9 Best Wood Burning Fire Pits (November 2026)
The best wood burning fire pits include the Sunnydaze Crossweave 36" Large Outdoor Fire Pit for large backyard gatherings, the Hykolity 35 Inch Fire Pit for cooking and table use, and the Hykolity 2 in 1 Fire Pit for swivel-grate grilling.
On this page (10 sections)
- The best wood burning fire pits for different backyards
- Best wood burning fire pit for large gatherings
- Best smokeless wood burning fire pits
- Best wood burning fire pits with table and grill features
- Best extra-large wood burning fire pit
- Best small wood burning fire pits
- How to choose a wood burning fire pit for a backyard
- How to use and care for a wood burning fire pit
- More guides on this topic
- Final verdict on the best wood burning fire pit
The best wood burning fire pit for most backyards is the Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-inch, because it combines a large bowl with a spark screen, poker, log grate and cover. Choose a Hykolity or OutVue model if cooking matters, or pick TIKI or Solo Stove when reduced smoke is the main goal.
A traditional wood fire gives you heat, light and the sound of burning logs without needing a gas line or electrical outlet. If you are considering a gas alternative, review propane fire pit safety.
The trade-off is that you need dry firewood, ash cleanup and a suitable outdoor surface.
This guide compares large backyard bowls, compact fire pits, smokeless designs and models with cooking grates. If you're also considering patio heaters, our Fire Pits and Heaters: The Complete Buying Guide covers the wider choice.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for large backyard gatheringsSunnydaze Crossweave 36" Large Outdoor Fire Pit
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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Check itTIKI Patio 25-Inch Smokeless Outdoor Wood Burning
Best for lower-smoke patio fires - 5
Best for a fire pit table setupCheck it - 6
Best for portable smokeless firesCheck it - 7
Check itSunnydaze Cosmic 42" Large Fire Pit
Best for extra-wide fire gatherings - 8
Check itGas One 22 in Outdoor– Wood Burning
Best for small patios and camping - 9
Best for decorative backyard firesCheck it
The best wood burning fire pits for different backyards
The best wood burning fire pit depends on your space, group size and preferred use. A large bowl suits a crowd, while a compact model fits a small patio or porch.
If smoke drifts toward seating, a reduced smoke design may be a better match. If you plan to cook, a model with a proper grate will save you adding parts later.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you are shopping for. It is a guide, not a rule, so check the size and surface needs for your own yard.
Think about where chairs will sit and how far people will be from the flame. A wide ring can help, but only if the patio can hold it.
Cleanup also matters from the start. Models with a removable ash pan or a simple bowl shape can make routine care easier.
| Product | Best for | Size | Material | Included | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnydaze Crossweave 36" Large Outdoor Fire Pit | large backyard gatherings | 36 in diameter x 24 in high with screen | Alloy steel | Spark screen, poker and cover | 9.6 |
| Hykolity 35 Inch Fire Pit | cooking and table use | 35 in diameter x 26 in high | Two grates, charcoal pan, log rack, poker and cover lid | 9.6 | |
| Hykolity 2 in 1 Fire Pit | swivel-grate grilling | 31 in diameter x 24 in high | Alloy steel | Fire grill, spark cover and poker | 9.5 |
| TIKI Patio 25-Inch Smokeless Outdoor Wood Burning | lower-smoke patio fires | 24.75 in diameter x 18.75 in high | 9.4 | ||
| OutVue 36 Inch Fire Pit | a fire pit table setup | 36 in x 36 in x 28 in overall | 9.3 | ||
| Solo Stove Bonfire w/Stand | portable smokeless fires | 19.49 in diameter x 17.52 in high | 9.1 | ||
| Sunnydaze Cosmic 42" Large Fire Pit | extra-wide fire gatherings | 41.5 in diameter x 23 in high with screen | 8.9 | ||
| Gas One 22 in Outdoor– Wood Burning | small patios and camping | 21.5 in diameter x 20 in high with lid | Metal with powder-coated finish | 8.7 | |
| Arikit 32 Inch Round Fire Pit | decorative backyard fires | 32 in diameter x 14.6 in high | Powder-coated metal | Mesh cover and fire poker | 8.4 |
Best wood burning fire pit for large gatherings
A large wood burning fire pit gives 6 to 8 people more room around the bowl, but it also needs a wider clear area. Measure the patio first, including the space needed for chairs and safe movement.
