The ability to harness fire is one of humanity’s most significant accomplishments. And while a nice hole or a ring of rocks can provide an adequate setup for gathering around flaming embers, the best fire pits are preferable for both style and safety. While the basic premise of every fire pit is the same, features vary from model to model to suit different needs and preferences, so we have thoroughly examined which ones are best equipped for various situations.
The GearJunkie testers gathered seven of the best fire pits currently on the market and fired them up in various settings. To get an idea of how each pit functioned, lead tester Christian Dashiell diligently put them through a careful testing process. He assembled each one, moved the pits to different locations, observed burn rates and heat output, and cooked basic campfire favorites like hotdogs and marshmallows, all to find the best pits for different applications.
This guide will help you choose the perfect fire pit, considering primary uses, available space, and budget. To wrap up our thorough analysis, you’ll find our helpful comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and frequently asked questions at the end of the guide.
The Best Fire Pits of 2024
- Best Overall Fire Pit: Breeo X30 Smokeless Fire Pit
- Best Budget Fire Pit: Pitboss Smokeless Fire Pit
- Easiest to Store Fire Pit: Ñuke Huapi 70 Collapsible Fire Pit
- Best Hanging Fire Pit: Son of a Burch
- Best Portable: Breeo Y Series Portable Smokeless Fire Pit
Breeo X30 Smokeless Fire Pit
Specs
- Height 14.75"
- Burn Chamber Size 29.5" diameter
- Weight 94 lbs
- Smokeless No
- Best use Backyard gatherings of 5 or more people
Pros
- Enough size to accommodate large groups
- Solid construction
- Weather-resistant
- Wide range of cooking accessories available
Cons
- Not at all portable
Pitboss Smokeless Fire Pit
Specs
- Height 18.3”
- Burn Chamber Size 11.5” diameter
- Weight 34.4 lbs
- Smokeless Yes
- Best use For those without access to firewood
Pros
- Pellet powered
- The removable burn chamber is easy to clean
- Hydration hanger and pass-through access
Cons
- Difficult to light
- Not conducive for campfire cooking
Ñuke Huapi 70 Collapsible Fire Pit
Specs
- Height 15.75”
- Burn Chamber Size 31.3”. x 22.83”
- Weight 89 lbs
- Smokeless No
- Best use For those lacking storage space
Pros
- Easy to store
- Long firebox fits logs of various lengths
- Ventilated for consistent airflow to the fire
Cons
- Requires two people for easy assembly
- Not smokeless
Son of a Burch
Specs
- Height 87" fully assembled
- Burn chamber size 16" in diameter
- Weight 45 lbs.
- Smokeless No
- Best use For those who can’t — or don’t want to — set their fire pit directly on the ground
Pros
- Easy to set on uneven surfaces
- Breaks down and sets up quickly for transport
- Unique design is great for hunting trips
Cons
- Hangs a bit high for those who prefer sitting around a firepit
- DIY assembly is more complicated than other pits
Breeo Y Series Portable Smokeless Fire Pit
Specs
- Height Adjustable from 11” to 20”
- Burn chamber size 17.5” diameter
- Weight 31 lbs.
- Smokeless Yes
- Best use Camping
Pros
- Easily retractable legs
- Wood burning efficiency
- Sturdy handles
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some other lightweight fire pits
- Awkward design for ash cleanup
Fire Pit Comparison Chart
| Fire Pit | Price | Height | Burn Chamber Size | Weight | Smokeless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breeo X30 Smokeless | $1399 | 14.75″ | 29.5″ diameter | 94 lbs. | Yes |
| Pitboss Smokeless Fire Pit | $100 | 18.3″ | 11.5″ diameter | 34.4 lbs. | Yes |
| Ñuke Huapi 70 Collapsible Fire Pit | $450 | 15.75″ | 31.3″ X 22.83″ | 89 lbs. | No |
| Burch Barrel Son of a Burch | $495 | 87″ | 16″ diameter | 45 lbs. | No |
| Breeo Y Series Portable Smokeless Fire Pit | $250 | 18.3″ | 11.5″ diameter | 34.4 lbs | Yes |
How We Tested Fire Pits
Members of the GearJunkie team love to be outdoors as much as our readers do. As such, we know how the perfect fire pit can knock the chill off of a cool evening and provide a fun cooking experience as we spend time outside with friends and family.
As a backyard and outdoor enthusiast, lead tester Christian Dashiell is no stranger to the world of fire pits. He loves outdoor cooking and is always looking for ways to draw his kids away from screens and into the fresh air of the backyard. Fire pits have played a significant role in that endeavor over the years, though he’ll sometimes sneak out for a quiet fire by himself or with his wife.
The most important aspect of these fire pits we tested was their construction and durability. When carefully examining and setting up each pit, we paid attention to material quality and build. We also considered how material quality might affect each fire pit’s best use. For instance, a pit focused on portability would likely be constructed from thinner and lighter metal than a pit with a more permanent location.
