BEST OVERALL

Outland Living Mega Fire Pit

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• We liked that you can control the heat and flame, and that there wasn't any ash residue.

Keep in Mind

• The propane connector hose is not long enough to keep the tank far enough away to be completely out of sight.

Our top pick from Outland Living is super easy to use. The unit took us five minutes to set up as it came pretty much assembled—we only needed to add the lava rocks that came with it and then hook it up to a propane tank. The fire started in a couple of minutes, and the pit gave off a good amount of heat but no smoke whatsoever.

Since it was burning on propane (which was a breeze to connect and disconnect each time), not having to deal with any ash cleanup was an extra perk. After using it, there was only some very slight residue left on the inside of the pit from the rocks.

We appreciate that you can control the heat/flame easily with a knob, which was helpful when roasting marshmallows. No matter how we adjusted the flame or even when there was a breeze, there was still no sign of any smoke.

When sitting about 3–4 feet from the unit, we could still feel the warmth on our faces, and this heat was consistent around the entire circumference of the fire pit. Though the unit understandably got a little heavier when we put the rocks in, it was still easy to move when we needed to transport it.

It came with a durable and high-quality UV- and weather-resistant cover, which was also helpful for keeping the rocks all in one place when transporting or storing the fire pit between uses. We would have preferred a longer propane connector hose so that the tank could be out of sight. However, this was not a deal breaker.

Product Details: Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 24 in. | Weight: 34 lbs. | Material: Alloy steel, stainless steel | Fuel: Propane

• The Outland Living Mega Fire Pit's flame can easily be controlled with the knob.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Though the propane connector hose is easy to use, we wished it were a bit longer.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

EASIEST TO USE

Cuisinart Smokeless Fire Pit

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• It’s affordable, requires minimal cleanup, and is easy to set up.

Keep in Mind

• It doesn’t come with a cover.

If you’re new to the fire pit game, this is a great starter model. Its small size makes it ideal for patios and smaller outdoor spaces, and it’s designed for use on concrete, stone, or brick. The unit has clean lines and a nice modern design, with a black exterior and a stainless interior. 

It’s light enough to carry around, and everything from setup and use to cleaning it out is a piece of cake. The fire pit lighted effortlessly every time we used it during testing, and gave off radiant heat with an ambient glow thanks to the inner bowl’s reflective surface. 

The instructions were clear and informed us that we had to add crumpled newspaper and small pieces of wood to the bottom of the fire pit, with the firewood criss-crossed on top. We lit the newspaper with a match to start the fire. Once it was burning, the heat could be felt from around 3 feet away. 

Smoke could only be seen when the fire was just starting and when it was going out. After burning five logs, we were surprised to note how little ash was left. To empty, we removed the bowl to pick up the base tray at the bottom of the fire pit, then tipped out the ashes, before putting the tray back in.

The unit understandably gets quite hot, so you have to be careful not to touch it when topping up the wood, and wait till it’s completely cooled before emptying (we let it sit overnight). Over time, we noticed a little discoloration on the interior where the logs were burning, and some darker marks on the sides. 

It doesn’t come with a cover to keep it protected, but you can purchase one separately. This cute fire pit might be small but it managed to keep four people sitting around it nice and cozy.

Product Details: Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 14.75 in. | Weight: 15.9 lbs. | Material: Stainless Steel | Fuel: Wood

• The Cuisinart Smokeless Fire Pit is a piece of cake to set up, light, and empty.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• We added crumpled newspaper and small pieces of wood to the bottom of the fire pit.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• We only spotted smoke when the fire first started and when it was going out.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The bowl's inner stainless steel surface increased the ambient glow from the fire.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• With the fire burning, we could feel the heat up to 3 feet away from the unit.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST WOOD PELLET

Pit Boss Smokeless Fire Pit

Credit: Pit Boss

Why You Should Get It

• We could still feel the strong heat output from 4 feet away.

Keep in Mind

• There are no handles to make transportation easier.

This easy-to-use smokeless fire pit from Pit Boss is perfect for those looking for an effortless bonfire experience on a patio or in a smaller garden. The fire pit runs on wood pellets, which you’ll need to supply on your own. We poured the pellets in directly from the bag, then added a little lighter fluid (as per the instructions) to get the fire started. In a matter of minutes, the fire was roaring and reached about a foot above the top of the unit, providing significant heat. In fact, we had to move our chairs back about 4 feet from the fire pit due to its strong heat output. 

As advertised, we found that the model was truly smokeless. The only time we noticed any smoke was when the fire was going out. Heat can be felt all the way around the pit. It also burned consistently; even on a moderately windy night, the fire was unaffected and continued to burn. 

