Patio Heat and Fire Pits
Best Fire Pits (2026): Wood vs Propane and What Size to Buy
Quick answer
The best fire pit for most backyards is the Solo Stove Yukon, a 27 inch stainless secondary-burn wood pit with a stand. Choose propane, like the 58,000 BTU Outland Firebowl 883, for no smoke, no ash and burn-ban use. Pit diameter barely changes seating: most circles fit 8 to 9 chairs.
A fire pit is an outdoor container for a contained wood or gas fire. The first decision is fuel. Wood gives real crackle and strong radiant heat, plus smoke, sparks and ash. Propane gives instant, clean flame at the turn of a knob with less felt heat. The second decision is where it goes, because local rules and clearances matter more than the model.
Our top pick, the Solo Stove Yukon with Stand ($599.01), is the largest Solo Stove and uses secondary combustion to cut smoke. For a propane fire that sets up in minutes, the Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega 24 in. Propane Fire Pit ($214.99) is our pick. Plan your seating ring with the fire pit size calculator.
On this page
- What is the best fire pit?
- Wood vs propane fire pit: which is better?
- What size fire pit do I need for my seating?
- How far should a fire pit be from the house?
- Beginner pick: a classic open fire or a no-fuss propane bowl
- Intermediate pick: less smoke or a fire you can take anywhere
- Expert pick: a permanent centerpiece for the backyard
- How do the fire pits compare on specs?
- What accessories does a wood fire pit need?
What is the best fire pit?
For a permanent backyard spot, a double-wall stainless or corten steel wood pit is the best long-term buy. The Solo Stove Yukon is the biggest Solo Stove at 27 inches across and 19.9 inches tall. The Breeo X Series 24 is made in the USA from corten steel with patented X Airflow and accepts Breeo's live-fire cooking accessories. For a mid-size group, the Solo Stove Basecamp 24 in. Fire Pit with Stand is 24.6 inches and 30.5 lb with a stand that protects decks and patios.
For a traditional open fire on a budget, the Sunnydaze Crossweave 36 in. Wood-Burning Fire Pit is a 36 inch steel bowl that includes a log grate, spark screen, poker and cover. For propane, the Outland Firebowl 883 and the portable Ignik FireCan Elite Portable Propane Fire Pit give smoke-free flame. Smoke-reducing designs get their own list in best smokeless fire pits.
Wood vs propane fire pit: which is better?
Neither is better across the board. Wood is better for heat and atmosphere, and propane is better for convenience, patios close to the house and places with burn restrictions. Propane vs wood fire pit goes deeper.
| Factor | Wood fire pit | Propane fire pit |
|---|---|---|
| Felt heat | Strong radiant heat that varies with the fuel load | Steady but lower felt heat; 55,000 to 58,000 BTU on portable bowls |
| Smoke | Some smoke; reduced by secondary-burn designs and dry wood | Essentially none |
| Sparks and embers | Yes; a spark screen helps | None |
| Cleanup | Ash to empty after the pit fully cools | None beyond wiping lava rock or glass |
| Burn bans | Usually prohibited during bans | CSA-approved propane bowls are allowed during many bans; check local rules |
| Start and stop | 15 to 30 minutes to establish; must burn down or be doused | On and off with a valve |
| Fuel use | Seasoned firewood at 20% moisture or less | 20 lb tank runs a 58,000 BTU bowl about 7.4 hours on high |
| Cooking | Yes, with maker-approved grates and accessories | Most bowls are not designed for cooking; check the manual |
Propane hours = 430,000 BTU in a 20 lb tank divided by burner output per hour.
What size fire pit do I need for my seating?
