A neat backyard, deck, and grill are no longer enough for most homeowners. These days, the patio is the place for entertaining and parties. This area has thus seen a revolution with regards to homeowners’ needs. Water features may be installed, and just as much attention given to the décor as is given to that found inside the home. Fire pits seem to have found their way into, and of out of, our homes, most notably as a piece of functional décor. But how do you go around deciding on the best fire pit for your own patio?
Fire Pit Reviews: Indoors and Outdoors
You can build your own fire pit, but the problem is that once built, you cannot move it around. These days, people look for the best portable fire pit they can find so that they can continuously change around their outdoor décor to suit their specific needs at any given time.
Propane Fire Pits
A propane fire pit works with propane gas that is usually connected to the device and set alight. Please take a look at our list of propane fire pits reviewed. You may find the best propane fire pit for your needs.
1. Heininger Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
This portable propane outdoor fire pit is ideal to take when going out camping, or for outside home use. What makes it extra great is that it burns clean, is smokeless, and can even be used on a PVC deck without doing any damage.
What customers had to say:
The general consensus seems to be that customers love this product. They find it a great portable option that gives off a good amount of heat. Many also mentioned its wonderful ‘smores cooking’ ability.
- The purchase includes a 10-foot propane tank hose and decorative rocks
- It has a smokeless, clean burn
- Lightweight and easy to carry, it can be used in most weather conditions
- It can be hooked up to any propane gas bottle
- The product features a gas conversion feature
- It will not damage a PVC deck if used with a protective, non-combustible surface
- Can be used on a wooden deck surface if the deck is protected with a heat resistant barrier, e.g. brick, concrete pavers, or a grill mat
- A portable propane tank is not included in the purchase and has to be acquired separately
2. Mega Steel Propane Fire Pit by Outland Living
The Mega Steel Propane Fire Pit is a good option instead of an outdoor fireplace. It is fairly large as well.
What customers had to say:
Many customers claimed that this was the best outdoor fire pit they have ever seen. Not only does it heat up well, but they were impressed with its price and the fact that it is so effortless when it comes to how it works.
- Has a large, 24” diameter
- Has a gas conversion feature
- The gas conversion kit is not included with the purchase
3. Mondavi Envirostone Propane Fire Pit by Bond Manufacturing
If you are on the lookout for the best patio fire pit, you might just consider this bold and beautiful fire with its faux concrete finish. It is sure to become a talking piece when hosting a patio party.
What customers had to say:
Customers feel that this fire pit adds to the ambiance of their patio, while its elegant styling compliments their décor. They also liked the fact that the propane hose is quite long, allowing them to hide the propane tank used for fuel out of site. Some have replaced their wood burning fire pits with this product as they feel it is more environmentally friendly.
- Sports a gas conversion feature
- Has a faux concrete finish that complements outdoor living spaces
- Not as heavy as a feature totally made out of concrete
- No assembly is required
- Has an adjustable flame feature
- Spark screen not included with purchase
- Gas conversion kit not included in the purchase
4. Lanesboro Rectangle Steel Propane/Natural Gas Fire Pit by Real Flame
This fire pit has natural, straight, sleek lines, making the modern take on a fire pit. This is a great option for those who tend towards a more modern decorating idea. What is more, it can run on either propane or natural gas.
What customers had to say:
Customers feel this fire pit is a great accent piece to their deck, terming it ‘stylish, and modern’. It does not, however, according to customers, give off as much heat as they would have liked.
- Made of steel, making it a relatively lightweight product
- Emits 65,000 BTU’s of heat
- Can burn for up to six hours when the setting is on high, and up to 20 hours when the heat setting is turned to low
- It operates on either propane or natural gas
- The product has a gas conversion feature
- The conversion kit is included in the purchase
- A spark screen is not included
Natural Gas Fire Pit
5. Riverside Concrete Natural Gas Fire Pit by Real Flame
This natural gas fire fiber-cast concrete bowl is lightweight and durable. It can easily be moved around as your decorating needs change.
What customers had to say:
Clients liked the durability of the product as well as the overall looking. Many indicated they found it a great accent piece while giving off more than adequate warmth for their particular needs.
- Burns for nine hours when on the high setting, and up to 26 hours when on the low setting
- The product has a gas conversion feature, with the gas conversion kit included in the purchase
- A lightweight and versatile product made of natural looking fiber-cast concrete
- Lava rock, a tank seat, and protective cover are included in the purchase
- A spark screen is not included in the purchase
Wood Burning Fire Pits
6. Crossweave Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit by Pure Garden
The cross-weave cutout pattern of this powder coated steel construction makes a stylish addition to your backyard or patio setting.
What customers had to say:
Clients liked the fact that this wood burning fire pit comes with a spark screen. This makes it a safe option to use even in wooded areas.
- The cross-weave pattern of the cutout gives off a lovely effect at night
- The powder coated steel frame and large fire bowl is rust resistant
- The safety ring around the diameter makes a convenient carrying handle
- The fire pit has a spark screen, lessening the possibility of sparks causing a fire
- Easy to assemble
- Though not a con, a few customers observed their surprise with the lightness of the product
7. Rail Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit by Fire Sense
If on the lookout for the best wood burning fire pit, the Rail Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit with its four delicately curved legs may be a contender. This product, with its steel and copper construction, will stay a part of your outdoor décor for years to come.
