It is always fun to sit in the front yard or backyard of the house and enjoy a family dinner or a small get together with friends. However, when the temperature plummets during the winter season, we all are forced to stay inside and sit in front of our gas fireplace/electric fireplace/. But, the fun of sitting outside and barbecuing some burgers or steaks on pellet smoker is something else, which I can’t describe in words. Therefore, if you want to have fun in the front yard or backyard of your house even on a cold winter night, then you need to get the best fire pit, period.
You can get patio heaters to ward off the chill, but then, when it gets freezing, a patio heater will not be able to keep you warm. At that time, you need something more efficient, something like a fire pit. Now, there are different types of fire pits available on the market, and if you plan on checking all those one by one, then it will take you ages to select the right product. The best approach for you would be to go through the consumer reports best fire pits. I have reviewed seven top products that you can check out and then, you can shortlist the product that you think suits your needs the best.
Reviews Of 7 Best Fire Pits
1. Landmann 28345 Big Sky Stars And Moons Fire Pit
When this fire pit is lit, it will take you to the moon and the stars. Its amazing beauty is transcended when you get the warmth and comfort sitting in the vicinity. This unit is one of the most popular on the market and has been deemed the best patio fire pit. The construction of this fire pit includes durable steel, and the beautifully designed cutouts of moons and stars around its façade along with the black finish gives a classic look to the unit.
The fire pit is accompanied with a cooking grate, a poker for the fire and a spark screen, which keeps ember bits away from all those sitting around the unit and enjoying the warmth in cold evenings. The less weight of the fire pit, i.e., 28.5lbs makes the unit portable and with the inclusion of a safety ring, the whole unit becomes easier to move. This is one of the best outdoor wood burning fire pits you will come across in today’s world, so if you like to keep yourself warm just how a caveman would do, then get this fire pit. The large fire bowl of 23½ inches will deliver a good amount of warmth for your entire group to enjoy and a 360-degree view.
2. Outland Living Series 401 Brown 44-Inch Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit Table
Are you finding your backyard a bit boring? Well, how about getting a traditional fire pit, which could reignite your backyard and make it a fun place. You can check out Outland Living Series 401 Propane Gas Fire Pit, which is a rectangular unit that can provide you with the warmth you’ve been yearning for quite some time.
This is one of the best portable propane fire pit units in the world right now. What makes this fire pit so popular is its aluminum frame, which is durable and supportive, and then, there is a table made from UV light high-density polyethylene, which is heat resistant just as all other elements.
The unit features a 5-gallon propane tank, which is concealed beneath the table for a slick look. The unit has the energy output of 35,000 BTU, which is sufficient to comfort half a dozen people in a cold evening. Besides the efficient performance of the fire pit, I will also give full marks to it on looks because the Espresso whicker blends well with your outdoor décor, enhancing the overall ambiance of your backyard. You should definitely consider it if you want the best propane fire pit.
3. BALI OUTDOORS Firepit LP Gas Fire Pit
BALI Outdoor Fire Pit is the best gas fire pit for heat, which means, if you are looking for some serious heat, then this 50,000 BTU stainless steel unit is going to fulfill that wish of yours. The unit features a deep gas fire pit, which comprises an electronic ignition, safety valve, and hidden control panel. You will not have to put any effort into turning the fire pit on, thanks to its electronic ignition along with central control, embedded in the overall design for a flawless appearance.
The operation of the unit begins with a push of a button, and then, you and your family members/friends can enjoy excellent heat. With this fire pit, you will get lava rocks for excellent thermal insulation and heat preservation. The cover is included with the product, but it only covers the fire pit and not the entire unit.
4. Sunnydaze Cosmic Outdoor Fire Pit
This is a perfect blend of elegance and performance. The cosmic-designed fire pit will add to your outdoor décor and once installed, it produces a great amount of heat to let you enjoy the beautiful night without feeling cold. The star and moon cut out design on the fire pit is another thing that many would find intriguing. The unit is made of .77mm steel, which gives it the necessary durability.
On top of steel, rustic-patina colored paint has been done to increase the lifespan of the unit by making it resistant to heat. The company has designed the fire pit with four legs, which add stability and strength to it. For easy cleaning and maintenance, a rail has been given along with the unit. When it comes to the dimensions of this unit, then the diameter is around 34 inches and the weight of the fire pit is approx., 36 lbs.
For the safety of users, a spark screen has been given that prevents the contact of embers and ashes with the people. While everything seems to be so great in this fire pit, but there are some drawbacks as well such as, small drainage hole at the bottom of the unit and screws, which may become loose after a certain period of time.
