An outdoor fireplace kit brings an ambiance of warmth and comfort to your backyard.
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5 Best Outdoor Fireplace Kits, According to a Contractor
Updated on Dec. 28, 2024
Any homeowner will tell you that a fire feature, indoor or out, is an immediate ticket to a warm, comfortable, friendly ambiance. Outdoor fire features come in all shapes and sizes, from the teeny-tiny to full-blown fireplace hardscapes. An outdoor fire feature, like a fire pit, enhances your home’s environment for every type of night, from holiday gatherings with friends and family to simple, cozy evenings at home.
So everyone gather ’round the fire for this guide to the best outdoor fireplace kits, where we cover the top options currently on the market, ranging from permanent stone installations to more economical chimenea-type picks. We also talked to Joe Raboine, a former contractor and vice president of design at Belgard, for tips on how to choose the best outdoor fireplace kit for your home.
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Best Outdoor Fireplace Kit with Pizza Oven
Blue Rooster Casita Grill Chiminea with Pizza Oven
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On Sale
Best Overall Outdoor Fireplace Kit
Sunjoy Outdoor Fireplace with Wood Storage
Pros:
- Built-in storage for firewood
- Great value for a large, sturdy outdoor fireplace
- Not a permanent installation, but looks like one
- Fire poker included
Cons:
- Pieces are heavy
If you’re looking for an absolute stunner of a fireplace that you can install on your own, this large Sunjoy outdoor fireplace kit is worth a look. We’ve deemed it the best overall outdoor fireplace kit due to its appealing design, integrated storage for firewood and decor and attractive price point.
But what we love about this fireplace is that it looks as sleek as a permanent outdoor installation, but it’s not—though heavy at nearly 400 pounds total, it could be disassembled and moved if necessary. Speaking of the product weight, this is a DIY kit, but you may consider professional moving and assembly assistance if you’re not confident in your ability to lift and move the heavy pieces.
Once assembled, the Sunjoy fireplace heats an area of up to 10 square feet and, like all good fireplaces, the chimney funnels the smoke up and away from your gathering area. Locking mesh doors keep sparks from going rogue, and the included fire poker makes it easy to tend to your burn.
Another one of our favorite features about is the integrated storage. There are two cubby holes for storing extra firewood, plus two shelves lateral to the chimney for decor or other items.
On Sale
Best Budget Outdoor Fireplace Kit
NSDirect Portable Outdoor Fireplace
Pros:
- Won’t break the bank
- Small and portable, but creates a warm fire
- 360-degree view of the fire
- 18-month warranty
Cons:
- Might have some trouble with prefabricated holes
For something smaller, portable and easier on the wallet, check out the NSDirect outdoor fireplace. Measuring in at about 43 inches tall by 26 inches wide by 26 inches deep, this small, yet mighty, fireplace is large enough for small groups to enjoy. Plus, it’s lightweight enough (about 60 pounds) to move if needed.
The NSDirect fireplace is a wood-burning fire feature. It comes with a removable ash tray for easy cleanup, and the chimney design funnels all smoke up and away from face level. The metal frame is powder-coated for corrosion resistance.
We love the unique design of this chiminea; the 360-degree mesh paneling gives off campfire vibes, but without the annoyance of smoke at face level. Plus, the 360-degree view means more people can enjoy the warmth of the fire.
One callout is that there is no built-in storage for extra firewood, but we don’t think that’s a deal breaker. Some customers report having trouble with the prefabricated holes, but other than that, customer reviews indicate that this fireplace kit is worth the investment of a few hundred dollars, with most stating that buyers love the unique shape and design, as well as how easy it is to assemble.
Best Permanent Outdoor Fireplace Kit
FlameCraft Traditional Outdoor Gas Fireplace
Pros:
- Permanent installation that can add value to your home
- Designed by fireplace experts
- Electronic ignition
- 20-year warranty
Cons:
- Requires professional assembly
Permanent fire pits require a lot more work—and much more money—than portable ones, even large portable options. However, a permanent installation will last longer and can add value to your home when the time comes to sell.
Our recommendation for the best permanent outdoor fireplace kit is the FlameCraft traditional outdoor gas fireplace from Woodland Direct, which specializes in hearths and fireplaces (and has been around since 1978), so you can feel confident you’re purchasing something carefully made.
This natural gas fireplace comes with a 20-year warranty, which means you’ll be enjoying it for decades to come. I love that this fireplace comes with everything you need to set it up. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need a professional to install this beast—but hey, at least you’ll have everything ready to go!
To be clear, this permanent outdoor fireplace is a big investment both in terms of time and money, but the reward is a beautiful, sturdy fire feature that’ll last a lifetime and can increase the value of your home.
Best Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Kit
Sunjoy Outdoor Steel Fireplace
Pros:
- Chimney channels smoke away from face level
- Includes PVC protective cover and fire poker
- Available in four colors
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Assembly may be difficult
If you liked the large Sunjoy fireplace we detailed above as the best overall pick, but don’t want something quite so big, this smaller Sunjoy wood-burning fireplace kit might be the right option for you. While it doesn’t have integrated firewood storage and shelves, it still offers the same warmth and ambiance. It weighs about 115 pounds, so a dolly will be helpful for moving it to your desired set-up location.
Crafted of powder-coated metal with copper highlights and ceramic tile, this portable fireplace is both functional and pleasing to the eye. It features two metal mesh doors to prevent embers and sparks from flying around, and your purchase includes a fire poker to tend to the burn. This fireplace also comes with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cover to protect the unit from the elements when not in use.
Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers stating that their Sunjoy fireplace is a “show-stopper” and a “great buy.” Some reviewers note that the product is “nicer than expected” for the price point and worth the investment.
