the fire pit for, what you want it to look like, and where you want to install it, you want to choose a fire pit that is right for you. For instance, aesthetically designed fire pits may not be suitable for effective warmth or cooking purposes. The cooking or heating fire pits require more space. Therefore, knowing the right style is vital when purchasing a fire pit that matches your needs. Examples of style choices include fuel type, utility, and decorative styles.
Size
Size is a very important factor to consider when purchasing your fire pit because it ensures that you obtain one that suits your space or placement area. It also ensures safe use of the equipment. You should avoid purchasing something that is too large for your outdoor space and will compromise other aspects of your comfort. Although big fire pits produce the most lighting and heat, they need big spaces for operation because they can be potentially dangerous and certainly claustrophobic in smaller locations. Small fire pits, on the other hand, can accommodate smaller yards and are easy to maintain. Ensure that you know the dimensions of your space before purchasing the fire pit.
Local fire regulations
Rural and residential fire regulations can vary by county, city, or region. You should gather information about the regulations in your area to avoid violating any laws. One way to do so is to consult with the fire department in your locality before buying a fire pit. If you live in an arid area that is vulnerable to fire outbreak, it is advisable that you seek information from your respective fire department to ensure that the area is not under fire ban. Authorities in some areas my fine you for violation. Other areas have regulations on the age of people tending fire, which require that those under the age of 18 should not handle fire pits.
Durability
A durable unit saves you the unnecessary cost of premature replacement, ensuring that you get value for your money. To land a durable fire pit, you need to inspect the features of various fire pits and compare them in advance. Steel or cast iron fire pits are appropriate for wood burning because they can withstand high temperatures without warping or getting damaged. Gas burning fire pits made from cheap materials may turn in color despite not being excessively hot. Be sure to choose a fire pit with a thick wall, quality fittings, and multiple layers for durability.
Cost
Cost is an important factor to consider because it ensures that you acquire a product within your budget. Nobody wants to spend all of their hard-earned cash. While some fire pits fairly affordable, some luxury models can be quite expensive. While price is important, be sure not to compromise your safety because cheap can often turn out to be more expensive than you initially expect.
Propane Fire Pit Reviews
1. Agio Balmoral Gas Fire Pit
A good fire pit is usually defined by its ability to produce heat, but the truth is that it also needs to look nice. Because it is a centerpiece of so many gatherings, you want something that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. While many fire pits can do the latter very well, it’s rare that they can actually pull off the former. The Balmoral Gas Fire Pit from Agio is definitely one of those rare pieces that do both very well, providing a steady flame while still looking great.
When you first see this fire pit, you’ll immediately notice that it stands out from the pack. A huge part of this is due to the fact that it has a proper circular table constructed around the flame element. That means when you don’t have a fire going, you can very easily use it to store drinks or other party items. When the flame is going, though, you’ll get a nice amount of heat around which your guests can gather. It really does it all and does so in a way that looks just as good as you could hope.
The fire pit is, however, a little weird when it comes to getting the flame started. You do have to jump through a few hoops to get the flame to stay going. This is more of a trick than a flaw, though, and it’s one that you’ll figure out quite quickly. Beyond that, there are no major problems with the pit.
2. Napoleon St. Tropez Patio Flame Fire Table
Simple rectangular fire tables have become a rather common substitute for the classic fire pit. If you stop to think for a moment, the reasons behind the choice are fairly obvious. Not only are the fire tables a lot easier to use and control, but they also function well as a table even when the flame element isn’t being used. This more useful outdoor accessory also tends to make for a better bit of decoration, which further cements its place in backyards across the country. One great example of why these fire tables are so great is the St. Tropez Patio Flame Fire Table from Napoleon. Not only is it incredibly functional, but it fits in well as a piece of decor even when there’s no fire in sight.
Thie flame table looks very much like it’s built to be used on a typical deck. It’s got the same kind of construction you’d expect from typical backyard furniture, which helps it to blend in with the decor your probably already own. It’s at a good height to be used as a simple table, though not so high that the flame element will be dangerous to those around the table. When the flame is on, you get a good bit of warmth that will draw in your guests. It’s the best of both worlds in many ways, which helps it to stand out in a crowded market.
The only downside to this table is really a minor design flaw. The propane tank rests on the ground rather than in a caddy, so you’ll have to get on your knees to change it out. It’s not the biggest flaw in the world, but this kind of annoyance does detract from the overall product.
