Key takeaways
- Check local rules. Many towns restrict open burning or require permits. Burn bans can apply during dry weather. Confirm what your area allows before you buy.
- Keep distance. Place the unit on a stable, non-combustible surface and well away from the house, fences, overhangs and tree branches. Follow the clearances in the maker’s manual.
- Protect decks and lawns. Use a heat shield or a stand rated for the surface. The Breeo Y Series is described by HGTV as designed for heat-sensitive surfaces, but use the exact guidance in the manual.
- Use proper fuel. Burn dry, seasoned wood unless the maker states otherwise. Do not use accelerants such as gasoline.
- Never leave it unattended. Keep a hose, bucket or extinguisher nearby, and make sure embers are fully out before leaving.
- Watch propane. For gas units, check hoses and connections as the manual describes and call a licensed professional for any fixed gas line work.
For most backyards, a smokeless stainless steel fire pit such as the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is the easiest all-round choice, a heavier steel pit like the Breeo X Series suits cooks and people who want a permanent centerpiece, and a chimney-style wood-burning fireplace such as the Sunjoy model suits a patio that needs a more traditional look with spark screens and shelves. The right pick depends on your space, your local fire rules and how much you want to move and store the unit.
Our top picks
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Outdoor Fireplaces at a Glance
| Option | Type | Best for | Reported details | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 | Portable smokeless fire pit | Small and mid-size backyards | Top pick at Bob Vila, Tom’s Guide, HGTV and Yahoo; Tom’s Guide found it easy to clean and notes a lifetime warranty | Not meant to sit outside permanently without a cover; needs a stand or a heat-safe surface |
| Solo Stove Yukon | Larger smokeless pit | Bigger gatherings | OutdoorGearLab reports strong burn-time results for Solo Stove models | Larger and heavier |
| Breeo X Series 24 | Heavy steel pit | Cooking and a long-term centerpiece | Yahoo names it best for cooking; reportedly about 62 pounds | Premium tier; accessories are extra |
| Breeo Y Series | Steel pit with heat shield | Heat-sensitive surfaces such as wood decks, per HGTV | HGTV calls it a top splurge | Top tier |
| Cuisinart Cleanburn | Smokeless pit | People who want warmth while seated | Tom’s Guide found it the warmest to sit around | Warranty coverage was a point reviewers raised |
| Outland Living Mega | Portable propane fire bowl | Camping, beach and budget use | OutdoorGearLab names it best for portability | More basic build |
| Sunjoy wood-burning fireplace | Chimney-style fireplace | Patios wanting a traditional look | New York Garden describes mesh spark screens and built-in shelves | Larger footprint; lower authority source |
Independent testing coverage focuses mostly on fire pits rather than masonry or built-in fireplaces, so this guide concentrates on freestanding units. Some of the roundups that cover chimney-style models are affiliate-driven, so check the maker’s manual for rated clearances and fuels.
Fire Pit or Chimney-Style Fireplace?
Fire pits sit low and open, which suits conversation circles and marshmallow roasting. They are easy to move, simple to clean and available in a wide range of sizes. Smokeless designs use airflow to burn wood more completely, which reduces smoke for people seated around them.
Chimney-style outdoor fireplaces have a vertical stack, a screen and often a shelf or a log storage area. They suit patios where you want the fire at one side of the space and where wind or a covered area makes an open pit less practical. They are heavier and require more careful siting, with attention to overhead clearance and nearby structures.
Wood, propane or gas?
Wood delivers the classic crackle and scent, but burns less predictably and needs ash disposal. Propane fire bowls such as the Outland Living lines light and shut off quickly and leave no ash, which suits patios with strict local rules. Natural gas hookups are professional installations and fall outside most freestanding purchases; follow local code and use a licensed installer.
Features and Trade-offs
Smoke control
Smokeless pits like the Solo Stove and the Cuisinart Cleanburn use a double-wall design that pulls air through the chamber. Reviewers report much less smoke than a traditional open bowl, but no wood fire is completely smoke free, particularly when fuel is damp.
Heat output and warmth
Tom’s Guide reportedly found the Cuisinart Cleanburn the warmest to sit around, while other pits are praised for flame appearance and burn time. Size matters: a bigger pit gives more heat, but also needs more clearance.
Weight and portability
A lightweight pit is easy to store and carry. A heavy steel unit like the Breeo X Series is more stable and long lived, but it stays where you put it.
Durability and weather
Stainless steel resists rust, yet most smokeless pits are not meant to sit uncovered through winter. Covers help, and heavy-gauge steel units that weather to a patina tolerate the elements better, per reviewers.
