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We bought and tested 13 outdoor fire pits, including both wood and propane options, and subjected them to months of testing. We designed protocols that mixed lab tests with real-world use, measuring heat output, smoke management, portability.
Our favorite fire pit is the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. It has great heat output, and Solo Stove's smoke management is some of the best we've seen. If you can't swing $200+ for a fire pit, we recommend the Surestove Smokeless as an affordable alternative. It doesn't trap smoke quite as well as the Solo models, but it still does a decent job (especially compared to standard camp fires). Read on to learn about all our favorites, including propane models.
Editor's Note: On September 7, 2024, we added several additional product comparisons.
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 offers a clean and consistent burn, all while keeping the smoke away. The double-walled stainless steel construction provides a more robust platform than its aluminum counterparts and can withstand the elements longer. At 21 pounds, this fire pit was light enough in our testing to make portability and transportation a breeze. While not the hottest pit in the bunch — the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 and Tiki Brand Reunion Smokeless pump out the most heat — the Solo Stove produced above-average heat output in our tests, quite respectable for a pit of its size. It produces clean and efficient flames, meaning less mess to deal with and a longer 60-minute burn time in our tests. We also have tested the Original Solo Stove. The 2.0 is an improvement, but not so much that we would replace an Original Solo stove until it reaches the end of its lifespan. Adding a removable ash pan is the biggest difference between the two. Compared to the Bonfire's big brother, the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, the Yukon put out more heat in our test, offers a 17% longer 70-minute burn time, and lets you use longer logs up to 22 inches. That said, it is nearly double the price and harder to transport due to its 27" diameter size and 42 lbs weight. We found ourselves burning through a lot more wood with the bigger Yukon too, which also adds to the cost.
The Bonfire lacks strong radiant heat output. You can increase warmth with Solo Stove's heat deflector (sold separately). While the price of Solo Stove is in line with competitors, sometimes the stand is sold separately and is excessively expensive. We started without the stand, but it then burned a hole in our deck. Solo Stove customer service was sympathetic and sent us a stand for free. Since this is a necessary part of the setup, we've linked the model with the stand included in this review. Overall, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is hard to beat regarding function and value, making it a fantastic pick for those who want an all-around, well-designed fire pit. While it performed better in every testing metric except portability when compared to the Surestove Smokeless, the Surestove may be adequate for you, weighs less at 18 lbs, and sells for about half the price. Both are about the same 19 inch diameter size and made of stainless steel, but we found in our testing that the Solo Bonfire had better heat output, delivered 33% longer burn time, and has significantly better smoke management.
For those who want to experience a smoke-free fire without breaking the bank, the Surestove Smokeless is a great option. We were pleasantly surprised by how hot and consistent this pit burned during testing. While it might not trap smoke as well as more expensive models like the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, it still maintains a relatively smokeless fire compared to traditional fire pits. The included stand is a nice touch and is a catch for ashes. We appreciated how light and easy it was to transport during testing, making it an enticing option for traveling and camping. It is four pounds lighter than the Solo Stove, which we did notice when moving it around.
While the price to performance on the Surestove is excellent, there are a few downsides to consider. The stainless steel is prone to rusting and will not withstand the elements as well as some higher-priced models we tested like the Bonfire 2.0 and Yukon 2.0 from Solo Stove. The Breeo X Series X24 is also a solid alternative if you need an option that can withstand extended use and guarantee its durability. Though not cheap, this fire pit is about as durable and resistant to the elements as it gets. Also, any leftover ash from the Surestove that does not make it to the ash pan must be picked up and dumped from the pit. Aside from these concerns, it's still hard to beat the value of the Surestove as a budget-friendly smokeless option.
With more campgrounds banning wood fires for more of the year, the Outland Living Mega is an increasingly compelling option. The use of propane makes this fire pit a versatile choice, whether in the backyard or at the campsite. The Outland Living Mega produces no smoke and boasts a 58,000 BTU rating, giving off a solid amount of heat relative to its size. While heat output is not as hot as its wood counterparts, like the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, having an adjustable flame dial, minimal cleanup, and a fire pit free of fire restrictions is a great tradeoff. It was surprisingly portable relative to its steel construction and design shape. We found the Outland Living Mega easy to transport and carry after use during testing.
