Fire Pits: Buying Guides & Safety Know-How
Smokeless fire pits, wood vs. propane, and how far a fire pit should sit from your house — practical guides for a safer, cozier backyard.
A fire pit turns an unused corner of the yard into the place everyone ends up after dinner. The right one depends on how you'll use it: portable smokeless stoves are easy to move and store, while heavy steel pits are built to live outside year-round.
Just as important as which pit you buy is where you put it. Clearances, surface materials, local burn rules and wind all matter, so alongside our picks we cover the safety basics most buyers skip.
Best fire pits — top picks
Fire Pits
Best Outdoor Fireplaces & Chimineas
The best outdoor fireplaces and chimineas: Sunnydaze steel, Bali cast iron and a Napoleon gas fireplace compared on fuel, size, upkeep and warranty.
Top picks · 5 min read
Fire Pits
Best Propane Fire Pit Tables
The best propane fire pit tables compared: Outland Living and Real Flame picks, plus BTU, size, tank and safety tips to choose the right one.
Top picks · 5 min read
Fire Pits
Best Smokeless Fire Pits
Smokeless fire pits burn wood more cleanly — here are the best from Solo Stove, Breeo and BioLite, and who each one is for.
Top picks · 4 min read
Comparisons & how-to guides
Fire Pits
Solo Stove vs. Breeo
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 and Yukon 2.0 vs. the Breeo X Series: portability, size, durability, cooking accessories and which smokeless pit fits you.
Comparison · 4 min read
Fire Pits
How Far Should a Fire Pit Be From Your House?
Typical safe distances from your house, fence, trees and deck — plus surface, wind and local-rule basics. Always check local codes and the manufacturer's instructions.
Guide · 3 min read
Fire Pits
Wood vs. Propane Fire Pits
Crackle and smoke, or switch-and-go? Compare cost, convenience, safety, rules and cleanup to choose between wood and propane fire pits.
Guide · 3 min read
Free fire pits tools
Browse every fire pits product we've researched
Filter by price tier and jump to the guide that covers each one.
Fire Pits: quick answers
Are smokeless fire pits really smokeless?
They produce far less smoke than an open fire when burned correctly with dry, seasoned hardwood — but they aren't magic. Wet or resinous wood still smokes, and most designs smoke a little while the fire is starting up.
Wood-burning or propane fire pit?
Wood is cheaper to buy and gives the crackle and smell people love. Propane is instant, cleaner and easier to put out, and is often permitted when wood fires are restricted. See our full comparison.
Can I put a fire pit on a wood deck?
Only if the pit is designed for it, with a heat shield or stand that keeps the base cool, and the manufacturer says so. Otherwise use a fireproof pad or place the pit on pavers or gravel instead.