When choosing the best portable fire pit for you, first think about how you plan to use it. “Are you going to use it as a table, as something to set your drink on, or just something to roast marshmallows with?” asks Kristen Whitehead, owner of Helios Landscape Design. From there, you can decide what size you need, if you want to use wood or propane for fuel, and what material you prefer for the design. We’ve compiled a list of the best portable fire pits for a variety of uses, including lightweight camping options, fire pits for cooking, and more substantial models that will easily become the focal point of your backyard. Our top pick is the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit, because of its lightweight design, nearly smokeless burn, and sleek appearance. Keep reading for more details about the best portable fire pits. Keep in mind: It can be hard to clean the ash out of the drum without a hose. Whether you want a portable fire pit to toast marshmallows or just to create a cozy gathering spot in your backyard, the Solo Stove Bonfire is a lightweight and effortless solution, making it our top choice for the best portable fire pit. Weighing in at 20 pounds, this model is light enough to store away when not in use or pack along on a camping trip without creating a huge hassle. It uses wood as the fuel source, and it has a double-wall design that allows the fire pit to burn more efficiently, incinerating particles that would otherwise be lost to smoke. This leads to nearly no smoke being emitted, and it also prevents the fire pit from stinking up your hair and clothes. Like all the Solo Stove fire pits, the Bonfire model has a simple, sleek stainless steel design and single-piece construction, so you won’t be messing around with parts and assembly. You can also purchase additional accessories, like covers to keep the pit out of the elements when not in use and shields to protect people from popping embers or flying sparks. If you’re planning to use this fire pit on a wood deck, keep in mind that you’ll need to buy a stand to minimize heat transfer (and prevent damage to your deck). This fire pit can also be a bit tricky to clean; since it captures all of the ash in the base of the pit, you’ll need to clean it out regularly with a hose, which can be messy and time consuming. Price at time of publish: $280 Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 20 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in mind: It’s lower to the ground than many other options on this list, so it isn’t the best option if you are planning to use it on a wood deck. Finding a high-quality fire pit you love doesn’t necessarily have to mean spending hundreds of dollars. The Amagabeli portable fire pit is a reliable, heavy-duty option that remains surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport. The cast iron 22-inch round bowl has a clean, traditional design that works well with a variety of decorating styles, and at a little over 11 pounds, it’s super easy to move in and out of storage. Because this fire pit burns wood, you can take it along on camping trips or other adventures without the hassle of packing along a fuel source. The unit has a stand, but it only elevates the bowl six inches off the ground, so you need to be mindful of the surface you’re placing it on. A wood deck will need a little extra protection from the heat, and it might char your grass if it’s placed in the yard. In terms of installation, all that’s required to get this fire pit going is placing the bowl on the base—no screws, nuts, or tools needed. Price at time of publish: $105 Product Details: Material: Cast iron | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 11 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in mind: The fire pit itself is lightweight, but you also have to consider moving the propane tank, which can be heavier. The smell of a campfire might be nostalgic, but let’s be real; the lingering scent of smoke can be a real pain to get out of hair, clothes, and furniture. Enter: the clean-burning portable propane fire pit by Heininger. Propane fire pits are fantastic for their smokeless burn, but they sometimes lack portability. However, this fire pit is relatively lightweight at 24 pounds when compared to other fire pits on the market, making it a good companion for backyard hangs and camping trips alike. The fire pit itself is made from galvanized steel with a glossy, black enamel finish that adds style as well as durability. Simply attach a propane tank to the included propane hose and place the tank at least 36 inches away from the fire pit, then turn the dial to start your fire. While the fire pit is relatively low to the ground, it is safe to use on wood decks, and there is minimal heat transfer. It also has an adjustable flame height and a 360-degree fire view, making it the ultimate party accessory. Price at time of publish: $200 Product Details: Material: Galvanized steel | BTUs: 58,000 | Weight: 24 pounds | Fuel Type: Propane Keep in mind: It has multiple pieces and requires a bit more assembly than other portable fire pits. The only thing better than a wood-burning fire pit is one that actually comes with its own fuel, eliminating that extra shopping trip. The Tiki Low-Smoke Fire Pit includes gas-free pellets made from sawdust, which allow you to light a fire immediately. Once the sawdust is gone, you can always use regular firewood in the fire pit, and the internal airflow system will cut down on smoke and ash as it burns. The unit itself is made from stainless steel covered in a weather-proof black finish. The overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, which means this fire pit will work well on your patio or in your backyard even when it’s not in use. Unlike some of the other wood-burning fire pits, this one comes with a removable ash tray for easy cleanup. At 45 pounds, it’s not the lightest on the list, but the 