Backyard Glow-Up: Firepits Worth Buying for S’mores and More

Grab your hoodie, gather the marshmallows from your pantry, and get set for fall. All that’s missing is the firepit. Now’s the perfect time to invest in your own little circle of backyard or campsite coziness. I did the shopping and roasting (it’s a rough life!) so you don’t have to.

For the Yard: Mainstays 28" Round Wood Burning Fire Pit

Price: $67

Virtually any fire pit works for a conventional backyard fire. It depends on your home’s aesthetic, preferred power source, and the size of firepit you want.

Balancing price, style, and reviews, I have to go with the Mainstays 28" Round Wood Burning Firepit with a steel frame. If I was entertaining tonight and needed a fire pit, I’d rush out and get this one – or have it delivered, anyway.

It earned an average of 4.6 stars across nearly 1,200 reviews. It will look good in any setting, and includes a mesh screen, poker, wood grate, and a PVC cover for protection. There’s a reason why Walmart’s private label brands are so highly regarded; it’s hard to beat the quality and the price.

For the Patio: Walsunny 45" Propane Fire Pit Table

Price: $224.99

A fire table provides a more formal look than a fire pit, and is the perfect addition to any patio. In addition to choosing a fire table that matches your decor and fits your space, you’ll also want to look at the BTUs to see how much warmth it gives off. Most fire tables have a propane hook-up, allowing for easy ignition and a well-controlled flame. Walmart has a giant collection, with many options under $200 that look like they cost a lot more.

The bestselling Walsunny 45" Propane Fire Pit Table has all you need (except the propane tank) for just $199. The lid converts the table into a coffee table to hold drinks. The sturdy steel design has the look of rattan to coordinate with your patio furniture. The fire table comes with a rain cover, blue glass stones, and a glass wind guard.

For a Short Night: Solo Stove Mesa 5" Tabletop Smokeless Firepit

Price: $78.98

I’ve had one of these for a few years, and pull it out for Halloween or whenever the kids decide they want toasted marshmallows. For a tiny fire, it gives off a surprising amount of heat. It fits right on our patio table, is easy to light, and is perfect for those nights when you don’t want to commit to a full fire that will burn for hours. (Plus, my son loved that he could start the fire and keep it running on his own. “So easy, even a middle schooler can use it," should be the tagline.)

It’s compatible with any type of wood, but I recommend Solo’s hardwood pellets because they fit perfectly in the tiny container and burn clean.

For a Rustic Aesthetic: Better Homes & Gardens Wood Burning Chiminea

Price: $124

A chiminea adds a unique, rustic look to backyard décor, while keeping flames enclosed for increased safety in smaller spaces. Think: Fewer sparks flying out – although the enclosure still gets hot, so be careful with little kids. We love the look and sturdy cast iron construction of this model from Better Homes & Gardens, distributed by Walmart. You also can’t beat the price.

For Camping: Solo Stove Ranger 2.0

Price: $239.47

When I first tested the portable Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 a few years ago, not many people had heard of it. Then, I started seeing it everywhere. After nearly five years it’s still going strong for camping trips or backyard gatherings — here’s a photo of mine:

It comes with a handy bag for storage or transport. It takes less than five minutes to set up, and, as long as you set the firewood properly (below the fire ring, with no wood sticking up) it’s nearly smokeless. I love that because my seasonal allergies aren’t a fan of campfire smoke, even though I love the ambiance – and the s’mores!