Outdoor Fireplace Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Fire Feature
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fireplace for Your Space
Choosing the right outdoor fireplace starts with four decisions: the type of fire feature you want, your preferred fuel, the available space, and the installation requirements. A traditional fire pit creates an open gathering area, a smokeless fire pit can reduce smoke while preserving the wood-fire experience, a fire pit table combines flame with tabletop functionality, and a built-in outdoor gas fireplace creates a permanent architectural focal point.
If you are still exploring the broader differences between fireplace types, fuel options, installation considerations, and available configurations, start with our Ultimate Fireplace Guide. For a closer look at the major fireplace configurations available today, you can also explore our guide to the different types of fireplaces before narrowing your choice to an outdoor fire feature.
The best option depends on how you plan to use your patio, courtyard, deck, or backyard. Before comparing individual products, consider whether your priority is warmth, ambiance, entertaining, portability, convenient operation, or a permanent addition to your outdoor living space.
This guide compares the major outdoor fire features and explains the fuel, size, materials, installation considerations, maintenance requirements, and product configurations that can help you choose the right option for your space.
Quick Answer: Which Outdoor Fire Feature Should You Choose?
Choose according to the experience and installation you need. Traditional and smokeless fire pits favor open gathering areas, fire pit tables combine flame with entertaining functionality, and built-in outdoor gas fireplaces are better suited to permanent architectural installations.
Outdoor Fireplace vs. Fire Pit: What's the Difference?
An outdoor fireplace and a fire pit can both add flame and atmosphere to an outdoor living area, but they create different experiences. A fire pit generally creates an open gathering point where seating can be arranged around the flames. An outdoor fireplace typically creates a more defined viewing direction and often becomes a permanent part of the patio or courtyard design.
Fire pit tables provide another option by integrating a flame feature into a functional table, while smokeless fire pits are designed to improve combustion and reduce smoke compared with conventional open wood fires.
If you are comparing fireplace categories beyond outdoor applications, our guide to the best fireplace choices for different needs provides additional decision support.
| Fire Feature | Best For | Common Fuel | Main Advantage | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Fire Pit | Open backyard gatherings | Wood | Traditional open-fire experience | Smoke, ash, cleanup, and placement |
| Smokeless Fire Pit | Wood fires with reduced smoke | Wood | Improved airflow and combustion | Reduced smoke does not mean smoke-free |
| Fire Pit Table | Patios and conversation areas | Gas | Flame plus tabletop functionality | Space, fuel, and table dimensions |
| Built-In Outdoor Gas Fireplace | Finished patios and courtyards | Natural gas or propane | Permanent architectural focal point | Fuel supply and installation requirements |
What Are the Main Types of Outdoor Fire Features?
Traditional Fire Pits
Traditional fire pits create an open flame around which seating can be arranged. This makes them particularly useful for casual backyard gatherings where the fire itself becomes the center of the conversation area.
Depending on the model, outdoor fire pits may include features such as airflow openings, ash pans, spark screens, and weather-resistant construction. Stainless steel and cast iron are commonly used materials.
- Best for: Open backyard gatherings and casual seating areas
- Common fuel: Wood
- Popular materials: Stainless steel and cast iron
- Features to compare: Spark screens, ash management, construction, and portability
- Consider before buying: Smoke, ash, firewood, cleanup, and placement requirements
Smokeless Fire Pits
Smokeless fire pits are designed to improve airflow and combustion so that a wood fire produces less smoke than a conventional open fire pit. Designs associated with brands such as Solo Stove and Breeo use controlled airflow to support more complete combustion.
- Best for: Buyers who want a wood-burning experience with reduced smoke
- Common fuel: Wood
- Common material: Stainless steel
- Main advantage: Reduced smoke compared with many conventional open fire pits
- Main limitation: Smoke can still occur
Fire Pit Tables
Fire pit tables combine a flame feature with usable tabletop space. They are particularly relevant to patios and conversation areas where entertaining is as important as the fire itself.
Many fire pit tables use gas for convenient ignition and flame adjustment. Decorative media such as tempered glass fire gems may also be incorporated into compatible designs.
