5 Best Fire Pit Grills to Gather Around on a BBQ Night

By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 28, 2023
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Looking to grill some BBQ or entertain your friends on a cold evening? A fire pit grill will not only allow you to grill some foods but it can also keep you and your guests warm. The best fire pit grill will even improve the aesthetics of your garden as they offer a great focal point. But while these firepit grills offer a lot of benefits, finding the perfect firepit grill is not a walk in the park. Our review will help you do just that.

In our quest to help you find the top firepit grills on the market, we reviewed 38 products. Of course, it took us a lot of weeks as we had to sit down with some of the top manufacturers, BBQ enthusiasts, and other industry stakeholders. The BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit stood out, which is why it is our Editor’s Choice. We loved how this fire pit grill can easily enhance the appearance of any patio or backyard. It also showed exceptional performance, is easy to use, and has a very sturdy construction.

To rate each product, we considered a number of key reviews including fuel, weight, dimensions, material of the grill and even the shape of the grill. Other essential features included the warranty offered, accessories included, portability, and even the grates. The review starts off with a comparison of the top products we reviewed followed by an in-depth description of each product. A buying guide is also included to ensure you make an informed choice before making that purchase.

Quick Summary

  • "Wood fueled fire pit grill with compact 24-inch grill grate, sturdy steel base and 360-digree swiveling pit"
  • Upgrade Pick: BioLite FirePit
    "Innovative fire pit grill that can be fueled with both wood and charcoal, it has foldable legs and can be operated with Bluetooth"
  • "Square fire pit grill made of iron, it has Circular heating system, chrome plated cooking grate and mesh cover"
  • "Thoughtfully designed fire pit grill with rotisserie, whole 722 square inches of cooking space and L-shaped drip channel"
  • "Foldable fire pit grill made of aircraft aluminum and stainless steel, comes in tubular carrying bags perfect to take camping"

Top 5 Fire Pit Grills Review 2024


?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3358 people in the past 30 days
10
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.8
10
Features
  • Dimensions: 32 x 25 inches
  • Materials: steel
  • Fuel: wood
  • Guarantee: not specified
  • Weight: 27 lbs

More features: 360-degree swiveling pit, poker and log rack included, 24-inch cooking grate

The BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit is an amazing fire pit grill that will not only impress you with its performance but also enhance the aesthetics of your backyard. It is also easy to use and operate, which allows even novice users to handle it with ease. All you need to do is to load up the fuel and press a button to ignite the flame and start warming up your yard.

This pit grill is quite portable too and can easily fit in the back of your car. It weighs only 27 pounds, and this allows you to easily store and transport it. Its dimensions measure 32 by 25 inches, which is more compact than many of the products we tried out. An 18.7 inch cooking grate made from heavy-duty steel is also attached to the pit grill.

One of the reasons why we loved this grill is its sturdy design and durability. The grill is made from steel, which means you can rest assured that you will use it for some time. For added stability, the BALI Wood Burning Fire Pit has has four legs with a strong circular steel ring attached to hold it together.

We also loved how versatile this machine is. Its steel grill rotates on a 360 degrees angle and can also be moved up and down or swung left and right depending on how you want to use it. You can also disassemble it for proper cleaning.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Stable
  • Multi-purpose
  • Features a couple of extra accessories
    What could be better?
  • Lacks a comprehensive manual
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8755 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.7
2
Upgrade Pick

BioLite FirePit

Features
  • Dimensions: 27 x 13 x 15.8 inches
  • Fuel: charcoal, wood
  • Burn time: 5-24 hours
  • Guarantee: not specified
  • Weight: 19.8 lbs

More features: foldable legs, USB output, rain cover included, Bluetooth operated

Getting a smart fire pit grill for your campfire can give you and your family or friends some unforgettable memories. With bluetooth capabilities, an app and other smart technologies, we enjoyed every moment of using this fire pit grill.

With all these features, it is easy to think that this machine is a heavy and non-portable machine but this can’t be further from the truth. The grill measures 27 x 13 x 15.8 inches but it can also have a 10.5 inch height when the legs are folded. The Biolite FirePit also weighs a mere 19.8 pounds.

