Best Portable Fire Pits for the Yard and Beyond
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There’s nothing quite like sitting around a campfire or backyard fire pit, enjoying the company of friends and family. If you’re looking for an easy way to add a little extra warmth and ambiance to your outdoor space, a portable fire pit is a perfect solution.
What’s even better than a fire pit in your backyard? A portable fire pit that you can use at home or easily take with you camping or to a friend’s house.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best options on the market, so you can find the ideal product for your needs. Regardless of your budget, we’ve got you covered. Check out our favorite picks for the best portable fire pits. You’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs!
Related: How To Start a Wood-Burning Fire Pit
Best Portable Fire Pits for Your Patio
If you’re looking for a convenient and easy-to-use fire pit, you’ll want to check out this list of the best portable fire pits. They’re perfect for backyard gatherings, camping trips, or simply enjoying a warm evening outside. Plus, they’re easy to set up and take down, so you can enjoy a cozy fire wherever you go. Check out our favorites below!
1. Solo Stove Ranger
Solo Stove Ranger Stainless Steel Smokeless Fire Pit Camping Accessories Portable Fire Pit
The Solo Stove Ranger looks basic at first glance. Plain, small, cylindrical, lightweight, and built out of stainless steel. Concealed inside this pit is a similar airflow system featured in its predecessor, Solo Stove Yukon.
The design allows for a hotter fire in the pit and burns a greater amount of its wood fuel. It burns quickly and sets its logs afire in just a few minutes. The fire inside the Stove Ranger is centered in the stunning rolling vortex and emits very little smoke, even after long hours of burning.
The Solo Stove Ranger features a built-in double wall that amplifies both combustion and airflow. Base vent holes enable the oxygen to reach the fire underneath while it’s warmed by its twofold walls, causing the fire to produce hot air and eliminate the smoke without using fans or batteries.
The 17-pound Ranger includes a fitting bag making it easy to carry and store when not in use.
The stainless steel rings that sit atop the barrel shield the flames from the breeze, and the steel body pushes the heat inwards, which burns the logs slowly and completely making the Solo Ranger one of the best portable fire pits.
2. Landmann Savannah Garden Light Fire Pit
Landmann 26364 23-1/2-Inch Savannah Garden Light Fire Pit
The Landmann Savannah Garden Light Fire Pit is lightweight, long-lasting, and costs less than most fire pits. At 23 inches, it’s a decent size and produces a nice fire.
There’s nothing too extravagant about the lattice fire pit, but it still offers a variety of impressive functions that other models don’t.
The grid design provides a full 360° degree view of the fire and all-around warmth distribution. A steel screen constructed behind the grid bands helps lessen the likelihood of injury or harm caused by an errant spark, and an included spark screen fits across the fire pit helps to hold embers.
Because of the exposure created by its grid configuration, it’s not an ideal fire pit to use when there are winds and breezes as the flames are fanned, and smoke can get thick.
It weighs 22 pounds, which is heavier than some of the others, but it’s still relatively easy to take with you.
The Savannah Garden Light Fire Pit includes a fire poker and will require a quick installation upon arrival.
3. Outland Living Firebowl Deluxe Portable Gas Fire Pit
Outland Living Model 823 Portable Propane Fire Pit
The Outland Living Firebowl Deluxe Portable Gas Fire Pit is lightweight (22 pounds) and compact enough to carry on your camping trips or be placed in your backyard. It is only 19 inches, proving it small and light enough to carry or fold for storage.
While most portable fire pits are wood-burning, this one uses propane, which is a significant feature for many people. You won’t have the natural smell of a wood-burning fire, but you will benefit from unbeatable convenience. Simply turn it on or off without the need to get a fire started manually or wait for it to burn out.
This fire pit can generate more than 58,000 BTUs of heat, delivering warmth on the coldest nights. The Outland Living Firebowl is designed to operate with a standard five-gallon propane tank and the 10-footer gas hose aids in maintaining a safe distance from the gas burner.
A simple dial regulates the scale and the strength of the fire, and the fire can be started with a built-in igniter.
The package also includes decorative rocks that scatter the flames around and a strap for easy carrying.
4. BioLite Campstove 2
BioLite Campstove 2 Wood Burning Electricity Generating & USB Charging Camp Stove
Compact fire pits have evolved a lot lately. The cutting-edge BioLite Campstove 2 is an outstanding example of high-tech answers to low-tech camping problems.
While this item is, in fact, a compact stove, it can deliver a powerful flame that matches similar fire pits.