Some users may find the lack of an electric igniter a problem (although electric igniters tend to fail over time). With continuous burn, this fire pit will go through a 20-gallon propane tank in about six to seven hours. Lastly, this pit may not provide the heat output as desired in colder conditions, making it less appealing to those seeking maximum heat output. Overall, the Outland Living Mega is still a great choice for those seeking a propane fire pit with a versatile, no-frills design. It is also a solid value, especially considering you don't have to buy firewood, which can cost a lot at many supermarkets and campgrounds. There is a smaller 19" version of this fire pit called the Outland Living Deluxe, which we have also tested. This larger size of the Mega is the best for most people in most applications and is only nominally more expensive than smaller models.
If you're seeking ambiance and comfort for your tabletop, the Roundfire Concrete Tabletop is hard to beat. This tabletop pit is simple to use and easy to clean. Using bioethanol fuel means no smell, smoke, or toxins and leaves virtually no cleanup. Finally, using alcohol-based fuel means it can be used indoors. While you may not opt for a tabletop pit for warmth, the Roundfire still generates a substantial flame for its size. You feel the heat from close distances.
One drawback to the Roundfire Tabletop is that certain fuels, such as isopropyl alcohol, burn quite quickly, meaning refilling is necessary to keep it burning. This was a nonissue with bioethanol, where burn time at full capacity was over an hour. Still, if you want a tiny fire pit that burns wood, we recommend the Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop. While you can only burn 3-5" twigs or pellets, and it doesn't provide that much heat, it still offers a lot of ambiance for 2-4 people to huddle around. Though double the cost, it does not require purchasing fuel, so it is less expensive in the long run. The Roundfire design also means the flame is produced above the rim of the pit, making it susceptible to nearby flammable items if not positioned in a proper area. While any tabletop model comes with minor drawbacks, the Roundfire is an excellent option that provides ambiance and comfort at a solid price.
The Roundfire is easy to ignite and even easier to extinguish.
For gatherings and groups, the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 offers an enticing option for a smoke-free night around the fire. Like the Bonfire 2.0, the Yukon provides a great fire pit experience from Solos Stove's thoughtfully designed 360-degree airflow. We noticed time and time again how clean and easy it was to burn with the Yukon. Tending the fire was minimal, and the heat output was consistently hot from start to finish. Smoke was minimal and only present when igniting and extinguishing, which is to be expected. The larger size can accommodate logs up to twenty-two inches, which helped produce a strong fire that we could still feel from over six feet away.
When purchasing a Solo Stove fire pit, the buyer has the option to purchase a stand for an additional cost. The stand is an important feature for most users to avoid damaging the ground below the fire. Many competitors have designs with built-in stands or include stands with your purchase. If you value a built-in stand and intuitive ashtray, another option worth checking out is the Tiki Brand Reunion Smokeless pit. The Tiki is almost 20 pounds heavier and has a much smaller maximum log size. Although, it costs about the same as the Yukon if you buy the matching stand. Our testers also found the sleek design of this Solo Stove model visually appealing. Still, the lack of places to grab and carry the stove can make moving it awkward and challenging without multiple hands. Minor concerns aside, the Yukon is our favorite for larger groups and big gatherings, making it an excellent choice for the backyard and beyond.
The Yukon excels at burning hot and hassle-free, making it our favorite option for groups and gatherings.
While we have only tested a few larger propane home fire pits, the Outland Living Granville stands out. We tested this model for over two years at a vacation rental with 800 guests over the test period. The Granville held up remarkably well. The previous model the Granville replaced, the Hearth Fire Pit Table, showed many more chips and dings and had to be replaced in less than two years. In addition, the Granville is at a great height, is better for drinks and food placement, and allows you to store the propane tank under the table. The low-height models usually have a long hose that is difficult to conceal and requires a second location for the propane tank.
Like all propane models we tested, the Piezo igniter is not as durable or consistent as we would like. It also doesn't crank out the heat. The flames provide some warmth but are more for ambiance than overcoming freezing temperatures. Check out the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0 if heat output is a top priority. The pricing of the Outland Living Granville is also somewhat confusing. The manufacturer lists a high price but always has nearly 50% off. The different colors can also vary wildly in price at different retailers. Despite our critiques, we love the look, durability, and size, and think this model is the best option for homes that we've tested.