This grill comes with 51 air jet holes fitted on three tubes in its chamber. A speed fan that can be regulated feeds the chamber with oxygen. The fan is powered by a 10,400mAh power pack. You can use its rechargeable batteries which guarantee you 24 hours of uninterrupted power when the speed fan is set to low. However, you can only use it for 10 hours when the speed is set to medium and 5 hours when the fan speed is at its maximum.

With regards to installation and performance, this fire pit grill is one of the easiest to use and operate. It has a button that powers the machine on/off, change the speed of the fan, start up the bluetooth pairing and even turn on the USB charging mode.

It is also easy to set up. Simply use the screws to fix the handles, put and activate the power pack at the end, unfold the grill and place the fuel.

    What do we love it for?
  • Portable
  • Bluetooth and smart technology capabilities
  • A four-speed fan
    What were we disappointed with?
  • May be a bit noisy at max speed
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5885 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
Features
  • Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 26 inches
  • Materials: iron
  • Fuel: wood
  • Guarantee: 1-year limited
  • Weight: 25.75 lbs

More features: Circulair™ system, mesh cover, chrome plated cooking grate

Do you often host friends or families for regular get togethers in your back yard? The Pleasant Hearth Martin Fire Pit is one of the best addition to your patio if you love hosting friends and grilling some BBQ at the same time.

One of the first things that you notice with this fire pit grill is its great looks and large design. You will always get comments on how good looking and effective your fire pit grill is. It measures 26 x 26 x 26 inches, which is large enough for 6 people to roast at a go. Despite being large, it only weighs 25 pounds.  You should pick this grill if you want to have a great focal point for your backyard.

It also has a removable mesh cover that allows you to access the spacious bowl. You can stock a number of logs as the pit grill can accommodate many of these logs at the same time. However, this does not mean that you risk charring your food. It has a deep bowl that offers enough space between the grill and the fire.

It features a CirculAir system that ensures the proper flow of oxygen in the pit grill. With this unique feature, the Pleasant Hearth Martin Fire Pit guarantees you a consistent and large fire throughout the night.

    What are its best features?
  • Easy to set up
  • Sturdy construction
  • It is huge and can hold large amounts of wood.
    What could be improved?
  • May form rust if not maintained well
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9588 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.2
Features
  • Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 15 inches
  • Materials: aircraft aluminum, stainless steel
  • Fuel: wood, charcoal
  • Guarantee: 1-year limited
  • Weight: 7.2 lbs

More features: carrying bags included, 505 sq in cooking area, heat shield included

The Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit is another great fire pit grill that will ensure you have your guests warm and well fed. It is one of the largest yet truly portable fire pit grills on the market. It is also made from durable material, which means you will use it for years before thinking of replacing it with another.

This grill measures 24 x 24 x 15 inches but it only weighs 7.2 pounds. It comes in two different bags that are smaller than your average tent. The two separate bags also ensures that your greasy cooking grate can be stored separately from the other parts.

A tri-folding grill is included on top to ensure that you have a large grilling and roasting space. Unlike other products in the market, this grill has a heat shield at the bottom to protect the ground from the raging heat.

With the Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit, you can easily use charcoal to roast your favorite meals. After you finish cooking, you can detach the grill and throw in a couple of logs to enjoy your meal by the campfire.

The cooking surface area measures 505 inches, which may be large enough to hold more than 15 burgers. You can also cook with a pan or a pot easily on this grill. Talk about a party! You can also replace the mesh and other parts if it is stretched.

    What makes it special?
  • Great for cooking
  • A cool and consistent airflow
  • Easy to assemble
  • Can accommodate heavy pots/pans
    What cons did we find?
  • The heat shield is not durable

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6420 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.1
Features
  • Dimensions: 31 x 31 x 20 inches
  • Material: steel
  • Fuel: propane
  • Guarantee: 90-day limited
  • Weight: not specified

More features: rotisserie included, 722 sq in cooking area, L-shaped drip channel

Many outdoor lovers or campers have a difficult time getting a fire pit grill that can also cook well. A lot of brands purport to offer multi-purpose grills but these often end up over charring food or lack sufficient space for both. With that said, the RiverGrille Cowboy Charcoal Fire Pit Grill is a great grill if you want to enhance your barbecue experience.

