Outdoor Blog

Best Outdoor Fire Pits and Barbecue Pits

Outdoor pits have become very popular because they allow for friends and family to gather around in cosy setting with some delicious food and great wine to discuss the past week and just relax.

10 Best Outdoor Fire Pits and Barbecue Pits

Safe, Cozy and Family Bonding

Outdoor pits are loved by millions around the world and thousands are installed every year.

Nowadays, outdoor pits vary in size and build thus they also vary in price. Therefore, when you decide that you need an outdoor pit in your garden think about how big your garden is and how many people do you normally entertain at home.

You would also want to think about safety precautions especially if you have pets or small children running around.

In such cases, it would be very wise for you to install some kind of guard around the outdoor pit.

Moreover, think about how wide and deep you want your outdoor pit to be and whether you intend on cooking on it because that would mean that you need a special cooking grade outdoor pit.

How to choose the right size fire pit?

Firstly, decide where you want the fire pit to be located and whether you can dedicate enough space for it so that the flames would not burn those seating around.

Secondly, think about whether you want the fire pit to double as a grill as well because if you do then you would need to look for one that comes with stainless steel grates and can be easily cleaned.

However, keep in mind, that if you are going to use your fire pit for grilling oily foods such as sausages and fish then you will be left with messy rocks covered in oil drippings.

You would need to clean them immediately because otherwise, you will be met with a wall of thick and nasty smoke the next time you will turn it on.

Thirdly, look at the amount of gas that the fire pit will consume because it will be proportional to the amount of money you are going to spend on such luxury.

Finally, see if the fire pit you have liked has been tested and certified by CSA as safe for home and outdoor use. Most American and Northern States standards put the safe distance at 20 cm between the fire pit and living plants as well as combustible items such as wooden furniture, curtains and other similar things.

Product Comparison Table

Product Reviews

1. Heininger BTU Propane Portable Outdoor Pit

A very lightweight and compact outdoor pit that will be great for recreational vehicles as well as camping cabins as it can be easily assembled and disassembled whenever needed.

Moreover, it is made from reinforced stainless steel body that will last for many years to come and will not absorb any stain during use.

This outdoor pit comes with a propane tube that can be quickly attached to the fuel source and detached whenever you will be done with using the outdoor pit.

You could also use for grilling some food; however, you would need to purchase a grilling rack separately.

What we liked:

• Lightweight and compact
• Great for RV and camping cabins
• Easy to assemble and disassemble as well as transport
• Comes with a propane tube and a gas regulator
• Affordable

What we didn’t like:

• The grease from grilling food can be difficult to clean from the rocks
• Some customers reported it rusting after some time
• Uses a lot of propane
• The gas line might be damaged

1. AZ Patio 38 inch Gas Heater in Bronze Finish

AZ Patio Gas Heater can be used with propane and butane plus it is available in several different shapes such as rectangular, circle and even triangle.

It is quite large at 38 inches wide and could be used for a large group of people moreover it can be placed under decorative large rocks to create a resting space in your garden that you could improve by placing cosy chairs around as well as install some kind of veranda.

Overall, customers have loved this AZ Patio and said that it looks really luxurious and works great for 5 hours at one time.

The outer body is decorated with brass ornaments thus contributing to the overall modern look of this outdoor pit. For a small additional payment, customers could opt to receive an outdoor pit cover as well.

What we liked:

• Luxurious metal and brass design
• Large enough for big groups
• Works with propane and butane
• Available in several different shapes and sizes
• A large surface area of 38 inches

What we didn’t like:

• Not very sturdy
• Assembly can be very confusing as no instructions are provided
• If water gets on the surface then the water stains will be very difficult to remove

1. Outland Mega 25 inch Firebowl Propane Gas Fire Pit

Beautiful 25-inch outdoor fire pit made out of steel and metal plus it can be used with propane and butane.

You can use as a centrepiece in your garden or while camping moreover, it comes fully assembled. Hence, you can use it right out of the box without having to go through hard assemblies and hours of reading manuals.

Also, you would not have to deal with burned out ash, dirty trays and messy cleaning sessions. Furthermore, customers have reported it being really sturdy yet lightweight hence easy to be transported.

In addition to being easy to install and transport, this outdoor fire pit has been tested and approved by CSA. However, you would still need to exercise caution especially if you have little children or pets.

Lastly, the regulator is chrome plated hence it will not rust plus you can set the fire flame strength. Also, the packaging comes with an easy to use cover that will protect the fire pit from rain and UV light that could discolour the metal.

What we liked:

• Lightweight but sturdy
• Works with propane and butane
• Chrome plated gas regulator
• UV resistant cover
• Great for RV and gardens

What we didn’t like:

• Some packages were reported to arrive damaged
• Lack of online customer support
• Long shipping
• Pricey

1. Landmann 23.5 inch Savannah Garden Outdoor Pit In Black

Landmann Outdoor Fire Pit is made from forged metal that is heavy but very durable plus customers said it is also sturdy.

Moreover, it is easy to assemble even for women as the packaging box contains a clear manual with step by step instructions.

Plus, the packaging box also contains a spark screen and a poker to keep the fire going. However, you would need to ensure that the outdoor pit always stays dry as water will discolour the black matte finish and leave grisly stains behind that will be very difficult to clean.

The cylindrical shape of this fire pit makes it a great option for gathering large groups of friends and family for cosy evenings roasting marshmallows.

