There's no better way to stretch outdoor season than a good fire. A fire pit turns a chilly October evening into something you look forward to, and in places with long winters, it can keep the patio in use well past the point where everyone else has moved inside.
But walk into any store and you'll find dozens of fire pits that look nothing alike. Here's how to figure out which type is right for your yard.
The four main types
Wood-burning fire pits
Best for: the classic campfire experience: crackle, smell and all.
Nothing beats a real wood fire for atmosphere. Wood-burning fire pits are usually the most affordable, put out a lot of heat, and many can double as a grill for burgers or a grate for roasting marshmallows.
Things to know:
- They make smoke, which can bother guests and neighbors.
- You'll need a supply of dry, seasoned firewood.
- A spark screen is a must, especially in dry, windy places.
- Ash needs to be cleaned out after it cools.
Our wood-burning fire pit with grill, log rack and ash box is a good all-in-one pick: it cooks, it keeps your firewood dry, and the ash box makes cleanup easier. See all our wood-burning fire pits.
Smokeless fire pits
Best for: people who love wood fires but hate smelling like smoke.
Smokeless fire pits are still wood-burning, but they're built with double walls and vents that pull in air and burn off most of the smoke before it leaves the pit. You get a hotter, cleaner fire that burns wood more completely, with far less smoke in your eyes.
Our 20-inch smokeless fire pit is sized right for a small group and makes a great starter.
Propane fire pits and fire tables
Best for: easy, instant fires with no smoke, sparks or cleanup.
Turn a knob and you have a fire. Turn it off and it's out. Propane fire pits are the easiest to use, the cleanest, and often the only option allowed during burn bans. Fire tables add a ledge around the flame for drinks and plates, so they double as patio furniture.
Things to know:
- They put out less heat than a big wood fire, so compare BTUs. Around 40,000 to 60,000 BTU is typical for a patio.
- You'll need to refill or swap propane tanks.
- They cost more up front, but there's nothing to buy except fuel.
The 19-inch portable propane fire pit puts out 58,000 BTU and goes camping as easily as it sits on the patio. For a centerpiece, browse our propane fire pits and fire tables.
Tabletop fire pits
Best for: small balconies, dinner tables and a little ambiance.
Tabletop fire pits burn bioethanol (or gel fuel) and sit right on a table. They don't put out much heat, but they add a lovely flame to dinner on the deck, and some are rated for indoor use too. Our tabletop bioethanol fire pit makes a great gift, too.
How big should it be?
- Under 24 inches: good for two to four people or small patios.
- 24 to 36 inches: the sweet spot for most families.
- 36 inches and up: for big groups and large yards.
Leave room for chairs. Plan on about 7 feet of space from the edge of the fire to the back of the seats, so people can sit comfortably and get up without squeezing past the flames.
Where to put it
- At least 10 feet from your house, sheds, fences and low-hanging branches. Check the instructions, since some propane tables allow less.
- On a level, non-flammable surface: pavers, gravel, concrete or a fire pit mat. Don't set a wood-burning pit directly on a wood deck.
- Out of the wind, which in some places is easier said than done. A spot sheltered by the house or a fence keeps sparks down and the fire easier to enjoy.
Safety basics
- Check local rules first. Many towns and counties have fire restrictions in dry or windy weather, and some ban wood fires entirely at certain times. Propane is often still allowed.
- Keep a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a wood fire.
- Don't burn trash, painted wood or treated lumber.
- Put the fire completely out before you go inside. Drown it, stir it and feel for heat.
- Use a cover when the pit isn't in use, so it doesn't fill with snow and rust.
Make it a spot people want to sit
A fire pit is only half the picture. Comfortable patio chairs, a few string lights, and some lanterns and torches turn a fire pit into the best seat in the yard.
The short version
- Want the real campfire feel? Go wood-burning.
- Want a wood fire without the smoke? Go smokeless.
- Want easy, clean and burn-ban friendly? Go propane.
- Short on space? Go tabletop.
Whatever you pick, the best fire pit is the one you'll actually light. Grab a blanket, pull up a chair and make the most of the season. Shop all fire pits.
Garden Zen Zone is a small garden shop based in Sheridan, Wyoming. Free shipping on orders $100+. Questions? Call us at (833) 579-7783 or email gardenzenzone@gmail.com.
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