To ensure that you can both use this grill as a pit grill and a BBQ grill, the  RiverGrille Cowboy allows you to use both charcoal and natural wood. It has a heavy-duty grill gate and a smaller rotisserie that can be great for roasting hot dogs. Setting up this large grill is not complicated but you may find it difficult to assemble the manual rotisserie.

This grill is also among some of the largest pit grills that we reviewed. It has a 31-inch diameter with a cooking surface of 722 square feet, which is large enough to roast a couple of burgers. However, it lacks a cover which makes it susceptible to rusting as you will be unable to prevent rainwater from mixing with the ash and metals.

The manual rotisserie comes with a hand crank to help you use it but we recommend that you get an electric motor that the company sells separately. The grill also features an L-shaped drip channels that works to prevent fluids from mixing with the bowl.

    What do we love it for?
  • It is highly versatile
  • Great for large pans and pots
  • Easy to assemble
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The height of the grill may be too low for some

Things to Consider

Knowing some of the best fire pit grills is great but how do you know which grill will serve your needs perfectly? Like purchasing any other product, you need to consider some of the features of each grill. This buying guide will help you learn more about fire pit grills to ensure you make the best decision when buying your grill.

Why fire pit grills are awesome

5 Best Fire Pit Grills to Gather Around on a BBQ Night

If you are an avid camper or you simply love hosting guests in your patio then you know why fire pit grills are awesome. They offer a lot of benefits that you may not get with the traditional grills. Here are some reasons why fire pit grills are awesome.

  • Fire pit grills can light up an evening get together. You can easily host family or friends over at your patio and use the fire pit grill to stay warm all night. They are also great for camping.
  • They offer many unique features. Unlike other grills, fire pit grills offer more features. For example, the BioLite FirePit offers smart technology capabilities such as bluetooth pairing.
  • They can enhance the aesthetics of your patio. Fire pit grills can act as a focal point in your backyard, which beautifies your yard too.
  • Cook your favorite meals. Fire grills also allow you to barbecue food or even cook a full meal easily.

How to cook on fire pit grill?

There is nothing as satisfying as lighting your fire pit grill on a campsite and cooking some sumptuous meal. While you do not have to go camping to use a fire pit grill, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when cooking with a fire pit grill. These include;

  • Always mind the firewood. Conventional grills use charcoal or propane while fire pit grills mostly use wood. You can use pre-flavored wood from the store such as cherry or almond wood to customize the flavor. If you are in the wild, get dry non-pine that will easily light.
  • You can use pans and pots too. Many people believe that fire pit grills are only for barbecuing meat but this can’t be further from the truth. Whatever you can cook on an open grill can easily be cooked on a fire pit grill. You can only compromise on this rule if you bought a pretty fancy fire pit grill and do not want the mess that comes with cooking.
  • Get some accessories. Accessories can really enhance your barbecuing experience when you are using a pit grill. You do not want to cook without tongs or skewers. Other accessories may include grill racks, aluminum foils, a heat-resistant surface etc.
  • Safety is paramount. Those who are avid grillers know that safety is important as the ground may be a little too dry than you thought. Get a fire pit grill with a heat shield such as the Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit.

Features to consider while buying the best fire pit grill

There are many features that you ought to consider before paying for a pit grill. The last thing you want is to get a substandard fire pit grill that breaks down after two weeks. These are some factors that you should keep in mind when shopping for a fire pit grill.

Frame material

Fire pits come in different shapes and sizes. One of the main things that you should consider is the frame material. Some grills are made of copper, wood, iron, stainless steel or even stone. You need to know which one works best for you.

A stainless steel grill such as the BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit or the Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit are known to be rust-resistant. However, they may be a bit pricier than other models. Stone fire pits are fireproof and are less likely to cause damage. Iron fire pits such as the Pleasant Hearth Martin Fire Pit, on the other hand, may be cheaper and more accessible.