The fire pit burns for about an hour when filled about a quarter full, and adding pellets is easy. Even better, it doesn’t need emptying after each use as the pellets leave very little ash behind. When it was time to empty the ashes after four uses, we simply removed the inside container and tipped it to dispose of the ashes. 

Hardly any setup is required—we only needed to move it to the desired spot and turn the smoke ring over (this simply rests on top of the unit). It also comes with a durable cover to protect the pit when not in use and has a drawstring tie to keep it in place. While it’s lightweight and portable, it doesn’t have any handles, which would have made moving it a lot easier.

After six months of use, the unit still looks as good as new, with no signs of deterioration. It’s modern and adds a nice decorative element to the garden, just keep in mind that it’s only available in one color and design.

Product Details: Dimensions: 22.8 x 22.8 x 18.3 in. | Weight: 34.4 lbs. | Material: Steel construction, black sand finish | Fuel: Hardwood pellets

• The Pit Boss Smokeless Fire Pit produced significant heat, with the flame reaching a foot above the rim.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The fire pit uses wood pellets and a tiny bit of lighter fluid to get the flames going.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• We found the unit to be truly smokeless—the only time we saw any smoke was when the fire was going out.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• After several uses, the fire pit still looked as good as new, with no discoloration or signs of use.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The wood pellets leave behind very little ash, so we didn't need to empty it after each use.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST FOR GRILLING

Biolite FirePit+

Credit: Biolite

Why You Should Get It

• You can control the smokeless fan function from your phone without having to get up from your deck chair.

Keep in Mind

• It’s not totally smoke-free.

We love the Biolit Fire Pit+ for all your grilling needs. This portable model comes with a grill grate, making it ideal for flipping burgers during tailgates, camping trips, or just about anywhere. During testing, it roasted our marshmallows nicely and evenly. The metal build is hefty enough to feel stable, but not so heavy that it’s uncomfortable to transport. The legs also fold down, making it even easier to move and store.

This is the most high-tech fire pit on our list. The pit’s smokeless feature works when you turn on the built-in fan, which is controllable by app via Bluetooth. This means you can adjust it without even needing to leave your chair, though you can manually change the fan strength on the unit as well.

It took just 10 minutes to assemble; all we had to do was fit a few pieces together and then attach the fan. To start the fire, we put in dry firewood and some newspaper before sparking it up with a lighter. The fire produced was impressively large (which could account for the slight smoke) and lasted a while.

Although the amount of smoke produced is much less than that of an average fire pit, there was still some visible smoke and a smoky smell. Turning the fan on to the highest setting lowered the smoke, but the fire didn’t last as long. We had to be pretty close to the unit to feel the heat but when we were, we felt the warmth consistently around the circumference of the fire pit. The ash was minimal and was very easy to clean once it was safely cool. 

This unit also has a nice design, but it might not be the best option for you if you’re not all that bothered about controlling the smokeless fan function from afar and prefer something that’s totally smokeless instead.

Product Details: Dimensions: 13 x 15 x 27 in. | Weight: 19.8 lbs. | Material: Stainless steel, powder-coated finish | Fuel: Firewood or charcoal

• This fire pit has smart features, such as the ability to activate the smokeless feature via app.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It took us about 10 minutes to put the fire pit together, as there are several pieces, including a grate.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The Biolite FirePit+ includes a grill grate that we appreciated for roasting marshmallows.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST TABLE

Polywood Round Fire Pit Table

Credit: Polywood

Why You Should Get It

• It’s a stylish, weather-resistant piece of outdoor furniture, making it ideal for summer hosting.

Keep in Mind

• It’s expensive, and the bulky design is difficult to relocate.

Whether you’re the go-to summer outdoor host or simply love spending nights by the fire, the Polywood Round Fire Pit Table is a must-have. We’re obsessed with its durability, sleek appearance, and impressive output. After six months of use, it’s still in pristine condition. 

Since this is a table-style fire pit, it took a bit more time to set up than some of the smaller options on our list. That said, the process was fairly simple. Even those of us who were uncomfortable setting up a gas line found the propane tank easy to hook up. We noticed a slight propane smell when we first ignited it, but the odor quickly dissipated.

Simply put, the heating performance is excellent. We could feel the warmth from four feet away on the highest setting and two feet away on the lowest one. The flame is adjustable, so you can toggle it between high, low, or somewhere in the middle. To adjust it, you simultaneously push the dial and turn. This extra step prevents the risk of accidentally changing settings—since you have to push and turn, adjustments are much more intentional. 