- Best for: Patios, conversation areas, and outdoor entertaining
- Common fuel: Gas
- Main advantage: Combines a fire feature with tabletop functionality
- Consider before buying: Table size, seating arrangement, fuel source, and available space
Built-In Outdoor Gas Fireplaces
A built-in outdoor fireplace can become a permanent focal point for a patio, courtyard, or outdoor entertainment area. Available configurations range from traditional fireboxes to wide linear fireplaces and single-sided or see-through designs.
Because these fireplaces become part of the surrounding outdoor structure, the product should be selected before the installation area is finalized. Dimensions, fuel configuration, required clearances, and manufacturer installation requirements can all affect the finished design.
For a deeper explanation of this installation style, see our built-in fireplace guide.
- Best for: Finished outdoor living areas and permanent installations
- Common fuel: Natural gas or propane, depending on the product
- Main advantage: Permanent architectural integration
- Consider before buying: Fuel availability, dimensions, viewing configuration, clearances, and installation requirements
How Do You Choose the Right Outdoor Fireplace?
Choosing an outdoor fireplace is easier when the decision is broken into practical steps. Start with how the space will be used, then evaluate fuel availability, dimensions, installation style, materials, heat expectations, and maintenance.
1. Decide How You Want to Use the Fire Feature
Start with the experience you want to create. A fire pit works well when people will gather around an open flame. A fire pit table can make more sense when seating, drinks, and entertaining are central to the layout. A built-in fireplace is better suited to projects where the fire feature will become a permanent architectural element.
This decision should come before comparing individual models because the different fire-feature types are not interchangeable.
2. Choose Between Wood, Propane, and Natural Gas
Fuel type affects operation, installation, maintenance, and the overall fire experience.
- Wood: Provides a traditional open-fire experience but requires fuel storage, fire management, ash removal, and cleanup. Buyers considering wood as a primary fuel can also review our wood-burning fireplace buying guide for a broader explanation of wood-fire ownership and buying considerations.
- Propane: Provides gas-fired operation without requiring a wood fire and may be appropriate where the selected product is designed for propane. You can browse liquid propane fire products when comparing compatible options.
- Natural gas: Can be well suited to permanent outdoor fireplace installations where an appropriate natural gas supply is available. Explore natural gas fire products to compare products organized around this fuel type.
If gas is your preferred fireplace category, our guide to the best gas fireplaces provides additional comparison points.
Measure the Outdoor Space
Fireplace dimensions are only one part of determining whether a product fits. The surrounding seating, walking paths, structural elements, nearby materials, and required clearances also affect how much space the installation needs.
A compact fire feature may work better where outdoor space is limited, while a wide linear fireplace can provide appropriate visual scale in a larger patio or entertainment area.
Decide Between Portable and Permanent
A portable fire pit provides greater flexibility when the outdoor layout may change. A built-in fireplace becomes part of the permanent design and therefore requires more planning around its position, viewing direction, fuel source, and surrounding construction.
Choose the installation style according to how permanently you want the fire feature integrated into the space.
Compare Materials and Weather Exposure
Outdoor fire features are exposed to changing environmental conditions, making construction and finish important considerations. Stainless steel is commonly used for its outdoor suitability and contemporary appearance, while stone, concrete, and other finishes can complement different architectural styles.
No material should be assumed to be maintenance-free. Evaluate the construction, finish, care instructions, and weather exposure recommendations for the individual product.
Decide Whether Heat or Ambiance Is the Priority
One buying distinction that can easily be overlooked is the difference between selecting a fireplace primarily for visual ambiance and choosing one primarily for usable warmth.
A large or dramatic flame presentation does not automatically mean that every seating position across an open patio will receive the same level of warmth.
If warmth is a major purchasing goal, evaluate the manufacturer's specifications and think about where people will actually sit relative to the fire feature. If appearance is the priority, viewing area, flame presentation, and architectural integration may carry more weight.
Understand Installation Before Finalizing the Design
For a permanent outdoor fireplace, installation requirements should be reviewed before the surrounding enclosure or outdoor structure is finalized. Product dimensions alone do not establish the complete installation footprint.
