7 BEST Wood Burning Fire Pit Reviews: Outdoor Backyard Fire Pits

Do you want to enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire outdoors without having to worry about setting anything on fire? If so, then you should consider buying a wood-burning fire pit.

Wood burning fire pits are becoming very popular these days because they provide a great way to enjoy the outdoors while keeping warm at night. They also add a nice ambiance to your backyard or patio.

Wood-burning fire pits come in many shapes and sizes. Some are designed to fit

into existing fireplaces, while others look like regular fire pits.

There are even portable models that you can take anywhere. You can also cook food on some of them, which is a great added bonus feature!

BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit

First up, we have the Bali Outdoors wood-burning fire pit. This unit is simply amazing for cooking food like chicken, steak and vegetables such as corn on the cob.

If you and your family or friends like to sit around the fire with some marshmallows on a cool summer evening, then this is an amazing unit for you to have.

This comes with a grill mounted on the top that you can use to roast your vegetables and meats without much dripping or mess.

This also comes with an ornate framing around the edge that you can use to keep your food warm and also provides you with a little bit of decoration.

Pros

• Easy to use - this is a very simple wood burner. All you need are fuel and some logs and away you go.
• Solid and sturdy - this comes with legs underneath the pit, which will keep the unit nice and stable for the duration of your evening.
• Safe - this comes with a ring around the edge that will keep the flames inside of the pit. This is great if you are going to have children running around.
• Cooks well - with the optical skillet that you have hovering above the fire bit, you can both heat yourself and cook your favorite BBQ foods to perfection.

Cons

• No full coverage - unlike some units that have full wire mesh coverings, this unit is open, so doesn't offer you full protection from sparks.

Solo Stove Bonfire Portable Stainless Steel Fire Pits

Next up, we have the very sleek and stylish-looking Solo Stove bonfire. This wood burner is not only great for cooking smaller meats, but it is also one of the most portable units on this list.

It has a stainless steel body with a removable grate, which makes cleaning easy. When you are finished with this fire pit, all you need to do is scrape out the ashes.

The shape of this fire pit is integral to the efficiency of the burning. This comes in a cylinder shape which will help the airflow upwards, keeping the fire nice and tall.

This is a very portable unit, so if you like to vacation in your RV, then this might be the perfect unit to take with you.

While it has no specific food grilling capabilities, you can still use this one for cooking your food, provided that you have some decent skewers.

Pros

• Little smoke - this fire pit is designed to produce as little smoke as possible, keeping the fire inside completely well ventilated.
• Portable - this is one of the lightest units on our list, making it incredibly easy to take with you on holiday. You can also get a few of these and place them around your venue.
• Lightweight - if you do need to move your fire pit, then this is one of the best units to have. All you need to do is lift it and place it in the back of your car or truck.
• Great design - this will fit in with the decor of most backyards, especially those that have modern-style furniture.

Cons

• Not suitable for larger meals - if you are wanting to cook a lot of food, then you might find this wood-burner a little lacking for your needs.

Careland Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit Table

Next up, we have something a little more heavy-duty, with a larger fire pit that also doubles up as a table. This is great for use with large families that like to gather around and cook a small feast.

This comes with sturdy construction that you can be sure will be able to withstand even the hardest of knocks.

This one can serve as both a fire pit and a beer cooler. All you have to do is fill it with ice and you can store a whole case of beer in it.

This unit can be used all year round, making it one of the most versatile fire pits that you can currently get on the market.

Pros

• Large capacity - with a total volume of 1,000 liters, this one can hold a lot of food. This also makes it great for larger families and bigger events.
• Easy to clean - when you are done using this fire pit, just empty it out and wash away any ash or debris. This comes with a brick design that also makes it more durable.
• Easy to assemble - this one is simple to put together, taking about 30 minutes to set up. This is perfect for anyone not used to having fire pits.
• This can be used as a chiller - if you like beers in the summer as well as fire in the winter, then this is a great item for you.

