A fire pit transforms any backyard into a year-round gathering spot. But with hundreds of options on the market — from portable camping models to permanent stone installations — choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before making your decision.
Step 1: Determine Your Primary Use
Before comparing products, ask yourself how you’ll actually use your fire pit. This single question narrows your search dramatically.
Backyard entertaining: If your fire pit will live on your patio or in your yard, prioritize size, aesthetics, and smoke reduction. A 19-27 inch smokeless fire pit like the NatureStove Ember is ideal — large enough for 4-8 guests without overwhelming your space.
Camping and travel: Portability matters most here. Look for models under 20 lbs that pack down small. The Spark 15″ Portable Fire Pit was designed exactly for this — lightweight enough to throw in your truck bed, sturdy enough for regular use.
Outdoor cooking: If you plan to grill, roast, or cook over your fire pit, make sure it’s compatible with cooking accessories like grill grates and rotisseries.
Step 2: Choose Your Fuel Type
The three main fuel types each have distinct advantages:
Wood-Burning Fire Pits
Nothing beats the crackle, smell, and ambiance of a real wood fire. Wood-burning pits produce the most heat and create an authentic campfire experience. The downside? Smoke, ash cleanup, and the need for a firewood supply. Modern smokeless designs like our Ember series solve the smoke problem using double-wall airflow technology that creates a secondary burn, reducing smoke by up to 95%.
Propane Fire Pits
Propane pits offer instant on/off convenience and zero cleanup. They’re great for apartment balconies or HOA-restricted neighborhoods. However, they produce less heat, lack the authentic fire experience, and require propane tank refills.
Gel and Ethanol Fire Pits
These tabletop models like the Glow Mini are perfect for ambiance on small patios or dinner tables. They’re smoke-free and easy to use, but don’t produce significant heat for warming.
Step 3: Pick the Right Size
Fire pit diameter directly determines how many people can comfortably gather around it:
- Under 15 inches: Intimate setting for 2-3 people, highly portable
- 15-20 inches: The sweet spot for 4-6 people — most popular size for home use
- 20-27 inches: Perfect for larger gatherings of 6-10 people
- 27+ inches: Statement piece for large patios, accommodates 10+ guests
Also consider your available space. A fire pit should sit at least 10 feet from any structure, fence, or overhanging branches. Measure your space before you buy.
Step 4: Understand Materials
The material determines durability, weight, heat retention, and price:
304 Stainless Steel is the gold standard for portable and smokeless fire pits. It resists rust, handles extreme heat without warping, and stays looking new for years. This is what we use in all NatureStove fire pits — learn more about why we chose this material.
Cold-rolled steel is cheaper but rusts without regular maintenance and protective coatings. Many budget fire pits use this material — expect a 2-3 year lifespan with regular use.
Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well and develops a beautiful patina over time, but it’s heavy and requires seasoning to prevent rust.
Copper looks stunning and develops a natural green patina. It’s lightweight and conducts heat well, but dents easily and comes at a premium price.
Step 5: Consider Smokeless Technology
Smokeless fire pits have revolutionized the backyard fire experience. They use a double-wall design where air enters through bottom vents, heats up between the walls, and exits through holes at the top. This superheated air creates a secondary combustion that burns off smoke particles before they reach your eyes and clothes.
Is it worth the premium? If you plan to use your fire pit regularly and don’t want to spend every evening repositioning chairs to avoid smoke, absolutely. Your neighbors will thank you too.
Step 6: Set Your Budget
Fire pit prices range wildly, but here’s what to expect at each tier:
- Under $50: Basic steel bowls, short lifespan, heavy smoke
- $50-$100: Better construction, portable options, some with cooking features
- $100-$200: Quality stainless steel, smokeless technology, good accessories
- $200-$400: Premium smokeless, larger sizes, complete accessory ecosystems
- $400+: High-end brands, designer styles, permanent installations
We designed NatureStove’s lineup to deliver premium quality in the $60-$270 range — the sweet spot where you get excellent materials and smokeless technology without the luxury brand markup.
Our Top Recommendations
Based on the most common use cases we hear from customers:
- Best overall: Ember 19″ Smokeless Fire Pit ($149.99) — perfect balance of size, portability, and smokeless performance
- Best for large gatherings: Ember XL 27″ ($269.99) — seats 8-12 people with maximum heat output
- Best portable: Spark 15″ ($89.99) — lightweight and packable without sacrificing burn quality
- Best budget: Glow Mini Tabletop ($59.99) — instant ambiance for any outdoor table
Whatever you choose, a fire pit is one of the best investments you can make for your outdoor living space. It extends your usable outdoor season, creates a natural gathering point for family and friends, and turns ordinary evenings into memorable ones.