Review the manufacturer's requirements for the selected fireplace, including applicable clearances, fuel configuration, approved installation conditions, and other model-specific requirements.
Consider Long-Term Maintenance
Maintenance differs by fire-feature type. Wood-burning fire pits may require ash removal and cleaning of compatible spark screens, while gas fireplaces can require inspection and cleaning of burners and other components according to manufacturer instructions.
Compatible covers and other fire pit accessories can also help complete or protect compatible outdoor fire-feature installations.
Which Outdoor Fire Feature Is Best for Your Space?
There is no single outdoor fire feature that is best for every home. The right option depends on the experience you want and the constraints of the space.
- Choose a traditional fire pit if you want an open wood-fire gathering experience and are comfortable managing smoke, ash, fuel, and cleanup.
- Choose a smokeless fire pit if you want to continue burning wood while reducing smoke compared with a conventional open fire pit.
- Choose a fire pit table if you want the flame integrated into a patio conversation or entertaining area.
- Choose a built-in outdoor gas fireplace if you want a permanent architectural focal point and your project can accommodate the required fuel and installation conditions.
If more than one option appears suitable, compare the fuel source and installation requirements next. Those two factors can quickly eliminate options that do not fit the project.
How Should You Plan an Outdoor Fireplace Around Your Space?
An outdoor fireplace should be planned as part of the complete outdoor environment rather than treated as an isolated appliance. Consider where people will sit, how they will move through the area, which direction they will view the flames from, and how the fireplace relates to other permanent features.
For additional layout inspiration, see our guide to creating the perfect outdoor fireplace. Buyers planning a more contemporary project can also explore current fireplace trends and design ideas for additional inspiration.
A large built-in outdoor fireplace can establish a strong focal point, while a portable fire pit offers greater flexibility if the seating arrangement changes frequently.
Viewing configuration matters as well. A single-sided fireplace generally directs the visual experience toward one primary area, while a see-through fireplace can provide flame visibility from two sides. If two-sided viewing is part of the project, our guide to see-through fireplace types, fuel options, and installation explains this configuration in greater depth.
Wide linear fireplaces can be especially effective when the surrounding architecture calls for a horizontal focal point. The correct choice is therefore not simply a matter of selecting a preferred style. The fireplace configuration should support how the outdoor space will actually function.
Outdoor Fireplaces to Consider by Use Case
The following outdoor fireplaces represent different configurations and design approaches. Rather than treating one model as universally best, compare them according to the specific application each configuration can support. Buyers comparing manufacturers can also review our guide to gas fireplace brands for additional context.
American Hearth Carol Rose 60-Inch Outdoor Linear See-Thru Fireplace (OLL60SP12S)
- Type: See-through outdoor gas fireplace
- Consider for: Two-sided viewing applications
- Notable features: Linear format, stainless steel construction, and dual-sided flame viewing
- Why this configuration matters: A see-through fireplace can allow the flame presentation to serve two viewing areas instead of facing only one direction.
The Carol Rose 60-Inch See-Thru Fireplace combines a wide linear format with dual-sided viewing. This configuration can be especially relevant when the fireplace is intended to separate or connect two outdoor areas while maintaining flame visibility from both sides.
Firegear Kalea Bay 72" Outdoor Linear Gas Fireplace (OFP-72LECO-N)
- Type: Linear outdoor gas fireplace
- Consider for: Larger contemporary outdoor spaces
- Notable features: Wide 72-inch format and linear styling
- Why this configuration matters: A wider fireplace can provide visual scale for larger patios and entertainment areas where a smaller unit may appear undersized.
The Kalea Bay 72 provides an expansive horizontal flame presentation. Its wide format and contemporary lines make it worth considering for larger outdoor living spaces where the fireplace is intended to function as a prominent visual centerpiece.
You can also explore the Firegear Kalea Bay collection when comparing options within the series.
