10 Best Portable Fire Pits In 2020 – Review & Buyer’s Guide
Most evenings are cool and if you like to have a drink or to catch up with your family or friends during this time, investing in a portable fire pit is no doubt a good idea. These units are lightweight and compact so you can have a super easy time carrying them from place to place and using them anywhere you want. They are great for RV travels, camping, backyard, patio, beach parties, and more. Ideally, they are safe and convenient to use, considering that they do not produce smoke or leave behind ashes. In this piece, we introduce to you the features you should consider before buying one. Our piece also talks about the ten best portable fire pits reviews. Have a look.
Also, you may want to see our collection on the best portable gas grills here.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Portable Fire Pits – Review & Buyer’s Guide
- 1. Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit – the best overall
- 2. Giantex 22″ Portable Folding Fire Pit with Carrying Case – the most durable
- 3. UCO Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit – the cheapest
- 4. TACKLIFE Portable Propane Fire Pit with Cover – the safest
- 5. Best Choice Products 22-Inch Fire Pit Bowl – the most space-saving
- 6. Heininger 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit (5995) – Boasts the highest heat output
- 7. BALI OUTDOORS Portable Fire Pit – the easiest to assemble
- 8. Bond Manufacturing 67836 Aurora Portable Gas Fire Pit – comes with all the necessary accessories
- 9. HY-C FG-16 Portable Smoke-Free Wood Pellet Fire Pit – the easiest to care for
- 10. Park and Patio Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit – the most versatile
- Outdoor Fire Pits Buyer’s Guide
10 Best Portable Fire Pits – Review & Buyer’s Guide
1. Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit – the best overall
Why We Like It
We like the fact that this pop-up fire pit is an advanced version of a traditional fire pit. It is easy to set up and offers an excellent way to enjoy campfires.
Portability
It is one of the most portable fire pits in the market. It weighs just 8 pounds, meaning carrying it when you are on the go will not be a problem. The fire pit is also compact and smaller than a camping chair. As such, it is effortless to fit in a car trunk.
Size
Despite being extremely small and super lightweight, this portable fire pit is large enough to keep the whole party warm. It measures 24″x24″, which makes it well-sized and capable of serving its purpose.
Heat Shield
It is an important feature, which every fire pit should have. Well, we are glad that this model has it. The heat shield will allow you to set up the fire pit anywhere without worrying about damaging the surface.
Other Features
This portable fire pit also features a 576 square inches of the burn area, 3.5-inch sides, and an elevated base.
- Simple and works very well
- Almost smoke-free
- Does not seem to leave any ashes on the ground
- The wire mesh screen should be cared for properly, lest it won’t last
2. Giantex 22″ Portable Folding Fire Pit with Carrying Case – the most durable
Why We Like It
The price of this portable fire pit is reasonable, and it works just like any other top-notch brand. Moreover, this fire pit delivers long-lasting results, and it is very versatile. Needless to say, it is excellent for backpacking, hiking, and camping, among others.
Design
The innovative design makes this fire pit an excellent investment. The manufacturer refers to the design as “folding.” It is because the design features foldable legs that significantly improve portability. The foldable legs combine with the lightweight construction to make this fire pit extremely easy to carry and to store. That said, the fire pit can be stored on a shelf in the garage or anywhere you feel it will be safe and stay in perfect condition.
Material
This fire pit is constructed with steel. As such, it is sturdy enough to hold up well to the high demands of outdoor use. Best of all, the iron does not make it weighty, meaning it does not compromise the portability of this model.
Other Features
The fire pit comes with a carrying bag to ensure easy transport. It also comes with a cooking grate, log grate, and fire tool.
- Perfect for RV travels
- Easy to set up
- The carry bag is a plus
- The screen’s finish could last longer
3. UCO Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit – the cheapest
Why We Like It
A good number of manufacturers appear to forget to include a warranty. Therefore, what we like about this particular product is that it comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, which protects against defects in artistry and materials.
Size and Weight
The fire pit measures 13.5 by 10 by 1.5 inches and weighs 3.2 pounds. That said, it is compact enough to carry and use anywhere. The portable craftsmanship not only improves convenience but also makes the fire pit more versatile. It means you can use the fire pit for a barbecue or carry it to the beach or campsite to add extra fun to your outdoor moments.
Construction
You will be able to use this fire pit season in season out. It is because it is constructed with stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and rust. The stainless steel construction also makes the fire pit easy to maintain.
Stable base and High Sides of Grill
With a stable base, it is evident that this portable fire pit is designed with safety in mind. You will, therefore, use it with peace of mind knowing that the worst won’t happen. The fire pit also features high sides that act as a wind-break.
- Makes a great alternative to gas campfires in a can
- Packs down tiny for optimum portability
- Directions are in 6 different languages
- Although the unit works amazingly well as a grill, it does not work superbly well as a fire pit.
4. TACKLIFE Portable Propane Fire Pit with Cover – the safest
Why We Like It
What impresses us about this fire pit is that it is CSA approved. It means it is secure and safe to use. We also like the fact that it comes with a 24-month contact service card as well as a product manual.
