Best Fire Pits in 2019 Reviewed

The Best Fire Pit

When you want to find the best fire pit the world of online shopping has to offer one thing is for sure; it pays to shop around. To give you a better idea of what you can expect for your money I’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best for you to take a look at, and then rounded things off with my handy buyer’s guide.

With all the answers you need in one easy to follow article my hope is that you’ll be able to find the best fire pit to meet your needs and enjoy the shopping experience from beginning to end. Now without further ado, let’s dive in and take a closer look at my best fire pit…

Manta Ray – Best Fire Pit for Wood Deck

What I really like about the Manta Ray is that it’s the perfect blend of style and substance.

When I first saw it the shape jumped out at me immediately, but then I was left asking: ‘while it looks great, can it still do the job of other more industrial looking fire pits?’

Well, I’m pleased to tell you that in my opinion, the answer is a rather emphatic ‘yes!’

Inspired by the Ocean

That is an excellent way of making your new fire pit a real focal point that draws in the eye of your visitors regardless of whether you have it lit when they first step through your door or not.

Measuring a stunning 36 inches in diameter, the Manta Ray is something that I think will add a unique presence to your garden that you will wonder how you ever did without!

Made to Last

The issue when you’re trying to find the best fire pit is knowing good craftsmanship when you see it.

Take it from me; you don’t have to have years of experience in metallurgy to be able to spot a winner when you see one, all you need to do is look out for a few tried and trusted features and specifications that are the real hallmark of genuine craftsmanship.

When you add in the drain hole in the middle that allows water to run out, you have the recipe for an addition to your garden that will stand the test of time.

Red Ember – Best Fire Pit Table

If you want to see for yourself that the best fire pit for your home could come in any shape or size, then all you need to do is compare the Red Ember with the Manta Ray!

The former has a minimalist aesthetic that I seriously like and makes you instantly feel at home when you look at it.

The sleek metal finish is ideal for use on a patio or decking and makes it a fantastic choice for those of you looking to build our own little green oasis right in the heart of the city. I think you’ll also love how easy it is to fire, but more on that later…

The Art of Minimalism

The sleek finish perfectly matches the slats on the sides of the base of the pit to give an aesthetic that uses lines to break up what would otherwise be a rather industrial look and feel. I also really like the table style that it brings to any space.

This makes it a natural centerpiece in the middle of any seating area, and helps it to feel far more like an essential addition when your guests first see it, rather than an eye-catching accessory that you’ve positioned for effect.

Gas Fired

That is really nice because it takes the hassle and headaches out of running your pit, and it doesn’t sacrifice the authentic ambiance that you’ve been searching for.

Outland Living – Best Propane Fire Pit Table

No two fire pits are the same, and that’s apparent the moment you cast your eye over the unique styling of the Outland Fire Table.

The tempered glass top works in perfect harmony with the wicker style panels to create a country style aesthetic that will bring a spark of character to your home in my opinion.

I also think you’re going to like how easy and clean it is to fire!

Simple to Use

That makes it a great choice for those of you who are environmentally minded, or who position their fire pit close to some French doors for example. You can also easily adjust the height of the flame which means you have full control of the heat that the Outland produces.

I really like this because what works for you one night will not necessarily be ideal at a different time of the year. By making a simple adjustment as the weather dictates I think that you’ll end up getting far more use out of it than if you had opted for a simple static temperature pit.

Tempered Glass

Who says that every fire pit has to be made from steel from head to toe? What really catches my eye with this offering from Outland is that it comes with a tempered glass tabletop.

The reflections of the flames in the glass are something that I think will add a really cozy ambiance to your home which is why I want to bring the innovative choice of material to your attention.

In my opinion, it combines really well with the wicker base to give a homely style that will make itself at home in your outdoor space the moment it arrives at your front door.

Stonecrest – Best Backyard Fire Pit

In my opinion, a fire pit really starts to look great when you add in stone.

It gives your outdoor space that really natural look that makes it super easy for you to sit back and relax.

This is why the latest offering from Stonecrest caught my eye straight away.

The simple yet striking visual that’s created by the stone exterior balances really well with the table design in my opinion.

I liked it because it makes the pit, a natural focal point in the middle of your seating area.

If you’ve been looking for something understated and stylish that will warm your outdoor space without looking or feeling contrived, then I really think you’re going to be interested in learning more about this one!

Simple yet Striking

This is because you want to make sure that what you’re buying is likely to stand the test of time.

I’m pleased to say that because of the Stonecrest name being the hallmark of quality that it is, I don’t foresee you having any such difficulty with one of these if you do indeed decide that it is the best fire pit for your home.

When you add the strikingly simple style to the mix, then you have the recipe for the perfect focal point that you and your guests will enjoy gathering around all year round.

