The 7 Best Portable Fire Pits, Tested and Reviewed |

As the weather gets cooler, there’s not much cozier than gathering around a fire pit — but a portable fire pit’s versatility goes far beyond making s’mores under the stars.

“Portable fire pits are a great, versatile item and can be used on decks, patios, backyards, or can even be helpful on a camping trip,” says Maggie Gala, marketing manager for SunVilla. “From social gatherings in a backyard, warmth while camping on cool evenings, or even roasting marshmallows, portable fire pits go the distance.”

Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your backyard, something to take along on camping trips, or even a gift for an outdoorsy loved one, PEOPLE Tested has got you covered. Our testers put a wide range of portable fire pits to the test. Among our winners are propane fire pits, fire pits ideal for grilling and camping, and wood-burning fire pits perfect for backyard gatherings.

So keep scrolling to discover the best portable fire pits, vetted by PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall

Inno Stage Smokeless Fire Pit

Amazon

Our overall winner for portable fire pits was very easy to get set up — the only assembly required is stacking the larger piece on top of the smaller one, and filling the fire pit with wood pellets.

“I really like the simplicity of this fire pit,” says our tester. “The modern design looks more expensive than it is, and because it's only two pieces, it's super easy to set up and pack away.” When packed inside its carrying case, this fire pit is super compact for both moving around as well as storing.

Getting the fire going with wood pellets was a bit troublesome for our tester, who used a fire starter to start things up. But once they were lit, the fire was clean and controlled, with no smoke, ash, or sparks. “The only thing I don't like is that I have to purchase wood pellets for it, but that's what gives it such a clean, smokeless burn, so I suppose it's worth it,” our tester adds. “Some of the reviewers mentioned that they went ahead and burned logs in this pit with no issues, so I may try that eventually.”

At around $70-$95 depending on the time of year, this fire pit is well worth the price, especially for its simple design and portability. Our tester gave it a perfect score across all our testing categories: assembly, portability, heating performance, design, and value.

Runner-Up, Best Overall

Solo Stove Ranger 2.0

Amazon

Pros

Simple, stylish, two-piece design
Just add more wood to keep fire going
Easy to use, empty, and transport

Cons

Expensive, particularly at full price
Not truly smokeless in our testing

With just two pieces — a “can” and a “ring” — this is a very easy fire pit to set up, use, and store. “Keeping flames going was as easy as just adding more wood,” says our tester. And while it's advertised as smokeless, our tester claims it's really more of a low-smoke option.

With its simple design and small size, the Ranger 2.0 still produced a decent fire. “It would be great for a tailgate or camping,” she adds, noting its basic design and how easy it was to move around and empty. The Ranger is a great choice for travel, as the two-piece design means there aren’t small parts to lose in transit or put back together. “It feels very solid and worth the extra money," she says. Plus, even though it's metal, she said it the exterior doesn't get super hot.

We also appreciate the simple design for dumping out the ashes. Besides using the Ranger for camping and tailgating, it can be used at home for a quick and easy fire to sit around or to make s’mores. With just a few logs, our tester was able to have a fire for over an hour in her backyard.

Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

Best Budget

UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit

Amazon

Pros

Extremely easy to set up and move around
Includes a storage bag for portability
Basic design easily fits in car trunk

You’ll be up and running in no time with this portable grill and fire pit. It is “very easy and intuitive” to set up, simple to transport, and it got everything as hot as expected, notes our tester.

Since the model is "well-engineered to be small and portable and simple, without sacrificing performance," we recommend this product to anyone wanting to simply and easily pack a coal-burning fire pit. It’s ideal for those who camp often and want to take up the least storage space possible among their gear — everything fits nicely inside the storage bag when you’re done using it.

We gave this model a perfect overall score of 5/5 after testing it at a picnic, making burgers using standard charcoal briquettes. “The added value or extreme portability makes it outperform others — it’s hard to put a price on fitting well in your car trunk," our tester says. "You know the value when you see it.”

Best with Grill Attachment

Snow Peak Takibi Fire and Grill

Back Country

Pros

Produces the perfect heating performance
Smart design folds down entirely into a carrying case
Base plate catches falling ash

It was a super-easy and straightforward setup on this hybrid fire pit and grill. “We really loved the heating performance of this fire pit,” says our tester. “The fire was easy to build and sustain and it seemed to put off just the right amount of heat for grilling food or sitting around it.”

We were most impressed by the smart design, which folds down entirely into a carrying case. It also comes with a base plate to put underneath it to catch any falling ash or embers. The grill rests easily on top of the fire pit and can be adjusted to three different heights depending on the heat of your fire and how quickly or slowly you'd like to cook your food.

“At first I thought $350 was a bit much for a portable fire pit and grill, but after testing the Breeo Y, which is $100 more, I think this one is a good value,” our tester says. “It's a lot more adaptable and can be used in multiple settings and has such a good burn." And the more our tester used it, the more they liked it. "It's very easy to transport around, looks good, and is good for actually cooking food," they add.

This is an excellent option for anyone looking for a hybrid fire pit and grill that is easy to use at home, at a park, on the road, or camping. Our tester cooked several meals on this model, and used it as a straight fire pit a few other times, all with great success.

Dimensions: 21.42 x 21.61 x 5.24 inches | Package Weight: 29.5 lbs. | Material: Stainless steel | Fuel type: Charcoal or firewood | Assembly required: Yes

Nathaniel Allen

Best with Mesh Lid

KingSo Outdoor Fire Pit

Walmart

With its domed top and metal footing, this is a traditional-looking fire pit that makes perfect s’mores with excellent portability. “I’d definitely take this fire pit camping, to the beach, and, of course, making s’mores pretty much anywhere you'd like.” It’s very easy to start a fire in the KingSo, and the screen cover helped cut down on some of the smoke. The fire heated up quickly to make s’mores and melted the chocolate and marshmallows evenly without any issue.

