One of the first collective acts we humans did was sitting around a fire. Still today, there’s something special about this activity that brings us together. That’s not possible, though, without a good fire pit. A fire pit is a large stand-alone container that burns either wood, propane or natural gas.
Our top pick, the Sunnydaze Cosmic Outdoor Fire Pit, is stylish and rustic.
Fire pits are available in a variety of fuel types:
To determine what size is best for you, measure the space where you plan to use the fire pit. Also think about how you plan to use it. If you just want something for occasionally roasting marshmallows a few evenings a year, then a small tabletop option may work. However, if you want something to gather around regularly with friends and family, then you may need to opt for a larger model.
When choosing a fire pit, you should think about the aesthetics of the space where you plan to use it. Fire pits come in styles that range from weathered and rustic to sophisticated and modern. Because most fire pits take up a large area of your outdoor space, it’s important you pick one that reflects your yard or patio’s current style.
Some propane and natural gas fire pits incorporate heat-retaining glass beads where the flame emits from the base. These beads are decorative, but they also hold heat to make the entire fire pit warmer for those sitting around it.
A few wood-burning fire pits have adjustable grilling platforms. These platforms can be raised or lowered to different levels over the flame. They can also swing away from the flame for preparing food. This is a convenient feature for those who plan to use their fire pit often for grilling.
Most fire pits cost between $50 and $250. Fire pits on the low end of cost are mostly small wood-burning models that require some assembly. For $150, you can find deeper wood-burning models with more ornate designs. If you spend $250 or more, you can get the largest wood-burning pits, as well as propane or natural gas models. Keep in mind that the purchase price will not include the cost of propane or natural gas.
A. Yes. The most popular technique is to use a stick to cook simple foods such as sausages, hot dogs, biscuits and marshmallows.
A. If you plan to regularly cook over your fire pit, it’s wise to invest in a few accessories to make the job easier, such as a set of metal kabob skewers or some two-prong marshmallow roasting sticks. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s long enough that you won’t burn yourself.
Sunnydaze Cosmic Outdoor Fire Pit
What you need to know: This large pit offers all the convenience and rustic durability you could want.
What you'll love: Deeper than most fire pits, the removable spark screen is convenient.
What you should consider: The water drain hole was too small for some users.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Pleasant Hearth’s Martin Extra-Deep Fire Pit
What you need to know: A great dual-threat fire pit, it's just as good for grilling as for warming yourself.
What you'll love: Strong mesh and great ventilation make this one of the most well-designed fire pits available.
What you should consider: Some users complained the protective cover doesn’t come with the base.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: It's a reasonable price for a sharp-looking fire pit.
What you'll love: A tool for lifting the mesh cover is included, and the 36-inch-diameter saucer can fit large pieces of firewood.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have a water drainage hole.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Adam Reeder writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
