Are you looking for the best Outdoor Wood-Burning Fire Pit to place on your patio, deck, backyard, or when camping? Today we take a quick look at the best round, square, and metal outdoor wood-burning fire pits for 2023.
See below for the full roundup of the 12 Best Outdoor Wood Fire Pit options you can buy – and Why we rate them the Best in each class.
Many people buy a large fire pit for heat, to gather friends, and to stay warm, whereas others want the more casual look a small natural wood fire pit can offer.
Both are great reasons to own a wood-burning fire pit, but what are the best outdoor fire pits to choose from?
It’s pretty simple – Find the Best Wood Fire pit size for your Space – and your Budget.
Let’s check out the Best options below…
The 12 Best Outdoor Fire Pits in 2023
Editor’s Choice: TIKI Brand 25” Stainless Steel – Smokeless Fire Pit
Why We Like It
Following the invention of the Stainless Steel Smokeless Fire Pit (by Solo Manufacturing), The TIKI Brand has further revolutionized the Stainless steel fire pit.
While TIKI offers the same double-wall construction and air-flow circulation, they have also improved on a few design flaws and customer complaints in other stainless steel outdoor fire pits.
Specs
- 25-inch Width
- 18 inches High
- Stainless steel with Black Weatherproof Powder Coat finish
- 16” height and width burning chamber
- Includes free TIKI Wood Pack Sample
- Low to No Smoke
- Legs Keep Fire Pit above sensitive surfaces
- Dust Pan for Easy Cleanup
- Cloth Cover
Our Take Away
The Tiki brand fire pit is more expensive than a typical wood-burning fire pit, but this is not your ordinary outdoor fire pit. Typical metal fire pits have durable steel but are more likely to rust, and the fire pit heat is quickly lost above the fire pit instead of the warmth radiating outward.
If you’re not familiar with the advantage of a smokeless fire pit – Check out this short video below:
See The TIKI Wood Burning Fire Pit Video:
In addition, the TIKI brand’s high-efficiency wood-burning design assures you of avoiding smoke and the need to constantly move chairs and avoid smoke inhalation.
This product solves many problems with outdoor wood fire pits, so we quickly named it the Editors choice of the best outdoor fire pit.
TIKI FIREPIT
Runner Up: Sunnydaze Crossweave – 36” Diameter Wood Fire Pit
Why We Like It
Sunnydaze offers the #1 best-selling wood fire pit on Amazon. This large fire pit offers exceptional value, including; a 36” wide fire bowl, 5” high legs for placement on sensitive surfaces (wood, grass, Trex decking), a removable Fire Screen, and an easy-to-maintain attractive design.
Specs
- Large Fire Pit – 36 Inches Wide x 24” High Overall
- 11” Deep fire bowl
- Fire Spark Screen
- Built-in wood grate
- Safe for Sensitive surfaces
Our Take Away
The Sunnydaze Crossweave Round Fire Pit checks most of the boxes homeowners are looking for. It’s big enough for large gatherings, portable enough to be used as a fire pit for camping, and includes a protective screen to avoid flying sparks and sturdy legs to elevate the fire pit and protect most surfaces below.
How to Start Fire in Fire Pit + Fire Pit Safety Tips Video:
If we had one criticism, it would be that the black-painted steel material can rust rather quickly. To avoid rust, we highly recommend using the included “rain cover” to protect when the wood fire pit is not in use.
However, If you like “rusted metal patina,” by all means, leave the cover off!
SUNNYDAZE FIRE PIT
Best Value: Bali Brand – 32” Backyard Fire Pit and Grill
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for an even more portable design to take or use anywhere, the Bali backyard fire pit and grill is a perfect choice. With a 360-degree swivel grill built in, you have a large grilling surface – adjustable above the flame.
The Bali fire pit is an excellent choice for camping, and with its durable and attractive rust protective coating is also suitable for decks and patios.
