Our backyard fire pit ideas will have you making s'mores every night this season.
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Best Metal, Bricks & Electric Backyard Fire Pit Ideas for a Stylish Outdoor Space
Updated on Sep. 26, 2024
Cooking food and telling stories while sitting around a roaring fire is one of the oldest human traditions. We’re happy that fire pits have evolved since the Neanderthal days—not to mention the fact that gathering firewood is as easy as driving to the store! Complete your patio with the best backyard fire pit ideas, and put a modern twist on this ancient custom. These top picks, including smokeless and stone options, are sure to encourage you to spend more time outdoors.
Best Overall Backyard Fire Pit Idea
Bonfire Smokeless Fire Pit 2.0
The Bonfire 2.0 from Solo Stove is one of the best backyard fire pit ideas, because it’s portable, smokeless, versatile and doesn’t require assembly. It’s also relatively affordable compared to other options, which is a major plus! We’ll admit it lacks some of the old-school charms of more traditional fire pits, but the smokeless feature is a piece of technology we wish we had years ago.
The signature design burns off smoke before it passes the fire pit’s ring insert, so you can roast marshmallows all night long without getting smoke in your eyes or imbedded in your clothes. The removable ash pan also makes cleanup a breeze. Place a grill grate or other cookware on top and you instantly have an outdoor stove! (Just make sure any cookware can withstand the heat and flames, and never use anything with a plastic handle).
Pros
- Smokeless
- Portable
- Sleek design
- Can be used as an outdoor stove
Cons
- Can’t hold large pieces of firewood
Best Budget Backyard Fire Pit Idea
Colsen Tabletop Fireplace
For those who live in the city, don’t have space for a backyard fire pit or are simply on a budget, the Colsen rabletop fireplace is an A+ solution. It can be used both indoors and outdoors by filling it up with rubbing alcohol or other fuel (some customer reviewers say ethanol gel works, too).
If you’re OK with spending a little more money, you can get a custom engraving on the concrete bowl, which would make a unique anniversary or birthday present. This portable fire pit that’s available on Amazon is not going to keep you warm during the winter, but it provides a little light and can get a marshmallow nice and toasty.
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Custom engravings available
- Runs on inexpensive fuel
- Flame lasts for about 45 minutes
Cons
- Very small
Best Splurge Backyard Fire Pit Idea
Palermo Seven-Piece Dining Fire Table Set
Picture this: You’re sitting around a table with your friends when all of a sudden a platter of graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows appears. The best part? You’re sitting at the Palermo seven-piece dining fire table set, so you don’t even have to leave your seat! This beautifully designed, weatherproof outdoor table has a fire pit built right in, and comes with six chairs that are available with five different cushion colors. All you need is to connect a propane tank underneath it and turn it on.
Pros
- Includes a fire pit, table and six chairs
- Fire pit is built into the table
- Weatherproof
- Available in five cushion colors
Cons
- Needs a weekly rinse if placed near the ocean or a saltwater pool
Best Portable Backyard Fire Pit Idea
Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace
Whether you’re in your backyard or packed for a camping trip, the Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace will be there to keep you warm. Load up the corrosion-resistant stainless steel container and keep flames off the ground. It folds up in seconds and comes with a carrying case, so bring it wherever you want. And since it only weighs 12 pounds, it doesn’t add much bulk or weight to your camping backpacks (which means more room for the important stuff, aka s’mores supplies).
Pros
- Comes with a carrying case
- Lightweight
- Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Protects the ground from flames
Cons
- Can remain hot for a while
Best Stone Backyard Fire Pit Idea
Sunnydaze Outdoor Cast Stone Fire Pit with Lava Rocks
Want that stone fire pit look without the stone fire pit masonry costs? Go with Sunnydaze’s cast stone fire pit with lava rocks. This backyard fire pit has a stone look, but it actually runs on electricity. Simply connect a propane tank and control the flame’s intensity from an electrical panel.
The decorative rocks are made to withstand years of continuous use, and it comes with a weatherproof cover. The 30-inch diameter allows four to six people to sit around comfortably—and make s’mores under your fire pit lighting, of course.
Pros
- Stone look without the cost
- Relatively inexpensive
- Has an electric control panel and ignition
Cons
- Some customers say the propane hose is a little short
Most Unique Backyard Fire Pit Idea
Ukiah Note Portable Audio Fire Pit
The next time your friend tells you a song is “fire,” tell them to prove it by connecting it to this portable audio fire pit. This backyard fire pit comes with beat-to-music technology that syncs the flames to whatever you’re playing. The flames are fueled by propane, and the tunes are powered through Bluetooth with a range of 60 feet.This portable fire pit can be charged to give you 20 hours of playing time, which is more than enough time to get through Marshmello’s entire discography (get it?).
Pros
- Flames can be synced to music
- Has wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- Runs on propane
- Has 20 hours of battery life
Cons
- Music function can be difficult to initially set up
Can you put a fire pit directly on grass?
We do not recommend putting a campfire stove or electrical fire pit on grass, because the container could overheat and start a fire. Either use a fire pit with legs or a stand to keep it elevated or place dirt or sand under your fire pit.