3. GDF Studio Stonecrest
Sometimes it’s nice to embrace simplicity. While there are plenty of very complex fire pits and tables out there, those that just allow you to enjoy the heat really need to be cherished. If you can just attach a propane tank and get down to the business of enjoying the heat, you really should be able to consider your purchase a winner. While it’s certain that there are other factors you should consider, it’s nice to know that a unit like the Stonecrest from GDF Studio will allow you to simply enjoy the product without a lot of extra work.
Praising the ease of assembly isn’t an attempt to avoid talking about problems with this unit. This is a very simple fire pit that puts out a lot of heat – nothing more and nothing less. It looks nice, of course, with a stone finish, but it doesn’t have many fancy features. Instead, it’s the kind of fire pit that allows you to use it almost directly out of the box without requiring you to worry about any other issues.
Oddly enough, you will have to use a cover on this fire pit. It’s recommended that you don’t let the stones get wet, so you can’t just leave this one outside and forget about it. This can be a little annoying if you have trouble keeping track of the cover, but it’s generally not all that much of a problem for most buyers.
4. Great Deal Furniture Crawford
There’s something inherently attractive about adding masonry to a fire pit. Perhaps it’s the fact that raw rock looks like a good fit with fire, or perhaps it’s the fact that so many great pieces of design have used both elements in the past. In either case, it works well – and that’s why there are plenty of fire pits and tables that use these design elements together. One great example of how well this can work is the Crawford from Great Deal Furniture.
The Crawford is a tall, stone-finished fire pit that sits up high enough to provide a fair bit of heat to anyone nearby. It’s very easy to control and to service, with the ability to customize the strength of the flame included. It might not be as much of a standout piece as some other fire pits, but the stone design does help it to fit in with many other pieces. If you’re looking for a way to create something that manages to look both chic and rustic at the same time, you’ll find it here.
The problem with this fire pit, though, is the warranty. The sixty-day warranty will leave you high and dry if you have a problem when the seasons change, which can often happen. The construction of the top of the unit does require that you cover it when not in use, so be careful – replacing the parts can be very expensive.
5. Outland Fire Table
A game changer in the world of fire pits, this unit boasts a 35,000 BTU propane fire table fitted with auto-ignition for production of clean and smokeless flames. It is delicately designed with a powder coated aluminum frame that makes it both durable and and excellent heat conductor. The wicker base in espresso brown resin gives this unit an appealing look that is smoothed out with a fine glass tabletop.
This fire pit measures 44″ in length, 32″ in width, and 23″ in height, making it appropriate for most outdoor spaces. It has a 304 stainless steel burner and burn pan, which are resilient to high heat. The Artic Ice rock set included with this unit adds a decorative look for fun in your outdoor space. With CSA approval, this fire pits should be safe to use without breaking fire regulations. Plus, it is very east to light and has adjustable flame height for convenience. Plus, it has won a silver medal at the International Design Awards.
All things considered, the Outland Fire Table is our #1 pick for the best propane fire pit.
6. Ashley Furniture Signature Design Partanna Bar Table
Modern fire pits don’t necessarily have to look like fancy campfires. While providing heat and light is still a major function, many newer fire pits also work as part of a yard’s decor. One great example of this is the Partanna Bar Table from Ashley Furniture, which ditches many old design elements to present something that’s a little closer to modern design aesthetics. While it still fulfills its primary functions quite well, this unit goes above and beyond in other ways.
Most customers are drawn first to the design of this bar table. Less of a pit than a transformable table, it easily doubles as a good piece of outdoor bar furniture. The heat the unit gives off is still as impressive as you might hope from a fire pit, driven by a propane tank and adjustable controls. Actually using the unit is incredibly easy, as is moving it from being a heating element to working solely as a table. This is a good, multi-purpose piece of outdoor furniture that is sure to impress most guests.
The unit is not, however, very easy to put together. Assembly is required and it’s a bit more frustrating than most would like. Once it’s assembled, though, you really won’t have to do much in the way of maintenance. It should also be noted that the unit does not come equipped with a propane tank, so you will have to get one of your own before turning on the flame element.