Sunnydaze Crossweave 36" Large Outdoor Fire Pit: Best for large backyard gatherings
- 36 in outer ring
- 31 in fire bowl
- 24-gauge steel
- Spark screen, poker and cover included
The broad outer ring and 31-inch bowl give 6 to 8 people room around a traditional wood fire. Its screen, poker and cover make the basic setup easier to manage.
Pros
- Large gathering area
- Spark screen and cover included
- Built-in log grate
Cons
- No drainage holes
- Needs a fire-safe surface
The Sunnydaze Crossweave is the strongest all-around choice for a backyard where several people gather around a traditional fire. Its 36-inch outer ring surrounds a 31-inch fire bowl, giving the logs a framed area while keeping people farther from the center flame.
The bowl is 11 inches deep, and the full height reaches 24 inches with the spark screen attached. At 23.8 lb, one person can carry it by the outer ring, although the large shape still needs a clear route across the yard.
Its 24-gauge alloy steel body has black high-temperature paint and crossweave cutouts. The built-in log grate supports airflow from below, while the included spark screen helps contain embers.
One detail matters for care: the bowl has no drainage holes. Empty rainwater after wet weather, use the included cover and store the fire pit in a dry, covered place when possible.
Choose this model for a classic backyard centerpiece with the main fire tools included. For a larger bowl and wider ring, compare our best large wood burning fire pit guide.
Hykolity 35 Inch Fire Pit: Best for cooking and table use
- Two cooking grates
- Charcoal pan
- Cover lid converts to table
- 35 in round steel body
This Hykolity combines a wood fire, cooking setup and covered table in one round unit. The two grates swivel and adjust for different cooking positions.
Pros
- Two cooking grates
- Charcoal pan included
- Cover lid becomes a table
Cons
- More parts to assemble
- Cooking setup takes space above the fire
The 35-inch Hykolity is the better fit when your fire pit also needs to support outdoor cooking. It includes two cooking grates, an 18.5-inch grate and a 15-inch grate, plus a charcoal pan, log rack, poker and cover lid.
The grates have handles and can swivel 360 degrees. You can adjust them up or down, which helps move food away from direct heat without removing the entire cooking setup.
The round unit measures 35 inches across and 26 inches high. Its 24-inch open fire bowl leaves room for a wood fire, while the cover lid can sit on top and turn the unit into a table for drinks and snacks.
This is a stronger cooking choice than a simple fire bowl, but it also has more parts to assemble and manage. Pick it when grilling and table use are worth the added setup.
Plan where the grates will sit when not in use, as they add bulk above and beside the bowl. A charcoal pan gives a gentler fire for grilling, while wood suits a more traditional bonfire.
Stability comes from the circular steel ring fixed on the four legs. That helps on uneven ground, though you should still set it on a level, fire safe surface.
Hykolity 2 in 1 Fire Pit: Best for swivel-grate grilling
- 31 in round fire pit
- 21.06 in swivel grate
- 360-degree grate rotation
- Spark cover and poker included
The Hykolity 2 in 1 gives you a traditional fire pit with a removable, height-adjustable cooking grate. Its outer ring leaves room to move the unit and keep space around the bowl.
Pros
- Large swivel cooking grate
- Spark cover included
- Simple four-piece setup
Cons
- Smaller bowl than the 35-inch Hykolity
- Grill position needs adjustment before cooking
The Hykolity 2 in 1 is a more focused grilling pick than the 35-inch model. Its 21.06-inch cooking grate swivels 360 degrees, adjusts in height and can be removed when you want an open fire.
The body measures 31 inches across and 24 inches high. Four legs and an outer steel ring create the basic structure, while the pentagram vents support airflow around the firewood.
