These days you don’t have to go camping to enjoy the ambiance of a good fire. As it is, with modern safety laws, many campgrounds insist you bring your own fire pit anyway. Thus, we’ve rounded up the best fire pits for decks, including some versatile enough to take camping too.
The best fire pits for a deck are:
- Cecarol 28” Propane Gas Fire Pit – Best All-Rounder
- EAST OAK 17” Pan Smokeless Fire Pit – Best Wood Burning
- Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit – Best Porch To Camping
- COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit – Best Coffee Table
- Legacy Heating Square Propane Fire Pit Table – Best For Uneven Surface
- Elementi Manhattan Outdoor Gas Firepit – Most Durable
- SINGLYFIRE 22-Inch Fire Pit
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Best All-Rounder  | Best Wood Burning  | Best Porch To Camping  | Best Coffee Table  | Best For Uneven Surface  | Most Durable  |  | |
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th |
| Rating /5 | |||||||
| Aesthetic | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.9/5 | 4/5 |
| Sturdiness | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Heat | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Weight | 4.6/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 | 4/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Durability | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Value for money | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Review | The Cecarol 28” Propane Gas Fire Pit is the vanilla ice cream of fire pits. Its only truly shining feature is that it hides the propane tank in its belly. | The EAST OAK 17'' Pan Smokeless Fire Pit is a virtually smoke-free wood-burning fire pit. It radiates heat | The Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit is an excellent camping fire pit that will work on decks. | The COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit is a gorgeous copper design that can double as a coffee table when the lid is on. | The Legacy Heating 28-inch Wicker & Rattan Square Propane Fire Pit Table has the same pros and cons as the Cecarol but is lesser in almost every category. | The Elementi Manhattan Outdoor Gas Firepit is an attractive piece to have on a deck with its modern aesthetic. | The SINGLYFIRE 22-inch Fire Pit is a very affordable fire pit that burns wood. |
Best Fire Pits For a Deck Compared
Cecarol 28” Propane Gas Fire Pit
Pros
- 5,000 BTU
- Hides the propane tank
- Convenient height
- Converts to a table
- Weatherproof cover
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky
- The wicker is obviously fake when viewed in person
The Cecarol 28” Propane Gas Fire Pit is the vanilla ice cream of fire pits. Its only truly shining feature is that it hides the propane tank in its belly. But while it will only be loved by some, most people will like it well enough, which is why it scored the top spot.
The Cecarol is durable, stable, and puts out good heat. Its faux wicker only looks fantastic in photographs and is obviously fake in person. But even with its lack of authenticity, it still looks nice enough and will go with a wide range of outdoor furniture styles.
The fire pit turns on easily, is a nice height to eat off of when the table insert is in, and it can be left on the deck so long as you put its weatherproof cover over it. Being 50 lbs makes it heavy enough not to blow over but light enough that any deck safe for an adult to stand on can handle it.
Really, the only real “issue” with this fire pit is putting it together. But once you grit your teeth through that process, the Cecarol will serve its owners well.
EAST OAK 17'' Pan Smokeless Fire Pit
Pros
- Virtually smoke-free wood burner
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Plenty of heat
- Easy to setup and use
Cons
- The whole thing gets hot when in use
- No ground clearance
- It may have more use restrictions than a gas pit
The EAST OAK 17” Pan Smokeless Fire Pit is a virtually smoke-free wood-burning fire pit. It radiates heat. So much so you must have gloves on if you need to touch them while in use or shortly after a burn. The entire thing gets hot-hot.
It burns efficiently, creating very few sparks and leaving little ash. When the ash tray needs emptying, it is straightforward to use with no fuss. It is a very pleasant way to enjoy a wood-burning fire. Nor is it heavy, only 13.69 lbs., making it a breeze to take camping.
However, with such low ground clearance, users will need to take extra care to ensure the deck is protected. Heat can cause unseen damage that can lead to expensive repair bills after a few years of use. Thus, a thick fire mat, a brick hearth, or placing it on a stone table is recommended.
When camping, users will have to bring a fire mat along or stick it inside the campground’s firepit. On the bright side, it will produce a lot less smoke than your typical campfire. However, some towns and campgrounds don’t allow wood burner pits, only gas.
Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit
Pros
- Easily transitions between deck and camping
- Straightforward to use
- 58,000 BTU
- Stable ring bottom design
- Plenty of lava rocks included
Cons
- It’s more camping-cute rather than deck-cute
- Manual ignite
The Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit is an excellent camping fire pit that will work on decks. It puts out the most heat of any on the list and is a stable and sturdy design made from quality materials. If you are a camper looking for something you can also use at home, this is an excellent choice.
However, while adorable in a camping setting, it lacks the elegance and gravitas some of the other choices bring to deck decor. Also, it is a manual ignite, which is disappointing, given the quality of everything else in the design.
COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit
Pros
- Gorgeous copper design
- Will not tip over, even in a substantial storm
- Glass wind guard
- Matchless ignition
- Doubles as a coffee table
- 50,000 BTU
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
The COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit is a gorgeous copper design that can double as a coffee table when the lid is on. It is sturdy, despite its elegance, and comes with a rain cover so it can be left outside. Starting it is a cinch; push the button and turn the knob. Truly a gorgeous buy that puts out enough heat.
However, the COSIEST at 100 lbs is no lightweight. It has two handles, which is handy when two people move it. But you’re not taking this one camping or to a local picnic. In addition, this is our second least affordable model. Beauty costs. Thankfully, it is built to last.