7. GDF Studio Hearth
If you want a luxurious outdoor space, GDF Studio Hearth 50,000 BTU gas fire pit fits the bill. Featuring one fire pit table and a tank holder, this unit is a complete asset that requires no assembly, hence an easy to install for your patio. The tank holder can double as a side table where you can put drink glasses or snacks as you enjoy your warmth. Moreover, by having the tank to the side rather than contained within, this propane fire pit maintains a low profile much like you would see with a wood-burning fire pit.
The GDF studio hearth is available both as a circular and a square shape so that you can choose the most suitable design for your home. The clean profile lends this fire pit to be a perfect place for people to sit around to enjoy warmth – all you’ll need to do is have a good time with your friends and family. This fire pit is stable and secure in place, and both the table and the tank feature handles to aid in portability. The light grey color of this unit complements almost any patio color scheme for additional beauty, making the space a nice place to be.
8. Heininger 5995 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
Enhance your travelling with this Heininger 5995 58,000 BTU propane fire pit. Simple yet classic, it is a perfect addition to your outdoor pace. This product is made of lightweight materials and is easy to carry around, making it suitable not just for your backyard enjoyment, but for other mobile events such as camping trips. Capable of producing clean and smokeless flames, this fire pit assures you of maximum comfort during those cold times. This Heininger product is perfect for your family and is also ideal if you want to get intimate with your loved ones. A circular base enhances its stability when using. Plus, it adds a beautiful appearance. The fire pit comes with 10-feet propane tank hose and decorative lava rocks. The rocks are vital in adding aesthetic value to your outdoor space.
The Heininger 5995 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit features a pleasant circular design, which complements almost any exterior space. With a small design, this product from Heininger is perfect for the family.
9. Rogers Propane Fire Pit Round 32″
Good fire pits should be more than just a place to warm up during a cold night. They should function as a centerpiece of a yard, a place where people will congregate not just for warmth but out of interested. Great fire pits look great and fit in with the landscape, allowing for more than just brief respites from the cold. One of the fire pits that best illustrates this concept is the 32-inch round fire pit from Rogers.
This propane firepit looks great. The pseudo-stone construction is perfect for modern yards, providing just enough height and protection to make sure that guests stay warm without worrying about the fire itself. The propane burns true and warm, allowing guests to warm up without having to worry about overpowering smells or stuttering fires. The fire pit even works well as a conversation piece when it isn’t turned on. In fact, it doesn’t take much to find a good insert to turn the piece into a table when the flames are not engaged.
The biggest problem with the unit is that it’s a bit of a gas hog at its highest intensity levels. It burns through propane quickly if set on its highest settings, so be aware of your fuel consumption. Beyond that, the most common complaints concern the fact that it doesn’t come with a lid to convert the unit directly into a table. It seems that even those who complain do so because they want even more utility from a fire pit that already works quite well.
10. Blue Rhino Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit
The Blue Rhino Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit provides you with a soothing and cozy fire without having to bother with fire tending. Featuring a steel fire bowl that is both durable and resilient to high temperatures, this classic item from Blue Rhino is designed to serve you for many more years to come. Gracefully designed with beautiful and durable side panels made of steel, this fire pit conceals your propane tank while adding a decorative feel to your space and saving your patio space for other essentials at the same time. Starting this unit is a hassle-free task thanks to its safety valve and piezo ignition.
The Blue Rhino Outdoor Propane table measures 30 x 30 inches, making it a convenient size in almost any outdoor area. You can perfectly and conveniently enjoy the fire with your family on this unit. With a height of 24 inches, this unit is convenient for both young and adult persons. The square and zig-zag lines drawn on its table top add flair to the unit, making it more attractive every time.
11. Endless Summer GAD1401M
Make a strong statement in your outdoor space when you purchase this GAD1401M LP fire pit from Endless Summer. The fire pit has tile and steel mantel construction for beauty and longevity, giving you excellent value for your money. Manually crafted, this product has a decorative base that conceals your propane tank, allowing you to save you outdoor space for other items. With classic elements of high-end furniture and a high heating capacity, this fire pit can be a wonderful addition to your outdoor life.
The Endless Summer GAD1401M LP fire pit is complete with a 30,000 BTU stainless steel burner, which is resilient to high heat and it capable of producing flames evenly in your space. The burner also ensures that you enjoy your fire without the bother of tending ashes. Complementing the beautiful flames of this unit is its lava rock, which is also resilient and durable. The unit comes with a protective cover to protect it from destructive weather elements, and it is easy to assemble since you do not need any tools.