4-foot heat radius it gives off makes the extra heft well worth it. Keep in mind, though, that this fire pit comes disassembled in several pieces, so you’ll have to spend time putting it together before using it. Price at time of publish: $395 Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 45 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in mind: It isn’t weatherproof, so you have to move it inside after every use. Nothing compares to the taste of food cooked over a charcoal grill. However, you don’t need a full-size grill to cook your favorite grilling recipes—this portable fire pit is an easy and lightweight solution for backyards and road trips alike. While you can use charcoal in many fire pits (just read the instruction manual to be sure), the BioLite FirePit+ is specifically designed for both wood and charcoal, allowing you to cook dinner, roast marshmallows, or simply kick back and relax. The portable fire pit’s air flow design creates less smoke than a normal campfire, so you don’t have to worry about it getting in your eyes or on your clothes. We also like that this versatile charcoal grill has four fan speeds to choose from, allowing you to control the size of the flames, and the removable grill is perfect for hibachi-style cooking. Other bonuses include a rechargeable battery to operate the fan and a free app to control the fire pit via Bluetooth. While the BioLite+ fire pit has plenty of features that make it extremely useful for relaxing and grilling alike, it isn’t waterproof, so you’ll need to move it inside when not in use. Also, if you plan to use this fire pit on a wooden deck, you’ll need to add a protective mat underneath to prevent damage. Price at time of publish: $300 Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 20 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood and charcoal Keep in mind: This isn’t a good choice for wood patios or other combustible surfaces. Propane is the best fuel type for smokeless, odorless fires with easy cleanup. With a heat output of 54,000 BTUs, an electric ignition for an instant bonfire, and an included hose for connecting to a propane tank, the Bond Signature Portable Fire Pit is super easy to set up and use. The bronze-finished portable pit also comes with a locking lid, which provides additional safety and makes the pit easier to transport. One important thing to note is that while the unit is raised off the ground almost 15 inches, the manufacturer does not recommend using it on a wood deck or other combustible surfaces such as a camping spot with a lot of loose brush on the ground. However, concrete, rock, and stone surfaces are all fair game. Price at time of publish: $159 Product Details: Material: Steel | BTUs: 54,000 | Weight: Not listed | Fuel Type: Propane Keep in mind: This portable fire pit isn’t weather resistant, so you’ll need to store it inside when it’s not in use. The last thing you want when setting out for a camping trip is to pack along a bulky fire pit with multiple pieces that could get misplaced. The Camplux black steel oval fire pit combines high-quality function with a sleek, portable design, making it easy to tote along on your next outdoor adventure. It weighs 22 pounds and even comes with a carrying belt for added portability, so you can stow it away or toss it in the back of your car without having to lift a bulky piece of metal on your own. The convenient dial on the front of the Camplux fire pit allows you to control the intensity of the flames. It also includes a protective cover to keep it from being dinged or collecting dust while in storage and an electric start, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting the matches. The natural lava rocks inside the basin provide a realistic fire atmosphere, and it offers plenty of heat to keep you warm—52,000 BTUs, to be exact. However, this fire pit isn’t weather-resistant, so you’ll want to bring it inside when not in use. Price at time of publish: $120 Product Details: Material: Steel | BTUs: 52,000 | Weight: 22.49 pounds | Fuel Type: Propane Keep in mind: The fire pit does get quite hot and does not come with a screen, so it’s not advised to use it on a wood deck or around children, in case sparks fly off. We love the versatility of this portable fire pit from Bali Outdoors. You don’t have to decide between a fire pit for ambiance and one for cooking hot dogs and hamburgers thanks to the adjustable cooking grill, which can be swiveled out of the way or completely removed. The round steel pit features an outer ledge for a convenient place to prop cooking utensils or drinks, and the grill also adjusts up and down to accommodate different grilling techniques. The fire pit also comes with a collapsible, triangle-shaped rack for stacking logs, allowing for better ventilation and a better-burning fire. Keep in mind that this fire pit doesn’t have a protective screen on it to minimize the risk of sparks flying out, so you shouldn’t use it on a wood deck or near flammable materials. Price at time of publish: $200 Product Details: Material: Steel | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 27 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in mind: The product tends to rust easily, so plan to store this fire pit indoors when it’s not in use. While some portable fire pits are too small to use to cook an actual meal, we like how large the barbecue cooking plate is on the Sunnydaze Decor fire pit. At 23 inches in diameter, it’s large enough to cook multiple burgers, kebabs, or other grilling favorites at a time, making it a useful pick for preparing a feast in your yard or on a camping trip. The complete set also includes a fire poker for adjusting logs, a spark screen, and a built-in wood-burning grate. If you want to kick back by the fire instead of cooking, simply remove the grill top to enjoy the flames. The rustic steel exterior features moon and star cutouts on the sides for