Majestic Lanai 48 Vent-Free Outdoor Gas Fireplace (ODLANAIG-48)
- Type: Vent-free outdoor gas fireplace
- Consider for: Outdoor designs where integrated accent lighting is important
- Notable features: LED accent lighting and corrosion-resistant construction
- Why this configuration matters: Integrated lighting can add visual interest even when the flame is not the only design element being emphasized.
The Majestic Lanai 48 combines an outdoor gas flame presentation with multi-colored LED accent lighting. It can be particularly relevant to projects where the fireplace is expected to contribute to the overall visual design of the outdoor entertainment area.
For additional products in this configuration, browse Majestic single-sided outdoor gas fireplaces.
Marquis by Kingsman Aurora 42-Inch Zero Clearance Outdoor Gas Fireplace (OFP42)
- Type: Zero-clearance outdoor gas fireplace
- Consider for: Projects where a 42-inch fireplace better fits the intended scale
- Notable features: Clean contemporary lines and zero-clearance configuration
- Why this configuration matters: Fireplace size and installation configuration can influence how easily a model integrates into the planned outdoor structure.
The Aurora 42 combines contemporary styling with a relatively compact 42-inch format. It may be worth considering when the project calls for an outdoor gas fireplace but a much wider linear unit would not suit the available space or desired proportions.
Napoleon Galaxy 48 Single-Sided Outdoor Gas Fireplace (GSS48E)
- Type: Single-sided outdoor gas fireplace
- Consider for: Outdoor spaces with one primary viewing area
- Notable features: Stainless steel construction and contemporary styling
- Why this configuration matters: A single-sided fireplace works naturally when seating and entertainment are concentrated primarily in front of the fireplace.
The Napoleon Galaxy 48 provides a single-sided flame presentation within a stainless steel frame. It can be a practical configuration for patios, decks, and outdoor entertainment areas designed around one principal viewing direction.
Superior 36 Traditional Vent-Free Outdoor Firebox (VRE4236W)
- Type: Traditional vent-free firebox
- Consider for: Outdoor spaces designed around a traditional fireplace appearance
- Notable features: Traditional styling and customization with compatible log sets
- Why this configuration matters: A traditional firebox provides a different architectural character from a wide contemporary linear fireplace.
The Superior 36 provides an alternative for projects where a traditional fireplace appearance is preferred. Its firebox format can complement outdoor designs where classic proportions and compatible log-set customization are more appropriate than a linear flame presentation.
If you are unfamiliar with how a firebox differs from other fireplace configurations, see our firebox fireplace guide.
What Outdoor Fireplace Features Should You Compare?
Features should be evaluated according to how the fire feature will actually be used. Not every fireplace or fire pit needs every accessory, and availability varies by product.
For custom gas fire-pit projects, fire pit burner kits and fire pit inserts can provide a more specialized starting point. Confirm compatibility and installation requirements for the specific components being considered.
What Should You Check Before Installing an Outdoor Fireplace?
Outdoor fireplace installation requirements vary by product, fuel, location, and surrounding construction. There is no universal clearance or placement rule that applies to every outdoor fireplace or fire pit.
- Approved location: Confirm that the product is intended for the planned outdoor application.
- Required clearances: Check manufacturer requirements for surrounding walls, structures, furnishings, and combustible materials.
- Installation surface: Verify that the planned surface and supporting structure are appropriate for the product.
- Fuel configuration: Make sure gas fireplaces are configured for the approved fuel.
- Overhead and surrounding conditions: Review the product instructions for applicable installation limitations.
- Local requirements: Permanent installations may also be subject to applicable local codes, permits, or professional installation requirements.
- Operation and maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's instructions after installation rather than applying generalized procedures from another fireplace model.
Planning these requirements early is especially important for built-in fireplaces because discovering an installation conflict after the surrounding structure has been completed can complicate the project.
How Should Seating and Lighting Be Planned Around an Outdoor Fireplace?
The fire feature should work with the rest of the outdoor environment. Consider the primary viewing direction, seating arrangement, walking paths, and other entertainment features when deciding where the fireplace belongs.
Outdoor-rated lighting can complement the fireplace by illuminating seating areas, pathways, and steps without competing with the flames. Warm lighting can also help maintain a comfortable atmosphere after dark.