Construction
TACKLIFE has constructed this portable fire pit with steel. It means the fire pit has a stable and durable structure that will withstand the test of time. What’s more, the pit’s burner and control panel are all made of steel for longevity.
Auto-ignition
This feature is not common in portable fire pits. Therefore, we are happy to note that this unit has it. The auto-ignition function allows for easy flame adjustment as well as simple switch control. In other words, it makes the portable fire pit extremely easy to operate.
Antique Copper Metal Surface
It is a gorgeous surface that improves the aesthetics of the fire pit. By so doing, it makes you feel satisfied knowing that you are using a perfectly-looking and high-performance unit.
Other Features
What’s more, this model comes with a fire pit cover to ensure that it is well protected from elements when it’s not in use.
- Arrives in great condition
- Comes with all parts
- Has a very classy look
- Outputs a decent amount of heat
- The instructions are not the best
5. Best Choice Products 22-Inch Fire Pit Bowl – the most space-saving
Why We Like It
This portable fire pit is a convenient unit that comes in handy when you want to entertain your guests or create a cozy ambiance. It is a multipurpose fire pit bowl that can be used at the beach or on a camping trip.
Space-Saving Design
We agree with the manufacturer that this fire pit bowl is much easier to control and safer than bonfires and traditional campfires. It is because it features a compact design and boasts a bowl shape. Well, this well-thought-out craftsmanship creates a pleasant outdoor space for you and your friends to gather around.
Mesh Screen
This fire pit is another excellent feature of this portable fire pit. It prevents embers, sparks, and debris from flying out. By so doing, the mesh screen ensures that you do not suffer from accidental burns.
Wood-handled Poker
First, this poker has a handle made of wood, meaning heat will not be transferred to the handle. Second, the wood-handled poker will help you safely move charcoal or wood.
Other Features
This portable fire pit also features a log grate, which allows for optimum airflow to help keep the fire strong and high-tempered steel that has a heat-resistant finish and is easy to clean.
- Has an attractive look
- Works great for what it is designed to do
- Easy to assemble and to move around
- A little smaller than expected
6. Heininger 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit (5995) – Boasts the highest heat output
Why We Like It
We like the fact that this fire pit can be used in any weather. It is excellent for camping, backyards, tailgating, and patios. We are also thrilled by the fact that this outdoor fire pit is smokeless and burns clean.
10ft hose
At 10ft, the tube is long enough to keep your propane tank out of sight and at a safe distance. It is worth noting that the propane tank is not included in this package.
All-weather Construction
It enables this portable fire pit to stand up to all the adverse outdoor conditions. By so doing, the all-weather construction helps prolong the lifespan of the fire pit.
Portable Design
Although it is sturdily built, this fire pit is ultra-lightweight and, therefore, very easy to carry from place to place. Ideally, the fire pit measures 19 inches in diameter; hence, it is very convenient to use.
Decorative Lava Rocks
They come with this portable fire pit and are long-lasting. They complete the look of the fire pit for maximum visual appeal.
- Outputs plenty of heat
- Has a nice high flame
- Very well built for long-lasting performance
- Has a perfect size
- It makes a small hissing noise. But the noise is not enough to be annoying or alarming
7. BALI OUTDOORS Portable Fire Pit – the easiest to assemble
Why We Like It
This fire pit seems to be designed particularly for you. It outputs a decent amount of heat to make sure you are kept warm throughout the cold evening. What’s more, this portable fire pit is designed with safety in mind. It is CSA approved to give you peace of mind knowing that you are using a tested and tried fire pit.
Heavy-duty Construction
This portable fire pit is built to last. Both its burner and housing are constructed with steel to ensure long-lasting performance. As if that’s not enough, this portable fire pit features a high-temperature powder coating as well as a protective enamel finish to improve durability further.
Auto-ignition
This a thoughtful feature, which makes the fire pit quick and easy to start up. Ideally, the auto-ignition function combines with the control knob, which allows for natural lighting as well as making the flame height extremely easy to adjust.
Size
The portable fire pit measures 18.7 inches long by 18.7 inches wide by 14.6 inches tall. It is well-sized in the sense that it is effortless to carry and at the same time capable of outputting the right amount of heat to keep you warm throughout the cold evening.
- Amazingly easy to put together
- Lights instantly and puts out incredible heat
- Very elegant and easy to use
- Some customers have complained about receiving the fire pit with dents
8. Bond Manufacturing 67836 Aurora Portable Gas Fire Pit – comes with all the necessary accessories
Why We Like It
We are thrilled by the fact that you get everything when you buy this portable gas fire pit. It comes with all the accessories you need to ensure 100-percent user satisfaction. These accessories include stones, lid, gas hose, and regulator. Besides, the portable gas fire pit is ideal for tailgating, camping, etc.
Steel Frame and Rubbed Bronze Finish
All portable fire pits are built to last, and this unit is no exception. It is constructed with steel, meaning it is super durable. The portable fire pit also boasts a rubbed bronze finish to help make it more durable as well as to improve its aesthetics.
Size
The portable fire pit is well-sized, as it measures 18.5 inches wide by 14.7 inches high. This means it is capable of outputting a vast amount of heat without being less portable.
