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These fire pits make it easy to enjoy your outdoor space.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Good airflow will ensure a cleaner burn."
Throughout testing, we considered each pickssetup,heating performance,design,smoke control,durability.
For more on how we tested fire pits, seeour testing processbelow.
Credit: Amazon
Our top pick from Outland Living is super easy to use.
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.
We appreciated that we could easily control the Outland Living Mega Fire Pit’s flame with a knob.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Cathy Fallone
There are no handles to make transportation easier.
And we found that it was truly smokeless as advertised.
The only time we could see any smoke was when the fire was going out.
It burns consistently and can be felt all the way around the pit.
Even on a moderately windy night, the fire was unaffected and continued to burn.
The fire pit doesnt need emptying after each use as the pellets leave very little ash.
After several uses, the unit still looked good as new, with no signs of deterioration.
It doesnt come with a cover.
If youre new to the fire pit game, this is a great starter model.
The unit has clean lines and a nice modern design, with a black exterior and a stainless interior.
We lit the newspaper with a match tostart the fire.
Once it was burning, the heat could be felt from around 3 feet away.
Credit: Pit Boss
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.
It doesnt come with a cover to keep it protected, but you canpurchase one separately.
The Pit Boss Smokeless Fire Pit produced significant heat, with the flame reaching a foot above the rim.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Mike Masiello
Its not totally smoke-free.
If youre looking for something even more advanced than a smokeless fire pit, try one with smart capabilities.
The fire produced was impressively large (which could account for the slight smoke) and lasted a while.
It comes with a grill grate and it roasted our marshmallows nicely and evenly.
The ash was minimal and was very easy to clean once it was safely cool.
The unit is lightweight, and compact making it very easy to move aroundperfect for tailgates or camping.
The legs also fold down so it becomes even easier to move and store.
It burned the wood evenly and emitted heat consistently and evenly.
Overall, we felt it was one of the best options forlarger group gatherings.
Very little ash remained, so it was simple to clean as well.
Youllneedgel canisters, which are much more expensive than other fuel types.
The flame at night was beautifully vibrant, giving off asoft, ambient lightthat we loved sitting around.
The unit comes with three canisters, each with three hours of burn time.
Our Testing Process
To find the best smokeless fire pits, we tested 10 models at home.
When it comes to choosing one thats right for you, Dilmore advises considering your intended space.
For example, cement fire pits are much heavier than aluminum models.
Its important to consider where youll store it and if you plan to move it around.
A larger pit might provide more heat, but it could also be less portable, says Clayton.
Ensure your chosen location has proper ventilation and is away from flammable materials.
Ensure the chosen location is safe,away from flammable materials, says Clayton.
Also, think about wind direction to maximize efficiency."
Dilmore warns against using fire pits under trees, as this could cause a fire.
The choice, both experts agree, depends on your personal preference, convenience, and availability.
Sourcing one fuel bang out might be harder or more expensive.
Wood pellets, for example, are more expensive than simple firewood.
If you opt for wood, to avoid any potential smoke, onlyquality, dry firewoodshould be used.
If it’s for backyard gatherings, you might prioritize design, says Clayton.
For camping, portability might be key.
Tailor your choice to fit its primary purpose.
We did like that minimal ash was produced, and its lightweight enough for one person to move.
Credit: Amazon
The unit has an incredibly durable construction, and offers even heat distribution all around.
The outer walls are temperature-controlled and stay cool, so its safe to use around children and pets.
The fire started easily and reached peak temperature fairly quickly.
The Cuisinart Smokeless Fire Pit is a piece of cake to set up, light, and empty.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Steph Hunter
Your Questions, Answered
Where can you use a smokeless fire pit?
Smokeless fire pits can be used in various parameters, from backyards to campsites.
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.
Youll have to double-check that your specific model is suitable for indoor use.
Do smokeless fire pits produce less heat?
Many believe that smokeless means less heat, Clayton says.
This isnt necessarily true.
In fact, efficient combustion can sometimes result in more consistent warmth.
How do you protect a smokeless fire pit?
Do smokeless fire pits smell?
High-quality smokeless fire pitssignificantly reduce smokeand its associated smell.
However, like any fire, there might still be a minimal wood-burning aroma, which many find pleasant.
Some aroma may arise from the burning fuel source, Dilmore adds.
Do smokeless fire pits cost more than other 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.
Kat is also the editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing.
What Is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Biolite
This fire pit has smart features, such as the ability to activate the smokeless feature via app.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Laura Ellefson
Credit: Amazon
The Blue Sky Outdoor Living The Peak Fire Pit produced an impressive amount of heat.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Katie Rousso
Credit: Williams Sonoma
The TerraFlame Wave is the best fire pit to create ambiance on a tabletop.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Megan Heckerman
We tested each fire pit at least three times for a minimum of one hour each time.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
If you are primarily using your fire pit for outdoor gatherings, aesthetics might be more important than portability.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We tested how easy it was to remove ash and clean out the fire pits.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
