These 11 Firepits Are Your Ticket to an Outdoorsy Fall (P.S.: We Tested Some for You!)

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Sure, the sun might never set after eight o’clock again until 2025, but that’s no reason to stop spending glorious evenings gathered outside with your loved ones, singing camp songs or, more realistically, rehashing the petty details of the day. One thing’s for certain—everything is better by fire light, by means of a fire pit.

As Alicia Keys once sang, “This pit is on fire.” While that iconic ballad wasn’t about firepits, they totally deserve their own anthem. These cozy backyard installments, often portable, effortlessly spice up an outdoor setup and secure many unforgettable alfresco memories. Let our curated selection of 11 top firepit models serve as the spark of inspiration you need to get out there as the air starts chilling. We’ve even tested two of these models IRL, and let us tell you: They’re lit.

Bonfire 2.0

Solo Stove is one of the leading brands (if not the leading brand) in the smokeless-slash-low smoke firepit space. It’s hyped up on social media and often occupies the number one spot on best firepit roundups, like this one by yours truly. All that being said, does the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 actually live up to its online reputation? We say yes, based on the weeklong testing we did.

Setup was a breeze, what with the highly visual instruction manual and the firepit’s streamlined design. We liked the bright, almost neon orange flames the pit produced, as well as its removable ash pan, which made cleanup a truly seamless experience. Also, its metallic flake cools down in no time after the last of the fire has been extinguished.

As for the Bonfire 2.0’s aesthetics, we have to say they were flamin’ hot. The stainless steel perfectly contrasts with the moody, lush green of trees at dusk, as well as the colorful Adirondacks you’re bound to pull up in order to better enjoy this firepit’s magic. Even more magical is the fact that the model is portable and comes with a handy carry case. Note that most Solo Stove peripheral accessories (like the firepit surround, heat deflector, and pellet adapter) are sold separately.

Weight: 23.3 lbs | Material: Stainless steel, high-heat ceramic coating

Bessemer Rolling Patio Fireplace

We had high hopes when we unboxed this rolling firepit from Fire Sense, which were a bit crushed when we saw the transparent number of bolts, screws, attachments, and other Bob the Builder accessories that needed to be put in place before fireside conversations could commence.

That’s not to say that once you’ve passed this initial stage—sufficiently sweaty and sore from all the bending and maneuvering—it isn’t a functional product. Indeed, though this firepit proved flimsier than the aforementioned Solo Stove model, we appreciated the fact that it has wheels that allow for easy transport across patios, backyards, and driveways. Another bonus is the metal grate surround that saves you the effort of craning your neck to check if the wood’s burning correctly.

This budget model isn’t packed with bells and whistles, but it legitimately does its job. Because of its domed lid, you’ll be getting some smoke exposure (and a good dose of that woodsy, hard-to-wash-off scent), but in a mitigated and outward-versus-upward way. Refueling is made easy with the pit’s large screen door.

Though we haven’t had a chance to test it beyond a week, Fire Sense promises that the product’s porcelain enamel construction makes it resistant to corrosion in the long run. In any case, the exteriors are stylish and streamlined—a winning combination.

Weight: 29.9 lbs | Material: Stainless steel, porcelain enamel

X Series Smokeless Fire Pit

One of the hottest things about this pit is the fact that its material—aside from the legs and rim—is corten steel, which starts off blue and slowly but surely develops a patina with added use (thanks, iron oxide!).

Similarly to Solo Stove, the X Series Smokeless Fire Pit uses oxygen airflow, double-wall technology, and secondary combustion powered by rim perforations to ensure as little smoke is emitted from it as possible. If you’re in the market for some autumnal outdoor cooking, Breeo can provide that, too: It has a range of live-fire cooking accessories that easily fit over the X Series model, including a searplate griddle, grill grate, and beyond. Happy (and delicious) memory-making!