Tank Holder Tray
Furthermore, this portable fire pit comes with a tank holder tray, which holds the propane tank (not included), thereby, preventing it from tipping over. By so doing, the plate helps improve safety.
- The quality is decent
- Has a gentle flame and good heat
- Comes with plenty of lava rocks
- Easy to use and does not create a mess
- The flame must be turned on high if you want to turn the portable fire pit off
9. HY-C FG-16 Portable Smoke-Free Wood Pellet Fire Pit – the easiest to care for
Why We Like It
We like the fact that this portable fire pit is designed to make sure you are less inconvenienced during your time outdoors. It does not produce smoke or spark, plus it is incredibly easy to clean. It makes a great alternative to traditional campfires or bonfires.
Portability
This is one of the most portable smokeless fire pits you have ever met. It has an innovative design that allows the bottom to nest in the top part so it can create a compact unit, which is extremely easy to transport.
Wood Pellets
The portable fire pit comes with wood pellets that are very easy to handle. Ideally, the pellets will let you with less ash to clean up; hence, making sure this portable fire pit is a better alternative to those that use firewood. The wood pellets can also be transported from one state line to another.
Unique Gravitational Afterburner System
It further makes this portable fire pit much more comfortable and more convenient to use than traditional units. It ensures longer burn times without sparks or smoke.
- The flame distribution is beautiful to look at
- Eliminates very many hassles
- The size is perfect for transportation
- Great for creating evening fire
- Learning curve needed to add more pellets on existing fire
10. Park and Patio Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit – the most versatile
Why We Like It
Although the price point of this portable fire pit is a bit on the higher side compared to most brands we have already reviewed, this does not change how we feel for this gas fire pit. It is a well-built fire pit that is great for backyard, RV, and camping.
Material
One of the reasons why this portable fire pit has made it to this list is that it is carefully crafted from top quality materials. For instance, its fire bowl boasts a premium quality stainless steel construction. The burner inside this fire pit is also solidly constructed with stainless steel. This heavy-duty construction helps extend the lifespan of the fire pit.
Portability
The available 19-inch diameter bowl is compact and, therefore, extremely easy to store and to carry around. Moreover, this portable fire pit features a lightweight construction that further improves portability. Well, the fact that this fire pit is portable means it is perfect for beach parties, RV travels, campfires, and more.
Other Features
These include CSA-certified regulator featuring a chrome valve knob; 4.4lb natural lava rocks; fire bowl cover, and pre-attached 10ft hose.
- Highly portable and easy to use
- Made of high-quality material
- Comes with an excellent cover for storage
- The fire is easy to control
- Given the price point, it would be better if an igniter/starter was included
Outdoor Fire Pits Buyer’s Guide
We all know that there are numerous brands of portable fire pits in the market. Therefore, to get the best one, you need to have some background knowledge about these products. Well, this is where this buyer’s guide comes in handy. It talks about the factors you need to have in mind when buying a portable fire pit. Some of these factors are:
Source of Fuel/Fuel Choice
If possible, you should choose a portable fire pit that works with all kinds of fuel sources. But if you are unable to, then you should pick a fire pit that uses a fuel source, which is easily accessible. Ideally, the fuel source your fire pit uses should be effective and capable of producing high heat. It should also be mess-free and smokeless.
Safety
You will be dealing with fire if you decide to own a portable fire pit. Therefore, it is recommended that you consider only those fire pits built with safety in mind. Such fire pits usually are CSA approved plus most of them meet BLM and Forest Service Regulations. Besides, you should choose a fire pit with a stable base, heat shield, mesh screen, and other features that support safety.
Portability
You are here because you want a fire pit, which you can carry anywhere and use anytime. That said, you should consider a compact and lightweight fire pits. Such models do not take up a lot of space, meaning they can easily be fitted in a car trunk or even a backpack. Ideally, the fact that they are lightweight means they will not weigh you down.
Heat Shield
The heat shield is a crucial feature your portable fire pit should not miss. It will allow you to set up your portable fire pit on any surface without worrying about the surface getting damaged. It gives peace of mind as well as promoting convenience.
Cover/Mesh Screen
If possible, you should choose a portable fire pit with a cover or mesh screen. It is because a cover/mesh screen helps improve safety by ensuring that embers, sparks, and debris do not fly out.
The Material Used
A functional fire pit is built to last. It is designed with quality materials such as stainless steel. These materials usually are resistant to corrosion and rust. They are also resistant to high-heat damage. Needless to say, quality material plays a huge role in extending the lifespan of a fire pit.
Design
Different portable fire pits have different plans. Some have foldable legs to ensure optimum portability while others are designed to be disassembled during transportation or storage. With this in mind, choose a portable fire pit depending on the design you believe will best work for you.
Conclusion – Wrapping Up
It is never easy deciding which product you want to pick from the market. It is because the market is flooded with lots of similar products. Unfortunately, portable fire pits are no exception. They are equally many to the extent that you are likely to get very confused about which you spend money. But there is hope, and that is this piece we have prepared for you. It has only ten products to choose from. Plus it covers other crucial areas that will help sharpen your skills and experience on how to select a functional fire pit.