Buying guide
Best Fire Pits 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Our picks are researched from the manufacturers’ specifications and are our own editorial opinion.
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Editor’s Choice
Verdeluxe 47-Inch Fire Pit with 2 Grills
A 47-inch wood-burning pit with two independent swivel grills and a lid that turns it into a table, so one purchase covers the fire, the cooking and the seating area.
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Best propane
Ciays 42-Inch Gas Fire Pit Table
A 60,000 BTU CSA-listed fire table with push-button ignition, a wind guard and room for a 20 lb tank inside the base.
-
Best for small patios
Panovue 36-Inch Fire Pit with Grill
A 36-inch, 25 lb pit with a single 360-degree grill and a lid, light enough to move when the layout changes.
The best fire pits come down to one early choice: wood or propane. A wood-burning pit gives you the crackle, the smell and a fire you can cook over. A propane fire table gives you instant flames, no ash and a top you can set drinks on. We compared nine pits of both kinds using the dimensions, burner ratings, finishes and safety listings the makers publish, and we say “Not stated” wherever a listing leaves something out.
Our pick for most patios is the Verdeluxe 47-inch, a wood-burning pit with two grills and a lid. For gas, the Ciays 42-inch fire table is the one to start with. If you already know your fuel, the guides to wood-burning fire pits and propane fire pits go deeper. If you are watching the budget, see cheap fire pits.
Best Fire Pits Compared
| Product | Verdeluxe 47″ EDITOR’S CHOICE | OutVue 42″ | Panovue 36″ | Axxonn 32″ | Ciays 42″ Square | Ciays 43″ Rectangular | Aoxun 41″ | BALI 42″ | HOTEAGLE 30″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Fuel | Wood | Wood | Wood | Wood | Propane | Propane | Propane | Propane | Propane |
| Size | 47″ × 47″ × 34″H | 42″ × 42″ | 36″ × 36″ × 25″H | 32″ × 32″ | 42″ square | 43″ × 31″ | 41″ rectangular | 42″ | 30″ × 30″ |
| Heat or capacity | 20-30 lb of wood | 30 lb of wood | 20 lb of wood | Not stated | 60,000 BTU | 60,000 BTU | 50,000 BTU | 60,000 BTU | 50,000 BTU |
| Top or surface | Metal lid | Metal lid | Metal lid | Ceramic tile top | Steel lid | Glass stones, wind guard | Removable lid | Ceramic top | Ceramic top |
| Cooking grill | Two swivel grills | Two grills | One 360° grill | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Certification | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | CSA | CSA | CSA | CSA | CSA |
| Hidden 20 lb tank | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Yes | Not stated |
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Verdeluxe 47″
- Price
- $$$
- Fuel
- Wood
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 47″ × 47″ × 34″H
- Heat or capacity
- 20-30 lb of wood
- Top or surface
- Metal lid
- Cooking grill
- Two swivel grills
- Certification
- Not stated
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Not applicable
OutVue 42″
- Price
- $$$
- Fuel
- Wood
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 42″ × 42″
- Heat or capacity
- 30 lb of wood
- Top or surface
- Metal lid
- Cooking grill
- Two grills
- Certification
- Not stated
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Not applicable
Panovue 36″
- Price
- $$
- Fuel
- Wood
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 36″ × 36″ × 25″H
- Heat or capacity
- 20 lb of wood
- Top or surface
- Metal lid
- Cooking grill
- One 360° grill
- Certification
- Not stated
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Not applicable
Axxonn 32″
- Price
- $$
- Fuel
- Wood
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 32″ × 32″
- Heat or capacity
- Not stated
- Top or surface
- Ceramic tile top
- Cooking grill
- No
- Certification
- Not stated
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Not applicable
Ciays 42″ Square
- Price
- $$$$
- Fuel
- Propane
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 42″ square
- Heat or capacity
- 60,000 BTU