Specs
- 32” Diameter
- 24” Height
- Steel Construction
- Adjustable Cooking Grille (swivels)
- Poker Included
- Triangle Fire Rack (Optimizes Log Placement)
Our Take Away
The Bali brand wood-burning fire pit is our best-value fire pit choice for many reasons. It is economical to buy, portable to use anywhere, includes a Saturday grill grate, and has a beautiful black powder coat finish. All in all a great fire pit choice for decks, patios, tailgating, or camping.
BALI FIRE PIT – BEST VALUE
Largest Wood Burning Fire Pit – Sunnydaze Cosmic 42” Round Fire Pit
Why We Like It
The Sunnydaze Cosmic fire pit, at 42″ in Diameter, is the Largest wood-burning Fire Pit in our reviews. And one of the most popular choices available.
Many users find that portable wood fire pits are not deep or wide enough to burn a cord of wood or even an average size log. With this Sunnydaze 42″ Firepit, those problems are solved.
Specs
- 42″ Outside Diameter (Overall)
- 23″ High with Mesh Spark Screen
- 34″ Diameter x 10″ Deep Fire Bowl
- Poker and Metal Grate Included
- Celestial Design
- Easy Assembly
- 1-Year Warranty
Our Take Away
If you have room to store and use a large fire pit, we can recommend the Cosmic 42″ fire pit from Sunnydaze. Attractive Rust Patina finish, capable of holding multiple fire logs, a mesh screen topper included, and a built-in wood grate for circulation.
And you’ve got everything you should need in a fire pit.
SUNNYDAZE FIRE PIT – 42″
Best Value Smokeless Fire Pit – Solo Stove – Ranger
The Solo Brand is the original company to re-engineer the outdoor fire pit. Starting with an all stainless steel construction (rust-free), super portability as a fire pit with a carry-handle, producing superior heat output than typical wood fire pits cannot radiate.
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a smokeless (or more likely “Low Smoke”) fire pit, the “Ranger” model is one of the best values in stainless fire pits that offers this feature. Most know the need to “Dodge” smoke while sitting around a fire pit.
The Ranger Solo fire pit design increases combustion and heat output with cleverly designed air vent holes and double-wall stainless steel construction.
Specs
- 15 inches in diameter
- 14 inches high
- Stainless Steel construction
- Portable Carrying Case Included
Our Take Away
While the Ranger Solo wood-burning fire pit is certainly a premium upgrade to own, it has drawbacks. One drawback is that the high heat generated by this fire pit doesn’t allow placing it “directly” on combustible or sensitive surfaces such as wood or grass.
However, you can purchase the Solo stand separately, which elevates the fire pit above direct contact with those surfaces.
SOLO RANGER – SMOKELESS FIRE PIT
Best Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl – Sunnydaze Backyard 30”
Why We Like It
If you love the idea of using an Outdoor Fire Pit but are looking for a self-contained, more modern-looking fire pit bowl design, then the 30” Backyard Fire Pit Bowl from Sunnydaze is just the answer
Specs
- 30-inch width
- 24-inch height
- Attractive “Fire Bowl” design
- Rust-resistant steel construction
- Metal Top Removable Handle and Poker Included
Our Take Away
The Sunnydaze fire bowl is sleek in design because it shields the burnt logs and ash yet provides the heat and flames you’re looking for.
With a raised stand to protect sensitive surfaces, a metal spark shield top, and rust-resistant steel construction, this fire pit will make a great addition to any deck or patio.
SUNNYDAZE – FIRE BOWL
Best Square Outdoor Fire Pit – Pleasant Hearth – Square Fire Pit
Why We Like It
If you’re in the market for an extra-deep “Square” fire pit or wood-burning fireplace, the Martin design from Pleasant Hearth is our first choice.