Campstove 2 is fitted with a chargeable USB port and utilizes thermoelectric power to generate electricity out of the flames, which is an excellent feature to have, especially when you’re camping. It comes with an intelligent LED dashboard that gives precise feedback about fire strength, force, and fan speed.
Lighting a fire in the BioLite Campstove 2 is pretty easy, and you can have full control over the fire it produces. All you need is a few tiny sticks, a small fire starter such as dried grass, or a match stick.
Campstove 2 features a self-fueling system, which means you’re able to use the fan to assemble a scorching fire once you get a smidgen of warmth produced.
The entire unit weighs just about seven pounds and can prove a great companion for your camping trips.
As primarily a camping stove, this one is completely portable and designed specifically for taking with you anywhere.
5. Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Portable Fire Pit
Pop-Up Fire Pit
The Pop-Up Pit offers easy and simple installation, sets up in just thirty seconds, and cools down in just a minute without the need to use any hardware or tools. Not only is it easy to set up, but it also weighs only about 7 pounds, making it easy to transport.
When installed, it has a 24″×24” surface for charcoal or wood. Its patented design holds your campfire above the ground to ensure that no burn marks are left behind, even on the most vulnerable surfaces.
The fire mesh rests at the core of your Pop-Up Pit. The fire mesh is built out of heat-resistant stainless steel and is solid enough to keep debris contained in your pit while allowing air to roll in from below. This helps your fire burn hotter and brighter with very little smoke.
One of the drawbacks is that the package doesn’t include any heat shield or amber guard, so it’s advised not to place it on any ground prone to getting damaged by heat.
Related: The Best Wood-Burning Fire Pits For Any Budget
6. LANDMANN Fire Pit
Landmann 28345 Big Sky Stars and Moons Firepit
The LANDMANN series of fire pits have been extremely popular for more than 50 years. This brilliant barrel-shaped fire pit is built out of 100% stainless steel and comes with a matte black finish, a poker, a cooking grate, and a spark screen.
With a diameter of approximately 23-1/2 inches, this unit is big enough for decent burning but still lightweight enough to take wherever you want a fire.
The extra moon and star cutouts patterns give a distinctive aesthetic feel and boost the airflow, ensuring that your flames last longer.
This fire pit is the perfect choice for your house and outdoor camping. It’s durable and likely to last for years of use and entertainment.
The mounted safety ring also makes transportation simple, and the spark screen keeps the sparks from escaping the pit which puts the LANDMANN firepit on the best portable fire pits list.
7. Amagabeli Portable Fire Pit
Amagabeli Fire Pit Outdoor Wood Burning Portable Folding 22in
There’s nothing fancy about this portable fire pit from Amagabeli, but if you’re looking for a simple product at a great price, you may want to consider this one. We see it as the best value for the money.
At 22 inches, you’ll get a decent-sized fire, but the product is small enough and light enough (just 5 pounds) to easily take it with you.
It comes with grates of two different sizes for grilling, a spark cover that goes on top, and an extra-long poker to keep you safe. You’ll also appreciate that you don’t have to install the legs. The product ships with the legs already attach. You’ll simply unfold the legs to use it, and then you fold the legs up again if you want to store them in a compact place.
Overall, this is an excellent budget-friendly option that your friends and family will be able to enjoy anywhere.
8. Finderomend Wood Burning Portable Firepit
Finderomend Fire Pit Outdoor Wood Burning Portable Firepit
This lightweight and portable fire pit stands proud on its four legs and serves double duty as a portable grill. The outdoor wood-burning fire pit offers a simple setup by folding the legs; just make sure you place it on a flat and sturdy surface.
This wood-burning kit is easy to take away and cook anywhere. It’s perfect for roasting marshmallows or cooking hot dogs over an open fire.
It includes a fire poker and a spark screen. The fire pit cup keeps the sparks, ashes, and waste from escaping, while the wood-handled poker enables you to manipulate the logs as needed.
The Finderomend Wood Burning Portable Firepit is built out of untreated metal, offers quick cleaning, and you’ll never find yourself complaining about a scratch.
You can use both charcoal and wood as fuel to remain warm and grill in your backyard, while camping, or hosting a party.
The Finderomend Wood Burning Portable Firepit weighs around 10 pounds, measures 22 inches in diameter, and sits 11 inches above the ground.