- Top or surface
- Steel lid
- Cooking grill
- No
- Certification
- CSA
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Yes
Ciays 43″ Rectangular
- Price
- $$$$
- Fuel
- Propane
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 43″ × 31″
- Heat or capacity
- 60,000 BTU
- Top or surface
- Glass stones, wind guard
- Cooking grill
- No
- Certification
- CSA
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Yes
Aoxun 41″
- Price
- $$$$
- Fuel
- Propane
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 41″ rectangular
- Heat or capacity
- 50,000 BTU
- Top or surface
- Removable lid
- Cooking grill
- No
- Certification
- CSA
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Not stated
BALI 42″
- Price
- $$$
- Fuel
- Propane
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 42″
- Heat or capacity
- 60,000 BTU
- Top or surface
- Ceramic top
- Cooking grill
- No
- Certification
- CSA
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Yes
HOTEAGLE 30″
- Price
- $$$
- Fuel
- Propane
Show specificationsHide specifications
- Size
- 30″ × 30″
- Heat or capacity
- 50,000 BTU
- Top or surface
- Ceramic top
- Cooking grill
- No
- Certification
- CSA
- Hidden 20 lb tank
- Not stated
Best Wood-Burning Fire Pits
Wood-burning pits are the simplest design here: a steel bowl, a spark screen or lattice, and legs. What separates them is size, what comes with them (grills, lid, poker) and how the steel is finished. All four below are powder-coated steel.
Large 3-in-1 Pits
These are fire pit, grill and table in one frame. They need more room and weigh more, but the fire bowl is large enough for a proper evening fire.
Verdeluxe 47-Inch Fire Pit with 2 Grills
The Verdeluxe 47-inch is the wood-burning pit we would put on most patios that have the space. At about four feet across it is the largest pit on this page, and the fire bowl measures 29.5 inches across and 12 inches deep, with room for roughly 20 to 30 lbs of wood. That depth gives you longer burns and deeper coals for cooking.
The two cooking grates swivel 360 degrees and raise and lower independently, so one side can sear while the other keeps food warm. Pull the grills out and you have an open bonfire pit. The star-pattern cutouts around the rim throw shadows as the flames move and act as a spark screen, and a metal lid sits on top when you want a table. The finish is a high-temperature powder coat.
✅ Pros
- Two independent swivel grills
- Large 29.5″ × 12″ fire bowl
- Lid turns it into a table
- Grills remove for an open fire
❌ Cons
- Heavy and not meant to be moved
- Needs a lot of clearance around it
Best For: Hosts who want one piece that handles the fire, dinner and the seating area.
OutVue 42-Inch Fire Pit with 2 Grills
The OutVue 42-inch is the same idea as the Verdeluxe in a smaller frame. Leave the grills and lid off for a classic bonfire, attach the grills to cook, or flip the lid on for a flat surface that seats eight to ten at a table. The bowl takes up to 30 lbs of firewood, which is the largest stated capacity on this page.
Geometric cutouts around the sides let you see the flames from every angle, and spark-containment mesh keeps embers in. It ships with a poker and a high-temperature powder-coat finish. Plan on about 20 minutes to assemble it.
✅ Pros
- 30 lb stated wood capacity
- Two removable, height-adjustable grills
- Poker included
- Easier to place than a 47-inch pit
❌ Cons
- About 20 minutes of assembly
- Still a large, heavy frame
Best For: Medium to large patios that want 3-in-1 use without the footprint of the 47-inch.
Mid-Size and Compact Wood Pits
A 36-inch pit fits a standard patio and still holds a decent fire. If you prefer style over cooking, a tile-top table is the other direction.
Panovue 36-Inch Fire Pit with Grill
The Panovue 36-inch is our pick for patios where space is limited. The frame is 36 inches square and 25 inches high, it weighs about 25 lbs and the 24-inch bowl holds around 20 lbs of wood. It still works as a bonfire pit, a roasting station and, with the metal lid on, a table.