Specs
- 26-inch width
- 24-inch height
- Mesh steel box and cover
- Poker and Handle included
- For use on Non-Combustible Surfaces
- Chrome Cooking Grate Included
Our Take Away
By design, this “square” wood-burning fire pit is twice as deep as the traditional “round” fire pit. The extra-deep capacity allows for a more significant fire, while the mesh steel design fire pit box and cover protect users from runaway sparks.
Click Here To See The Martin Wood Burning Fire Pit In Action:
Pleasant Hearth offers an affordable, attractive dark bronze finish, extra log capacity, and an included cooking grate – Just a few reasons we named the Martin our favorite Square fire pit for burning wood.
PLEASANT HEARTH – SQUARE FIREPIT
Best Fire Pit Protection Mat For Deck or Patio – ROLLAWAY FirePad
Why We Like It
Rollaway brands offer the best fire pad protection for your deck with their 36″ Diameter, 3-Layer fire protection fabric reflecting 95% of the heat generated from wood-burning fire pits.
This is a sensible precaution with this pad to prevent heat damage to your wood, composite deck, or concrete patio from falling embers or sparks.
Specs
- 36″ Diameter (also available in 32″)
- Protect against Heat damage & Grease Spills
- Use to protect decks, patios, and lawns
- Withstands heat up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit
- Requires 6″ minimum distance between the fire pit and Protection mat
36″ ROLLAWAY FIRE PAD – FIREPIT DECK PROTECTOR
Most Durable Fire Pit – Sunny Daze 34” Diameter – Cast Iron Fire Bowl
No products found.Why We Like It
For ultimate durability and Simplicity, Choose the No-Frills Cast Iron Fire Pit bowl from Sunnydaze. No mesh, No Top, and no-nonsense – Load the 34” diameter fire bowl with wood and enjoy.
Specs
- 34-inch Diameter
- 15- inch Height (overall)
- 9” deep Cast Iron Bowl with 6” Legs
- Welded steel handles
- 1-year Warranty
Our Take Away
The cast iron fire pit is ideal for those who prefer simple or rustic outdoor fire pits. There is nothing fancy here and nothing to break, bend, dent, or rust with this 34” wide cast iron beauty. A sturdy four-legged fire pit that is truly great-looking as well as durable.
SUNNYDAZE – CAST IRON FIRE BOWL
Best Wood Burning Chiminea fire pit – Bali Outdoors
Why We Like It
For those who want a standard metal wood-burning fire pit but want the added benefit of diverting smoke up and away from the living space, this Chiminea fire pit at 45” overall height – does just that.
Specs
- Cast Iron Construction (52 Lbs.)
- 20 x 20 x 45 inches
- Antique Brown-Black Finish
- Mesh Firescreen
- Log grate included
- Cast Iron Legs
- 360 Degree View
Our Take Away
The Bali Outdoors fire pit includes a 22” diameter bowl at 20” in height that easily accommodates 16” Duraflame-type logs or natural wood fire logs. Designed to provide maximum radiant heat in a smaller footprint – as well as the ability to divert smoke away from participants.
Best Wood Burning Fire Pit Table – Pure Garden Firepit Table
Why We Like It
Sometimes you prefer a more formal outdoor wood-burning fire pit that also functions as a fire pit table. The Pure Garden fire pit table does that perfectly with a 33” square tabletop and 20 x 20-inch fire bowl insert.
Additionally, this is a wood-burning fire pit table, which requires frequent clean-out of sometimes messy ash. If you’re considering a cleaner application for high-end living spaces, we suggest a Gas Fire Pit Table with an LP gas hook-up.
Specs
- 33 x 33 inches Square with 13-inch table Height (17 ¼” High with Lid)
- Includes PVC fire pit cover
- Cooking Grill
- BBQ, Fire Pit options
- Marble Table Top option
- Firepit option with Mesh Screen Cover
Our Take Away
This is a good option if you’re looking for a wood fire pit with a tabletop. We would rate this model high on design and functionality – but would advise anyone who burns a lot of wood fires to consider a more durable fire pit model such as one of our top 3 fire pits in our review above.
