Best fire pit for 2024

Before you buy a fire pit and make a new addition to your backyard, you should consider material, style, fuel type, location, cost, and safety. To help you make your purchase decision, review the following considerations so you know you’re buying a fire pit that meets all of your needs and budget.

Safety regulations and codes

First things first: are you even allowed to have a fire pit? If you own a home, check with your homeowners association or city ordinances to see if you’re allowed to have a fire pit, and if so, find out where it can be placed and other restrictions on burning wood in your area.

If you live in a rental or apartment complex, check with your building managers or landlord to see if there are any restrictions or regulations regarding outdoor fire pits.

There are often specific rules about placement for safety, such as placing a fire pit at least 10 feet away from buildings and fences or having a water source nearby. Some counties and states may even require an inspection by local fire officials or may regulate the type of fuel.

Mate

Fire pits range from small portable models to larger permanent styles. Choose a size that will fit in your backyard or patio, taking into account how much space you need for circulation and seating around the fire pit. Models can range from 24 inches to over 58 inches in diameter, and for movement and safety, you’ll want to keep your fire pit five to seven feet away from your home and other objects.

Budget

Fire pits can vary greatly in price. You can find inexpensive models for $50 and high-performance pits that will set you back hundreds of dollars. You can even spend $1,500 or more on a fancy propane fire pit. For custom and built-in models, you should probably budget for $1,000 to $5,000 or more.