Weight: 62 lbs | Material: Stainless steel, corten steel

Cast-Iron Fire Bowl

Coming from the powerhouse furniture company Fritz Hansen, this firepit has some serious design chops. With its low-profile, cast-iron bowl (shaped in a way that makes heat dissipate better) and two built-in handles, it’s bound to integrate into your outdoor aesthetic in no time.

This product is the opposite of an eyesore and will get you as close to the elements as possible. On that note, however, there are no grates or protective walls here; keep out of reach of children...and in easy reach of your s’mores roasting stick!

Weight: 40 lbs | Material: Cast iron

Customizable Propane Fire Pit

Don’t want to expend energy on gathering firewood? Enter this propane firepit from Tiki. Your purchase will include decorative lava rocks (an obvious must-have), as well as a metal burner cover, handy propane gauge, and slide-out propane tray—fit to accommodate a standard 20-pound tank.

“Where does the customization aspect come into play?” you might ask. Tiki allows customers to easily convert the pit into a fire table, fit for some charcuterie board action, or a patio heater—all thanks to add-on attachments that easily lock into the product’s modular exterior.

Save the smoke and the stress with this propane firepit. Your backyard will thank you.

Weight: 91 lbs | Material: Weatherproof powder-coated steel, stainless steel

Rook Fire Table

In the market for a $4,000 fire pit? Maybe it’s your era of splurging, or maybe you just want to invest in a sturdy, durable, and highly sculptural item for the upcoming fall season. Either way, we won’t judge you (and we might even join you!).

The Rook Fire Table—made from hand-cast reinforced concrete with glass fibers—is worthy of its own gallery space. That rounded and modern silhouette with a slatted teak lid, after all, is absolute eye candy. In case a muted gray doesn’t jive with your patio decor, the product comes in two other finish options (Charcoal, Canyon). If you’re not into natural gas, Neighbor offers propane compatibility, too. In other words, the possibilities for zhuzhing up your outdoor space are limitless.

Commitment issues setting in already? You’re covered with a 45-day trial period and a two-year warranty. Cheery, well-oiled hangouts by the firepit are on your horizon—especially when considering this table’s gas valve control key moonlights as a handy bottle opener.

Weight: 263 lbs | Material: Glass fiber reinforced concrete

Smokeless Fire Pit

Become a certified pit boss with the Pit Boss Smokeless Fire Pit. Its double-walled-steel build, hot black sand finish (made even sexier by being resistant to high temps), and lightweight nature make it one of the leading options on the market.

Note that it operates on hardwood pellets, fire gel, and a flame source—the only ingredients needed to heat up your next communal gathering in the great outdoors. The main difference between pellets and logs? According to home product company HY-C, “wood pellets typically have moisture levels of just 5% to 10%. This means that when they’re burned, they tend to produce very little—if any—smoke.” In comparison, logs hold more moisture and produce more smoke.

A cover is included when you snag this item online, which is yet another reason for making it a plus-one on your next camping trip to the woods.

Weight: 34.4 lbs | Material: Steel

Faisal Stainless Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit

This is another one of those pits that’s half art object, half functional fire wielder. We’re not mad about that! Its rusting steel gets progressively more distressed (in that lived-in, chic kind of way) the longer it sits outside and the more it’s put to good use. The angularity of the firepit’s legs is yet another product spec to embrace with open arms. In essence, the Faisal firepit is a traditionalist at heart. “None of that pellet and propane nonsense,” it chides, before adding: “Let wood be thy medicine.”

Unconvinced of its powers? One anonymous reviewer said: “Great design, easy to move around.” A more expressive one cheerfully reported: “It was a fantastic gift for my husband.... It really feels like someone put a lot of effort to produce this piece. The size is perfect. And the longer we use it, the nicer it gets.… Just like described."

Weight: 39.7 lbs | Material: Carbon steel

Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit with Stand

This mini tabletop firepit is almost too cute for words. Clocking in at just 1.4 pounds, it’s the best choice for those who are short on space (or funds, for that matter). The Mesa benefits not only from Solo Stove's Signature 360-Degree Airflow system but also Dual Fuel functionality; the latter means you can make a pellet-powered fire or use any other fuel source on hand.