A spark cover and poker are included with the fire grill. The powder-coated heavy-duty steel body suits outdoor use, but routine covering and dry storage still help limit weather exposure.
Choose this model if you want a grill that can swing away from the flame. If you want to compare cooking-focused choices, see our best wood burning fire pit for cooking guide.
The swivel action is useful when you want to keep food warm at the edge or move it clear while you tend the fire. Height adjustment, fixed by screws, lets you set the grate before cooking starts.
Removing the grill gives you back a plain fire pit for conversation and warmth. That flexibility suits people who alternate between cooking nights and simple bonfire nights.
Assembly uses four pieces, which keeps initial setup straightforward. Still, check that all parts are secure before placing food on the grate.
Best smokeless wood burning fire pits
Smokeless wood burning fire pits are the right starting point when smoke reduction matters more than a very large bowl. They still burn wood and need proper ventilation, dry fuel and safe placement.
TIKI Patio 25-Inch Smokeless Outdoor Wood Burning: Best for lower-smoke patio fires
- Smokeless design
- 16-gauge stainless steel
- Removable ash pan
- Stand and weather-resistant cover included
TIKI is the focused choice for buyers who want a smaller wood fire with reduced smoke and ash. The removable ash pan, stand and cover support regular patio use.
Pros
- Reduced smoke and ash design
- Stainless steel construction
- Two fuel options
Cons
- Smaller than the large gathering picks
- Screen and poker sold separately
The TIKI Patio 25-Inch is the best fit for buyers who want a reduced-smoke fire for 4 to 6 people. Its internal airflow design is made to reduce smoke and ash, while the removable ash pan simplifies cleanup after the fire is completely cool.
The fire pit is built from 16-gauge stainless steel with a black powder-coated finish. It measures 24.75 inches across and 18.75 inches high, with a stated 4-foot heat radius for outdoor gatherings.
A sturdy stand and weather-resistant cover are included. You can burn natural cut firewood or TIKI Wood Packs, while the separate accessory range includes a screen, poker, heat deflector, tabletop and griddle.
The smaller size works well for patios, campsites and cabins. Choose it when lower smoke and easier ash removal matter more than cooking or a large group ring.
That heat radius is a practical guide for chair placement. It suggests a cozy circle without needing a very large bowl.
Fuel choice affects convenience as much as the fire itself. Cut firewood gives a classic feel, while wood packs may suit shorter or simpler burns.
Because a screen and poker are sold separately, factor those in if ember control is a priority. The included cover still helps protect the unit between uses.
Solo Stove Bonfire w/Stand: Best for portable smokeless fires
- 19.5 in diameter
- Stainless steel body
- Removable ash pan
- Stand, case, base plate and ash pan included
Solo Stove Bonfire is the compact choice for moving between a backyard and trips. The stand, nylon carry case and removable ash pan make its portable design practical.
Pros
- Portable size
- Stand included
- Removable ash pan
Cons
- Smallest fire area here
- Limited to a compact gathering footprint
Solo Stove Bonfire is the portable smokeless pick for buyers who move their fire pit between home and trips. Its 19.5-inch diameter suits 4 to 6 people, while the included stand supports use on many heat-sensitive surfaces according to the product description.
The stainless steel body weighs 21.8 lb. The package includes the Bonfire fire pit, stand, nylon carry case, removable base plate and ash pan, so storage and transport are part of the design.
The removable ash pan helps with cleanup after the fire cools. Its compact footprint gives up some fire area compared with the 25-inch TIKI and the larger bowls, but it is easier to carry and store.
Pick Solo Stove when portability is central to the decision. For a broader comparison of fire pit and chiminea shapes, read Fire Pit vs Chiminea: Which Is Better for Your Patio?.
The double wall design feeds heated air over the fire to support a second burn. That is the idea behind its reduced smoke focus, though dry wood still matters.
For camping or beach trips, the carry case makes loading the car simpler. At home, the same compact size helps in a corner of the yard.
It is less suited to a large group or a long, big log fire. For four to six people in close chairs, the size is well matched.