Also, food preparation is crucial whether gathering around a fire at home or traipsing about the great outdoors. For this test, we largely stuck to meals and snacks one would typically enjoy while camping, though, in the past, we have cooked more elegant meals over some of our favorite fire pits, including some of those included in this guide.
Ease of setup and transfer were critical for the pits intended for on-the-go activities. Finding a balance between sturdiness and portability is a difficult needle to thread, especially for fire pits that people want to primarily use at home and only occasionally tote around to other locations.
Fortunately for our tester, he had a nearly unlimited supply of wood. He lives in a rural area, owns his own chainsaw, and has kids who don’t mind helping him run the wood splitter. But since most fire pit owners don’t have such a readily available supply of firewood, we also paid attention to how quickly each pit burned through logs and made sure to test a pellet burner to help serve those for whom pellets are a preferable fuel source.
The final factor we considered was clean-up. While logs and pellets burn down, they don’t fully disintegrate. Ash must be removed regularly to preserve proper airflow, maximize combustion, and reduce smoke output so fire pits can burn efficiently.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Fire Pit
Fire pits rose in popularity when people were forced to stay home, and outdoor activities were safer than congregating inside. And people have continued to show interest in them even as they’ve returned to indoor group settings for many activities.
But with so many fire pits on the market, it can take time to sort out which works best for you. The primary consideration should be how you intend to use your fire pit, which is where our guide comes in handy in pointing you in the right direction.
Fire Pit User Profiles
The Lounger
Some people want a fire pit they can easily set up in their yard or deck to unwind or socialize. The dream evening involves a favorite beverage, finding entertainment, watching flames dance around, and deep breaths of fresh air.
For those who have a permanent home for their fire pit, we recommend the Breeo X30 for its sturdiness, longevity, and smokeless burns. Those looking to save a few bucks or want a fire pit that’s easier to clean might want to check out the Solo Stove as an alternative.
If gathering firewood is a concern, consider the Pit Boss Smokeless Fire Pit as a pellet-burning alternative. Its airflow system produces the most entertaining flame array as the fire swirls and licks up over the top of the pit rim.
Both of these fire pits set the mood for relaxing nights and fun conversations.
The Tailgater
If you’re headed out to the big game and want to party outside of the stadium before rooting on your favorite team, Ñuke Huapi 70 Collapsible Fire Pit is a solid bet thanks to ease of transport. As an added bonus, it comes with grill grates that are perfect for prepping hamburgers or hot dogs and are easy to clean before leading back up for the return trip home.
Another excellent option for the calm before the sports is the Breeo Y Series. Its lightweight design and retractable legs make it easy to tote around by the handles for those who don’t need a lay-flat fire pit for transport. With a complete array of cooking accessories, you can cook gameday eats to your heart’s content.
The Camper
The camping rings at most campsites leave much to be desired. And if you frequent more primitive camp environs, you will likely have to start from scratch. A fire pit that is light enough to tote around and easy to pack amidst the rest of your gear can come in clutch in such situations.
The Breeo Y Series is our tester’s go-to fire pit for camping. It’s big enough for his whole family to sit around but doesn’t take up too much room in the back of the minivan. The smokeless aspect is beneficial when shower facilities aren’t readily available.
Burch Barrel’s Son of a Burch boasts a tripod setup perfect for uneven terrain. When out in the elements, its lid and hanging fire pit design can keep embers burning in lousy weather and minimize the mess when it’s time to pack up to head home.
Fire Pit Storage
Economy of space is a critical feature for those without an oversized garage or shed to store a fire pit. This isn’t an issue for dry climates, where a fire pit can stay outside all year long without getting any worse for the wear.
One consideration for storage is how small a fire pit can get, but so is its weight. Moving or collapsing a large pit can be a two-person job, whereas a single person of moderate strength can handle a small to medium-sized pit.
Size
Fire pits come in various sizes. It’s essential to think ahead about how many people you anticipate seating around a fire pit at any given time and how much space you have available for both setup and storage.
Fuel also factors into optimal fire pit size, as bigger fire pits — especially those of a smokeless variety — will tend to burn through fuel at an increased rate. Since a quality fire pit will boast airflow as one of its key features, a larger fire pit will be designed to draw more air than smaller models, thus increasing combustion efficiency.
One upside to a larger fire pit is the ability to divide a fire into multiple zones for cooking purposes. For example, when it was time to roast hotdogs, we were able to pull flaming logs to one side of the Breeo X30 and use the other side for hot coals, whereas with the Breeo Y Series, we had to let all of the logs in the pit burn down to coals before trying to cook.
Cooking Surfaces and Accessories
Speaking of cooking, some companies offer custom accessories designed for their fire pits to enhance the outdoor cooking experience. The Ñuke Huapi 70 Collapsible Fire Pit has two cooking grates for high-temperature grilling and a South American-style iron cross for low and slow cooks. Breeo offers an array of accessories, including a kettle holder, griddle plates, grill grates, and pizza oven.