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Testing the Solo Stove in crisp conditions.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
How We Test Fire Pits
We took fire pits from various categories and put them to the limits over months of testing. From the beach to the mountains to backyard gatherings, we tested fire pits in many conditions to find where each pit excels. Emphasis included heat output, dividing heat into overall temperature, and heat dispersion outwards. Along with the heat, we analyzed smoke management and how well each pit dealt with smoke during ignition, burn, and extinguishment. We did independent testing to verify weight and dimensions and measured the volume of each pit using liquid measurements. Learn more about how we test fire pits.
Our testing used five different metrics:
Heat Output (35% of overall score weighting)
Smoke Management (30% weighting)
Portability (20% weighting)
Ease of Cleaning (10% weighting)
Ease of Assembly (5% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
The lead tester is Kenji Mowrey from South Lake Tahoe, CA. Kenji is an advocate of all things outdoor-related and specializes in outdoor gear design, for which he is currently finishing his studies. Growing up in a family of outdoor sales reps, he spent his earliest days at retailer shows and grew up in the world of all things gear-related. He is joined by GearLab founder Chris McNamara, who has spent over 2000 hours testing fire pits over the last nine years both at home and camping. Chris has now tested over 1000 products for GearLab.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested each fire pit side by side to produce the most comprehensive and accurate results possible. Five metrics are weighted based on importance and relevance to find our overall score for each fire pit. Our testers value heat output as the highest-rated metric because a fire pit's main purpose is to provide warmth and comfort. We also highly value smoke management since a fire pit with smoke issues can ruin a get-together and leave users dodging smoke and breathing unclean air. We break down each metric to help make your decision simplified and straightforward.
What's the Best Value?
The market's wide range of fire pits come in many styles and intended functions. This means that finding a fire pit that fits the bill is subjective on the features most important to you. While some fire pits may be great for larger groups where heat is paramount, other people may need a pit to avoid seasonal fire restrictions where they live. Ultimately, we know price is a determining factor for many, so finding the balance between price and performance is essential.
The performance to cost makes the Surestove one of our favorite options for smokeless fire pits on a budget. The East Oak is the best deal in the higher-end smokeless fire pit category. It's not cheap, but it has a built-in stand and scored very high. Our testers also admired the Outland Living Mega for its value relative to cost. It provides a simple but durable construction that is hard to beat. Also of note is the Roundfire Concrete Tabletop. This tabletop accessory proved to be a versatile, easy-to-use portable pit, equally impressive as its price. If you don't care about smoke management, the Amazon Basics Steel Lattice works fine at a low price.
A budget-friendly tabletop pit, the Roundfire is a great fuel alternative to wood and propane counterparts.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Heat Output
A fire pit that provides adequate heat is essential to warmth and overall enjoyment around the fire. We have valued heat output as the heaviest weighted metric due to its importance and the fundamental value it has to a good fire pit experience. While certain fire pits, such as gas-fed pits, are more easily measured by BTU rating, wood-fed pits require more insight to gather heat output measurements.
The Solo Stove (down and right) produces much more heat output and less smoke than the standard single-burn fire pits like the Amazon Basics Steel Lattice (left).
Credit: Chris McNamara
To assess heat output, we used a combination of infrared heat thermometers in various locations around the pit and more subjective measures. This included measuring heat from two, four, and six feet away with input from multiple individuals.
Measuring distances from two, four, and six feet to gauge heat distribution.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The East Oak Smokeless came away with the win in this category. It boasted an impressive rating through our infrared reading, hitting temperatures of 1,100℉. It also provided a more even distribution around the pit than comparable smokeless models. Even six feet away, the heat was still being displaced and felt by our testers. The Cuisinart Cleanburn also wowed testers during heat testing. Our infrared readings were consistently over 1,000℉. While its heat distribution characteristics favored upwards over outwards, it still was plenty hot when close by. The Tiki Brand Reunion Smokeless was one of the best-performing larger fire pits for producing heat outward and up. While it doesn't have the deepest inner diameter, the Tiki dispersed heat effectively above the rim, which meant testers could still feel plenty of heat past six feet.
Infrared temperature reading to find heat output.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Each model was loaded with equal parts wood and starter, then ignited simultaneously. Each pit was timed based on how long its burn lasted, the time to ignite, and the burn length before smoldering.
With over one hour of burn time on just three logs, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 provided a long-lasting burn that was as impressive as its minimal ignition start-up time. Another star in our time tests was the Roundfire Concrete Tabletop Pit. It burns uninterrupted for an hour and ten minutes, using its ethanol-based fuel source at full capacity. The Solo Stove Yukon was also a star in our burn time test. The technology of Solo Stoves airflow was on full display, with both models outlasting all other fire pits.
