Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard with a fire pit or want a portable option for camping and beach trips, there’s one out there that’s your perfect “match.” However, a box of matches will likely not be included. See what we did there? But seriously, being huddled around a fire pit can warm up a chilly night or create a cozy vibe for your gatherings year-round. So, StudyFinds found five of the best fire pits on the market, according to customer reviews and experts on the matter.
Unfortunately, we have some bad news (especially for s’mores lovers). A study found cooking food with wood may be a recipe for lung damage. According to research, people who use biomass fuels, such as wood, for mealtime prep are exposing themselves to harmful pollutants and bacterial toxins. These findings were determined through advanced CT scans. Sadly, cooking with wood or dried shrubs is a widespread practice, with an estimated three billion people relying on this method to prepare their food daily. And cooking with wood is a significant factor in four million annual deaths attributed to household air pollution-related illnesses. But, hey! Laying off the s’mores is good for your health and waistline.
These studies are not common knowledge, and many are unaware that outdoor fire pits pose a risk. Many people just want to extend their time outdoors, whether later into the evening or through the colder days, and a fire pit is a popular way to do so. It’s practically a household staple, especially for families who see it as a way to spend more time outside. A survey revealed 55 percent of American parents believe their kids aren’t spending enough time playing in the great outdoors.
So, if you’re looking for a portable fire pit for camping and beach trips or a stylish option for your backyard, this list is a great place to start. That’s because we’ve found the best of the best outdoor fire pits, according to experts. And for your benefit, many of these top picks utilize the latest manufacturing advancements to create a “smokeless” experience. That way, you and your guests won’t be tearing up from smoke, and you’ll just have a cozy, warm environment wherever your fire pit lands.
The List: Best Outdoor Fire Pits, According to Experts
1. Tiki Brand Fire Pit
CNET recommends Tiki as their top choice: “Our favorite fire pit on this list is made by Tiki, a company that began with the familiar Tiki bamboo torch over 60 years ago. Now Tiki offers a fire pit that’s large, sturdy and attractive. The Tiki Brand Fire Pit has a clever airflow system that recycles hot smoke back into the fire chamber. During our testing, it was easy to ignite, firing up in about 5 minutes and fully burning in 15. It also generated far less smoke than the other fire pits we tested.”
“There’s a reason why the Tiki Brand Fire Pit is a regular crowd pleaser: It gives you a lot of firepower at a mid-range price. The 2021 Edison Awards winner is made from 16-gauge stainless steel with a weatherproof powder coating for a construction that’s designed to last. This fire pit uses traditional firewood, making it something you can take on the go, or you can opt for the brand’s wood pack for an instant-light fire that’ll burn for 30 minutes per pack,” Forbes writes.
Better Homes & Gardens thinks the durability of this model really stands out: “This fire pit is durable against the elements while remaining stylish and modern. And while it’s compact, measuring just 25 inches in diameter, you’ll still get an impressive heat radius of up to 4 feet to keep everyone cozy and warm. There’s also a conveniently integrated ash pan that slides out of the base of the pit for easy cleanup with minimal mess. We also love that the Tiki patio fire pit comes with a Tiki wood fire-starter pack to help produce a nearly instant flame.”
2. Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
Reviewed gives this fire pit a rave review: “Solo Stove is probably the most recognizable name in the wood-burning firepit market. So, of course, we had to include their Bonfire model in our tests. It’s ready to use out of the box and it was light enough to carry. Compared to the other products we tested, we appreciated that the Bonfire started more quickly. The Bonfire also produced less smoke than the other fire pits, a feature we certainly appreciated.”
“The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is designed to be enjoyed by both novices and experienced campers. Its 360° Airflow technology creates a smokeless fire, so heat and warmth can be enjoyed without the unpleasantness of smoke. With a 19-inch diameter, it’s large enough for entertaining small gatherings and parties, but still portable enough to be transported around via the free carry case included with it,” according to TopTenReviews.
HGTV likes that this fire pit can be as on-the-go as you are: “Take this portable fire pit wherever you go, whether you’re camping, tailgating or hanging out in your backyard. The Solo Stove Bonfire features the brand’s signature Airflow Design that creates a super-efficient burn using strategically placed holes in the double-wall structure to draw in air from the bottom and feed the heated oxygen to the top. That means nearly no smoke and minimal ash to clean at the end of your fire pit session. Plus, it’s so compact you don’t need a ton of space to store it.”
3. Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit
For a more traditional fire pit, The Spruce says, “The Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit has an easy-to-use, easy-to-manage, attractive design, making it our favorite fire pit that we tested. One of the most appealing aspects of this model is its simplicity. While it doesn’t have any special controls for controlling the flames or smoke, it can also serve as a grill and comes with a poker and a mesh screen.”
“The Piedmont is a good place to start for those who prefer an older school aesthetic or for whom cost is a barrier to entry. Its mesh and steel design ensures good airflow to the fire while allowing 360º viewing of the fire and sharing in the heat. It comes with a grill grate that can function directly over the coals or mounted on the included pole for raising, lowering, or swinging the grill away for indirect cooking,” Food&Wine writes.
Another option from this brand is the Hampton Bay Windgate model: “It has a massive 40-inch-diameter fire bowl, roomy enough for big groups to gather around,” writes CNET.
4. Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit
Popular Mechanics recommends this Breeo model for a fire pit that’s as beautiful as it is functional: “The most striking detail of the X Series 24 is its corten finish. (You can also buy this in a stainless-steel version.) Corten is a structural steel alloy you often see used for bridges or power line towers. It’s designed to oxidize, or rust, creating a natural finish that protects the steel rather than continuing to degrade it. It is built to last right here in the U.S.”
“These solid pits are made from rugged 304 stainless and corten steel, which means they’re built to last forever and will only look better as they patina over time. Breeo’s combination of raised air vents in the floor of the pit and the double wall construction do a great job of burning off the smoke once you get your fire going, but the X Series is more than just a handsome place to keep warm,” Men’s Health reports.
CNET names it the most durable fire pit and writes, “To say the Breeo X Series 24 is built to take a beating is an understatement.”
5. BioLite FirePit+
This is the most unique option on the list. Outdoor Life says, “This thoughtfully-designed smokeless fire pit includes a fan (recharge it via USB or solar power) that enables efficient combustion; it even has multiple speeds to fine-tune your fire and can be controlled remotely via Bluetooth.”
“This fire pit takes fire building to a new level! The design creates a super-efficient burn so there’s little to no smoke, and the mesh body allows you to see the fire on three sides — it almost looks like it’s floating. The fire pit can burn wood or charcoal, so it’s super versatile and makes a great grill for the beach or campground. A rechargeable battery, attached to the side, literally fans the flames. You can control the size of your flames manually or by using the free app (yes, it is as cool as it sounds!),” Country Living raves.
CNET names this model the most portable: “The FirePit Plus’ legs fold up when you want to take the grill on the go, plus the pit comes with a handy rain cover. A removable ash tray makes cleaning up easy.”
Do you have another fire pit recommendation? Make sure to leave it in the comments!
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Sources
- CNET
- Forbes
- Better Homes & Gardens
- Reviewed
- TopTenReviews
- HGTV
- The Spruce
- Food&Wine
- Popular Mechanics
- Men’s Health
- Outdoor Life
- Country Living
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