Diameter changes how much heat the fire throws, not how many chairs fit. The seating ring is set by legroom and chair width. The table assumes chairs about 30 inches wide with 6 inch gaps (3 feet of circle per chair), the chair front 2 feet from the rim as a minimum, and a 1.5 foot walkway behind the chairs. Big wood fires often push people back to 3 feet or more.
| Fire pit diameter | Example | Chairs that physically fit | Maker's suggested group | Minimum patio circle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.5 in | Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 | 8 | 4 to 6 | about 14 ft |
| 24.6 in | Solo Stove Basecamp 24 | 8 | 5 to 7 | about 14 ft |
| 27 in | Solo Stove Yukon | 9 | not published | about 14.5 ft |
| 27.5 in | TIKI Reunion | 9 | Large gatherings, 4 ft heat radius | about 14.5 ft |
| 36 in | Sunnydaze Crossweave 36 | 9 | 6 to 8 | about 15 ft |
| 48 in | Built-in ring | 11 | n/a | about 16 ft |
Chairs = circumference of the chair-center circle divided by 3 ft. Patio circle = pit diameter plus 12 ft. Small pits fit many chairs but only warm the closest few.
How far should a fire pit be from the house?
Follow your local fire code and HOA first: many municipalities set minimum distances from structures and property lines for recreational fires, commonly in the range of 10 to 25 feet, and some ban wood fires entirely. Beyond the code, keep a wood fire away from overhanging branches, fences, sheds and anything under a roof, and never under a covered patio, pergola or awning. Put it on a non-combustible surface such as pavers, gravel or concrete. On decks, only use a pit its manufacturer allows on decks, with the maker's stand or heat shield, and add a spark screen like the Solo Stove Bonfire Shield Spark Screen for wood fires. Pair it with Adirondack chairs sized for the ring.
Beginner pick: a classic open fire or a no-fuss propane bowl
You want a fire this weekend without a big spend. Pick wood for heat and crackle, propane for zero cleanup.
Sunnydaze Crossweave 36 in. Wood-Burning Fire Pit
$199.00A 36 inch steel bowl with a log grate, spark screen, poker and cover included and a maker rating of 6 to 8 seats. The bowl has no drain holes, so empty rainwater or keep it covered.
Best for: a classic wood fire for a big circle
Check price on Amazon
Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega 24 in. Propane Fire Pit
$214.99A 24 inch, 58,000 BTU propane bowl that sets up with no tools, with a 10 ft hose that keeps the tank out of sight, an adjustable regulator, 6.6 lb of lava rock and a weather cover. CSA approved.
Best for: ash-free fires on a patio
Check price on AmazonIntermediate pick: less smoke or a fire you can take anywhere
You have a fire most weekends and want less smoke in your eyes, or a propane fire for camping and the beach as well as the yard.
Solo Stove Basecamp 24 in. Fire Pit with Stand
$399.99A 24.6 inch stainless pit at 30.5 lb with 360 degree airflow that re-burns smoke, a removable ash pan and a stand for heat-sensitive surfaces, rated for 5 to 7 people.
Best for: a mid-size low-smoke pit for a deck
Check price on Amazon
Ignik FireCan Elite Portable Propane Fire Pit
$299.95A 55,000 BTU propane fire in a 10.1 lb stainless ammo-can body with a quick-release 4 ft hose, 5 psi regulator and tank stand, CSA compliant.
Best for: overlanding, beaches and small patios
Check price on AmazonExpert pick: a permanent centerpiece for the backyard
A fire pit you will use for a decade, sized for a real group, possibly for cooking too.
Solo Stove Yukon with Stand
$599.01Solo Stove's largest pit at 27 inches and 44.1 lb, in stainless steel with the dedicated stand, built on the same secondary-burn airflow that reduces smoke in the smaller models.
Best for: the largest Solo Stove fire for a permanent spot
Check price on Amazon
Breeo X Series 24 Corten Steel Smokeless Fire Pit
$599.00A made-in-USA double-wall corten steel pit with X Airflow secondary combustion that accepts Breeo live-fire cooking accessories for grilling over wood.
Best for: a patio centerpiece that also cooks
Check price on AmazonWho should not buy this tier: Skip this tier if your local rules restrict wood fires, if you only light a fire a few times a year, or if you plan to move the pit around. A 44 lb stainless pit is not portable, corten steel can leave rust-colored stains on pale concrete as it weathers, and neither is smoke-free in wind or with damp wood. A propane bowl is the better buy for restricted areas.