Best wood burning fire pits with table and grill features
A fire pit table is useful when you want one outdoor piece to serve several jobs. Check the full footprint and the way the lid, tabletop and cooking grates store before choosing one for a narrow patio.
OutVue 36 Inch Fire Pit: Best for a fire pit table setup
- Three-in-one fire pit, grill and table
- Two swivel cooking grills
- Lid and tabletop
- Rain-proof cover and poker included
OutVue suits a patio where the fire pit needs to serve as a grill and table between fires. Its two adjustable grills and tabletop create several layouts for outdoor meals.
Pros
- Three uses in one unit
- Two adjustable grills
- Tabletop and cover included
Cons
- Large footprint
- More setup parts than a simple bowl
OutVue is the best wood burning fire pit here for buyers who want a fire pit, grill and table in one unit. It includes two cooking grates, a lid, tabletop, poker and waterproof cover.
The fire pit measures 36 inches by 36 inches by 28 inches overall. The fire bowl is 24 inches by 24 inches by 10 inches, and the tabletop is 36 inches square.
The two grates swivel 360 degrees and adjust in height. OutVue states that the unit can hold up to 20 lb of wood, while the powder-coated iron body and four legs support the outdoor table design.
The lid covers the fire area when there is no fire, creating a round table for meals or drinks. Because this is a larger multi-use unit, plan for more assembly and storage space than you would need for a simple bowl.
If your surface is a wood deck, review Are Fire Pit Tables Safe on Wood Decks? and Can You Use a Fire Pit Table on a Wood Deck? before buying.
Best extra-large wood burning fire pit
The best extra-large wood burning fire pit needs enough room for the outer safety ring, chairs and clearances around the flame. A wide ring can make group seating easier, but it also takes more patio space.
Sunnydaze Cosmic 42" Large Fire Pit: Best for extra-wide fire gatherings
- 34 in fire bowl
- 41.5 in outer ring
- Star and moon cutouts
- Spark screen, grate, poker and cover included
The Cosmic gives larger groups a wide 34-inch bowl and a 41.5-inch outer ring. Star and moon cutouts add a patterned glow while the screen and grate support a classic fire.
Pros
- Widest outer ring
- Large 34-inch bowl
- Spark screen and cover included
Cons
- Needs more floor space
- Two people may be needed to move it
The Sunnydaze Cosmic 42-inch is the extra-wide choice for 6 to 8 people. Its 34-inch fire bowl sits inside a 41.5-inch outer ring, giving larger groups more room around the fire.
The bowl is 10 inches deep and accepts full-size logs. The unit stands 15.5 inches high without the screen and 23 inches high with it, while the included grate supports airflow from below.
Star and moon cutouts create a patterned glow after dark. The included spark screen, poker and cover add the basic tools for tending and protecting the fire pit.
At 28.4 lb, two people may be more comfortable moving it between locations. Choose it for an open backyard or campsite area where the 41.5-inch footprint will not crowd seating.
That depth helps logs sit low, which can keep the flame framed within the bowl. It also means a fuller fire than a shallow, small bowl would hold.
Airflow comes from the grate and the 360-degree cutouts, helping the fire burn hotter and steadier. The wide ring keeps faces and hands farther from the center.
Care is simple but regular, including cleaning cooled ash and emptying pooled rainwater. Covering after each use and storing in a dry place helps the painted steel last longer.
Best small wood burning fire pits
The best small wood burning fire pit keeps the bowl compact without removing the basic fire tools. Measure the space around the unit, not just the bowl, because chairs and safe clearances still need room.
Gas One 22 in Outdoor– Wood Burning: Best for small patios and camping
- 21.5 in bowl
- Alloy steel construction
- Mesh lid
- Fire picker included
Gas One keeps the fire area compact for smaller outdoor spaces. Its mesh lid supports ember control, while the fire picker helps you move logs from a distance.
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Mesh lid included
- Fire picker included
Cons
- Less room for logs than larger bowls
- No cooking grate listed
Gas One is the practical small-space pick for a porch, backyard, camping area or compact patio. Its bowl measures 21.5 inches in diameter, and the height reaches 20 inches with the mesh lid attached.