5. Bond Manufacturing 51228 Morgan Hill Fire Column
Check out this another incredible fire pit, which is all about delivering excellent heat to the people sitting around. Bond Manufacturing 51228 Morgan Hill Fire Pit has an energy output of 40,000 BTU. The unit features a granite top, which looks beautiful and holds the rest of the unit perfectly. As far as the base of the fire pit is concerned, then that is made from Envirostone, so the company has not compromised on the quality whatsoever.
The unit works on propane and can accommodate up to 20lb propane tank at once, but you will have to buy it separately. The stainless steel burner ensures even heat throughout the fire pit, and the inclusion of pulse ignition makes sure that no time is wasted in igniting the fire. With a push of a button, the fire will light up and you can then enjoy the heat with your family and/or friends.
6. Christopher Knight Home 296587 Great Deal Furniture
The next fire pit is a square-shaped stone fire pit, which has an energy output of 40,000 BTU. The unit is quite sturdy and doesn’t need much upkeep as well. The fire pit features fireproof magnesium oxide, which makes it resistant to mold and mildew. You can use it indoors and outdoors depending upon what you like. The unique design of the fire pit ensures an equal spread of the fire on all sides. Besides sitting around the pit fire and enjoying the warmth, you can roast marshmallows in it as well. I really liked the versatility of the unit and also recommend it to you if you are fond of traditional looking fire pits.
7. Fire Sense 62746 Armstrong Round Fire Pit
Fire Sense Armstrong Round Fire Pit is a strong, efficient and reliable fire pit that is made of high-quality aluminum along with antique bronze finish. This fire pit has an energy output of 50,000 BTUs, which means, more people can sit around the unit and enjoy warmth on a chilly night. The fire pit features high-temperature painted steel burner, which ensures uniform fire along with beautiful flame. The unit operates on liquid propane, which is placed underneath the unit, and accessed through a hinged door. The unit supports 20lbs of LP cylinder, which you will have to buy on your own. With the fire pit, you will get a clear fire glass and a cover for the entire unit.
How To Choose The Best Fire Pit
Choosing a fire pit is not easy even if you have shortlisted a few products. To get closer to the purchasing of the best fire pit, you need to consider the following six features.
Style
Fire pits come in different styles, as you will find some that look like a chimney where others look like cauldrons. Then, there are some, which resembles a table, so you need to figure out as to which fire pit style you are interested in buying. If you already have designed a décor in your backyard, then you will have to find a fire pit that blends well with it.
Fuel Source: Wood or Propane?
Fire pits run either on wood or propane, and each fuel type has its pros and cons, so you need to select the fire pit fuel source, which matches with your needs. Traditionally, wood is used in fire pits to get warmth, and there is nothing that could replicate the wood, but then, wood leaves a lot of residues for you to clean. Propane, on the other hand, gives beautiful flames without smoke or ashes. Moreover, there won’t be any sparks as well, so you don’t have to apply a screen. Starting the fire is also easy when using propane, as you just need to turn on a button whereas, in wood, you need to prepare the wood in order to light up the fire.
Size
If there is not enough space in your yard to install a fire pit, then you will have to resort to something that is a bit smaller. The same rule applies when you are planning to take the fire pit to a lake or campground because you don’t want to carry something heavy and bulky when you’re out trying to have fun with your buddies. In case, the situation is opposite, i.e., you have more space, then you will have to invest in a fire pit, which doesn’t look feel compared to space.
Accessories
A number of fire pits come with accessories, which make the overall operation and maintenance of the fire pit a lot easier. You will find fire pits coming with a protective cover or carry bag or poker for wood fire pits.
Design: Permanent or Portable?
Fire pits are available as fixed units as well as portable ones, so it is up to you to decide as to which type of fire pit you want to buy. If you want to invest in a large fire pit, then it will take considerably more time and effort to move, but it’ll do a great job if you decide to keep it at one place.
Materials
The majority of fire pits are made of steel, be it propane fire pits or wood ones. You will find the use of other materials, but those are mostly for looks.
Conclusion
Fire pits offer an excellent way to keep yourself warm during chilly winter nights when you and your family members and/or friends decide to hang out in the front yard or backyard of your house or a nearby campsite. Fire pits are available in different shapes and designs, so you can choose the product you think will blend with the décor of your front yard or backyard. Another important thing that you need to consider is the type of fuel the fire pit works on. Fire pits work on either wood or liquid propane. To make the whole buying process easy, you can take a look at reviews and consumer reports best fire pits, which cover both wood and LP operated fire pits.