The grill is a single 360-degree unit rather than the two separate grates on the larger models, which suits roasting and one-dish cooking. If you want two cooking zones, step up to the OutVue or the Verdeluxe. The lattice sides contain sparks, and the steel has a powder-coat finish for rust resistance.
✅ Pros
- Light enough to reposition
- 360° grill and lid included
- Fits a standard patio
- Lower price tier than the larger pits
❌ Cons
- One grill, not two
- Smaller bowl, about 20 lbs of wood
Best For: Small to mid-size patios, and anyone who rearranges the furniture each season.
Axxonn 32-Inch Malaga Tile-Top Fire Pit
The Axxonn Malaga is the one to buy if the pit has to look like furniture when it is not lit. The 32-inch square frame has a multicolored ceramic tile top instead of a metal lid, so it works as a coffee table all year, and the powder-coated steel body is described as rust-resistant. A safety mesh screen lid covers the fire bowl when it is burning, and a log grate and poker are included.
It has no cooking grill, because the tile top is not meant for heat or grease. Buy it for ambiance and for conversation, not for grilling.
✅ Pros
- Ceramic tile top looks good unlit
- Safety mesh screen lid included
- Log grate and poker included
- Compact square footprint
❌ Cons
- No cooking grill
- Wood capacity not stated
Best For: Style-focused patios where the pit sits in a seating area all year.
Best Propane Fire Pits
Gas fire pits are the low-maintenance choice: a burner under lava rock or glass, an ignition button and a table top around it. There is no smoke and no ash. They cost more than wood pits of the same footprint and need a 20 lb propane tank that most models hide inside the base. For many more options see our propane fire pit guide and the fire table guide.
Large Propane Fire Tables
Ciays 42-Inch Gas Fire Pit Table
The Ciays 42-inch is the gas fire pit we would start with. It is rated at 60,000 BTU, it is CSA-listed, and it lights with a push-button electronic ignition. The 42-inch square top gives you room for drinks and plates, lava rock fills the burner area, and a wind guard helps keep the flame steady in a breeze.
A stainless steel H-burner spreads the heat, and the base holds a 20 lb propane tank, which is not included. The maker lists a burn time of eight hours or more per tank. The top is steel rather than tile or ceramic, so it is practical rather than showy.
✅ Pros
- 60,000 BTU burner
- CSA-listed
- Push-button ignition and wind guard
- Hides a 20 lb tank
❌ Cons
- Steel top is plain
- Tank is sold separately
Best For: Anyone who wants predictable, instant-on heat for a crowd.
Ciays 43-Inch Rectangular Propane Fire Pit
The Ciays 43-inch rectangular is the upgraded version of the square model. It has the same 60,000 BTU rating and push-button ignition, but the burner is 304 stainless steel, the flame sits over glass stones instead of lava rock and the wind guard is transparent glass, so the flame stays visible.
The top measures 43 by 31 inches, the largest surface area in this group, and the base holds a 20 lb tank. It is CSA-listed. A rectangle also fits better along a wall or between two sofas than a square.
✅ Pros
- 304 stainless steel burner
- Glass stones and glass wind guard
- Largest tabletop here
- CSA-listed
❌ Cons
- Higher price tier
- Glass needs gentle cleaning
Best For: Patios that want a rectangular table with a more modern look.
Aoxun 41-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table
The Aoxun 41-inch is the plain, no-frills rectangle. The black powder-coated cold-rolled steel body suits a contemporary patio, and the burner is rated at 50,000 BTU with push-button ignition and lava rock. A removable lid turns it into a table, and it carries a CSA listing.
It has no wind guard in the box, and it has the lowest BTU rating of the large tables, so it suits calmer spots or smaller groups. The listing does not state where the tank goes.
✅ Pros
- CSA-listed
- Removable lid for table use
- Clean, simple design
❌ Cons
- No wind guard included
- 50,000 BTU, lower than the Ciays models
- Tank location not stated
Best For: Buyers who want a simple rectangular gas table without extras.
