Set Up a Backyard Bonfire

Sitting around a firepit in the backyard can be a pleasant way to spend the evening. Firepits come in different shapes and sizes, burn different fuels, and vary in price. Check out these options for your next outdoor get-together.

Chiminea

A woodburning chiminea is an outdoor potbelly stove with a chimney. A clay or metal chiminea is sometimes a safer option than a firepit, since much of the fire is enclosed, providing some protection for small children, pets, and your property. However, chimineas can still get hot to the touch. A chiminea’s chimney can draw smoke up and away from the seating area.

Budget fire bowl

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a firepit—you can get a small, inexpensive option, such as the Yaheetech woodburning firepit. This model comes with a mesh lid to keep burning embers in and a poker for arranging logs, and it costs less than $50. Be mindful not to keep an iron firepit out in the elements, however, as it can easily rust.

Firepit table

A firepit table can be a luxurious and easy-to-use addition to your patio, and with some varieties, you can start your fire with the push of a button. Powered by gas or propane, these outdoor furnishings come in sleek and rustic styles but can be more expensive than other types of firepits.

Solo Stove

The smokeless Solo Stove is a pricier yet popular option. Its design promotes airflow, allows wood to burn more efficiently, and produces little to no smoke. These stoves also tend to burn wood more quickly. However, if you like the look of a more rustic firepit, this sleek-looking stove might not be for you.

Traditional firepit

A steel woodburning firepit, such as the thirty-six-inch Sunnydaze Crossweave Fire Pit, costs less than some other choices but can release more smoke. This option has openings that allow you to see more of the flames, and it comes with a spark screen and a poker.