Wood Burning Fire Pit Reviews
1. Double Flame Patio
Fire pits have become something of an aesthetic feature over the last few years. It’s almost like they’re not really meant to produce fire – they just need to look nice. While the wooden slats and faux-stone architecture looks nice, many of these fire pits miss out on the basics. One pit that doesn’t lose its way is the Patio Fire Pit from Double Flame, which is about as simple as you can get.
This wood-burning fire pit is essentially a big metal tub on legs. You put wood in the pit and start the fire – and that’s about it. This portable bonfire pit is rust-resistant and stands up to the elements, with the sole purpose of making sure you can get a decent fire going in your backyard without putting anyone else in danger. It’s refreshingly simple while still working very well.
The downside, of course, is that this isn’t a good looking pit. This is more of a tool than it is anything else, which means that you’re not going to want to show it off when it isn’t in use. If you don’t care about how your fire pit looks, though, you really can have a great time with this product.
2. Solo Stove Bonfire
The Solo Stove Bonfire is one of the most unique fire pits thanks to its exceptional efficiency as a result of unique airflow properties. With a stable and resilient stainless steel construction, this fire pit is built to last. Boasting a double wall design for maximum airflow and burning, the Solo Stove Bonfire is both reliable and effective.
It has air intake perforations around the bottom to allow adequate oxygen access the bottom of the burning fire, while directing warm air upward in between the double walls. This causes secondary combustion, which leads to complete fire burning. It is this complete fire burning that minimizes or even eliminates smoke completely, ensuring that you have a one-of-a-kind experience. It also saves you the hassle of having to deal with partially burnt logs. The absence of smoke means that you spend no time dodging smoke, ensuring maximum enjoyment. Additionally, complete burning means that this unit is economical on fuel, which is wood in this case.
Solo Stove Bonfire is easily portable thanks to its light 20-pound weight. The unit is also easy to use. You do not need any parts, set-up, or assembly to begin using this pit fire because it has a singular construction. This item comes with a heavy duty carry case for safe transportation.
3. Sunnydaze 30 Inch Royal Fire Bowl
If you want to add exceptional warmth to your patio, the Sunnydaze 30 Inch Royal Fire Bowl Fire Pit is definitely designed with you in mind. It is delicately crafted with a sturdy steel construction that lasts while giving you excellent service at the same time. Emptying this fire pit is not a bother thanks to its double holes located at its bottom. Fitted with two handles that hang loosely on the sides, this fire pit is easy to lift from one location to another – and it is fairly lightweight to boot. The construction features in a black paint finish, which is capable of withstanding high temperatures without peeling off or changing color. The color contains brass-colored highlights to add a glamorous look to your porch, backyard, or patio.
The fire pit is designed with a half-sphere-like fire bowl that promotes even heat distribution. The bowl is gracefully set on a frustum-shaped base that renders the unit strong, secure, and stable when installed. It comes with a poker fitted with a wooden handle to assist in safe removal of the spark screen. The circular shape makes this facility ideal, especially, where a fairly sizable number of people have to enjoy the heat without obstructing each other. There is a wire mesh that covers the top of this fire pit to offer you safety while enjoying the flames.
4. Sunnydaze 42 Inch Cosmic
Sunnydaze 42 Inch Large Cosmic Outdoor Patio Fire Pit is ideal if you want to change your patio from ordinary to special. With a steel construction, this special product is both stable and long-lasting, saving you the unnecessary costs of having to purchase or repair a fire pit after every short period of time. The construction features a finish in rustic patina that resists high temperatures to ensure that your unit maintains its original color throughout. The rustic patina also resonates with almost any exterior décor to create a pleasant look in your yard.
Sunnydaze Large Cosmic is designed with star and moon cutouts, which makes it possible to enjoy your warmth with a group you want. The cut-outs also add flair to this equipment, making it a beautiful addition to your outdoor area. Its overall measurements make it ideal for larger outdoor spaces, and it is light enough in weight that it makes relocation a fairly easy task. Also included is a spark screen (which aids in safety during the warming sessions) and a firewood poker (which ensures safe removal of the spark screen when moving logs). There are built-in grate strips for holding wood securely in place.
5. Sunnydaze Large Rustic Cast Iron
Are you looking for durability, stability, and simplicity? Sunnydaze Large Rustic Cast Iron Wood-Burning Fire Pit is a perfect fit for you. With a heavy-duty rustic iron construction, this item has the grace to serve you for many years. The rustic look also makes it a valuable addition to the overall beauty of your space. With four slightly slanted legs, this fire pit is stable and durable. It is designed with simplicity in mind to improve your fire experience. You do not have to worry about relocating this item because it features two string handles to facilitate carrying.