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 has a long burn time without sacrificing the heat.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The size of your fire pit also greatly affects heat output and burn time. Fire pit's various shapes and dimensions can make their true size deceiving. While some pits may present larger, their inner diameter and the shape of the inner bowl can greatly affect their ability to put larger wood and kindling in. We measured the maximum log length to gauge which pits offer the most space.
For example, the design of the Solo Stove is completely cylindrical with a flat bottom. This optimizes space and allows more wood to be loaded into the pit. Other pits, such as the Reunion Tiki and Cuisinart Clean Burn, have a large outer diameter, but the smaller depth of the bowl means less wood can be filled in the pit. The rounded base plate makes it more difficult to stack kindling on the bottom. While this may not be the first consideration when opting for a specific fire pit, it's a good idea to consider how different shapes and diameters affect burn time and heat output.
Even though the Cuisinart Cleanburn (pictured on the right) is almost 5" bigger in diameter, the Solostove Bonfire fits the same size log as the Cleanbrun.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Smoke Management
Keeping away the smoke while around the fire is another vital aspect of the overall enjoyment of your fire pit experience, hence our heavily weighted metric towards smoke management. A fire pit that keeps smoke at bay helps with air quality and helps avoid the smell and undesirable aromas associated with fires that cling to clothing afterward.
To measure smoke management, we looked at smoke levels throughout the various stages, such as ignition, burning, and extinguishing. We also evaluated each pit's ventilation and airflow characteristics to see how each system utilized air intake.
Propane fed fires are a great way to avoid the smell and hassle of smoke.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Controlled variables such as wood type, amount of wood, and weather conditions were all done together to ensure accuracy. Using side-by-side testing, it became apparent which models were emitting smoke more than others. We were highly impressed once again with the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0's ability to keep smoke away at all stages of burn. Its airflow design was on display, especially in the latter stage of burning, where other pits emitted high levels of smoke during smoldering. With pits that do not utilize an oxygen-fed airflow system, such as the Yaheetech multifunctional table, smoke can become a major factor during use. A big plus to a propane-fed fire pit is the absence of smoke; we greatly appreciated the Outland Living Mega because it emits no smoke.
A side-by-side smoke test amplifies how big of a difference a fire pit with ventilation makes.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Portability
Portability is subjective based on the type of pit and its intended use. Some users may need a pit that can fit in their car for camping adventures and extended traveling; others may find themselves using a semi-permanent location in the backyard for family gatherings. Whatever the need, we made sure to test in a variety of circumstances to identify standouts in the world of portability.
We weighed and compared to manufacturer-listed specifications to evaluate portability and took measurements to find dimensions. Additionally, we assessed whether they fit comfortably in common vehicles and how compactly they break down when not in use. We even filled each pit with water to find their inner volume capacity in Liters.
Ultra portability is a key standout on the the Solo Stove Mesa.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The Solostove Mesa Tabletop is a standout in our portability rankings. While meant to be a small tabletop accessory, we found its ability to pack down impressive. The included stand collapses and fits inside the pit to accompany the carrying bag. And while it doesn't crank heat like its larger competition, it still provides great campfire ambiance and a more intimate setting as it forces you to pull your chairs in closer.
A coffee mug next to the Solo Stove Mesa showcases the compactness of this tabletop pit.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
The East Oak Smokeless was easy to move around for more traditional-sized pits thanks to its lightweight 17 lb stainless steel construction. Testers had no problem carrying it from place to place and transitioning from car trunk to campsite. We were also impressed with the inner volume of the pit. Utilizing most of its space, the East Oak boasts a volume of 39.7 liters.
We also were big fans of the Surestove Smokeless for its lightweight, easy carrying, even with the included stand. The diameter of the Surestove also helps it fit into smaller cars and spaces that many other smokeless options do not.
The ability to fit a fire pit in the car with a cylindrical shape maximizes space and volume.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Ease Of Cleaning
A key aspect of a quality fire pit is its ability to be cleaned and maintained to ensure longevity. Factors influencing ease of cleaning include the time it takes to clean, difficulty removing ash and soot, and if any specialized tools are required.
Once again, the Outland Living Mega is worth mentioning since virtually no cleanup is required. One major benefit of a propane fire pit is that it's easy to keep clean. The only maintenance required is cleaning the lava rocks from the pit when necessary. We also found the Roundfire Concrete Tabletop extremely easy to clean. The use of bioethanol fuel means it burns clean and leaves no mess. All that is required is cleaning the fuel cup to remove the alcohol scent.