And while it did take about 20 minutes to assemble (a screwdriver was needed), it wasn't particularly difficult — but because of this, this may not be the best choice for anyone who is expecting to use a fire pit right out of the box. Ultimately, it's a great value. “This fire pit is definitely worth the price," says our tester, emphasizing its quick heat-up time and great price point.

Best Propane

Bond Manufacturing Aurora Portable Steel Propane Gas Fire Pit

Amazon

Pros

Easy to start up
Lid locks for safety
Produces excellent heat

We loved the design of this fire pit, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The lid locks in place, so if the pit should tip over, you’re less likely to have an accident. It’s very easy to start a fire with this model — you simply hook it up to a propane tank and turn the knob. It puts out a lot of heat while remaining portable. “I would definitely recommend this fire pit, especially if you have a small outdoor area, or if you go camping," says our tester. Ideal for people who like to gather outdoors, we found this model to be a great value as well.

Tammy Gardini

Best Tabletop

Project 62 Round Metal Outdoor LP Tabletop Fire Pit

Amazon

Our tester traveled to different colleges, houses, and the beach, and was able to set up this fire pit in no time. This fire pit is “very portable" and the "heating performance was optimal," they say. However, it did take awhile to get the fire to their desired temperature.

Assembly was fairly easy, and our tester liked the sleek design. However, the bottom of the fire pit wasn’t heavy enough to endure light wind — it moved during our testing with just some light breeze. We found it to be well worth the price point, despite the disappointing weight on the bottom. Recommended for backyard get-togethers, beach trips, camping, and tailgates — ultimately, this fire pit is ideal for anyone who would like a fire pit for on-the-go.

Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Fire Pit

Heat Source

“Propane fire pits have unique advantages over wood burning pits: they offer consistent heat output and controlled flame size, plus they rarely spit out hot embers,” says SunVilla marketing manager Maggie Gala. “Often, a propane pit can be used in instances where a wood burning fire is not allowed. Make sure you know the rules and regulations for fire pits in your area or your campsite so you have one that is suitable.” Our best overall pick, the INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit, uses wood pellets for the heat source but is also smokeless.

Heat Distribution

“BTUs are the measurement of heat distribution, and the higher the number, the more heat a fire pit puts out safely,” says Gala of gas-powered pits. “Look for a rating of 45,000 BTUs or more.” For example, the Bond Manufacturing Aurora Fire Pit has a rating of 50,000 BTUs.

Durability

“A good, high-quality portable fire pit should last for many years, so make sure you select one with materials that will wear well, such as powder-coated, rust-proof aluminum,” notes Gala.

When to Buy

According to Gala, the best time to get a portable fire pit is in mid-March with the start of patio season. “This is when manufacturers have the most stock in the largest variety of styles, and it also will ensure you have the fire pit in time to start your season off right and to get the most usage," says Gala. However, Gala also suggests waiting until the fall if you want to score a great deal. The downsides of fall buying is that there will be less inventory and styles to choose from as many will be sold out after the summer season.

Jennifer May

How We Tested

Our testers unboxed and assembled 26 fire pits, noting the time it took to assemble. Testers picked up the assembled fire pit and walked around with it for five minutes to evaluate its portability. Then a fire was started in each pit, with testers paying attention to how much smoke and heat are produced, plus how well the fire pit cooks if it’s a grill-fire pit combo. Then each fire pit was cleaned and packed up. Testers rated the fire pits on assembly, portability, heating performance, design, and after all other testing was completed, value for the price. Special attention was also paid to features like smokeless or collapsible fire pits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best portable fire pit?
The INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit earned an average 5/5 rating from our tests, making it our best overall pick. It delivers a truly clean and smokeless burn and is priced under $100.
How much do portable fire pits cost?
Our winners came in a range of price points. If you’re looking for a more simple fire pit, there are several lower-priced options. Our overall winner, the Inno Stage Smokeless Portable Fire Pit, is priced well under $100 but got a perfect score from our tester.
Do I need a screen on my fire pit?
Wood burning fire pits should come with a screen. “Avoid any that don’t include this!” says Gala. “Propane or natural gas fire pits should feature a control to safely extinguish the flame when you’re finished using it.”
Where can I use a fire pit? Is it safe on a deck or grass?
“As a rule of thumb, you should place your fire pit away from anything that’s easily combustible, such as low hanging branches or dried leaves,” says Gala. “Fire pits, regardless of the fuel source, should be placed on a level surface at least 10 feet away from any structure on either side for safety purposes. While paved surfaces are ideal, you can place a fire pit on a wooden or composite deck or grassy area if fireproofing and other precautions are followed.”

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Rennie Dyball is a commerce writer. To bring you this review, she consulted our testers about a range of portable fire pits, including aspects such as time to assemble, durability, heat distribution, and price. In researching portable fire pits, we spoke with Maggie Gala, marketing manager of SunVilla.

What Is People Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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The 7 Best Portable Fire Pits, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Inno Stage Smokeless Fire Pit

Runner-Up, Best Overall

Solo Stove Ranger 2.0

Best Budget

UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit

Best with Grill Attachment

Snow Peak Takibi Fire and Grill

Best with Mesh Lid

KingSo Outdoor Fire Pit

Best Propane

Bond Manufacturing Aurora Portable Steel Propane Gas Fire Pit

Best Tabletop

Project 62 Round Metal Outdoor LP Tabletop Fire Pit

Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Fire Pit

Heat Source

Heat Distribution

Durability

When to Buy

How We Tested

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is People Tested?

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