Its high-heat ceramic coating resists patina for years, so it’s safe to say you’re in for a long-term relationship with this product. It comes in nine colorways, though, so boredom will be a nonissue.

Weight: 1.4 lbs | Material: Stainless steel, ceramic

Smokeless FirePit+ Grill

If you’re the kind of person who prefers flame-licked barbecue over takeout, this grill-slash-fire pit hybrid from BioLite is right up your alley. It’s firewood- and charcoal-compatible, has mesh sides that ensure heat flows outward, and includes a rechargeable power pack that controls a flame-stoking air fan. High-tech wizardry FTW.

This firepit’s ultimate feature, however, is the fact that you can adjust its flame intensity with a compatible Bluetooth app. We’re literally living in the future—and your future will now include delicious grilled meals shared with all the people you treasure most in this world.

Weight: 19.8 lbs | Material: Stainless steel

Cleanburn Smokeless Fire Pit

This Cuisinart firepit looks like half of an egg resting on an egg stand—but it’s also high-performing in addition to being adorable. Equipped with bottom vents that pull oxygen in and heat it up inside of the Cleanburn’s two walls, it stays true to its name by providing a clean, practically smokeless burn. There’s also an accompanying ashtray for keeping things spotless, as well as a wind guard for making sure bad weather doesn’t dampen your next open-air party.

No assembly is required for this pit, and there’s also no need to purchase specialty wood. We love a self-sufficient, low-maintenance beauty!

Weight: 22 lbs | Material: Stainless steel, alloy steel

Should you invest in an expensive firepit?

Firepit costs range anywhere from under $100 (we see you, Solo Stove Mesa!) to a dramatic five figures (in the case of the GlammFire Zarzuela Bioethanol Fire Pit, for instance, which comes with the option of benches and is fit for outdoor restaurant setups or very luxe residential backyards). Don't equate the price tag with the quality, however. Budget models might be flimsier, yes, but also portable versus something more permanent and bulky. Fire pits on the high end of the cost spectrum might have designer name going for them, be made of sturdier materials—like the concrete Rook Fire Table in our roundup—or else come with extra bells and whistles that are great to have but not essential. The TL;DR to all this? Pick a price point you're comfortable with and ensure the product specs/reviews match just what you're looking for.

What's the best firepit fuel type?

According to Patio Productions, an outdoor furniture retailer based in San Diego, wood is still used in 80% of outdoor firepits, primarily due to its “nostalgic aroma and campfire ambience” (not to mention that snap, crackle, pop sound!). Recently, though, alternative fuel sources like propane and natural gas—which flaunt the convenience factors of “instant push-button ignition and adjustable heat”—have become hot options. Wood is the messiest in regards to smoke emissions and also the most time-intensive, especially if you plan on gathering logs by hand. Want to help preserve the environment? Bioethanol fuel is your guy: a renewable, biodegradable, and carbon neutral energy source created from biomass. Let this help guide your decision as to which firepit fuel type to pick.

Which firepit material should you go with?

If you’ve carefully read this article (a true ELLE DECOR insider!), you probably noticed that the most common firepit materials are stainless steel, cast iron, and the occasional concrete. There are also carbon steel and corten steel, both of which develop a patina the longer they’re used and/or sit outside. Steel is a safe choice to go with, as it’s lightweight and heat-resistant. Per FMP Construction, a full-service commercial and industrial contracting company out of Denver, “concrete... is less tolerant of extreme temperature changes” than its steel counterparts. How does cast iron compare? Sam’s Welding, Inc. has the answer: It’s “durable and more heat-resistant than most other metals,” in addition to being thicker and more fearless in the face of adverse weather conditions. Ultimately, it all boils down to how the firepit looks to you and if it sparks joy. Treat yourself—and your backyard—to the best of the best.

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