Best Outdoor Fireplace Kit with Pizza Oven
Blue Rooster Casita Grill Chiminea with Pizza Oven
Pros:
- Doubles as a fireplace and outdoor pizza oven
- Solid cast aluminum design eliminates risk of rust
- Comes with second set of cooking grates for high-heat cooking
- Includes a screen and fire poker
Cons:
- Doesn’t radiate heat like an open fire pit or larger fireplace
Sometimes, the best answer is the simplest one. Chimineas are an age-old solution to a forever problem: smoke. This simple type of fireplace draws fresh air in from outdoors to fuel the fire and, due to the vase-like shape, funnels air upward, thus keeping smoke out of your face.
This particular chiminea happens to also be a pizza oven, so it’s sure to be the talk of everyone at your next social gathering. The Blue Rooster fireplace looks like a brick oven, but is made out of cast aluminum, negating any worry about rust or corrosion. The two-level design features a fireplace on the bottom and a cooking space on top, where you can make all sorts of meals and snacks over an open fire, either directly on the grill or with the removable high-heat cooking grates that raise the fire higher into the chiminea.
This unit comes with a stainless steel screen and a fire poker, so you can safely tend to the fire and ensure your food cooks evenly and deliciously. However, it’s not recommended to cook directly on grill, so make sure to use a pizza stone, cast-iron pan or other cookware.
What to Look for When Buying an Outdoor Fireplace Kit
Before you buy and build, consider these factors to make sure you get the best design and materials for your home.
Outdoor Fireplace Kit vs. Outdoor Fire Pit
There are a lot of differences between DIY outdoor fireplace kits and outdoor fire pits, but the primary considerations lie in construction and mobility. Installing hardscapes as a DIY project with an outdoor fire kit can be challenging, but also very rewarding, says Raboine.
“[Fire pits] can be a more affordable and quicker option, and a good beginner project for someone looking to explore DIY projects deeper,” he says. “In comparison to a permanent outdoor fire feature, both options can improve the functionality and increase a homeowner’s enjoyment of a space. However, a permanent option can deliver a stronger ROI [(return on investment)] when it comes time to sell the property.”
“By installing a permanent backyard fireplace, a homeowner is making an investment in their property in the same way that upgrading an interior space, such as a bathroom or kitchen, can improve a home,” Belgard explains. “There are important considerations for deciding which is best for your home, including available space, proximity to other structures, materials available and durability.”
DIY Outdoor Fireplace Kit Safety
Raboine says that “DIY outdoor fireplace kits are safe to use for most people, but there are some safety considerations all should keep in mind.”
For starters, “Homeowners should carefully consider the placement of the fireplace, considering nearby trees and foliage, potential wind and proximity to other structures,” Raboine says. “It’s also important to consult with your local municipality, as each may have local ordinances that need to be followed for installing fireplaces.”
Building Materials
The most obvious and practical option for an outdoor fireplace kit is a hardscape, such as from stones or concrete pavers, Raboine says. These are “ideal materials for building a fireplace, as they are durable and offer numerous design options,” he says.
“With various [hardscape] options, you can select the best materials to match your overall style and customize your space. They are also simple to maintain and easy to repair as needed,” Raboine says. Follow these tips for outdoor fireplace maintenance.
Wood-Burning vs. Gas Fuel
Finally, consider the fuel type for your desired outdoor fireplace. Many offer the option to utilize gas or wood for heat. “A gas fireplace might require professional assistance to run a gas line and ensure safety protocol is followed,” Raboine says. “Regarding wood-burning fireplace kits, homeowners will want to consider storage, and make sure to add some kind of [storage] solution to your list, as it is often forgotten but very important.”
Why You Should Trust Us
The Family Handyman team consists of shopping experts and subject matter experts whose collective goal is to bring readers the best products for their needs, wants and budgets. I’m an experienced commerce writer and journalist who has a knack for investigating product specifications and brand policies, and a personal interest in putting the consumer first. For this article, to improve my understanding of outdoor fire features, I consulted with subject matter expert Joe Raboine, a former contractor and vice president of design at Belgard, a top design studio for hardscapes.
Dozens of Fireplaces Researched and Experts Consulted
This guide to the best outdoor fireplace kits began with hours of research, sifting through product listings online and reading customer reviews. After spending hours comparing specifications, I made a shortlist of 15 potential product inclusions. I then consulted with Raboine, my subject matter expert, on the pros and cons of permanent outdoor fireplace kits, portable fireplaces, different building materials and storage and safety considerations. At that point, I narrowed my list down to the five outdoor fireplace options you see here.
FAQ
Does an outdoor fireplace increase home value?
According to Raboine, permanent fire features can increase the value of your home. It’s much like adding an in-ground pool or making substantial updates to the interior of your home. A portable fire pit or chiminea, however, won’t increase the value of your home since it’s considered personal property that doesn’t stay with the home.
Is an outdoor fireplace warmer than a fire pit?
When considering the warmth of a fire feature, the most important thing to note is the British thermal unit (BTU) output of the feature. The higher the BTU, the more warming potential. In general, fireplaces can utilize higher-BTU components, making them warmer than fire pits in most cases. That won’t always be the case, though, so it’s important to check the specifications. Some manufacturers also include information on how many square feet the fire feature can warm.
Outdoor Fireplace Ideas and Essentials
Explore these inspiring outdoor fireplace ideas to elevate your backyard to the next level.
- Outdoor Fireplace Design Ideas
- Outdoor Fireplace Types
- Outdoor Fireplace Accessories
- Top Outdoor Fireplace Pizza Ovens and Fire Pit Combos
Source:
- Joe Raboine, a former contractor and vice president of design at Belgard, a top design studio for hardscapes