The alloy steel body has a powder-coated finish. The mesh lid helps contain sparks while allowing airflow, and the included fire picker lets you move logs or charcoal without reaching toward the fire.
The compact shape makes it easier to place in a smaller outdoor area than the 31-inch and 36-inch models. It does not include a cooking grate, so choose it for conversation and warmth rather than grilling.
For more compact options, compare our best small wood burning fire pit guide. You can also see the dedicated comparison of the best wood burning fire pit with screen.
The lid handle gives you a way to lift the mesh without placing a hand directly over the bowl. At 5.35 kg, it is among the easier models to reposition or store between trips.
Still, let it cool fully before moving it. For small gatherings, the bowl gives enough room for a modest fire, while larger groups will likely feel the limits quickly.
Arikit 32 Inch Round Fire Pit: Best for decorative backyard fires
- 32 in round metal body
- Star and moon design
- Mesh cover
- Fire poker included
Arikit centers on a decorative star and moon design with a broad 32-inch round body. Its mesh cover and poker give you the basic tools for tending a backyard fire.
Pros
- Decorative cutout pattern
- Wide round body
- Mesh cover and poker included
Cons
- No cooking features listed
- Metal construction needs routine weather care
Arikit suits a backyard where the fire pit should also add a decorative pattern. Its 32-inch round metal body has star and moon cutouts that cast changing shapes as the fire burns.
The powder-coated metal unit measures 32 inches across and 14.6 inches high. A mesh cover helps contain sparks and embers, while the included fire poker lets you tend the fire from a safer distance.
This model is simpler than the Hykolity and OutVue picks because no cooking grate is listed. It is a better fit for fires, warmth and visual atmosphere than for outdoor meal preparation.
Cover the fire pit between uses and remove cooled ash regularly. For related material choices, see best iron outdoor fire pit, best copper fire pits and best metal fire pits.
The low height makes it easy to see the fire from a chair. It also means less vertical structure to work around when arranging seating.
Its broad diameter gives logs room to burn across the bowl. That suits a steady, social fire rather than a tall, narrow flame.
Because the design is decorative, place it where the glow will be visible from the seating area. Keep the same safe distance from the flame as with any wood fire.
How to choose a wood burning fire pit for a backyard
Choose the bowl size by the number of people who will sit around it and the floor space you can keep clear. A 21.5-inch bowl works for a smaller group, while 31 to 36 inches gives more room for logs and people.
How much space does a wood burning fire pit need?
A wood burning fire pit needs a level, fire-safe surface with clear space around the flame. Stone, brick, gravel or a fire-safe pad are suitable starting points for the models that specify these surfaces.
Keep seating far enough away that people do not need to lean over the bowl. Check local rules before lighting a fire, and do not use a wood burning fire pit under low branches, a roof or other combustible cover.
Should you choose steel, iron or stainless steel?
The best material depends on the care and appearance you want. Stainless steel appears on the TIKI and Solo Stove models, while alloy steel or metal bodies appear across the Sunnydaze, Hykolity, Gas One and Arikit picks.
Painted and powder-coated finishes can help protect metal, but they do not remove the need to empty water and cover the bowl. Our guide to what is the best material for a fire pit explains the trade-offs.
If the finish becomes worn, read can you paint a fire pit before applying any coating. Use a product made for the heat and surface involved, and follow its instructions.
Do you need a spark screen?
A spark screen is useful when the model includes one and when local rules allow that type of fire pit. It helps contain flying embers, but it does not make an unattended fire safe or replace proper distance from dry materials.
Sunnydaze, Gas One, Hykolity and Arikit include screen or mesh-cover features. For more screened options, see best outdoor fire pit with screen.
Do you need a grate under the logs?
A log grate can lift wood above the bowl floor and support airflow from below. The Sunnydaze Crossweave and Cosmic include grates, while the Hykolity models use their fire-pit and cooking designs to support airflow.
A cooking grate is different from a log grate. It must be designed for food and placed at a suitable height, as with the Hykolity and OutVue models.
For a separate accessory, compare best cast iron fire pit grate.