BALI OUTDOORS 42-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table
The BALI 42-inch is the pick for design. The top is real ceramic with natural-looking veining, the sides are a wicker-style panel and the burner is rated at 60,000 BTU. Ignition is a Pulse electronic system, the frame is powder-coated, lava rock is included and the base holds a 20 lb tank. It is CSA-listed.
Ceramic is more delicate than steel, so it needs a little more care when you set things down and when you clean it.
✅ Pros
- Ceramic tabletop
- 60,000 BTU with Pulse ignition
- Hides a 20 lb tank
- Lower price tier than the Ciays models
❌ Cons
- Ceramic needs more care than steel
Best For: Design-minded owners who treat the fire pit as the centerpiece of the patio.
Compact Propane Fire Pits
HOTEAGLE 30-Inch Propane Fire Pit with Ceramic Top
The HOTEAGLE 30-inch is the gas pit for small patios and balconies where code allows one. It is 30 inches square with a ceramic tabletop and a 50,000 BTU burner under lava rock, and it carries a CSA listing. The ceramic top is usable as a table surface when the fire is off.
The smaller footprint means a smaller heat zone, so it suits a few people sitting close rather than a crowd. The listing does not state where the tank goes, so check before you plan the layout.
✅ Pros
- Compact 30″ × 30″ footprint
- Ceramic top
- CSA-listed
- Lava rock included
❌ Cons
- Smaller heat zone
- Tank location not stated
Best For: Small patios, townhouses and anyone who wants gas heat in a tight space.
Fuel: Wood, Propane or Natural Gas
Fuel decides how the pit feels, what it costs to run and where you may use it.
Wood
Wood gives you sound, smell and a fire you can cook over, and the pits cost less than gas tables of the same size. The trade-offs are smoke, ash and sparks, and you have to buy, store and stack firewood. Wood fires also have the strictest rules: many cities and HOAs restrict them, and burn bans can apply on dry days. Treat sparks on a wood deck as a real risk and use a screen.
Propane
A propane fire pit lights with a button, adjusts with a knob and puts out when you close the valve. Smoke and ash are gone, and the cleanup is a wipe-down. The burner rating is in BTU, and the tank usually sits inside the base. Propane pits are often easier to approve under local rules than wood pits, but they are not exempt, so keep the manual’s clearances. The cost is the tank refills and a higher purchase price.
Natural Gas
Natural gas runs from a gas line, so there is no tank to refill and the fuel is always on tap. It needs a permanent line from a licensed plumber and a pit built for natural gas. A propane pit usually cannot be switched to natural gas without a conversion kit from the maker, so check the manual before buying. If you want a built-in setup, plan that as a home project rather than a quick purchase. For help matching a pit to a covered space, see can a fire pit go under a covered patio.
Size, Height and BTU
Sizing a fire pit is mostly about the room around it. The pit itself is only part of the footprint: you also need walking space and seating, plus the clearance the maker and your local code require.
Diameter and Seating
Pits in this guide range from 30 to 47 inches across. A 30 to 36-inch pit suits a small group sitting close, while a 42 to 47-inch pit fills the middle of a larger seating area. Add chairs and walking room around it and the circle grows quickly; our guide on how big a patio should be for a fire pit works through the numbers.
Height
Wood pits like the Panovue stand about 25 inches tall, and the Verdeluxe is listed at 34 inches. Lower pits suit lounge chairs, while taller tables work with dining or bar seating. A tall wood pit also throws sparks higher, so a screen matters more.
What BTU Tells You
BTU is the burner’s maximum heat input, and it applies only to gas pits. A higher rating means more potential heat, but wind, open air and the pit’s size decide how much you feel. In this guide the Ciays and BALI models are rated at 60,000 BTU and the Aoxun and HOTEAGLE at 50,000 BTU. For wood pits, compare the fire bowl and wood capacity instead. Our guide on whether gas fire pits keep you warm covers what to expect.
