These days, it seems almost everyone enjoys spending more time outside, whether it’s April or October. Even the Holiday parties we attended in December spilled over to the patio or deck, where I confirmed a sneaking suspicion that, yes, I do indeed have a mild (endless) obsession with outdoor fireplaces.
I found that crackle and glow more compelling than the dessert table, and discovered an impressive range of styles out there, already fired up and just beckoning for a closer look. I’ve since thoroughly researched my top picks, updating a couple of models along the way, and posted my “best in class” below.
Gathering ’round a toasty outdoor fire is one of life’s simple and memorable pleasures, and kids love casual patio suppers, so I truly hope you can find something here that works for your preferences and outdoor space. Table of Contents is just below, and there’s a Summary in case you’re in a hurry (who isn’t?) and want only a quick rundown. Stay warm out there!
Table of Contents
- Best Quality Propane Fire Pit: The Newcastle Propane Firebowl
- Best Quality Wood-Burning Fire Pit: The Blue Rooster Prairie Chiminea
- Best Overall Value Fire Pit: The Landmann 28345 Big Sky Fire Pit
- Best Portable Propane Fire Pit: The Outland Firebowl 883 Mega
- Best Portable Wood-Burning Fire Pit: The Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit
- Summary
Best Quality Propane Fire Pit: The Newcastle Propane Firebowl
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- Propane-powered open fire (unenclosed)
- 40,000 BTUs provide both warmth and ambience
- Column (base) is made of durable and lightweight Envirostone (faux stacked stone)
- Instant push-to-light ignition for easy lighting and extinguishing of fire
- Includes natural lava rocks and a protective storage cover
- Uses 20 lb. propane tank, not included
- Rustic, elegant style that works well with Lodge or Farmhouse decor, Napa Style, or a southwestern or countryside look.
What I Love: A column and bowl design with a relatively small footprint that still cranks out 40,000 BTUs of warmth and comfort. Reviewers raved about both the operation and decorative look of this propane firebowl, which uses a 20 lb. propane tank, not included. Envirostone surface is sealed with patented ProCoat, and has 7 x the UV resistance of other faux stone products.
This fire pit is best for you if you want an open fire, ease of operation, the clean burn of propane, and the look of traditional stacked stone.
A dealbreaker for you?.. It’s not really something on which you can grill or cook. Stylish, but not best for a tight budget if you want two or more. A couple of reviews noted small chips in the faux stone. I didn’t see any on the columns I looked at, but it was evening and, actually, I thought the four of them on an outdoor terrace created a stunning effect.
Measures 20.5 × 20.5 × 29.13 inches high and weighs approximately 50lbs.
Best Quality Wood-Burning Fire Pit: The Blue Rooster Prairie Chiminea
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- Wood-burning outdoor fireplace (enclosed fire)
- Cast aluminum, not sheet metal
- Proper drafting makes for a clean burn with little smoke
- Removable neck for grilling, includes small cast iron grilling insert
- Spark arrestor neck insert, cast iron burning grates, and hinged stainless steel firescreen
- Carry handles for easier moving
- Simple, classic design works with almost any decor scheme, including cottage, bungalow, Arts & Crafts
- Removable matching rain lid
What I Love: Blue Rooster prides itself on safety, quality, and customer service. This is an outdoor chiminea fireplace that both you and your neighbors will love, as its efficient design produces less smoke and a lot of warmth! The neck can be removed for grilling on the cast iron insert, included. Body is constructed of solid cast aluminum alloy. Hinged door provides for safety, a view of the fire, and easy access for adding wood. Storage cover is available but not included.
This chiminea fireplace is best for you if you want a wood-burning fireplace without all the the smoke, the look of cast iron without all the rust, a small grilling option, and good quality.
A dealbreaker for you?.. You’ll probably have to scoop out ashes, as it’s pretty heavy to turn over. If you really want to keep this chiminea looking good for a long time, you’ll need to purchase a cover, sold separately. Depending on where you set it up, Blue Rooster recommends using a deck protector, also sold separately. As with most of these fire pits, you will eventually get some rust, as the fittings and firescreen are stainless steel. Still, I absolutely love this chiminea, and plan to buy one myself for next season’s backyard refresh.