Cons

• Expensive - while it does come at a higher price than other models, you are getting what you pay for. This has all the bells and whistles and will last you a lifetime.

Pleasant Hearth Martin Extra Deep Wood Burning Fire Pit

This next fire pit comes with a different design, being a deep square shape rather than something that is round and a bit shallower.

This comes with a wire mesh screen that you can use to keep the flames and the sparks at bay. This extra degree of safety will certainly appeal to a family.

This is made from solid cast iron, which will both help with heat retention as well as cooling down quickly.

This is a transparent unit, so you can frequently check on the progress of your fire without having to lift the lid.

This also comes with a chrome grid that you can place over your fire, using it to cook your meats and vegetables.

Pros

• Better air flow - this comes with lots of ventilation, which will really help you keep your fire stroke as well as limit the amount of smoke.
• Chrome-plated - this is one of the best grills that you can have for longevity. It will be able to withstand intense heat without warping.
• Deep pit - this can store larger logs, which makes for longer fires. You can also easily empty this unit, as it is lightweight.
• Lid - this is another added safety feature that will be awesome if you have children running around. This is also great for keeping your furniture safe.

Cons

• This is a large unit - if you want something that you can move around on a regular basis, then we would certainly recommend this unit.

Redeo Outdoor Fire Pit

Next up, we have a larger fire that will be perfect for a larger backyard where you have plenty of room. This will be a good centerpiece for luxury chairs.

If you have a larger garden where you can place more furniture around, then this fire is great. It will provide you with enough warmth for a large garden area.

This is a large model that is made from solid steel. This means it will be able to withstand a lot of flames and will retain a lot of heat.

This comes with a solid frame that will stay sturdy even when there is a lot of chaos going on around it.

This comes with a mesh lid that you can place on top of it. This will help to protect you from harmful sparks that could set fire to any surrounding furniture.

This also doubles up as a table, with plenty of space that you can use to rest your drinks and plates. This will help you to keep your food warm.

Pros

• Sturdy construction - this is built like a tank, meaning it will not break or bend under pressure.
• Mesh lid - this will allow you to see how your fire is progressing without lifting the lid. This is a great safety feature, perfect for larger family settings.
• Table - this will double up as a table, making it easy to eat your meals while sitting in front of the fire.
• Great for decking - if you have decking, then the style of this fire will definitely complement the softer wood furnishings.

Cons

• It's heavy - this is a very large piece of equipment, so it may take some time to get used to carrying it around.

Sunnydaze Rustic Cast Iron Fire Pit Bowl

This next model is a very simple unit. coming in a copper bowl design that you can be sure will give you everything that you need for a decent warm fire.

This is one of the simplest fire pits that we have on this list, coming in a simple open bowl design that will be very easy to use.

The materials that this fire pit is made from is very durable and you'll be able to see plenty of heat conduction and no stray sparks.

This can be used for small gatherings, making it one of the best units for couples that fancy a nice romantic summer evening by the fire.

Pros

• Easy to use - all you need for this unit is some wood and maybe some lighter fluid. If you hate fiddling around with fire, then this is the unit to have.
• High-grade material - if you are looking for a decent metal fire pit, then this is the one for you, being very durable and it won't rust either.
• Solid and sturdy - with a few legs on this one, this will remain solid and sturdy even when the weather picks up.
• An olde worlde style - if you fancy that Game of Thrones aesthetic, then this really is the ideal unit for you. It will also complement a lot of different styles of patio and backyard setup.

Cons

• This does not have a cover - this might be a major negative if you have younger members of your family running around your back garden.

Patented Smokeless Fire Bowl Pit

If you want something a little more unique than what we've already covered, then this is the product for you. Coming in a unique design that has been patented, this is a portable fireplace that you can carry around wherever you go.

This has an industrial style look which might be suited to a modern patio area. This will keep the smoke down to a minimum, coming with a great ventilation system.

This is made from sturdy metal, which makes it one of the most durable smokeless fire pits on this list. This won't rock or fall over even when a strong wind is blowing.