Material and Rust
Every pit here is made from steel, and steel rusts where its coating is scratched or the metal stays wet. The difference between pits is the finish and how well you protect it.
Powder-Coated Steel
The wood pits on this page and most of the gas tables use powder-coated steel, a baked-on finish that resists rust longer than bare metal. Heat and scratches wear it down at the fire bowl and the rim. The listings rarely state the gauge or thickness of the steel, so we do not compare it. If the maker does not publish a thickness, treat any claim of heavy-duty construction as marketing.
Stainless Steel Burners, Cast Iron and Ceramic
Gas tables differ in burner and top. The Ciays 43-inch uses a 304 stainless steel H-burner, which is the more corrosion-resistant choice. Ceramic and tile tops, as on the BALI, HOTEAGLE and Axxonn, look better than steel but chip more easily than metal. Cast iron is the other classic material: it holds heat well, but it is heavy and rusts quickly if it stays wet, so it needs dry storage or a cover.
Keeping Rust Away
Cover the pit between uses, keep ash out of the bowl because it holds moisture and drain the bowl where the design allows. Touch up scratches with high-heat paint. Our guide to fire pit covers compares weather covers, spark screens and metal lids.
Smoke, Spark Screens and Covers
Smoke is the number-one complaint about wood pits, and sparks are the main safety risk. Both can be reduced.
Smoke
Burn dry, seasoned hardwood, build a small fire and let air reach it. Smokeless pits, such as the Solo Stove Bonfire, use double-wall bodies that feed hot air back into the flames to burn off smoke. They are a good match for patios close to neighbors. The pits in this guide are not designed as smokeless models. If smoke is your main concern, gas is the dependable answer.
Spark Screens
The Axxonn includes a mesh screen lid, the OutVue uses spark-containment mesh and the Panovue and Verdeluxe use a lattice or star pattern in the walls. A screen over the top is still the best protection, particularly on a wood deck or under trees. Never leave a wood fire unattended.
Covers and Lids
The metal lids on the 3-in-1 wood pits double as table tops, but they do not seal against rain. A fitted cover keeps water out of the bowl and slows rust. Gas tables need a cover that fits their taller base. See our fire pit cover guide.
Where to Put a Fire Pit
Check three things before you pick a spot: the maker’s manual, your local fire code and the surface. In the model International Fire Code (section 307), recreational fires must stay 25 feet from a structure or combustible material, and portable outdoor fireplaces must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and stay at least 15 feet away. Cities and states amend these rules, so check your local fire code and any HOA rules before you buy.
Do not use a wood-burning pit under a roof, pergola or overhanging branches, and keep gas pits out of fully enclosed spaces. For covered patios, read our guide on fire pits under covered patios. To plan the footprint, see how big a patio should be for a fire pit. Use a heat-resistant pad or pavers under any pit on a deck, and follow the manual for the surface you are using.
Browse Fire Pits by Type
- Wood-burning fire pits: bowls, grills and 3-in-1 designs.
- Propane and gas fire pits: tables, bowls and hidden-tank designs.
- Fire tables: dining-height and coffee-table-height gas tables.
- Cheap fire pits: lower-cost options.
- Portable and camping fire pits: light pits for travel.
- Fire rings and liners: for building your own.
Protecting a pit between fires? Our guide to the best fire pit covers compares weather covers, spark screens and metal lids. More how-to help: our guide on how far a fire pit should be from a house.
Still planning the space? Our team’s guide to fire pit ideas shows twelve backyard setups, from DIY stone pits to propane fire tables.
Prefer a fire with a chimney? Our team’s guide to the best chimineas explains chiminea vs fire pit and clay vs metal.
Tired of smoke in your eyes? Our team’s guide to the best smokeless fire pits compares Solo Stove with TIKI, Cuisinart, East Oak and OutVue.