What customers had to say:
Customers loved the fact that this fire pit was extremely easy to put together, while the drainage holes were an added bonus. They supplied more than sufficient drainage when it rained, so they do not have to manually drain the water. It also means mosquitoes do not get a chance to breed.
- Constructed from durable copper and steel
- The spark screen cover ensures your fire does not go out of control
- A fire poker for stoking your fire is included in the purchase
- Minimal assembly is required
- The mesh screen fire pit is painted with a paint that withstands high temperatures
- Two drill holes at the bottom allow for water to drain out
- Not recommended for use on a composite deck
8. Tuscola Firebowl Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit with Handles and Spark Screen by Greyleigh
Constructed entirely of steel, the Tuscola Firebowl has a black finish and heat resistant coating. This product is weather resistant.
What customers had to say:
Customers found that assembly was easy, the product was not too heavy, and it was relatively easy to move around to the location of their choice. The nail head decoration around the bowl added a touch of class.
- Made of durable steel
- The product has a heat-resistant coating
- It is weather resistant
- It is easy to move around
- A spark screen is included in the purchase
- A log grate and fire poker are included
- No storage cover is included with purchase
- May not be suitable for use on a wooden or composite deck
9. Cast Stone Wood Fire Pit by Sun Joe
If a statement piece is what you are after, this Cast Stone Wood Fire Pit may be what you are looking for. The fire pit, which has a wire mesh screen included, is made of metal clad in cast stone, for a more rustic experience.
What customers had to say:
Customers were quite impressed with the look of this firepit. A special mention was made as to the width of the stone at the top, allowing them to put utensils or even a coffee mug or glass on it.
- A spark screen, base, screen hook, and lid are included in the purchase
- Made of metal encased in a cast stone surround
- Can be used with either wood or charcoal
- Storage cover is not included in the purchase
10. Hohl Steel Fire Pit by Alcott Hill
A wood burning steel fire pit that is quick to assemble. An added bonus is that a spark screen and weatherproof cover are included in the purchase.
What customers had to say:
Customers main points of praise were the fact that this fire pit is easy to move around, the fire screen prevents embers from flying away very well, and that a weatherproof cover is included in the purchase.
- Made of steel
- It is quick to assemble
- A spark screen and weatherproof cover are both included in the purchase
- The wide bronze fire bowl has a cross weave pattern accent
- It is easy to move around
- This fire pit may probably not work well on a wooden deck as it may damage the wood
11. Stargazer Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit by Pleasant Hearth
This steel wood burning fire pit is multifunctional. Not only is it a regular fire pit (with a decorative design), but the chrome plated cooking grid included in the purchase allows you thecomfort of a real wood BBQ.
What customers had to say:
Customers liked the fact that this fire pit is different. The rectangular design with its cutout stars and moon made a lovely pattern on the ground, while they enjoyed the idea of having a BBQ while sitting around it. Another plus for clients is that this product is larger than they had anticipated.
- It sports decorative stars and moon designs on the sides that increase airflow, thus keeping the fire going for longer
- The side panels prevent sparks from escaping
- A poker is included for tending to the burning wood
- The purchase includes a chrome plated grid so you can BBQ
- A spark screen is included in the purchase
- Customers fear that the lightness of this fire pit may mean that it will rust through relatively quickly
Bio-Ethanol Fire Pits
12. Mix Stainless Steel Bio-Ethanol Fuel Fire Pit by EcoSmart Fire
A fire pit that is safe enough for indoor use. Using bioethanol, you are ensured of a safe, eco-friendly fire without the smoke.
What customers had to say:
Clients seem to like the fact that they can have a fire indoors without the smoke, or the need for a built-in chimney. The ambiance gives off by the flames, they feel, is exactly the ambiance they are looking for.
- The use of bioethanol in this product means there are no smoke, ash, or embers to watch out for or clean up afterward
- The fire pit has a tradition, classic campfire style
- No gas line is needed
- The product is designed for safety and sustainability
- The fire pit is able to burn for up to 12 hours at a time
- Refueling is safe due to the presence of a filling point
- Fuel is safely stored within the bottom, stainless steel portion of the burning system
- The product is dishwasher safe
- This product is not really suitable for outdoor use
What to Keep in Mind when Buying a Fire Pit
1. Where do you want to put it?
A fire pit can make quite a bit of mess, depending on the type of fuel used. By having a bed of sand or gravel under your fire pit, you do away with the mess that may land up on your deck or patio.
2. Type of fuel
Decide on the type of fuel you want to use before purchasing your product.
3. Your style
You need to take your personal style into consideration. For example, do you want a modern feel, or something more rustic? Another thing to consider is whether it will fit into the style of your garden.
4. What feeling do you want to create?
Ambiance means the feeling you want to create. Is it only that of a flickering fire, or do you want more sensations involved? If so, you can add herbs or essential oils to incorporate more senses than just sight.
Conclusion
To choose the best fire pit out of those we reviewed was just about impossible. Each one has its own pros, and all have very few cons. We decided that our winner was the Stargazer Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit by Pleasant Hearth. The reason for this is that we felt it was not only had a beautiful design, gave off great heat, or that the cut-out shapes played beautifully over the floor. We also liked the fact that this fire pit could easily double up as a wood-burning BBQ. This one is so much more than just about making smores!
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