added flair, and the design fits perfectly with modern farmhouse decorating styles. Don’t be fooled, though; the star and moon cutouts offer a helpful cross breeze to help keep your fire burning bright in addition to adding a unique touch. All that’s required to assemble the Sunnydaze fire pit is attaching the three legs to the bowl, and at 18 pounds, the entire fire pit is easy to relocate or pack up when you’re done. Just be sure to store it indoors during bad weather; though it’s technically weather resistant, this fire pit rusts more easily than other models. Price at time of publish: $239 Product Details: Material: Steel | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 21 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in mind: Its design is much more plain than other portable fire pits, so it’s not great as an outdoor decor piece. When it comes to portability, it doesn’t get much better than a fire pit that actually folds up and fits flat into its own bag, complete with built-in handles and a waterproof lining. The Adreak 18-inch fire pit features a four-plate design that slots together and comes apart easily, allowing you to effortlessly pack it with your camping gear and set it up in a matter of minutes. It comes with a ceramic cooking tray that lays across the top of the fire pit, so you can make your favorite campfire meals or simply use it as a way to stay warm. The tray is rust-resistant and designed to prevent food from sticking, so you won’t have to scrape your meal off the bottom once dinnertime is over. Even though the sturdy steel plates make this fire pit surprisingly durable, the entire thing only weighs 26 pounds, so carrying the foldable fire pit in and out of storage is incredibly easy. The slim profile makes it a dream to pack and store, so you can still roast marshmallows or cook dinner, even at campsites that don’t allow fires on the ground. This fire pit is definitely designed more for function than fashion, so you might not be drawn to it aesthetically as a centerpiece in your yard. However, given its ease in setup and teardown, it’s a great option for storing away when you’re not using it. Product Details: Material: Steel | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 26 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in mind: This fire pit should not be used for cooking. Weighing less than six pounds, the Project 62 10-inch round tabletop fire pit is a great way to add a fire pit to your existing patio decor. The small, modern-looking fire pit is meant to be used on top of an outdoor table with a cutout for a patio umbrella, making it a great option for those with limited outdoor space. At 10 inches in diameter and made from steel, it’s extremely easy to set up and use right out of the box. A control knob gives you flexibility with the flame height, and the included lava rocks add to its contemporary, sleek style. At 10,000 BTUs, this will not put off a significant amount of heat, which is helpful for not overheating objects on your table, but it also means it won’t do much to warm people gathered around the table. It just adds a cozy aesthetic. According to the manufacturer, this portable fire pit isn’t safe for cooking. Price at time of publish: $65 Product Details: Material: Steel | BTUs: 10,000 | Weight: 6 pounds | Fuel Type: Propane Keep in mind: The fire it produces is not large enough to provide substantial warmth. Radiate’s Portable Campfire is your best bet if you are looking for a quick solution to fire building for a camping trip but don’t want to commit in terms of dollars or storage space. The ultra-portable fire pit weighs four pounds and is eight inches in diameter, so you can pack it along for backpacking trips or any excursion when you’re tight on space. It’s made from recycled materials (soy wax and paper briquettes) and is 100 percent disposable, so you can toss it once you’re done. It also produces minimal mess with very little soot or ash and no embers. Plus, there’s no extra fuel required—just a match. You can expect three to five hours of burn-time from this portable campfire. Price at time of publish: $30 Product Details: Material: Soy wax and paper briquettes | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 4 pounds | Fuel Type: None required Keep in mind: It’s not heavy-duty, and it could topple over if bumped. Vonyda’s Collapsible Steel Mesh Fireplace has rollable stainless steel mesh and foldable legs, making it a great choice for when you want to have a fire pit that fits easily into a bag, trunk, or closet. Just load this fire pit with firewood and you are ready to light up. The fire pit weighs less than two pounds, so it’s safe to say that it won’t add much weight to your journey. Plus, the steel pipe design makes for a simple setup that’s similar to setting up a collapsible camping chair. Because it’s collapsible and quite lightweight, this portable fire pit is not quite as sturdy as others on our list, so you will have to be careful to make sure it doesn’t get knocked over when it’s not loaded with wood. It’s a great choice for a beach bonfire or other occasion when you need an easy way to lift a fire off the ground safely. It comes with a carrying case that not only helps with portability but also ensures you don’t lose any of the parts along the way. Price at time of publish: $26 Product Details: Material: Stainless steel | BTUs: N/A | Weight: 1.94 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood
What to Know About Portable Fire Pits Before Shopping
Local Laws and Regulations
Since any kind of open flame can be dangerous, it’s important to know what your city’s rules are about the use of outdoor fire pits. “Depending on where you live, your city or county may have fire bans in the area or have completely banned wood burning in city locations,” Whitehead says. Check out the rules and regulations in your area to make sure your fire pit complies with code.