The Son of a Burch utilizes an innovative pistol-grip lid lift design that allows you to cook feet at varying heights above the fire pit or simply rest the grill grates directly above the fire for a more traditional grilling experience.
Smoke Output
If you want to lower the chances that time around a fire pit will require a shower, smokeless designs offer to spare you from smelling like a chimney after the experience. Granted, smokeless fire pits achieve this result by creating conditions for a hotter and faster-burning fire, so fuel efficiency is a necessary trade-off in the equation.
Wood quality will also contribute to how much smoke a fire produces. If you can get your hands on a hot-burning type of wood like oak or walnut that has been allowed to dry sufficiently, you’ll drastically reduce how much smoke a non-smokeless fire pit produces. But if you use “green” wood that has been recently cut, then expect plenty of smoke to waft from the fire pit.
Materials and Durability
Building a durable fire pit is quite the feat of engineering. It has to withstand high temperatures, and even if you cover your fire pit or move it inside when the weather gets bad, it will likely be exposed to wind and rain on at least some occasions.
Quality fire pits are typically constructed from steel, though manufacturers may opt for several varieties. Coatings are sometimes used to offer additional protection from rust and corrosion.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular fire pit material because it is durable and lightweight. Though slightly heavier than aluminum, it offers better corrosion resistance and improved heat tolerance. Stainless steel also has a more attractive appearance: It is shinier than aluminum and has a tint that is more silver than grey.
Corton Steel
Breeo opts for Corten steel in its X Series fire pits. Over time, corten steel develops a patina color that looks similar to rust but is, in fact, a corrosion-resistant coating that prevents rusting any deeper than the surface. It’s a more rugged look popular with bridges and architectural structures and adds further durability to a steel fire pit.
High-Temperature-Resistant Coating
To enhance weather resistance, the Son of a Burch and the Ñuke Huapi 70 Collapsible Fire Pit include a high heat-resistant coating. These temperature-resistant polymers won’t crack or peel and prevent the steel structures from being exposed to the elements.
Price
The price variance on fire pits is wide, so having a price range in mind as you start the comparison process can help narrow down the options. The price of a fire pit is typically based on its material quality, design, and size. Lower-priced fire pits can function well, but they often lack the durability of higher-priced models. More expensive options tend to use higher-quality steel, are easier to clean, and either come with or offer quality accessories.
On the lowest end of the price scale is the Pitboss Smokeless Pellet Fire Pit ($250), which still offers a conventional fire pit experience and is easy to move and maintain. However, some people may find it lacks the range of features to accommodate all their entertainment or portability needs.
The lowest-priced full-featured fire pits include the Breeo Y Series ($495) and the Ñuke Huapi 70 Collapsible Fire Pit ($450). Both are excellent choices for their portability, capacity, and durability. Either of these fire pits should hold up for years and have the flexibility to achieve a range of cooking options.
The Son of a Burch ($650) is unique in terms of price and design. It’s certainly the fire pit your friends will want to talk about the most. While mastering the art of a hanging fire pit requires a bit of a learning curve, it is also the most versatile of those we reviewed.
Finally, the Breeo X30 ($1,399) is truly a cornerstone fire pit for those wanting to invest in a high-end selection with maximum durability. Its higher price point reflects its quality materials and well-thought-out design, both of which shine through every time we use it.
Remember that a fire pit can be an investment personally, relationally, and practically. It can function as the centerpiece for your own relaxation, a gathering place for family and friends, and, as it stretches back hundreds of years, everything you need to prepare a meal for those you care about. You won’t regret investing in a quality fire pit when you look back on the memories it allows you to make.
FAQ
Smokeless fire pits use double walls and secondary combustion to prevent heat from escaping. As that secondary combustion system wood or charcoal down to ash, it also pushes any remaining smoke particles up above the fire pit instead of allowing them to drift outward.
Smokeless fire pits are usually round and constructed with air intake holes in the base. Air holes lining the inside of the top rim typically create a swirling flame effect as the secondary combustion process is activated.
While these processes look cool and prevent smoke from drifting onto those gathered around the fire pit, smokeless pits burn fuel faster than more traditional models. They will also begin to smoke as the fuel source burns down to a smolder, so be sure to keep stoking the fire until you’re ready to call it a night.
Fire pit exteriors tend to be well-suited to withstand the elements. However, problems arise if water sits at the bottom of the burn chamber. To prevent this from happening, it’s advisable to invest in a lid or a cover if you plan on keeping your fire pit outdoors between uses. Or, if you are using a lightweight fire pit, you can always flip it upside down to prevent water from getting into the burn chamber.
The two factors to consider when determining what size fire pit to buy are the number of people you intend to accommodate, the space you have to store it, and the amount of fuel you are willing to use. A larger fire pit will require more fuel to achieve its intended effect, so opt for a smaller size if you want to reduce firewood consumption.