How do the fire pits compare on specs?
| Model | Price | Diameter | Height | Output | Smokeless design | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnydaze Crossweave 36 in. Wood-Burning Fire Pit | $199.00 | 36 in | 24 in | - | No | - |
| Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega 24 in. Propane Fire Pit | $214.99 | 24 in | 13 in | 58,000 BTU | Yes | - |
| Solo Stove Basecamp 24 in. Fire Pit with Stand | $399.99 | 24.6 in | - | - | Yes | 30.5 lb |
| Ignik FireCan Elite Portable Propane Fire Pit | $299.95 | - | - | 55,000 BTU | - | 10.1 lb |
| Solo Stove Yukon with Stand | $599.01 | 27 in | 19.9 in | - | Yes | 44.1 lb |
| Breeo X Series 24 Corten Steel Smokeless Fire Pit | $599.00 | 27.5 in | - | - | Yes | - |
What accessories does a wood fire pit need?
Two accessories do most of the safety work: long tools that keep hands out of the fire and a spark screen near anything flammable. A fire pit or patio heater pairs well with the expert patio evening setup.
Solo Stove Fire Pit Tools 2-Piece Set
$59.99A 36.5 inch angled poker and 32 inch log tongs in 304 stainless, bent to reach into deep burn chambers from a safe distance.
Best for: tending any wood-burning pit
Check price on Amazon
Solo Stove Bonfire Shield Spark Screen
$134.99A two-piece 304 stainless spark screen with removal tools that nests inside the Bonfire for travel, for use near decks and dry grass.
Best for: using a Bonfire near decks or dry grass
Check price on AmazonHow we chose
We did not test these products in person. Picks are researched from manufacturer specifications and owner manuals, engine and safety certifications where they apply, warranty terms, public recall records, and the recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We favor established brands with large review counts and parts support, match each pick to a real yard size or task, and place it in the tier where its price and capability actually belong.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wood or propane fire pit better?
Wood fire pits give more felt heat and the crackle and smell of a real fire, but they make smoke, sparks and ash and are usually banned during burn restrictions. Propane fire pits give clean flame on demand with no cleanup and are allowed during many burn bans if CSA approved. Choose wood for heat and ambiance in open yards, propane for patios near the house.
What size fire pit is best for 6 people?
A fire pit about 24 to 36 inches across suits six people. Solo Stove rates its 24.6 inch Basecamp for 5 to 7, and Sunnydaze rates its 36 inch Crossweave for 6 to 8. Seating depends more on legroom and chair width than pit size, so plan a patio circle of roughly 14 to 15 feet across to fit six chairs with a walkway behind them.
Can I put a fire pit on a wood deck?
Only if the manufacturer allows deck use for that model and you use its stand or heat shield. Wood decks are combustible and embers can land outside the pit, so add a spark screen and a non-combustible mat where allowed, keep water nearby and check local rules and your HOA. Propane fire pits are generally better suited to decks than wood fires.
How far should a fire pit be from a house?
Follow local code, which often sets a minimum distance from structures and property lines for recreational fires, commonly between 10 and 25 feet. Keep the fire away from overhanging branches, fences and sheds, and never place it under a covered patio or pergola. When local rules are silent, the fire pit manual's clearance is the minimum, and more distance is better for wood fires.
How long does a propane fire pit run on a 20 lb tank?
A 20 lb tank holds about 430,000 BTU. A 58,000 BTU bowl like the Outland Firebowl 883 on full flame runs about 7.4 hours, and a 55,000 BTU Ignik FireCan Elite about 7.8 hours. Turning the flame down to about half roughly doubles those numbers. A tank scale or gauge tells you whether a spare tank is needed before guests arrive.
How do I put out a fire pit safely?
Stop adding wood well before bedtime so the fire burns down. Spread the coals, pour water slowly to avoid steam burns, stir the ashes and pour again until nothing hisses and the ashes are cool to the back of your hand held above them. Never leave hot coals overnight. For stainless secondary-burn pits, check the manual, since some makers recommend letting the fire burn out.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.