Things to Consider Before You Buy a Portable Fire Pit
Nothing contributes to ambiance and lights up your patio like a fire pit. And when you’re buying one, you may want to get a model that can be taken with you camping, or anywhere else you want a fire. So here are a few tips you need to consider when selecting a product.
Choose What Suits Your Style
Contemporary fire pits are available in a wide variety of designs to suit your taste. More modest designs such as fire bowls suitable for your backyard settings also offer portability.
You can also go for a rectangular fire pit table if you lean toward a bolder style.
Another aspect that can significantly improve the look and feel of your outdoor area is the finish of your fire pit. Keep things smooth with matte black fashion, or add some glitter and shine in styles like silver, copper, or bronze.
Related: What is a Rick of Firewood? Everything You Need to Know
Choose the Right Size
Pick a size and design that correspond to your needs and your wallet. In general, portable fire pits tend to be smaller than the larger models that are intended to be left in one place. However, you’ll still find a lot of variation in size.
The size of your yard will, in part, dictate the size of your fire pit. A portable fire bowl is probably your best bet if you have limited room since they can go just about anywhere.
Wood-Burning vs. Gas Fire Pits
Fire pits can be powered in a number of ways. Wood-burning fire pits are the most widely used. However, there are different fire pits that require a simpler cleanup. Select the type of fuel that best suits your requirements, you will find both types on our best portable fire pits list.
The choice of one that’s right for you depends on various factors. Wood-burning fire pits involve logs, but they are cheaper in the long haul, and you don’t have to deal with a propane tank.
Related: The Best Gas Fire Pits For Your Backyard
Fire Pit Safety and Placement
When you intend to set up a fire pit, security is the most critical aspect to keep in mind. It is advised to leave at least 30 feet between the fire pit and materials that can catch fire, be that in your house or leaves in your backyard. Fire pits can radiate tons of heat, and this distance contributes to keeping your yard and yourself safe from the heat.
It is also advised to look for the rules and ordinances regarding open fire pits in your local area.
Related: How To Put Out A Fire Pit: Completely Extinguish With or Without Water
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a portable fire pit on a deck?
A fire pit should never be put on a deck, regardless of whether it is a wood or composite deck. There are mats you can buy that will go under the fire pit to protect your deck. However, there is some risk even if you’re using a mat. It’s preferable to locate the fire somewhere else if possible.
Why are fire pits smokeless?
Modern fire pits produce very little smoke. Air is drawn in from below and exhausted out the top of the pit, which creates a chimney effect and draws in more oxygen to allow it to burn hotter and cleaner.
Can I put a fire pit under a gazebo?
It’s not advised to put the fire under a gazebo. An open space is much more ideal and safe.
Can you leave fire pits outside when they’re not in use?
Yes, fire pits can be left outdoors. Most of them are made to be left outside. However, there will be less chance for rust and the product is likely to last longer if it’s stored in a shed or garage when not in use.
Can a fire pit be under a tree?
No. It’s best to keep your fire at least ten feet from any part of the tree.
Are gas pits worth it?
It depends on your budget, but gas pits are usually more expensive than wood or charcoal. They’re certainly more convenient since you simply turn them on and off. However, many people prefer the ambiance of a wood-burning fire.
Can a fire pit be used under a covered patio?
No, a fire pit should not be placed under a covered patio. The overhanging roof can trap sparks and embers, causing a fire or a burn hazard.
Do propane fire pits give off heat?
Yes, propane pits emit heat just like a gas grill does.
Can you roast marshmallows on a gas fire pit?
Yes, you can roast marshmallows on a gas pit. You might need to adjust the heat setting depending on how hot you want the fire.
Can you cook food on a propane fire pit?
Yes, you can cook food on a propane fire pit. Just like with a gas grill, you’ll need to adjust the heat setting.
Can you cook hot dogs on a gas fire pit?
Yes, you can cook hot dogs on a gas fire pit.
Are gas fire pits safer than wood?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It depends on your personal preference and what you feel comfortable with. Gas pits are certainly easier to use and tend to be a little safer since you don’t need to handle logs or pokers, but wood-burning fire pits are safe if you take the necessary precautions.
Related: Can You Put a Fire Pit on Grass? Answers to Your Safety Questions
Final Thoughts on the Best Portable Fire Pits
There’s nothing like sitting around a fire. Sometimes you want a fire in your backyard, and sometimes you want to take it with you when you go camping or somewhere else. The best portable fire pits provide this versatility and are an excellent purchase. We’ve featured the top models here, so now all that’s left is for you to decide which one is right for you.
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