Legacy Heating Square Propane Fire Pit Table
Pros
- Adjustable feet to keep it stable on uneven surfaces
- Hides the propane tank
- Convenient height
- Converts to a table
Cons
- It isn’t as good value as the Cecarol
The Legacy Heating 28-inch Wicker & Rattan Square Propane Fire Pit Table has the same pros and cons as the Cecarol but is lesser in almost every category.
It makes good heat, 50,000 BTU, but the Cecarol puts out even more. At 58 lbs., it doesn’t weigh too much, but the Cecarol is a little lighter. It is in the same price range as the Cecarol but often comes out just a little more expensive.
Thus, the Legacy is a decent buy. The problem is, if you want a fire pit like this, why not buy the Cecarol and get more heat and maybe save a little money?
Elementi Manhattan Outdoor Gas Firepit
Pros
- Heavy duty durability
- Gorgeous modern aesthetic
- Beautiful high flames
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Only puts out 45,000 BTU
The Elementi Manhattan Outdoor Gas Firepit is an attractive piece to have on a deck with its modern aesthetic. The cast concrete is incredibly durable, making it a piece that will last and last. It also produces “dancing flames” of 24-26 inches, which are a delight to look at.
The low score is due to its cost and weight. It is not an affordable choice for many, and at 142 lbs, some folks will question if they want that much weight permanently on their deck.
Also, despite its high-end looks and delightful flames, it doesn’t put out as much heat as you’d expect for this price. It only produces 45,000 BTU, which is plenty for people in mild to warm climates, such as the southern US states. But if you live up north, you probably want something that produces at least 50,000-55,000 or more.
SINGLYFIRE 22-Inch Fire Pit
Pros
- Affordable
- Portable
- Has a spark screen
- Includes poker and log grate
Cons
- Its cheaply made, hence the price
- The leg style makes it more likely to be knocked over
The SINGLYFIRE 22-inch Fire Pit is a very affordable fire pit that burns wood. It is lightweight, making it easy to take along on picnics and campouts too. It isn’t going to do anything amazing, but it does the job without needing to rob a bank.
It resists rusting pretty well, but the thin metal construction means it isn’t going to be something you pass down the family tree. But if you want something cheap and cheerful, this is the one. Just be aware that the leg style means it will be easier for somebody to hook a foot under and tip over. But otherwise, it’s pretty stable.
Fire Pit For Deck Rating Criteria
Aesthetic
Having a gorgeous fire pit adds a special ambiance to an evening. Unfortunately, the two most aesthetic fire pits on the list are also the most expensive: COSIEST and Elementi Manhattan.
The COSIEST is elegant in its dark bronze and is more affordable, gives off more heat, and weighs less. The Elementi Manhattan has a modern vibe, and the concrete will go with most décor.
Sturdiness
Sturdiness is essential when dealing with fire. Models on legs or higher than wide are more likely to tip than those with full contact with the surface and squatter design. The other issue is the firepan. Some models might have a sturdy table, but the pan that fits inside is hard to place or is easily knocked skew.
The Elementi Manhattan is incredibly sturdy, and the inset fire pan is set in place. It is so sturdy it would weather a substantial storm without budging, so long as the glass wind protector is off and the cover is secured in place.
The most problematic pit is the SINGLYFIRE, with its four post legs that a foot can easily catch under when roasting marshmallows.
Heat
Heat is the overall purpose of a fire pit, but some of these models lean toward a more aesthetic flame. The hottest gas fire pit is the Outland Living Portable, with a 58,000 BTU. Admittedly, its primary market is campers who need warmth.
Wood burners are harder to judge on heat. But the East Oak is known for its warmth, so much so it comes with a warning as the entire thing because scorching hot when in use.
The weakest comes from the heavyweight Elementi Manhattan; its enchanting dancing flames only put out 45,000 BTU.
Weight
Not all decks do well with heavy items, never mind our backs when shifting furniture. In addition, a heavy fire pit can’t do double duty for picnics and camping. For those that have to have a lightweight model, the lightest in order are:
- SINGLYFIRE, 11 lbs.
- East Oaky, 13.69 lbs.
- Outland Living, 26 lbs.
However, some folks want a solid fire pit that can withstand nature’s wrath. The two best choices are:
- Elementi Manhattan, 142 lbs.
- COSIEST, 101 lbs.
Durability
The Elementi Manhattan’s cast concrete makes it incredibly durable. If users replace the cover to protect the inset, this model is going to withstand the abuse of time. COSIEST is slightly less since the copper can dent.
East Oaky is pretty durable for a portable model. However, it can discolor. For portable gas, Outland Living is made of quality materials. But the pretty cutouts and lighter make of the stand do leave it more vulnerable than the solid design of the East Oaky.
But the East Oaky having the heat source directly on the ground makes it harder to use as you’ll always need a fire pad, sand pit, or a campfire ring to set it in.
Value For Money
The SINGLYFIRE is by far the most affordable. You could buy three of them before you’ve spent close to the next cheapest on the list. Thus, its lack of durability and less-than-desirable leggy design does offer high value for money.
But not everywhere allows wood-burning fire pits. Thus, Outland Living gives the best value for money in the gas department. It is versatile, puts out plenty of heat, and is made of quality materials.
Final Verdict
Rating systems don’t always reflect what works best in our lives. While Cecarol scores the best all around, it isn’t outstanding in any particular niche. Its only real “wow” is that it can hide the propane tank, which is a big plus for some folks.
But, if money was no object and we wanted a permanent fire pit for deck, we would consider the COSIEST and Elementi Manhattan. They’re gorgeous and durable statement pieces that add elegance and style to a deck. For a versatile fire pit, the East Oaky is excellent for wood, and the Outland Living is perfect for gas.