BALI – CHIMINEA FIRE PIT
Best Outdoor DIY Fire Pit Ring – Sunnydaze 45” Metal Ring
Why We Like It
Many folks prefer to build their DIY (Do it Yourself) wood-burning fire pit vs. buying a deck or patio fire pit. And, whether building an above-ground or below-ground fire pit, the best way to finish it is with a wood-burning fire pit ring from Sunnydaze.
Specs
- 45” Outside Diameter (39 inches inside diameter)
- 10” High
- Heavy-duty Steel
- No Bottom Liner
- Requires Concrete Pavers (above-ground)
- Requires Digging Fire Pit Hole (In-ground)
Our Take Away
There are various ways to achieve a functional outdoor wood-burning fire pit from the small space options like a 30” Backyard fire bowl to the larger patio model like the Sunnydaze 42” Fire Pit.
However, The Fire Pit ring is the best accessory for those who have large yards and can accommodate larger groups or prefer a more permanent fire pit installed away from home.
With these parts; a Fire Pit Metal Ring, some Concrete Pavers, a little Sand and Gravel (and a little muscle), you can build your DIY Fire Pit in less than one day.
SUNNYDAZE – FIRE PIT RING
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Outdoor Fire Pit – Buyers Guide:
What is the Best Type of Wood Burning Fire Pit
With the evolution of wood-burning fire pits, we think the stainless steel “Smokeless” fire pits – such as our Editors Pick from TIKI, represent the best overall fire pit choice for decks, patios, backyards, or camping.
Smokeless fire pits generate the longest sustained “heat,” as the metal canister design can hold and distribute heat longer than open-air fire pits.
Smokeless fire pits are a little more expensive, however. If you’re looking for a more economical but fully functional outdoor fire pit, we recommend the Sunnydaze 36″ fire pit or the 32″ Fire Bowl from Bali.
What Is The Best Outdoor Fire Pit for Heat?
Once again, the dual-wall – stainless steel fire pits from TIKI or Solo produce the most “Radiant Heat” among portable fire pits.
You can also achieve maximum radiant heat outdoors from the DIY Firepit for the backyard – You can refer to this method above and use a 42″ diameter Fire Pit Ring.
What Are The Most “Durable” Fire Pits?
The most durable wood-burning fire pits are the DIY built – In-Ground or Above Ground using concrete pavers. The most durable metal fire pit is those built with Cast Iron, followed by stainless steel fire pit.
Can You Put a Wood Burning Fire Pit on a Deck?
We don’t recommend ever placing a wood-burning fire pit on any combustible surface (wood or composite decks) or even on a grass lawn without using a Heat-Shield from Newtex.
Additionally, it would help if you had no less than 6″ between the bottom of the fire pit and the top of the Heat-Shield.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to mess with wood-burning logs or heat shields, you can look into the many Gas Fire Pit Tables available – Which can be placed safely on any surface.
Conclusion
Installing an Outdoor wood-burning fire pit at your home is a great way to gather for a meal, a beverage or to share some outdoor radiant heat. With that purchase, however, comes a few safety tips that everyone should maintain, namely:
- Maintain at least 6 ft of the distance between any Wood Burning fire pit and combustible siding (vinyl, wood, etc.)
- Never use a wood-burning fire pit placed directly on combustible surfaces (wood or composite material decks), grass lawns, etc. If used on these surfaces, set them on a heat mat (see above review) and maintain a minimum of 6″ between the fire pit and the heat mat.
- Wait several hours for wood embers to Cool – before emptying any Ash from the fire pit.
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Check out these Additional References:
- How To Build A Fire Pit – Best Home Gear
- Safety Tips for Using Fire Pits – Spruce.com
- 24 – Design Ideas for DIY Outdoor Fire Pits – A Piece of Rainbow
- Campfire Safety Tips – Recreation.Gov