4 Choices

This provides a range of choice that I think you’re going to really enjoy casting your eye over; I know I did!

What I recommend is that you take a look at the two color options first and work out what goes best with the existing outdoor decor. Then once you have that settled, you can decide how the seating will fit around a circular and a square table respectively.

If you’re a little unsure, why not mark out the footprint on the ground with some chalk? That’ll help you visualize how the fire pit will integrate into your setup.

Titan – Best Fire Pit for Patio

If you’re looking for a truly modern design that brings something unique to the table, then I would suggest you stop what you’re doing and take a closer look at the Titan.

With a 40-inch diameter bowl precision machined from copper, it offers a striking look that I personally had not seen anywhere else.

The thick iron base has a beautifully minimalist quality that doesn’t distract your eye from the copper that acts as the focal point of the design.

When your fire is gently flickering, and your logs are crackling in the heat, I think you’re truly come to appreciate the way in which the metal interacts with the warming glow of the fire. This makes the Titan a unique proposition that I simply had to learn more about, so how did it fare against the rest of the competition on my list?

Solid Copper

When you look at some fire pits that have created a really visually attractive design you can be left a little disappointed by the build quality when you look up close and personal.

I’m delighted to tell you that in this case, the Titan does undoubtedly not fall into that category as you can see straight away that it has been made by some of the most skilled craftsmen out there.

This is super important in my opinion because it gives you a clear idea of how much use you can expect from your new fire pit. Think of it like this: what’s the use in buying something that looks amazing if you’re going to have to start shopping around for a replacement in a couple of years time?

The steel grate that supports your warm crackling pile of logs is made of quarter inch thick rods which are the material of choice when you want something that can withstand some serious heat for years to come. And finally the legs; 1/3 inch thick all the way down to make sure that stability is never an issue.

If there’s a way you could improve the craftsmanship of the Titan, then I have to admit that I haven’t found it yet!

Heavy Duty Design: Lightweight Result

Another thing that’s really pleasing about the Titan is how light it is. Okay, so at 66 lb you may not be carrying it one handed, but I think that given how robust the all-metal design is you’ll be amazed that it comes in so far below the 100 lb mark.

Also, because it’s not gas fired you can move it around anywhere you please during its lifetime. All you’ll need to do is keep a healthy stockpile of logs in the garage so that you don’t run out the next time your friends and family come over for an evening of drinks and entertainment.

Best Fire Pit – Buyer’s Guide

Ok, folks, that’s my take on 5 of the best that are on the market right now, so all I have left to say is: ‘any questions?’ That’s okay I know that there’ll have been plenty of questions popping into your head as you read through that first part of my article. Luckily for you, there’s more to come in the shape of my handy buyer’s guide. So without further ado let’s take a look at some of the common queries people have and get you the answers you need!

Contents:

Can I Adjust The Heat From The Fire?

If you opt for a wood burning fire pit, then you won’t have the same degree of control, but you can still increase the temperature by stoking your fire to increase the air flow, and also by regularly topping it up with more wood.

If you want a long-lasting and intense heat from your wood, then I would advise only burning seasoned hardwood, and certainly, avoid burning all forms of green wood as the high water content will just smother your fire and produce lots and lots of thick smoke.

I Have Children, Will A Fire Pit Be Safe?

You may also want to think about how your seating is arranged so that there isn’t room for children to run around and play close to the fire pit. This is a simple way of childproofing your new fire pit so that you can enjoy it without the worries and constant supervision that you otherwise may have to endure.

How Far Does My Fire Pit Have To Be Away From My Home?

This will make sure that you have plenty of space should a strong breeze redirect the upper reaches of the flames, and it will also ensure that sparks cannot jump across to any of the combustible materials that form the outer surface of your home.

In addition, it will also help with avoiding smokey residues building up on your windows. I would also recommend closing upper floor windows and patio doors when you have it fired so that the smell of smoke doesn’t drift into your home.

This is particularly important when you are burning wood, not so much when you’re using a gas fired fire pit.

What Surfaces Can I Use My Fire Pit On?

The rule here is to remember that the bottom will get very hot very fast once you’ve lit your fire. Some people I know use their fire pit on the wooden decking with a fire retardment material in between the pit and the decking.

Personally, I recommend only using it on a level stone surface such as a paved patio. I would avoid gravel patios because as the stones shift over time, you may find that your pit becomes unstable.

Certainly avoid using it on grass as it will almost instantly permanently damage your lawn and you will be faced with a lot of work to repair your lawn, and not to mention to relocate your pit!

Will My Fire Pit Be Noisy?

Most of the fire pits on my list were gas fired because these are the most popular choices on the market today. Because you’re just burning gas and potentially topping it up with a little bit of charcoal your fire will be quite quiet.

