The 11 Best Fire Pits of 2025, Tested by BHG

Top Picks at a Glance

If you want the fast answer, this is it. If you want the smart answer (the one you’ll be happy with after the first windy night), keep reading.

How “Tested by BHG” Changes the Game

Plenty of “best of” lists are basically a popularity contest in a trench coat. BHG’s approach is different: real hands-on use across a range of
styles, comparing heat output (how far the warmth actually reaches), ease of setup, stability, materials, cleanup, and practical details that matter
after the first weeklike whether the finish stains, whether assembly feels like a 400-piece puzzle, and whether the flame is easy to control.

That matters because fire pits are deceptively simple. You’re not just buying a bowl with vibesyou’re buying a routine: where it sits, what fuel it
needs, how often you clean it, whether guests can comfortably gather around it, and whether you’ll actually use it once the novelty wears off.

The 11 Best Fire Pits of 2025 (BHG-Tested Winners)

How to Choose the Right Fire Pit (Without Regret)

Pick your fuel: propane vs. wood vs. “smokeless” wood

Propane is the low-effort hero. You get fast starts, easy shutdown, and minimal cleanup. It’s also easier to “use more often,”
which is the whole point of buying a fire pit instead of just imagining your future self using it.

Wood-burning is the classic. It’s the crackle, the aroma, the ritual. It’s also the most work: you’ll manage fuel, deal with smoke,
and clean out ash.

Smokeless-style wood pits aim to reduce smoke through airflow-focused design (often double-wall construction). They still use wood,
but they’re built to burn hotter and more efficiently, which can mean a more pleasant seating zone.

Size is comfort (and also math)

Bigger isn’t always betterunless you regularly host. Large fire pits can warm more people, but they also take more fuel and space. A compact model
can be perfect for couples, small patios, or “I just want ambiance” needs.

Decide how you’ll use it: warmth, cooking, ambiance, or all three

Want heat? Look for pits designed to throw warmth outward, and consider your seating distance. Want to cook? Prioritize models with stable grates or
cooking accessories (and treat cooking as a bonus feature, not the only plan). Want ambiance? Tabletop and smaller pits can be surprisingly satisfying.

Don’t skip safety and local rules

Fire pits are fun because fire is funbut it’s still fire. Follow manufacturer guidance, check local burn rules, and place your fire pit a safe
distance from anything that can burn. For wood-burning, a spark screen can help reduce stray embers. And keep a way to put out a fire nearby.

One more smart note: be cautious with tabletop fire features that use liquid alcohol fuels. There have been safety recalls and warnings related to
certain alcohol-fueled tabletop fire pits; when in doubt, stick with well-reviewed designs from reputable brands and always check current safety notices.

Your Questions, Answered

What’s the best fire pit for most people?

If you want the easiest ownership experience, BHG’s best overall propane pick is a strong bet. Propane tends to win for frequency-of-use because it
removes the biggest barriers (smoke, cleanup, and setup time).

Are smokeless fire pits actually smokeless?

“Smokeless” is more like “smoke-reduced when used properly.” Fuel quality, airflow, and conditions (wind, moisture) all matter. Many designs reduce
smoke noticeably, but no wood fire is guaranteed to be perfectly smoke-free in every moment.

Can I use a fire pit on a deck?

It depends on the model and the deck material. Many manufacturers warn against placing fire pits on combustible surfaces. If you’re considering deck
use, read the manual carefully and use appropriate protective barriers if approved by the manufacturer. When in doubt, choose a safer noncombustible
surface like concrete, gravel, or pavers.

Do fire pits attract mosquitoes?

Fire and heat can change where bugs fly, but it’s not a magic force field. The best strategy is a combo: position the seating to avoid still air,
reduce standing water nearby, and consider fans or repellents that work for your space.

Extra: The “Real Life” Fire Pit Experience (500+ Words of What It Actually Feels Like)

Reading specs about a fire pit is a little like reading a dating profile that says “loves to laugh.” Great. But what does it do on a real
Friday night when you’re juggling snacks, guests, and a chair that somehow always sinks into the lawn?

Here’s the most honest truth about living with a fire pit: the best one is the one you’ll actually use. That’s why propane models tend to win
households over. The difference between “we should have a fire sometime” and “let’s have a fire right now” is usually the amount of effort required.
With propane, the barrier is low enough that you’ll light it for smaller momentslike an after-dinner chat, a quick cup of tea outdoors, or a
midweek “we deserve joy” situation.

Wood-burning, on the other hand, feels like an event. It’s romantic in the same way baking bread is romantic: it’s wonderful, but it’s also a
project. You’re thinking about firewood storage, whether the wood is dry enough, how windy it is, and how much you’ll want to clean up later.
When it goes right, it’s unmatchedthe smell, the crackle, the way everyone naturally drifts closer and starts telling stories they haven’t told
in years. When it goes wrong, everyone plays musical chairs trying to dodge smoke like it’s a laser-tag arena.

Smokeless-style wood pits change that dynamic in a noticeable way. They don’t remove all smoke forever, but they often reduce the “constant smoke
chase.” The seating circle becomes more stable, which sounds like a small thing until you realize how much better a gathering feels when people can
relax instead of shifting every two minutes. The trade-off is fuel appetite: hotter, more efficient burns can also mean you go through wood faster,
especially if you’re keeping a lively flame for a group.

Then there’s the “host factor.” A fire pit table can make your patio feel more like an outdoor living roombecause it literally is furniture. You’ll
see guests use it differently: setting down drinks, leaning in to talk, treating it as a natural anchor point. It’s less “campfire circle” and more
“cocktail lounge with a glow,” which is a vibe many people want. Meanwhile, large entertaining-focused wood pits with table rings tend to turn into a
family command center: roasting sticks, hot dogs, extra napkins, someone’s phone playing music, and that one friend who becomes the unofficial
“marshmallow consultant.”

Tabletop fire pits are a different genre entirelymore ambiance than heat. They’re the outdoor equivalent of a candle that’s trying its best. But
that glow can make a small patio feel intentional, especially in apartments where you don’t have space for a big setup. People underestimate how
much they’ll enjoy a tiny flame during a quiet conversation. It’s not about warmth; it’s about atmosphere.

Finally, camping fire pits have their own magic. At a campsite, convenience matters even more because you’re already managing gear, food, and
daylight. A portable propane fire pit can feel like “cheating” in the best way: you get the cozy circle without the mess, and you can shut it down
cleanly when you’re done. The only rule here is the unglamorous one: always check local regulations and conditions. The best camping story is the one
where everyone goes home safely and the only thing left behind is a slightly higher standard for future trips.

If you take nothing else from this section, take this: choose the fire pit that fits your real habits. If you want spontaneous, frequent usego
propane. If you love rituals and don’t mind cleanupgo wood. If you host often and hate smokeconsider smokeless-style. And if your space is small,
don’t underestimate how far a little ambiance can go.