Autumn evenings were made for gathering around a fire. A crackling flame turns an ordinary backyard into the place everyone wants to be, from s’mores with the kids to a glass of wine with friends under the stars. That’s why fire pits climb Amazon’s Patio, Lawn & Garden best sellers every fall, with smokeless designs and push-button propane models leading the way.
We read through the current Outdoor Heating and Fire Pits best sellers and the brands’ own specifications to pick six favorites, from a tabletop flame for a small balcony to a dual-mode splurge that also works as a patio heater. Here’s what to buy, how to choose between wood and propane, and how to enjoy your fire safely.
Fire Pits at a Glance
- Best overall: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand
- Best tabletop: Solo Stove Mesa XL
- Best budget-friendly large pit: Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-Inch
- Best for cooking: OutVue 42-Inch Fire Pit with Grills
- Best portable propane: Outland Living 19-Inch Propane Fire Pit
- Best splurge: Ninja Fireside360 Fire Pit and Heater
The 6 Best Fire Pits on Amazon
1. Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand
Solo Stove made the smokeless fire pit famous, and the Bonfire is its most popular size. The 19.5-inch stainless steel pit uses Solo Stove’s signature double-wall design, which pulls air in at the base and feeds it back into the top of the flame, burning off much of the smoke for a cleaner, hotter fire.
This version includes a stand that raises it off the ground, helpful on decks and lawns. It’s sleek, portable enough to move around the yard, and arguably the most recognizable of all modern fire pits.
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand, 19.5 Inch
- 19.5-inch stainless steel smokeless design
- Stand included
- Wood burning, portable
2. Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit
Not everyone has room for a full-size pit. The Mesa XL is a 7-inch tabletop fire made from lightweight 304 stainless steel that brings a cozy, low-smoke flame to a patio table or balcony. It’s dual-fuel, burning either small pieces of wood or pellets with a built-in pellet adapter, and it comes with a stand for stability.
It’s a charming, budget-friendly way to add ambience to outdoor dinners, and it travels easily for camping.
Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit
- 7-inch tabletop fire pit
- 304 stainless steel
- Burns wood or pellets, stand included
3. Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-Inch Fire Pit
For a big, traditional campfire on a budget, the Sunnydaze Crossweave is a long-running best seller. The brand says it seats six to eight people comfortably, and the decorative crossweave cutouts are covered in mesh to contain sparks while letting the fire breathe. A built-in log grate improves airflow.
The bowl is made from 24-gauge steel and assembles in a few quick steps. It’s a classic look for families and anyone who loves a large gathering.
Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit
- Seats 6 to 8 people
- Mesh-covered crossweave cutouts
- Built-in log grate
4. OutVue 42-Inch Fire Pit with Grills
If you’d like to cook over your fire, OutVue’s 42-inch pit is built for it. It includes two cooking grates that swivel 360 degrees and adjust in height, plus a lid that turns the pit into a tabletop when it’s not in use, and a fire poker.
It holds up to 30 pounds of wood and assembles in about 20 minutes, according to the brand. Note that a waterproof cover isn’t included, so budget for one. Great for backyard cookouts and roasting marshmallows.
OutVue 42-Inch Fire Pit with 2 Grills, Lid and Poker
- Two height-adjustable swivel grills
- Lid doubles as a tabletop
- Holds up to 30 pounds of wood
5. Outland Living 19-Inch Propane Fire Pit
Propane fire pits give you flame at the turn of a knob with no ash, smoke or firewood. Outland Living’s portable model puts out 58,000 BTUs and includes a cover and carry kit plus a pre-attached 10-foot hose for a standard 20-pound propane tank.
It’s CSA approved, and the brand notes that propane pits like this are often allowed during campfire bans, but always check current local restrictions first. Ideal for campsites, beach trips and small patios.
Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit, 19 Inch, 58,000 BTU
- 58,000 BTU propane flame
- Cover, carry kit and 10-foot hose included
- CSA approved
6. Ninja Fireside360 Fire Pit and Heater
The investment piece is Ninja’s Fireside360, a propane fire pit that doubles as a patio heater. Three modes let you choose ambient flame only, heat only, or both, and Ninja says it delivers up to 80,000 BTUs of combined heat and flame to create a circular zone of warmth.
It’s smokeless with no ash to clean up, lights with a simple dial, and is built to withstand year-round weather. For people who want a fire’s atmosphere and real warmth on cold nights, it’s one of the most versatile fire pits available.