When wood heats up and burns the little pockets of air and moisture inside it expand and pop; this is what gives a campfire that pleasant crackling sound that pops away long into the night. If you opt for a wood burner, then you’ll come to enjoy this sound.

It isn’t unbearably loud by any means, and in my opinion, it actually gives your outdoor setting an extra touch of character that really helps make your fire pit the focal point of the evening’s activities.

Wood Burner or Gas Fired?

The advantage of gas is that you can get it lit with the flick of a button. Many new pits even come with an auto-ignition option that makes getting started as easy as clicking on the lights in the living room.

This can save you a lot of time and effort when you’re getting the food and drink ready for your guests!

Then you have wood burners. They may take a little getting used to if you haven’t built many fires before, but let me tell you that it will be well worth the effort.

The sound of the crackling fire adds some real character to your outdoor space, and the satisfaction of tending to your fire throughout the night cannot be beaten. The way I look at it is you’re not just keeping everyone warm; you’re keeping your hands busy and learning a fun new skill at the same time.

Now, what could be a better way to spend the evening than that?

Can I Use a Lava Rock?

Okay, so if this question didn’t immediately jump into your head when you finished the first half of my article then you’ll definitely be asking yourself: ‘what’s a lava rock?’ A lava rock, or fire pit glass as it’s also known, is a high-temperature material that is designed to handle the heat of a raging fire.

There are however a couple of drawbacks that I feel I should draw your attention. The first of which is that they have a limited lifetime, so you will be adding another consumable to your monthly budget, but if you’re fine with that, then there’s really not an issue.

The other thing to consider is that while they’re used because they don’t spark, they do still run the risk of exploding.

While this is relatively unusual, it is certainly not unheard of. If there is moisture trapped inside your lava rock, then it will superheat when placed in close proximity to the fire and this can in extreme cases cause an explosion as the trapped water heats up and up and is left with nowhere to vent to.

My suggestion if you want to use lava rocks is that you make doubly sure that your fire pit is dry before using them. I would also exercise caution the first time you fire up your pit after a heavy downfall of rain.

Alternatively, you could purchase a durable rain cover which will make your lava rock usage far safer and more predictable.

How Long Will My Gas Fire Pit Last?

This is dictated by two things: the size of your gas tank, and the intensity of the burn you’re going for. The bigger the tank and the lower you keep the flames, the longer your fire will last.

If you opt for the standard tank size and you burn at full intensity, then you should expect to get 4 hours or more out of your fire. If you opt for a more modest sized flame, then you should be able to double this and reach an 8 – 9 hour burn time.

What Type of Gas Should I Use?

It’s cheap, safe to use, and creates a large amount of heat when burnt. If you’re in doubt about what to look for, then head to your local hardware store, and they’ll be able to show you how to connect your tank safely.

How Should I Store My Gas Fire Pit Over The Winter?

If you want to keep your pit in pristine condition, then you should invest in a durable all-weather cover. This will stop debris building up in the drain hole and will mean that you have to spend far less time drying it out when you decide you want to use it again.

This is particularly noteworthy for those of you that are considering using lava rocks for the safety reasons I highlighted further up the page.

The second thing to consider is your tank storage. They’re very hardwearing and durable so leaving them exposed to cold temperatures won’t be an issue.

The only thing you need to do is close it off using the appropriate valve so that the flow of gas to the pit is completely shut off.

How Do I Store My Propane Tank in The Hot Summer Months?

The first thing you need to be aware of here is that your propane is stored in liquid form. This may sound strange as you’re using it as a gas, but remember that a liquid is just a condensed gas.

By condensing the propane into its liquid form, your tank supplier is actually doing you a favor by giving you far more propane in a far smaller tank than if you bought gas.

The issue this causes is that when the liquid propane is subject to extreme sources of external heat, it will expand and eventually cause the tank to explode. This may sound fairly dramatic and put you off a gas fired pit altogether, but it really needn’t do.

Extreme heat is a fire that envelops the entire tank so provided you take the recommended safety precautions that come with your pit seriously this is not something that you will ever have to face.

In the event that the propane starts to get a little warm from the sunlight, there’s an overpressure valve that allows excess vapor to be released into the atmosphere. This is an essential safety feature because it allows your gas tank to regulate its own internal pressure so that it stays comfortably within the safe limits it’s designed for.

Will My Gas Tank Expire?

In short yes! This is something that you will need to make sure you’re on top of so that you can enjoy the safe and relaxing evenings that you want.

Your tank will come fitted with a collar that has the year and month of manufacture embossed or printed on it. This is a standard feature that I think makes things really simple.

What I like to do is make sure I get my tank checked a year before it goes out of date. This ensures that I always have a fresh tank ready and raring to go whenever the mood takes me!

If you’re ever in doubt as to the state of your tank then play it safe; shut it off from your fire pit and seek advice from a specialist at a local store.