Material
The best portable fire pits are usually made from cast iron or stainless steel, but they can have a variety of finishes for different looks. If you’re purchasing a fire pit for your home, Whitehead recommends shopping for a fire pit material that complements the look of the metal or stone or finishes on your home. You’ll also want to consider whether a clean, modern look is more your taste or if you prefer a rustic design style. If you’re planning to take the portable fire pit with you when you travel, you’ll want to choose the most lightweight material and not worry as much about the overall aesthetic.
Fuel Type
Portable fire pits are usually compatible with either propane or wood, and many of the wood-burning fire pits can also use coal as fuel. However, there are pros and cons to each. “Propane pits turn on in an instant, but you need to replace the tank,” Whitehead says. “Portable wood-burning pits put out some heat, but can be messy. The fuel you are using also depends on where you plan to use your fire pit. It might be no problem to hook up to propane while you’re in your backyard, but bringing a large fuel source with you could be a bigger pain if you’re heading out on a camping trip.” “If you want your fire pit to put out some heat, the higher the BTUs, the more flame it will put out,” Whitehead says. “Aim closer towards 50,000 to 100,000 or more BTUs if you can.” You also have to consider the ambiance the different types of fuels can create. “The crackling sounds and heat produced by natural wood sources is superior to their propane counterparts,” says Ty Hancock, Solo Stove product marketing manager. Many wood-burning fire pits will leave you smelling like smoke the next day, but there are smokeless designs (like our top pick) that do a great job in eliminating the odor.
Size
When choosing the best portable fire pit size for you, consider how big the area is where you intend to use it and how much storage space you’re willing to dedicate to it when it’s not in use. Pay attention to the fire pit’s overall diameter as well as its height and how much the item can be packed down when put away. However, size can impact a fire pit’s heat output and its ability to be used for cooking Smaller, lighter fire pits are great for storing but don’t always provide the same amount of warmth, durability, and cooking surface area. “If you want to make a [smaller] wood burning fire pit look a little larger, you can place it in the center of a circular block kit that will make the pit feel more substantial,” Whitehead says. She also recommends considering how many people you’d like to fit around your fire when picking out the size to make sure that you’re not cramped.
Your Questions, Answered
Are portable fire pits safe?
Yes, as long as you use them correctly. The exterior of fire pits can get extremely hot and shouldn’t be touched with bare hands while in use. “Keep an eye out for nosy pets and youngsters as they are drawn to the flames,” warns Hancock. Always read the instructions for the fire pit you choose to determine where the safest location for your fire pit is. Most portable fire pits are not safe to use on a wood deck. You can purchase accessories for fire pits to increase the safety, such as spark screens to prevent popping embers from escaping and stands to keep the hot exterior off the ground. According to Hancock, you should also keep in mind that fires produce fumes and should not be used underneath a covered patio or in an enclosed space.
What can you burn in a portable fire pit?
Fuel types differ depending on the type of portable fire pit you buy. Most are designed to use propane, wood, or charcoal, and it’s important to only use the types of fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never use pressure-treated wood in fire pits, and avoid burning magazines and other printed papers as the ink can release harmful fumes when burned.
What size fire pit should I buy?
Portable fire pits range greatly in size. When choosing the best portable fire pit for you, consider where you are planning to use the fire pit, making sure to leave a perimeter around the fire to avoid overheating nearby furniture or greenery. When it comes to weight, make sure that the fire pit is durable enough to withstand repeated fires and transport but also light enough to carry in and out of storage when you want to use it.
Who We Are
This story was written by Laura Fisher, a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. She has been writing about home projects and cooking for four years. She spent hours researching the best portable fire pits for every situation, including camping, cooking, and easy storage. She also got expert advice from master landscape designer Kristen Whitehead of Helios Landscape design and Ty Hancock, Solo Stove product marketing manager.