We also love the design of this model. The tabletop provides plenty of space to prop your feet up or set down food and drinks, making it any outdoor host’s dream. The Polywood exterior is gorgeous (and weather-resistant), and the wood accents add a luxurious touch. When the flames reflect on the glass beads, they have an iridescent, almost magical look. 

While you could relocate this model if needed, its 48-by-48 inch frame is designed to stay put. Nearing a $2,000 price tag, this pick is certainly a splurge. But for a stylish and functional piece of furniture, we think it’s a worthy investment.

Product Details: Dimensions: 48 x 23.8 x 48 in. | Weight: 140 lbs. | Material: Plastic lumber, polywood finish | Fuel: Propane or natural gas

• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Bottom Line

Thanks to its truly smokeless design, lack of smoky smell, and absolutely no ash residue to clean up, the Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega Outdoor Propane Gas is our top pick for the best smokeless fire pit. It's an attractive fire pit that adds style to your outdoor space, provides a wonderful ambiance, and really brings the heat.

Our Testing Process

To find the best smokeless fire pits, we tested 10 models at home. Using a predetermined methodology, we used each smokeless fire pit on three separate occasions, in different types of weather, on dry, damp, and wet grass, following the provided guidance and adhering to all safety instructions.

We tested the fire pits for at least an hour each time, using different fuel sources, and keeping all fuel below the lip of the unit’s pit. We noted how far we could walk from the fire pit and still feel the heat, and walked in a circle to see how consistent the heat was around the entire fire pit.

We noted how each fire pit performed in various wind conditions, how many people were able to sit around the fire pit comfortably, how easy it was to ignite the fire, how large and bright the flames burned, how little smoke was present visually, and how little smoke we were able to smell.

We added more fuel as needed to keep the flame burning for at least one hour or longer, kept track of how much fuel needed to be added to keep the flame burning, how easy it was to do so, and how long it burned, before letting the fire naturally burn out while supervising it till it was out completely. 

We also tested cooking and roasting food over the flame (where applicable), noting how easy the process was. Finally, we cleaned out any ash when the unit was cooled entirely, noting how easy it was to do so and how much ash was produced after each use.

We tested each fire pit at least three times for a minimum of one hour each time.

Better Homes & Gardens

What to Know About Smokeless Fire Pits Before Shopping

Size and Weight

Smokeless fire pits come in an array of sizes: Smaller, tabletop pits are typically 6–10 inches in height with widths of around 10–15 inches, while larger standalone options are often around 25 inches high and 30 inches wide—or even larger, especially if it doubles as a table. When deciding what size is right for you, consider your specific needs. 

If you have a spacious outdoor space and plan to host large groups, go with a bigger model like the Polywood Round Fire Pit Table. Generally, larger fire pits produce more heat, making them ideal for big group hangouts on cooler nights. They’re also better suited for heavy-duty grilling—a larger surface area allows you to cook more at once, while the evenly distributed heat helps you get that oh-so-perfect sear. Plus, they can double as a stylish outdoor centerpiece. The tradeoff is that larger firepits are bulkier, heavier, and more difficult to move. 

If you're seeking a more portable option—or simply something less obtrusive—a smaller model is the way to go. Their lightweight design makes them ideal for on-the-go use, whether you’re camping or traveling. The Cuisinart Smokeless Fire Pit is the smallest model on our list. 

While smaller fire pits aren’t as suitable for group grilling, they’re more than adequate for casual s’mores sessions and intimate gatherings. Some are even small enough to put on a tabletop, adding a decorative touch to your outdoor setup. They’re also less likely to violate HOA (Home Owners Association) restrictions.

Fuel Type

Smokeless fire pits can be fueled by propane, natural gas, wood, or pellets. 

Propane tanks are easy to ignite—usually with a knob—and typically have adjustable heat outputs, so you can control your flame. They’re also portable, as you can disconnect and hook them up pretty much anywhere. You will have to account for the recurring cost of refills, though. 

Natural gas is more permanent, as you’ll need to connect it to a natural gas line. It’s also pricier upfront, but since you won’t have to buy tank replacements, it may even out over time. It’s convenient and fairly low maintenance for daily use. Both propane and natural gas have a cleaner, less smoky burn than wood. 

Still, wood is the most popular source of fuel, mainly for its aesthetic and accessibility. Unlike gas-fueled options, wood has that classic, crackling campfire vibe. Lumber is also easy to find, but it is fairly bulky to store. Wood pellets, on the other hand, offer a more efficient burn and leave behind less ash than classic wood, so they’re easier to clean. Since they’re more compact, they’re easier to store as well.

Material

Whether you’re using it as a tabletop centerpiece or backyard statement, a fire pit’s material is crucial for both durability and aesthetic. Stainless steel is the most popular material, and our personal favorite—it’s durable, designed to withstand high temperatures, and easy to clean. In terms of aesthetic appeal, we like its sleek, modern look. 