If you are looking for something that is not susceptible to rust, then you won't go wrong with this unit.

It also comes with a carry bag making it one of the most transportable units that you can get on the market. This is also very handy for keeping it out of the rain.

Pros

• This is great for using as a grill and a table - this is ideal if you want to warm your food the old-fashioned way.
• Smokeless - this will keep the smoke to a minimum, coming with a great ventilation system that reduces the amount of pollution.
• Easy to install - if you want something that you can set up easily, then this is the ideal unit for you.
• This will develop a natural rust sheen - if you expose this one to the elements it will develop a very bespoke rust aesthetic that you can be sure will blend in with most backgrounds.

Cons

• Hard to blend in with a rustic backyard - because of the industrial style of this unit, then you might be struggling to find a spot to place it in.

Buyer's Guide

There are a few things that you should be looking for when you are buying your wood-burning fire pit.

You'll need to consider the size of your backyard as well as how efficiently it burns your fuel. Here are a few things you should consider:

Size Matters

Before buying any outdoor fire pit, make sure that it fits into your space. You don't want to end up with a huge unit that takes up too much room.

If you're planning on having guests over, then you may want to think about purchasing a smaller-sized unit.

Fuel Efficiency

You'll want to ensure that you buy a unit that will burn your logs efficiently. Some people prefer to use hardwood while others prefer softwood.

Make sure that you know what type of fuel you want before you purchase your unit.

Safety First

You'll want to ensure that your unit is safe. When you're burning wood, there is always the risk of sparks flying off.

It's important that you have safety measures in place so that you can avoid injury.

The Cost

Another thing that you'll want to take into account when buying your unit is the cost. You don't want a cheap unit that you'll regret later on.

Look at all the features that come with each model and see which ones suit your needs.

Ventilation

When you're using a fire pit, you'll want to ensure that there is adequate ventilation. When you're cooking, you'll want to make sure that there isn't a build-up of smoke.

The best units will have good ventilation systems that allow air to flow freely through them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind Of Wood Do I Need To Feed My Fire Pit?

There are two types of wood that you can use to feed your fire pit - softwood and hardwood. Softwoods include pine, cedar, cypress, etc. Hardwoods include oak, maple, cherry, etc.

How Long Does It Last?

Most models will last between 10 years and 20 years depending on how often they're used.

Can I Use Other Materials Besides Wood?

Yes, you can use anything from stone to metal to concrete. However, these won't work as effectively as wood.

Are Fire Pits Dangerous?

No, not really. While it's true that some fires can get out of control, most fire pits aren't designed to catch on fire. They're more likely to cause an explosion or a minor fire than anything else.

Which Type Of Fire Pit Is Better For A Smaller Garden?

Ideally, you'll want to choose a small fire pit that has a capacity of around 30 liters. These units tend to be cheaper but also less effective.

Do I Need To Use Gas Or Electricity To Run My Fire Pit?

No. Many of today's fire pits run on their own power or with wood fuel. This means that you don't need to worry about running electricity or gas to keep your fire going.

Why Should I Choose An Electric Fire Pit Over Other Types?

Because electric fire pits are safer. Unlike gas fire pits, they don't pose a threat to anyone who might wander close by. In addition, they're easier to clean.

How Much Does A Fire Pit Burn Per Hour?

Depending on the size of the fire pit, you can expect anywhere from 5 pounds per hour to 15 pounds of wood per hour.

What Size Fire Pit Am I Getting?

As mentioned earlier, you should look for a unit that has a capacity of 30 liters. If you go for a larger unit, you'll end up paying more money for the same amount of space.

How Long Will It Take Me To Build My Own Fire Pit?

Building a fire pit is relatively easy. All you need to do is find a suitable spot and start to assemble your fire pit quickly and effectively. Once you've finished building your fire pit, you'll need to add fuel. You can either buy this separately.

Our Final Say

We hope that our list of some of the best wood-burning fires has helped you to narrow down which one is the best for your needs.