Ninja Fireside360 Fire Pit and Heater, 80,000 BTU
- Flame only, heat only, or both
- Up to 80,000 BTU
- Smokeless, push-start dial, weather resistant
How We Chose These Fire Pits
This list is research-based. We began with Amazon’s Best Sellers in Outdoor Heating and Fire Pits, then read each product page for size, fuel type, materials, safety certifications and included accessories. We chose trusted brands across wood-burning, pellet and propane designs, and across budget-friendly, mid-range and premium price levels. We did not test these products ourselves, and no brand paid to appear. Read more in our editorial policy.
How to Choose Fire Pits: A Buying Guide
Wood, pellets or propane?
Wood-burning pits offer the classic crackle, scent and heat, but need firewood and produce ash. Smokeless designs reduce smoke with better airflow. Pellet fuel burns cleanly and is easy to store. Propane pits light instantly and switch off just as fast, with no ash, though the flame is more decorative and you’ll need to refill tanks.
Size and seating
A 19 to 24-inch pit suits a small patio and four people. A 30 to 36-inch pit is better for larger groups. Tabletop fires are for ambience rather than warmth.
Placement and local rules
Place any fire on a stable, non-combustible surface, well away from your house, fences, overhanging branches and patio furniture. Many towns restrict wood burning on certain days. The US EPA’s Burn Wise program explains how to burn cleaner and why seasoned, dry wood matters for air quality and your neighbors.
Materials and durability
Stainless steel resists rust and lasts longest. Painted or powder-coated steel is more affordable but benefits from a cover. Spark screens and mesh are important for wood-burning designs.
Fire Pit Safety Tips
- Burn dry, seasoned hardwood. Never burn trash, treated wood or leaves.
- Keep water or an extinguisher nearby. A bucket of water or sand is essential.
- Supervise children and pets. Set a clear safety circle around the fire.
- Check the wind. Skip the fire on gusty days when sparks can travel.
- Put it out completely. Douse, stir and douse again until embers are cold.
Styling Your Fire Pit Area
A fire becomes a true outdoor room with the right setting. Arrange comfortable seating in a loose circle, add weatherproof cushions, and keep a basket of blankets nearby for chilly nights. String lights or lanterns overhead add a soft glow that complements the flames.
For seating ideas, see our guide to the best patio furniture sets, and for snuggly layers, our picks for the best throw blankets.
Accessories That Make Fire Pits Better
- A weatherproof cover protects steel from rain and snow between uses and is one of Amazon’s most popular add-ons.
- A firewood rack keeps logs off the ground so they stay dry and burn cleanly.
- A spark screen and long poker let you tend the fire safely.
- A heat-resistant mat or stand protects decks, pavers and lawns.
- Roasting sticks turn any evening into a s’mores party.
Caring for Fire Pits Through the Seasons
A little maintenance keeps fire pits looking good for years. Empty ash once it’s completely cold, since damp ash is corrosive and holds moisture against the metal. Stainless steel naturally develops a golden or bronze patina from heat, which is normal and part of the charm.
Painted steel pits benefit from a cover and a dry spot over winter, and propane models should have their hoses and connections checked for wear at the start of each season. If you won’t use your pit for months, store it in a shed or garage. Then, when the first crisp evening arrives, you’ll be ready to light up in minutes.
Fire Pits FAQ
Are smokeless fire pits really smokeless?
Not completely, but they produce much less smoke than traditional pits once the fire is hot. Using dry, seasoned wood makes the biggest difference.
Can you use fire pits on a deck?
Only with care. Use a fire pit stand or heat-resistant pad, keep a safe distance from railings and furniture, and follow the brand’s instructions. Propane models are often a safer choice for decks.
Can you cook on fire pits?
Yes. Many wood-burning pits accept grill grates, like the OutVue. Propane pits are generally not designed for cooking, so check the manual first.
Do fire pits keep you warm?
Wood-burning pits throw real heat to people sitting nearby. Propane pits are mainly decorative, except dual-mode designs like the Ninja Fireside360 that include a dedicated heater.
Final Thoughts
The best fire pits match your space and the way you entertain. The Solo Stove Bonfire is our all-round favorite, the Mesa XL suits small balconies, Sunnydaze is the budget-friendly crowd-pleaser, OutVue is the cook’s choice, Outland Living is the go-anywhere propane pick, and the Ninja Fireside360 is the splurge. Check the current price on Amazon, as outdoor gear often goes on sale late in the season. For more backyard inspiration, browse our Home & Living section.