How to use and care for a wood burning fire pit
Use dry firewood, start with a manageable fire and keep a safe way to control or extinguish it nearby. Never leave the fire unattended, and wait until the ash and metal are completely cool before cleaning.
Remove cooled ash regularly so it does not collect moisture inside the bowl. Empty rainwater when the design does not drain well, then use the cover supplied with the model when available.
Keep the fire pit in a dry, covered location during long periods without use. Painted and powder-coated metal benefits from less standing water, while stainless steel still needs basic cleaning after outdoor use.
Start small so you can see how the bowl draws air and how the smoke moves. Adding logs gradually is safer than building a large fire at once.
Check the wind before you light it, as strong gusts can push heat and embers toward seating or dry plants. If conditions are not right, wait for a calmer evening.
A poker or fire picker helps you move logs without leaning over the flame. Keep that tool and any extinguishing method within reach, not stored far away.
After the fire, let everything cool on its own before handling the bowl or screen. For models without drainage holes, tip out collected water promptly after rain, since standing water speeds rust on painted steel.
Store grates, screens and covers where they will not trap moisture against the metal. Inspect the finish now and then for chips or wear, and follow the maker guidance on care.
More guides on this topic
- Best Wood Burning Fire Pits on Wheels
- Best Heavy Duty Wood Burning Fire Pits
- Best Outdoor Wood Burning Chimineas
Use these guides if mobility, strength or a different shape matters more than the picks above. They can help you compare features before you commit to a bowl size.
Final verdict on the best wood burning fire pit
The Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-inch is the best wood burning fire pit for most backyards because it offers a large 31-inch bowl, a spark screen, a poker, a log grate and a cover. Pick the Hykolity 35-inch when cooking and table use matter most.
Choose TIKI or Solo Stove for reduced-smoke designs, Gas One for a compact fire area and Sunnydaze Cosmic for the widest group ring. If your main goal is cooking, compare the grate size and adjustment range before choosing a traditional bowl.
For most families, the Crossweave hits the balance between size, included tools and daytime decor. Its crossweave pattern glows at night and still looks intentional when the fire is out.
If your patio is narrow, step down to a 21.5 to 25-inch model instead of forcing a large ring into the space. Comfort comes from having room to sit back, not from the biggest bowl on paper.
Cooking models need more thought about placement than a plain bowl does. You need clearance for swiveling grates and safe access to food at heat, so measure that arc before assembly.
Smokeless models still need dry wood, good airflow and a safe surface. Whatever you choose, plan for ash removal and winter storage from the beginning, since a cover and a dry spot will protect the finish far better than leaving the bowl exposed.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Best for large backyard gatherings
Sunnydaze Crossweave 36" Large Outdoor Fire Pit
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best wood burning fire pit for most backyards?
The Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-inch is the best wood burning fire pit for most backyards in this comparison. Its 31-inch bowl suits 6 to 8 people, and it includes a spark screen, poker, log grate and cover.
Choose a smaller model when patio space is limited.
Are wood burning fire pits safe on patios?
Use a wood burning fire pit only on a suitable fire-safe surface and follow local fire rules. Stone, brick, gravel or a dedicated fire-safe pad can help protect the surface below.
Keep the unit away from structures, dry material and overhanging branches.
What size wood burning fire pit should you buy?
Choose a 21.5 to 25-inch model for a smaller patio or 4 to 6 people. A 31 to 36-inch bowl fits larger groups and gives logs more room.
The 41.5-inch Sunnydaze Cosmic needs the most floor space because its outer ring is wider than its bowl.
Are smokeless wood burning fire pits really smokeless?
Smokeless fire pits are designed to reduce smoke, not promise that smoke will never appear. TIKI and Solo Stove use airflow designs intended to burn wood more cleanly.
Dry, properly sized firewood and good airflow still affect the fire.
Can you cook on a wood burning fire pit?
Yes, but only when the fire pit has a cooking grate or grill designed for that use. Hykolity and OutVue include cooking components, while the TIKI and Gas One models in this comparison do not list a cooking grate.
Follow the cooking setup instructions before placing food over the fire.