As with anything being kept outdoors, rust is a risk. Stainless steel or powder coatings can help prevent corrosion.

If you are primarily using your fire pit for outdoor gatherings, aesthetics might be more important than portability.

Better Homes & Gardens

Ventilation and Airflow Design

When shopping for a smokeless fire pit, ventilation is crucial. By allowing more airflow, the fire is able to burn more completely, which prevents any sort of smoke from coming out. Plus, more oxygen exposure reduces the ashy remains, making the model easier to clean and maintain. Look for a model with double-wall construction—it makes space between the interior and exterior walls, pulls cool air through the bottom vents and releases it through the top for a cleaner burn. Three models on our list have this: the Pit Boss Smokeless Fire Pit, the BioLite Firepit+, and the Cuisinart Smokeless Fire Pit. 

Dilmore suggests looking for models with adjustable airflow, as these “control the intensity of the fire and heat output so those marshmallows aren’t flaming balls of sugary lava.” Fires rely on oxygen to burn, so more airflow means more heat output. 

Maintenance and Ash Removal

The most dreaded part of using a smokeless fire pit? The cleanup. That’s why choosing an easy-to-maintain model is so important.

The best models have a removable ash pan or tray that you can easily slide out, making it easier to empty that soot. You’ll also want to look for models with easy-to-clean exteriors. We recommend options made from stainless steel or powder-coated metal, as they can withstand weather conditions without corroding.

We tested how easy it was to remove ash and clean out the fire pits.

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Your Questions, Answered

Where can you use a smokeless fire pit?

Smokeless fire pits can be used in various settings, from backyards to campsites. "They are ideal for parties and family gatherings on a fall evening, and can even be used on balconies in apartments where traditional fire pits might not be feasible due to smoke concerns," Dilmore says.

Clayton adds that smokeless fire pits are especially useful in areas with smoke restrictions. “On the other hand, always check local regulations before using them,” he advises.

While some smokeless fire pits can also be used indoors, not all can. You’ll have to double-check that your specific model is suitable for indoor use. Even if it is suitable, it should never be left unattended, and a fire extinguisher should be on hand at all times.

Do smokeless fire pits produce less heat?

“Many believe that smokeless means less heat,” Clayton says. “This isn’t necessarily true. While [smokeless fire pits] are designed to produce minimal smoke, it doesn’t mean they compromise on heat output. In fact, efficient combustion can sometimes result in more consistent warmth.”

In addition, Dilmore suggests looking for “models with adjustable airflow to control the intensity of the fire and heat output so those marshmallows aren’t flaming balls of sugary lava.”

How do you protect a smokeless fire pit?

To protect your smokeless fire pit, Dilmore advises you invest in a good weather-resistant cover when the fire pit is not in use. “Spiders will find a home in any unused outdoor appliance, so be sure to clear anything that’s found a home in the lava rocks before releasing your inner hades,” he says.

“Regular maintenance, such as cleaning ash and debris, can also extend the lifespan of your fire pit," he says. For ultimate protection and added longevity, Clayton adds, “Consider storing your smokeless fire pit in a shed or garage during extreme weather conditions.”

Do smokeless fire pits smell?

High-quality smokeless fire pits significantly reduce smoke and its associated smell. However, like any fire, there might still be a minimal wood-burning aroma, which many find pleasant. “It's far less than traditional fire pits, so you won't end up with that campfire smell on your clothes,” says Clayton.

“Some aroma may arise from the burning fuel source,” Dilmore adds. “As soon as you hear the gas valve open, light the fire as soon as possible to avoid any scalded hair or eyebrows.”

Do smokeless fire pits cost more than other fire pits?

Smokeless fire pits can have quite advanced engineering, technology, and design and, as a result, often come with a higher upfront price compared to basic fire pits. Dilmore believes that the benefits of reduced smoke and better heat efficiency outweigh the cost difference.

“Quality often comes with a price,” adds Clayton. “Smokeless fire pits might have a higher upfront cost but many users believe it’s a worthwhile investment for cleaner, more enjoyable fires.”

Who We Are

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens who has over 10 years of experience writing about topics such as home and leisure appliances. Kat is also the editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. It was updated by Jamie Fischer, a writer for Better Homes & Gardens with nearly two years of experience writing home shopping content. 

For this article, we thoroughly tested and reviewed multiple smokeless fire pit models, researching factors such as each item's dimensions, weight, material, and fuel source. Kat also spoke to Ward Dilmore, the founder and head landscaper at Petrus Landscape, and Bryan Clayton, the CEO of GreenPal.