Here’s a good article by Don Melanson for Popular Mechanics.
If you need something to make those cool nights a bit more pleasant, these fire pits can help heat things up.
If you’re still using an old rusted or crumbling fire pit as a centerpiece for backyard gatherings, it might be time for an upgrade. A portable fire pit is one option if you want a bit of added flexibility, and the more DIY-minded among us can always build their own. But a ready-made fire pit is the best idea for most.
You can choose between wood or gas-burning, and take your pick of a range of styles, like simple fire bowls or fancy tables with a built-in fire pit. Here are six options to consider that will meet any need or budget.
Best Value: Sunnydaze 42 Inch Large Fire Pit
This basic backyard firepit can be setup on any flat clear area. The decorative stars and moons add dimension to the fire, but also allow airflow to feed it. When the fires out, you can store this firepit in a shed or garage for the next use
Top Design: Hiland Hammered Bronze Fire PIt
This decorative propane fire pit works great around a seating area, and provides warmth as well as a unique architectural element. The hammered bronze and stainless steel are easy to clean, and the top can be used as a table when not in use.
Easy to Clean: Ohio Flame 30in. Diameter Fire Pit
Fire pits don’t get much more solid (or simple) than this one from Ohio Flame. Built from heavy steel with no assembly or maintenance required, it will “last a lifetime” according to the company and is intended to darken and develop a natural patina over time. The 30-inch model will likely strike the best balance of size and cost for most people, but larger models are available if you’ve got the money to spend.
Best Copper Fire Pit: CobraCo Hand Hammered 100% Copper Fire Pit
It may be a tad big and heavy to be considered truly portable, but this copper fire pit from CobraCo is at least light enough (around 30 pounds) to easily be moved into a shed or garage for the winter. The unit itself is also considerably deeper than many other fire pits, so you’ll have no trouble getting a good-sized fire going, and it includes both a screen to keep sparks from flying out and a vinyl cover to protect it when not in use.
Best Table Fire Pit: Outland Propane Gas Fire Pit Table
This large table-style fire pit from Outland doesn’t come cheap, but if the near unanimously positive customer reviews are any indication, few seem to have been disappointed with their investment. Many of them praise the table’s high-quality construction and ease of setup. A slight drawback, however, is that the glass wind fence is an optional accessory at $90 as is the cover that you’ll likely want in order to protect the table.
Best Large Fire Pit: Necessories Grand Fire Pit Kit in Bluestone
If you aren’t ready to go the full DIY route but are still looking for a bit of a project, you could consider something like this kit from Necessories. It comes with everything you need to build a solid, permanent fire pit that will last for years, including a heavy-gauge steel insert. The company says you should be able to put it all together in less than an hour, but just be sure you put it in the right spot because taking it apart is a bit harder than putting it together.