This fire pit is sturdy enough for almost any backyard. The weight also makes it fairly light to move it from one place to another. The top is completely open for free and even distribution of warmth in your patio. With a circular shape, this fire pit is sure to accommodate a fairly large number of people, allowing you to enjoy your moments with friends and family. When completely packaged, Sunnydaze Large Rustic Cast Iron Wood-Burning Fire Pit includes a fire pit bowl and 10-inch slanted legs. Assembly is an easy process since it mainly involves attaching the slanted legs.
6. Catalina Creations Heavy Duty Cast Iron
There are certain design elements that stand the test of time. When you look at something as functional as a fire pit, there’s often a very natural desire to pair that utility with something that’s going to stand up to the elements and repeated use. Cast-iron is especially useful for a fire pit, as it can stand up to the weather and the heat with relatively little effort. A great example of how cast-iron doesn’t have to be boring, though, can be found in the Heavy Duty Cast Iron Fire Pit from Catalina Creations.
This fire pit definitely embodies everything you’d want from a traditional pit. Big and deep, it’s capable of producing a great deal of heat. The cast-iron design is actually a bit whimsical, though, capable of throwing out interesting shadows and playing tricks on the eye. It’s very much the type of fire pit that’s designed to stand up against time as well, eschewing trendy features for simple elegance. This is a fire pit engineered to last for years and possibly even for decades.
While the fire pit itself holds up well, the same cannot be said for the lid. You may want to seek out something a bit sturdier after a few years, but even that’s fairly impressive for a fire pit lid. If you’re looking for a fire pit that’s going to last, you can’t do much better than this model.
7. AmazonBasics 34-Inch Natural Stone
This AmazonBasics 34-Inch Natural Stone Fire Pit brings a natural look into your porch, backyard, or patio. The natural stone construction is both sturdy and durable, while the curved legs and details of this fire pit are a beautiful work of art that adds aesthetic value to your entire outdoor space. Each of the four legs is delicately set a concave-shaped footing for maximum stability. At the top, this unit is covered with a wire mesh featuring strong metal reinforcements to assure you of safety while enjoying your outdoor fire. The wire mesh has a handle on top for easy removal when adding logs.
On its natural stone construction are copper accents, which give it a smooth and impressive look. The circular shape maximizes usage by ensuring that a good number can sit around without obstructing one another. AmazonBasics 34-Inch Natural Stone Fire Pit has a circular fire bowl that ensures uniform distribution of heat. With a hole in the center of the dish, this unit is designed to drain moisture in the event of rainfall.
8. Catalina Creations Heavy Duty Fire Ring with Cooking Grate
Fire pits don’t just have to be decorative – they can serve a very real purpose. While many modern units prize aesthetics over anything else, it’s nice to see that a few fire pits are still all about functionality. This unit from Catalina Creations isn’t just for show – you can cook on it, thanks to the included cooking grate. It’s exactly what you need if you’re looking for something that will let you cook outside while you entertain your guests.
There aren’t a lot of extras with this fire pit, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s very easy to set up and quite sturdy, which means you can get to cooking much faster than with other models. The basic design maximizes cooking space, while the steel construction helps to retain heat and keep wild sparks from flying everywhere. It’s not the most luxurious fire pit out there, but it works very well for those who just want to cook over an open flame.
The only bad news about this fire pit is that the included hardware should be swapped out with something a bit higher-grade if you want the unit to stand up to the weather. All told, finding better hardware is really just a matter of spending a few dollars at a hardware store, but it is a bit of a hassle. Still, those who are willing to put in a little more work will be rewarded with a great fire pit for cooking.
Conclusions
In a nutshell, a fire pit can make your outdoor life as comfortable as your indoor life if you chose the right fire pit to warm your outdoor space. However, purchasing the right outdoor fire pit is a process that needs careful consideration of various factors that determine the suitability of your chosen fire pit. Despite the fact that choosing between wood-burning and propane pits may be a dilemma, it is crucial to note that the latter can burn to its full capacity in just a few seconds as opposed to the former, and can also be put off at your wish. Therefore, go for the propane fire pits if you are in need of instant flames.
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