What we liked:

• Easy to assemble
• Clear instructions
• Packaging contains a cover
• Large and sturdy
• Great for large groups of family and friends

What we didn’t like:

• A solid bottom that will hold rainwater
• Paint tends to chip off after some time
• Lots of counterfeit products
• Pricey compared to other similar models

1. Yaheetech 32 inch Square Shaped Metal Outdoor Pit in Matte Black

A large 32-inch outdoor pit made out of stainless steel and coated with black oxide for added strength and durability.

It burns with even and cosy light thereby contributing to warm family evening in the garden or the camping spot.

The square shape of this outdoor fire pit makes it very sturdy while the legs have anti-screech pads to avoid that nasty noise when you will move it across the ground.

Moreover, it comes with a mesh screen to avoid the flames reaching too high and causing potential burns.

Plus, the packaging box also has a heat-resistant poker that you could use to remove the lid or adjust the fire as per your needs.

Like with other models, it also comes with a water-proof cover to protect the outdoor pit from UV light and rainwater that could destroy the black oxide coating.

What we liked:

• A beautiful black oxide coating
• Water-proof cover
• Easy to assemble and disassemble
• Affordable
• Large
• Comes with a fire mesh as well as poker

What we didn’t like:

• Rain cover was reported to be very flimsy and let water through
• Starts rusting once it comes in contact with water
• Bad customer service and no phone support

1. Bessemer Round Shaped Outdoor Patio Fire Dome

A very compact and lightweight patio fire pit that is great to be carried around when you go out camping, short country trips or if you own a recreational vehicle.

The side of this rounded dome outer fire pit has wheels that you could use to move it from one place to the other without picking it up and straining yourself.

Moreover, it has a thin layer of porcelain enamel coating on the bowl and the lid so as to prevent it from rusting and corrosion.

This also makes it very easy to clean as all you would need to do it just simply wipe it with a cleaning solution or even a wet wipe.

The packaging box contains two medium sized screens that you could use to prevent the fire from burning plus it also has a poker that you could use to manage the fire.

The side of the dome has a small door that you could use to refuel the flame whenever it tends to burn out or when you would like to decrease it.

What we liked:

• Compact round design
• A small door at the side for easy refuelling
• Very affordable
• Lightweight and mobile
• Comes with poker and two mesh screens

What we didn’t like:

• Not large enough for big groups
• Porcelain enamel can be easily scratched
• Not very sturdy
• Some packages have arrived damaged

1. Endless Summer LP Gas Outdoor Table Top Fireplace

A luxurious faux stone stainless steel outdoor fire pit, that can be controlled through the remote control.

You can use it on its own or purchase separate standing legs so as to place the fire pit onto them.

Overall, this is a fairly small fire pit but it will still be great for a couple of a small group of friends.

However, you would need to purchase the rain cover separately because otherwise the finish will get damaged.

What we liked:

• Fast shipping
• Great for a couple as it is very compact
• Can be placed on legs
• Comes with a mesh screen and a poker

What we didn’t like:

• The access to the canister is very difficult
• Not sturdy
• Needs to be turned upside down for tank changing
• No customer support

1. Best Choice 32-inch Metal Square Shaped Outdoor Fire Pit

A decorative square shaped metal fire pit great for small circles of family and friends plus it can work with propane and butane.

However, customers have reported that it does go through the gas tank very fast thereby being not very economical.

But, it can also double as a cooking grill if you could just place a stainless steel grate. Sadly, that will mean you will have some extra cleaning to do as the oil dripping will harden and might cause a lot of choking smoke the next time you would turn it on.

On the bright side, it is lightweight and can be quickly assembled hence it could be a great option for camping and hiking trips.

What we liked:

• Lightweight and portable
• Trustable brand
• Can double as a grill
• Easy to remove the ashtray
• Comes with mesh screens and a poker

What we didn’t like:

• Pricey
• Long shipping
• Available in one size only
• No warranty
• No rain cover

1. Phi Villa Steel Fire Pit for Camping and Garden Verandas

A circle shaped fire pit that is made from stainless steel coated in black oxide and designed with intricate detailing on the body.

Moreover, it comes with a mesh spark screen that will protect you from flames while the poker will allow you to safely remove it whenever needed.

Plus, this Phi Villa has been designed with improved air technology thus it draws the air from side cutouts for much more increased burning thus prolonging the burning time you would get from a gas tank.

What we liked:

• Beautiful design with intricate detailing
• Improved air flow thanks to new technology
• Compact yet sturdy
• Affordable

What we liked:

• Poker was reported to get hot
• Mesh is hard to clean
• Available in cylindrical shape only

1. Outland Living Series 36 inch Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit in Black Finish

A multi-functional outdoor fire pit, that can be placed in the garden or taken with you on a camping trip. Its square shape allows it to be used in a variety of settings.

Customers have reported it being very durable and sturdy without weighing too much or being difficult to transport.

Moreover, it is really low maintenance as it only requires seldom emptying of the ashtray and wiping with a damp cloth.

However, you would need to protect it from the water including rain as it will cause the outdoor fire pit to rust and discolour

What we liked:

• Black oxide coating
• Low maintenance
• Easy to transport
• Square shaped

What we didn’t like:

• Pricey
• Comes without a cover sheet
• Can be difficult to assemble as not clear instructions are provided

Conclusion

If you will read about safety precautions before buying and installing your own fire pit, you will be bound to have a great experience with it as well as priceless evenings with your loved ones around the fire discussing lots of interesting things.

However, look for fuel-efficient models because this will not only save you money but help the environment too as less carbon dioxide will be released.

Moreover, look for the ones that have a good rain cover that will protect the fire pit from getting damaged due to water and avoid it rusting or obtaining hard to clean water stains.

Lastly, look to see if mesh screens are attached as well as a poker because you will need to control the flames as well as remove or put in place the mesh screen.