As fall approaches, we are getting more and more antsy to partake in all of the cozy activities, especially cuddling up by a nice fire pit with family and friends. Gone are the days of having to gather wood to start a fire, unless, of course, you prefer to. Now it’s as easy as the click of a button. If you’re shopping for your first fire pit or looking for a replacement for the one that’s spent a little too long in the sun and rain, we’ve gathered the best outdoor fire pits for you to enjoy on crisp fall nights.
So much of modern life happens indoors, especially now with everyone working from home. From offices to apartments or homes, most people in today’s day and age find themselves cooped up inside for most of the day. Believe it or not, what you are looking at in your backyard matters. Spending more time outdoors has long been linked to a more positive mindset, but now a study has concluded that just seeing greenery on a day-to-day basis can put us in a better mindset and reduce harmful cravings for substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, and junk food
Getting outside to gather around a warm fire also is a great way to socialize with your closest friends. Not only are you surrounded by nature together, but everyone can unplug and actually have conversation. Considering the extensive amount of time we spend on our phones, it is always beneficial to take a break from social media and be present.
Nothing is comparable to the smells, the coziness, and the ambiance of an outdoor fire. With many entering the market, you will need one that lasts and is the perfect size for what you are looking to experience. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best outdoor fire pits to roast your marshmallows with and unwind! Let us know if your favorite model was missed on our list in the comments below.
The List: Best Outdoor Fire Pits, According to Experts
1. Breeo X 24
For those who like to sit around a big campfire, but aren’t a fan of the smoke, the Breeo X 24 is a compatible backyard companion. “Weighing a whopping 62 pounds, this fire pit is built tough, with corrosion-resistant Corten steel. The 24-inch interior provides ample room for wood and creates a nice, large fire with plenty of scope for at least eight people to gather around,” says Tom’s Guide.
A beneficial element within the Breeo X 24’s construction is the use of corten steel. Corten is a structural type used in buildings and bridges that was developed to eliminate painting. “The X 24 uses a dual-wall design and a well-ventilated fire bowl to eliminate smoke. The large fire bowl holds firewood pieces 16 to 18 inches long, building big bright flames to entertain groups of six to 10 (or more). Because the proportions are relatively wider and shallower, it takes longer than other options to generate the high inner-wall heat required for a smokeless burn. But once achieved, the effect lasts a long time. I built it up to the smokeless phase within about 20 minutes, and it retained that stage for more than an hour without additional fuel,” informs Bob Vila.
Made in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Breeo X 24 uses double-walled construction to trap hot air in the gap between the walls which creates a hotter and stronger fire. “The double wall and the reburn that comes from it produce added oxygen, which allows the pit to burn its own smoke before it reaches you. While the brand doesn’t claim to be 100% smokeless, it does give extensive tips on how to burn a fire with considerably less smoke than the average fire pit, like using shredded newspaper, cardboard, or resin-soaked pine at its base,” writes Better Homes & Gardens.
2. Solo Stove Bonfire
This brand seems to be the most recognizable name in the wood-burning fire pit market, according to our expert lists. “The Bonfire is Solo Stove’s mid-sized fire pit, and its 19.5-inch diameter was large enough to use full-sized logs. It’s ready to use out of the box and it was light enough to carry,” states USA Today.
The Solo Stove Bonfire measures 19.5 inches in diameter, 14 inches high, and weighs 23.3 pounds. “The Solo Bonfire is the perfect size for gatherings of three to five people, the stove is made of durable 304 stainless steel to last a lifetime. This upgraded model features a removable fire grate and ash pan that didn’t exist in the previous version, and it makes cleaning a breeze. It also came with a stand and a soft-side carry case,” offers Bob Vila.
Not only is the Solo Bonfire light to carry, but you can literally take it anywhere. “It’s possible to move with just one person, so you’re set the next time it needs to be hoisted up into the trunk for your next camping adventure,” states Family Handyman.
3. Solo Stove Mesa
The best fire pit for someone who doesn’t have a backyard is definitely this Solo Stove Mesa option. It’s perfect for a small balcony or patio, as it only stands six inches tall and takes up hardly any space. “If you want a little ambiance but don’t have a large area outside to sit in, it’s a great, affordable option that also comes in a bunch of interesting colors like deep olive, mulberry, and bone,” states Better Homes & Gardens,
All you need for you and your loved ones to be able to enjoy the Solo Stove is an outdoor table. “This super cool product is just over six inches tall and weighs less than 1.5 pounds, so you very easily take it inside (in the included nylon bag) for safe storage. The Mesa can burn pellets (sold separately) or even small pieces of firewood,” says Real Simple.
Just a warning that the outside of this fire pit gets very hot, so you will want to be careful when near it or when trying to move it. It is, however, quick to cool down. “You can touch the unit approximately 10 minutes after the fire stopped burning. We also really appreciate the simplicity of the design, and that it is available in multiple colors,” writes The Spruce.
4. BioLite FirePit Plus
The BioLite FirePit is one of the most portable wood-burning fire pits with handles on each side for easy carrying. “The feature we appreciate most about this fire pit is its built-in battery-powered fan. The battery is rechargeable and controls a fan with four power settings. The fan not only stoked the coals, helping it start more quickly, but it also kept smoke from billowing up in our faces,” informs USA Today.
BioLite’s FirePit Plus creates a wonderful gather-round-the-campfire experience due to its X-ray mesh body for 360-degree views. “Interestingly, you can control the size and intensity of your flames — either manually or remotely — with the free Bluetooth paired app,” offers NY Post.
Built for portability, the FirePit Plus is made by Brooklyn-based BioLite and weighs under 20 pounds. “Measuring 27 by 13 by 15.8 inches, it’s relatively long and narrow, making it really good for patio use. However, it holds a little more wood than you’d think, with room for up to four cordwood logs. You can either use it as a standard fire pit or as a backyard grill and it was upgraded in 2021 with an enamel coating for easier cleaning and a higher-capacity battery for its built-in fan. It can also work as a patio heater,” says Cnet.
5. Tiki Patio Smokeless Fire Pit
One of the standout features of this large model is the steel burn-assist cone for use with wood pellets. “The Tiki Smokeless features a 16-gauge stainless steel burn chamber, a sleek powder-coated steel-band exterior finish, a wooden ash drawer handle, and wrought-iron feet for a refined appearance. The model measures 24.75 inches in diameter and 18.75 inches high, weighs 43 pounds, and burns either wood pellets or firewood,” states Bob Vila.
The Tiki Smokeless Fire Pit comes with a lid to conveniently protect it from the conditions of the outdoors. “While this fire pit is above the median price for an average outdoor fire pit, we think it’s worth the extra money. Plus, we loved the design of this fire pit and believe it could complement any backyard with its high-quality materials,” explains Real Simple.
Starting with the original bamboo torch, Tiki has been decking out patios and pergolas for more than 60 years. You can’t go wrong with Tiki. “The company has expanded into all sorts of backyard essentials, including fire pits. This Tiki smokeless fire pit features a modern and clean all-black, all-metal design,” offers Family Handyman.
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Sources:
- Tom’s Guide
- Bob Vila
- USA Today
- Real Simple
- Family Handyman
- Better Homes & Gardens
- NY Times
- NY Post
- The Spruce
- Cnet
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.