Cooking accessories
Breeo has a wide accessory range, including grates and swing arms. If you want to cook, factor in extras when comparing the tier. Solo Stove also sells grills and stands.
Budget Tiers
Budget tier
Basic steel bowls and propane fire bowls such as the Outland Living options fit here. They deliver flame and warmth with less refinement and simpler build. They are a sensible choice for occasional use or for camping and the beach.
Mid-range tier
Smokeless stainless pits including the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 and the Cuisinart Cleanburn sit in the middle of most coverage. You get cleaner burning, stronger construction and better support from the maker.
Premium tier
Breeo pits and large chimney-style units occupy the top tier. They are built to last, and they are often the final fire feature a homeowner buys.
Placement, Clearance and Fire Safety
- Check local rules. Many towns restrict open burning or require permits. Burn bans can apply during dry weather. Confirm what your area allows before you buy.
- Keep distance. Place the unit on a stable, non-combustible surface and well away from the house, fences, overhangs and tree branches. Follow the clearances in the maker’s manual.
- Protect decks and lawns. Use a heat shield or a stand rated for the surface. The Breeo Y Series is described by HGTV as designed for heat-sensitive surfaces, but use the exact guidance in the manual.
- Use proper fuel. Burn dry, seasoned wood unless the maker states otherwise. Do not use accelerants such as gasoline.
- Never leave it unattended. Keep a hose, bucket or extinguisher nearby, and make sure embers are fully out before leaving.
- Watch propane. For gas units, check hoses and connections as the manual describes and call a licensed professional for any fixed gas line work.
Fire pits produce carbon monoxide and should only be used outdoors in open spaces, never in garages, enclosed porches or under covered structures unless the maker explicitly approves.
Fuel, Maintenance and Ownership
Seasoned hardwood burns hotter and cleaner than softwood or wet logs, and smokeless pits perform best when the wood is dry and stacked below the vent holes. Let ash cool fully, then dispose of it in a metal container, never a paper bag or plastic bin. Brush out the bowl periodically and wipe exterior surfaces according to the maker’s care notes.
Think about storage as well. A cover protects the finish and keeps rain out of the bowl, and a stand or heat-resistant mat protects the surface underneath. If you expect to move the pit often, favor lighter models. If it will stay in one spot, a heavier steel unit adds stability. Finally, read the warranty terms, since reviewers have noted differences in coverage between brands.
Pick X If … Decision Table
| Pick this | If you … |
|---|---|
| Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 | want a smokeless, easy-to-clean pit for a small or mid-size yard |
| Solo Stove Yukon | host larger groups |
| Breeo X Series 24 | want to cook over fire and keep the pit as a permanent feature |
| Breeo Y Series | need extra surface protection and accept premium tiers |
| Cuisinart Cleanburn | prioritize warmth while seated |
| Outland Living Mega | want portability and a simple propane fire |
| Sunjoy chimney-style fireplace | prefer a traditional patio fireplace with spark screens |
Alternatives
- Tabletop fire bowls. Small, fuel-gel or propane units add ambiance to a table without needing a full fire pit footprint.
- Patio heaters. If your goal is warmth rather than flames, a propane or electric heater may fit better and often requires less cleanup.
- Built-in masonry fireplace. For a long-term investment, hire a licensed contractor who knows local code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smokeless fire pits truly smokeless?
No wood fire is entirely smoke free. Smokeless designs reduce smoke by improving airflow and burning more of the fuel, which reviewers report works well with dry wood. Damp wood or poor stacking will still create smoke.
Can I use a fire pit on a wooden deck?
Only if the maker’s manual allows it and you use an approved stand or heat shield. The Breeo Y Series is described by HGTV as built for heat-sensitive surfaces, but even then follow the manual closely. If unsure, place the pit on a patio of stone or concrete.
How far should a fire pit be from the house?
Clearances vary by model and by local code, so use the distances in the maker’s manual and any rules from your fire department. As a general principle, keep the pit well away from walls, eaves, fences and trees.
Do outdoor fireplaces need a cover?
Covers help protect against rain, snow and debris, extending the life of most units. Smokeless pits are generally not intended to stay uncovered permanently, so store or cover them when not in use.
Is propane or wood better?
Propane is cleaner and easier to control, and it shuts off in seconds. Wood offers more traditional flames and aroma but needs fuel storage and ash cleanup. Choose based on your local rules and how much effort you want to spend.
Can I cook over an outdoor fireplace?
Many pits accept grills or cooking grates. Breeo is praised for cooking accessories, though they cost extra. Use heat-safe tools and follow food safety guidelines when cooking over open flame.