Fire-related components should not be confused with decorative lighting products. For example, this HPC Fire natural gas log lighter burner for fire pits is a specialized fire-pit component and should be evaluated according to its intended application and specifications.
How Do You Maintain an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit?
Outdoor fireplace maintenance depends on the fire-feature type, fuel, construction, and manufacturer requirements. There is no single maintenance procedure that applies to every fireplace and fire pit.
Wood-Burning Fire Pits
Remove accumulated ash when appropriate and keep compatible spark screens and related components clean.
Gas Fire Features
Keep the burner area clean and follow manufacturer instructions for inspection and maintenance.
Exterior Surfaces
Use cleaning methods appropriate for the material and finish.
Weather Protection
Use a compatible cover when recommended for the product.
Always follow the maintenance instructions for the specific model, particularly when servicing fuel-related components.
Can an Outdoor Fireplace Extend Your Outdoor Season?
An outdoor fireplace or fire pit can make a patio or backyard more inviting during cooler periods, but the amount of usable warmth depends on the fire feature and the surrounding outdoor conditions.
Wind, seating distance, fireplace configuration, and the openness of the area can all affect how warmth is experienced. Buyers who primarily want heating should therefore evaluate the individual product's specifications and planned seating arrangement rather than choosing on flame appearance alone.
If extending comfortable outdoor use is the main objective, it may also be useful to compare dedicated outdoor heaters. A fireplace can serve as a visual focal point and provide warmth, while a purpose-built outdoor heater represents a different approach to heating an outdoor living area.
During warmer periods, the same fire feature can continue serving as a visual focal point and gathering area, making it part of a broader outdoor living design.
Are smokeless fire pits worth it?
A smokeless fire pit can be worth considering if you want a wood-burning fire with less smoke than a conventional open fire pit. It is not completely smoke-free, and performance can vary with fuel quality, airflow, fire conditions, and operation.
What is the safest type of outdoor fireplace?
No outdoor fireplace type is universally the safest; safety depends on correct product selection, installation, required clearances, fuel configuration, and operation. Choose a fire feature approved for the intended location and follow its manufacturer instructions rather than assuming one fireplace category is inherently safe for every installation.
Should I choose a fire pit or a built-in outdoor fireplace?
Choose a fire pit when you want an open gathering area or greater placement flexibility; choose a built-in outdoor fireplace when you want a permanent architectural focal point. Fuel availability, space, maintenance, viewing direction, and installation requirements should also influence the decision.
Can an outdoor gas fireplace be used year-round?
An outdoor gas fireplace may be usable across multiple seasons when the specific product and outdoor conditions permit it. Follow the manufacturer's operating, weather-exposure, and maintenance instructions rather than assuming every outdoor gas fireplace has the same seasonal limitations.
What materials should I consider for an outdoor fireplace?
Stainless steel, stone, concrete, and other outdoor-suitable materials can all be appropriate depending on the product and design. Compare construction, finish, weather exposure, maintenance requirements, and manufacturer specifications rather than selecting by material alone.
Does an outdoor fireplace require professional installation?
Installation requirements depend on the fireplace, fuel system, location, and applicable local requirements. Built-in gas fireplaces may involve work that requires qualified professionals, permits, or code compliance, so review the product instructions and local requirements before installation begins.
Find the Right Outdoor Fireplace for Your Space
The best outdoor fireplace is not automatically the largest, most expensive, or most visually dramatic model. It is the fire feature that fits your space, fuel availability, intended use, installation conditions, maintenance expectations, and design goals.
Choose a traditional fire pit when an open wood-fire gathering experience is the priority. Consider a smokeless fire pit when reducing smoke matters. Choose a fire pit table when entertaining and tabletop functionality are central to the space. Consider a built-in outdoor gas fireplace when the project calls for a permanent architectural focal point.
Once you know which type fits the project, compare individual products by configuration, dimensions, fuel, construction, features, and installation requirements rather than appearance alone.
Ready to compare options? Explore outdoor fireplaces, compare fire pits, or browse fire pit tables to narrow your choices by the type of outdoor fire experience you want.