The best fire pits for 2025 bring everyone together — and make every night a special occasion. (Amazon)
No matter the weather, there are serious benefits to spending time outside. And what better way to stay cozy and get more use out of your patio, deck or beyond than with the best fire pits for 2025? "Nearly 60% of our designs now include fire pits," says Allison Messner, co-founder and CEO of Yardzen, a virtual landscape and outdoor design company, of the growing interest in these gadgets. "We also saw a 19% increase in clients requesting outdoor fireplaces in their yards over the last year.”
With increased popularity often comes an influx of options, and fire pits are no exception. So we asked landscapers, campsite directors and chefs — among them a James Beard-nominated barbecue king! — for their glowing recommendations. We also scoured hundreds of reviews for gas fire pits, smokeless fire pits, charcoal fire pits and wood-burning fire pits to come up with this list. Once your pit is in place, consider rounding out your space with a new grill or pizza oven, plus some solar lights for added ambiance.
Update, Sept. 15, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best fire pit remains unchanged.
Intended usage: The first step in evaluating a fire pit when looking to make a purchase is to put some real thought into where and how you’ll actually use it: “Wood-burning fire pits are ideal for traditional fires, fire pit tables usually allow room for drinks when entertaining, and gas-powered fire pits offer convenience," notes Messner. "If you plan to move your fire pit around or take it on camping trips, you may benefit from a portable and lightweight option."
Preferred fuel type and taste: “Wood-burning fire pits provide an authentic campfire experience but require a steady supply of firewood and tend to produce more smoke (meaning more cleanup). Gas fire pits offer cleaner and smokeless options but lend a different look and feel,” noted Messner. “Fire pits also come in a wide range of designs — from rustic fire bowls to sophisticated fire tables — so consider how it will complement your existing furniture or overall backyard aesthetic.”
Safety and space: Messner advises looking for “sturdy construction, a stable base, a spark screen or lid to contain embers (if burning wood) and safety shut-off valves (for gas-powered pits) to help prevent accidents." You should also avoid discarding any foreign materials into the flame and ensure the fire pit is properly secured and guarded when not in use. “Additionally, you’ll need ample room around and above the fire pit for air to flow, along with a solid, heat-resistant surface such as gravel or concrete below.”
We put a lot of elbow grease into this guide, culling through thousands of reviews — on brand sites, Amazon.com and other retailer forums — to see feedback from real customers. We prioritized verified shoppers who used their hard-earned cash to make the investment (meaning they’d have high standards) and have owned their fire pits for at least a season, in many cases having put their fire pits through the ringer over the course of several years.
Then we talked to the experts, including outdoor landscape designers and campsite directors who’ve had access to a range of fire pit models and experience using fire pits for personal recreation; their knowledge relied upon by clients and communities nationwide. We also spoke to renowned chefs who regularly use fire pits for camping and especially grilling, including pit masters and barbecue pros. Lastly, we consulted Yahoo’s own shopping editors and writers, who tested and vetted many of the items in this list.
The National Association of Realtors recommends traditional fire pits be placed at least 10 feet away from your house, shed, deck and any vehicles, and you should also steer clear of low-hanging branches and other potentially flammable landscaping elements. In some cases, local laws mandate a distance of 25 feet, so check your local guidelines. We suggest opting for more compact, tabletop fire pits (such as the Solo Mesa) for smaller spaces, and consulting local authorities to better understand any specific laws that might be enforced in your area. You’ll also want to heed caution when manning and enjoying the fire pit once it’s in place, ideally sitting at least a few feet away from any open flames and being extra diligent when children are in the vicinity.
A fire pit can be an investment — especially when you get into the multi-hundred or even thousand-dollar range — but a worthwhile one at that, as some landscape experts suggest a quality fire pit enhanced by a well-designed landscape can increase the value of your home. It’s easy to see how adding valuable structures and beautiful architecture to a property could render it more appealing to potential buyers. But, just as with installing a pool or planting trees, this is an instance where the beauty (or at least the practicality) is in the eye of the beholder.
Our research suggests that, at least for some customers, there’s some concern around fire pits drawing bugs, mostly attracted by firewood (of interest to termites, carpenter ants and other wood-destroying insects) and, in the case of fire pits with grilling elements, fragrant foods. Outdoor pests typically come with the outdoor territory (after all, nature is their home too), but there are several things you can do. Opt for a wood-burning fire pit with a mesh covering for added protection, invest in some pest-repelling citronella candles, ultrasonics or bracelets, and be sure to put firewood and food away — in a contained space — when you’re through.
Allison Messner, an avid fire pit user and co-founder and CEO of Yardzen
Michael Scheinman, CEO of Campspot
Kirby Farmer, executive chef at The Gem
Rick Mace, co-owner of Tropical Smokehouse
Scott Fischer, president and CEO of Happy to Meat You
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.