The removable cup makes clean-up no problem.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
We found the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 and the East Oak Smokeless straightforward to clean for wood-burning pits. Both utilize an ash pan system at the bottom of the pit, making ash disposal very easy.
East Oak's ash pan design is easy and quick to clean.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Our favorite cleanup system came from the Tiki Brand Reunion. The Tiki utilizes a slide-out ash pan that's super convenient and easy to dispose of ash with. This also helps keep your fire pit in place without lifting or dumping ash from the main pit.
The ashtray on the Tiki is extremely user-friendly and convenient.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Ease Of Assembly
Buying and assembling a fire pit can become confusing and sometimes trickier than imagined. We assessed the difficulty of each pit's overall assembly from box to finished product. Some fire pits you unbox, and they're ready to go. Some pits take more time and effort to reach a finished product.
One pit that stands out is the Cuisinart Clean Burn; it was the most simple out of all pits tested because it's ready right out of the box. The only assembly needed is latching the assembly stand to the pit, and it's ready to go. On the other end of the assembly side, the Yaheetech Multifunctional Table was less desirable to set up. It requires using Allen screws to connect the side panels and legs, which took our testers almost 40 minutes to assemble. Part of the lengthy setup time was due to the screw quality and tricky threads.
The Cuisinart Clean Burn is straightforward to set up, latch the pit to the stand and you're ready to burn.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
We also admired the Breeo for its ease of setup. Zero setup is required after removing it from the box. Additionally, its Corten steel construction means you can place it in a location and never have to worry about it getting damaged or destroyed by the elements, making it the most durable out of all the pits tested.
Being able to set it and forget it makes the Breeo an attractive option for year-round use.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
How to Pick the Best Fire Pit
Below are four factors to consider when finding the ideal fire pit for your next fire.
How Much Heat Do You Need?
Fire pits can vary greatly in heat output with factors such as size and fuel type. Some models offer excellent heat dispersion and hot temperatures but may burn out quickly. Other pits may burn slower and cooler but provide a longer-lasting, cleaner fire. Also, other fuel types like propane will not reach the same heat level as a wood-burning pit. If you regularly accommodate groups or families, a larger burning pit will be ideal to keep everyone warm. On the other hand, someone who uses their fire pit camping in smaller settings will prefer a compact pit with easier cleanup.
Infrared thermometers are a great tool for analyzing heat output and temperature.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Looking to Avoid the Smoke?
With the advancements in smoke management, many fire pits are now “smokeless.” While there is smoke during ignition and extinguishment, smokeless fire pits greatly eliminate smoke while the fire is burning. This can help avoid the smell of smoke on clothes, produce a more efficient burn, and make it easier to clean up due to less ash production. If you are on the fence about going smokeless, a key consideration is the increased price associated with these pits. If you plan on utilizing your fire pit often, a smokeless fire pit can be worth the investment.
What Fuel Type is Best?
Wood-burning fire pits can be great for get-togethers and gathering around the fire. On the other hand, propane pits will offer more convenience and bypass some fire restrictions (confirm with the local fire district). A wood-burning pit will also require more cleanup than its propane counterparts. If you don't mind maintaining and cleaning up after your fire, then a wood fire pit will offer more heat, but a propane fire pit can be a great option as a backyard staple or portable option while on the go. Ultimately, deciding between fuel types will depend on where you use your fire pit and how often you plan on using it.
How Much Cleaning is Required?
With the use of wood, ash will accumulate and require regular cleanup. If you plan on buying a wood-burning fire pit, properly disposing of ash is necessary. This will add additional time to your night and should be accounted for. One of the best features of a propane pit is how easy they are to clean. With no leftover residue or ash, propane pits make cleanup effortless.
Fire pits such as the Solo Stove 2.0 offer a removable ashtray to make cleanup a bit easier.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Conclusion
Finding the perfect fire pit is no easy task. Deciding on the size, material, features, and fuel type may lead to confusion rather than reassurance. After extensive research, months of testing, and many logs burned, our experts have found top choices in various categories to narrow down what's best for your next gathering around the fire.
A night by the fire isn't complete without your favorite camping chair. We also recommend checking out the best axes and folding saws for when you need to procure wood.
A warm fire and no smoke is a great way to enjoy the sunset.