Measures 52 x 22 inches. Shipping weight is 80 lbs.
Best Overall Value Fire Pit: The Landmann 28345 Big Sky Fire Pit
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- Wood-burning open fire (a spark screen cover is included)
- Durable and affordable, lots of bang for the buck
- Steel construction with black finish
- Includes cooking grate, spark screen, and poker
- Safety ring for easy transport
- Large 23.5 inch diameter fire bowl, big enough but still great for small patios
- Bowl has not-too-kitschy cutout designs (screened) of either stars and moons or wildlife
idea! Storage cover is available but not included.
This fire pit is a super buy for the money if you want a highly-rated, well-priced, basic wood-burning fire pit with attractive features.
A dealbreaker for you?.. It will rust if that sort of thing bothers you. My neighbors bought theirs 5-plus years ago and I still see them over there enjoying it on many a chilly evening, its rust (and rustic charm) notwithstanding.
Measures 29.5 x 29.5 x 23 inches high. Weighs 28.5 lbs.
Best Portable Propane Fire Pit: The Outland Firebowl 883 Mega
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- Propane-powered open fire (unenclosed)
- 58,000 BTUs
- Travel-size, lightweight, and portable; includes cover and carrying case
- Sets up easily without tools; includes pre-attached 10-ft. hose
- Great for tailgating, camping, or just enjoying evenings in the backyard
- Quality steel construction with protective enamel finish, stainless steel burner
- Outland Living designs and manufactures high-quality, innovative outdoor products
- Safe to use during most campfire bans
What I Love: Innovative design in a very high-quality little propane fire pit. You, too, will love its portability, ease of use, and beautiful, realistic fire. Requires a standard 20 lb. propane tank, not included. Uses lava rocks, not included. Adjustable flame. Manual ignition.
This is the perfect fire pit for you if you want portability, high quality, and a realistic fire without smoke and ash.
A dealbreaker for you?.. Manual ignition, so you will need to strike a match or use a lighter. Propane tank and lava rocks are not included. I really couldn’t find anything else that might stop you from enjoying this attractive, sturdy, travel-size fire pit.
Measures 19 x 19 x 11 inches high. Weighs 23.3 lbs.
Best Portable Wood-Burning Fire Pit: The Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit
WHAT’S NOTEWORTHY:
- Wood-burning open fire pit (unenclosed)
- Sleek, minimalist stainless steel design
- Small and portable, no setup, perfect for camping, backyards, tailgating
- Patent pending engineering produces an efficient burn and less smoke
- Heavy duty carrying case included
What I Love: A unique and very beautiful little wood-burning fire pit that sold over $1 million on Kickstarter. Chic, contemporary style that’s not often seen in the wood-burning category. Double-wall construction allows fire to be fueled from both bottom and top. The result is a cleaner burn and far less smoke. Patent pending.
This fire pit is an excellent choice for you if you want a chic, modern look in a wood burning fire pit, portability, innovative design, and less smoke.
A dealbreaker for you?.. A little on the pricey side, but its cutting-edge features and smart style make it well worth the money. It’s a beauty!
Measures 19.5 x 19.5 x 14 inches high. Weighs 20 lbs.
Summary
Here it all is in a nutshell…
If you’re searching for something decorative, like the look of stacked stone, and don’t want to fetch wood, consider the Newcastle Propane Firebowl.
If you simply love tending the fire and want a cast aluminum, chiminea-style fireplace, the Blue Rooster Prairie Chiminea Fireplace is the way to go.
If you’re looking for great value for the money, you’ll enjoy many starry evenings with the simple, straightforward, wood-burning Landmann 28345 Big Sky Fire Pit.
If you’re headed to the big tailgating event and need an easy, portable set-up that burns propane, the Outland Firebowl 883 Mega would be perfect.
If you want something portable that burns wood, but is also sleek and modern in style, the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit is it.