12 Best Outdoor Fire Pits To Cozy Up Your Fall

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Summer doesn't mean you can't enjoy all the hard work you put into your garden! In fact, now that sunny days and cooler evenings have arrived, autumn is the ideal time to enjoy your back yard or patio by adding a fire pit. Fire pits make any family gathering or party more fun and special! And whether you choose a fire pit that burns wood, wood pellets, charcoal, or propane, there's a fire pit that will work in your back yard. Many are surprisingly budget-friendly, too.

While patio heaters help warm up your outdoor space, too, they just don't have the same ambience and coziness as a fire pit. And if you don't like fussing with trying to light wood, many are designed to be easy-to-use, even if you don't know everything about building a fire. There's also a whole new generation of fire pits that have been engineered to be nearly smokeless so you won't have to keep moving your chair around to get away from the smoke. Many fire pits also are portable, so you can take them along on camping trips or tailgating parties.

Before you shop for a fire pit, make sure you identify the best spot to enjoy a fire safely. Some are not recommended for decks, while others can be used with a fireproof mat (usually purchased separately). Some fire pits also come with built-in fans to help manage the fire, and others have apps to help you control the flames. Don't forget that a cover is important so your investment will last; some, but not all, include covers or other accessories.

Now, throw on a sweater, get the makings of s'mores ready, and go enjoy your backyard with these best outdoor fire pits and a few accessories to make your fire pit more enjoyable:

Steel Wood-Burning Fire Bowl

If you're looking for a basic fire bowl that will last for years, this is the one for you. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty. It's made in Northeast Ohio from locally sourced carbon steel, which develops a rich patina over time. It has a center drain hole, and it's available in three different sizes (24-, 30-, and 36-inch diameters).

Because this fire pit is super-sturdy it's a little awkward to move. The 24-inch size weighs in at 43 pounds, for example, so it's not exactly something you'll want to relocate too often. It also does not have a spark cover, though you can purchase one separately through the manufacturer's site.

Backyard Animal Fire Pit | Camping Grills at L.L.Bean

Bonfire 2.0 with Stand Fire Pit

This fire pit is sleek, beautiful, and looks great on your patio or at your campsite. It's been engineered so that you—yes, you!—can build a smokeless fire. The updated and improved 2.0 version includes a handy removable ash pan for easy cleaning.

The fire pit also includes a stand so you can use it on other surfaces. This is model measures 19.5-inches in diameter, but it's also available in two other sizes (15-inch and 27-inch diameters) with the same smoke free design. You also can buy accessories such as a spark cover to catch stray embers.

Deckmate Sonora Outdoor Chimenea Fireplace Model 30199

Portable Metal Fire Pit

This stainless steel powder-coated fire pit, made by the company that introduced the ever-popular bamboo torches decades ago, is super quick and easy to set up. It has a removable ash tray that slides out from underneath for speedy cleanup. The low smoke design also provides a 4-foot heat radius, so you can gather plenty of people around for toasting marshmallows or sipping hot toddies.

The metal fire pit has side handles so it's easy to move around the patio or transport to a campsite or tailgates. It also comes with a weather resistant cover. It can burn either traditional firewood or for a ridiculously easy fire, use the TIKI Wood Packs (you'll get a starter to try), which are sold separately, light with a match, and burn for 30 minutes. It's also available in larger round styles, though we really like this one's shape and ease of portability.

Smokeless Wood and Charcoal Fire Pit

This fire pit takes fire building to a new level! The design creates a super-efficient burn so there's little to no smoke, and the mesh body allows you to see the fire on three sides—it almost looks like it's floating. The fire pit can burn wood or charcoal, so it's super versatile and makes a great grill for the beach or campground.

A rechargeable battery, attached to the side, literally fans the flames. You can control the size of your flames manually or by using with the free app (yes, it is as cool as it sounds!). The legs fold neatly up, and the well-designed carry bag, sold separately, fits the fire pit and accessories and doubles as a firewood carrier.

Outland Living 410 Series - 36-Inch Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Table, Espresso Brown/Square

Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit with Stand

This new tiny-but-mighty fire pit can burn wood or wood pellets for a super-fun, super-low smoke fire. The efficient burn design allows anyone to enjoy a fire without a ton of work or space, yet it's still big enough to toast marshmallows and enjoy a real fire.

The high-heat ceramic coating comes in six colors, so this tabletop unit adds a pop of color to your outdoor space. This fire pit also comes with a carrying case, so you can bring it along on all your adventures.

Nolia Concrete Wood Burning Fire Pit

If you want a more traditional-looking fire pit that appears built in, this one has manufactured stone with brown and grey undertones. At 32 inches wide, it's spacious enough for plenty of gathering around the fire.

It comes with a spark screen and fireplace tool. At 56 pounds, it's not exactly something you can move around easily, but it can be relocated, if need be.

Talons Fire Tool

If you don't like struggling with pieces of wood once you get them in the fire pit, this convenient long-handled tool allows you to add or reposition wood without burning yourself. Its one-handed design makes it extra-convenient to use. Plus, it's forged in the USA!

Infinity Galvanized Fire Ring

If you're looking for an inexpensive way to build a fire pit in your back yard, this galvanized fire ring is a great solution. Build and level your base with a non-combustible material such as gravel, then lay this ring on top for an old-school fire pit.

The galvanized metal ring, made in the USA, won't rust. At 36-inches wide, you've got plenty of room for safely containing your fire while gathering everyone around on a chilly evening.

Rectangular Wood-Burning Fire Pit

At 36-inches wide, you'll be able to fit a ton of people around this fire pit. Also, the rectangular design works better in some spaces than traditional round fire bowls. It comes with a spark screen and grilling grate.

Ranger Fire Tool

No, this isn't a medieval axe! This clever tool allows you to poke, prod, and roll logs inside your fire pit without burning yourself. It comes with an extra-long handle in two lengths. It's also made in the USA from carbon plate steel, sourced in the USA as well.

Wood Burning Fireplace

If you're looking for a more built-in look (but don't like the built-in price tag), this wood-burning fireplace looks and feels more traditional and substantial.

It's available in two styles: Black steel with bronze accents and faux copper. At nearly 60 inches tall and 36 inches wide, it will make a statement on your patio. It also comes with a spark screen, log grate, fire poker and cover.

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