Fuel

The fuel that you choose will mostly depend on your preferences as both propane and wood have advantages and disadvantages. For example, wood gives an authentic grilling experience but it is not a clean source of energy. Propane gas grills such as the RiverGrille Cowboy Charcoal Grill may be clean and much efficient than wood.

Shape and cooking area

5 Best Fire Pit Grills to Gather Around on a BBQ Night

The shape of your fire pit grill matters a lot since it will impact your cooking experience. Fire pit grills with larger cooking area such as the Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit that has a 505 square inch are can cook more food. These are great if you host a lot of people in your backyard. The shape also determines how much you can grill as round fire pit grills tend to have smaller surfaces. Of course, the 31-inch RiverGrille Cowboy Charcoal Grill is an exception.

Grates

When it comes to the grates, you need to choose the best material. Stainless steel grates are popular for their weather-resistant nature, which makes them more durable. They are also easy to use and resistant to bacteria making them a perfect choice for cooking. Cast iron grates, on the other hand, are cheaper and retain heat better than steel grates. The grates should also be adjustable for better grilling.

Portability

Do you want a permanent fire pit grill in your backyard or do you want a portable grill that you can easily transport? Smaller fire pit grills such as the BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit are easy to transport and store. Larger or heavier fire pit grills such as the Pleasant Hearth Martin Fire Pit may be difficult to move.

Warranty

A warranty gives the client confidence that the product is in good condition and that it is durable. In this regard, both the Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up Fire Pit and the Pleasant Hearth Martin Fire Pit stood out as they had a 1-year limited warranty.

Cleaning easiness

Once you start using your fire pit grill, you will have to remove any ash that develops on the grills. You also have to clean and maintain it regular if you want it to be durable. Some fire pit grills have ash collection trays but some need to be tipped down. You want to buy a fire pit grill that can easily be cleaned.

Safe-to-use

Using a fire pit grill can easily become dangerous if the machine does not have safety features. The Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up, for example, has a heat shield to ensure that the heat does not damage the surface or cause a fire.

Weight

5 Best Fire Pit Grills to Gather Around on a BBQ Night

The weight of the fire pit grill is important as it can negatively affect your cooking experience. Ideally, you want a light grill that can be transported and easily assembled without much hassle. The Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Pop-Up was the lightest at about 7 pounds.

Accessories

There is nothing as annoying as cooking on a grill without the right accessories. Not only will you likely end up with badly grilled food but you will also be putting your safety at risk. Some of the key accessories to look out for include tongs, skewers, heat-resistant pots, and even a grill rack.

FAQ

How to clean firepit grill?

Cleaning a fire pit grill is easy. Let the wood or charcoal fizzle out once you are done using the grill. Pour the cooled ash in your garden the next morning but only if you used lump charcoal. For briquettes, you will have to pour it in your garbage.

Use water and soap to clean steel fire pit grills to wipe any remaining ashes or to remove any burns. You will have to use steel wool if you have an iron grill.

How to start a fire pit and how to put it out?

If you are using the traditional grill then you should simply place your wood or charcoal in the grill and use firelighters. Make sure the fuel is dry. Fire pit grills that run on propane

How to store fire pit outside?

Metal fire pits can easily rust, and this is mostly due to external weather conditions. One way to prevent this is to use it occasionally. The best way to deal with this, however, is to get a cover such as the Sunnydaze Round Outdoor Fire Pit Cover or Duck Covers Ultimate Square Fire Pit Cover. This cover is made from waterproof vinyl PVC to ensure no corrosion takes place.

Our verdict

The BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit is our top choice, and for obvious reasons. This fire pit grill stands out in every feature. It is easy to assemble and use yet it is one of the sturdiest fire pit grill we encountered. The grill is also quite portable and will make your patio look way better.

Our second choice is the BioLite FirePit. It is impossible to not be impressed by this smart fire pit grill. It allows you to control it with an app or use a Bluetooth device to control it. It also has a rechargeable battery that allows you to charge your phone. The perfect ally in the wild.

Lastly, we found the Pleasant Hearth Martin Fire Pit as our best value pick. We loved the chrome plated cooking grate of this rectangular fire pit grill. We also loved that you could cook food for a lot of people with this multipurpose grill.

10
Total Score
BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit - Editor’s Choice
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