Fact: Humans love fire. Candles are one of the most unconsciously collected items on the market today due to their bountiful scents and warming atmospheres, and a fireplace is always an item on the wishlist during house hunting. Making a fire outdoors, however, is tricky unless you’re a certified eagle scout. Hence, the creation of small fire pits.
Fire pits provide a hospitable playground for cracking embers and dancing flames to work their magic on groups of humans who wish to roast marshmallows, dance and/or have deep conversations. Outdoor fireplaces do the same thing, and firewood racks make scavenging for logs a thing of the past. There are fire pits powered by propane for the grill-lovers out there, as well as pop-up fire pits that make setting up and taking down easy. And, like anything humans love, we’ve decided to make it small and adorable — via the invention of small fire pits.
Small fire pits take everything we love about regular-sized fire pits and delivers it in a more portable package. Whether you need a more smaller version of your at-home fire pit or your outdoor space is limited to a fire escape, mini fire pits can provide the atmosphere you’re craving without the concern you’ll burn down your house. Like any trendy at-home accessory, there are a few different options. Some are simply smaller versions of your typical outdoor fire pit, while others are made of concrete. There are even soot-free options for indoor use.
To be included, the “mini” fire pit had to be:
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- Less than 20″ wide and 15″ tall
- Portable
- Easy to set up
Here are the best small fire pits for indoor, outdoor and portable use.
1. FLIKR Fire Personal Concrete Fireplace
BEST OVERALL
This small fireplace is tiny. It’s made of durable concrete, which adds both a sleek aesthetic and protection from damage. It’s easy to set up and runs only on rubbing alcohol, so it won’t create soot. Just five ounces of rubbing alcohol creates 50 minutes of burn time, and it’s completely safe for cooking. It works just as well inside as it does outside, and it has felt on the bottom for protecting surfaces.
2. Terraflame Wave Firebowl
RUNNER UP
Many of you might be wondering: can you use firewood in a mini fire pit? For some, this is the case, but with this low-maintenance option from West Elm, all you need is a can of gel fuel, which is environmentally friendly. Three cans are included, and each one lasts several hours. With a cork base and a dipped oval silhouette filled with smooth beach pebbles, this dreamy small fire pit will mesmerize you and your guests, transporting you to a cozy cottage getaway.
3. TerraFlame Geo Tabletop Fire Bowl
BEST GEOMETRIC PICK
With a geometric shape and a slightly textured finish offered in three chic neutral tones, this unique piece can act as a high-design centerpiece on any tabletop. A stunning seven-inch flame is fully eco-friendly thanks to the gel fuel that’s used, and tiny Mexican River Pebbles line the ground. Plus, at under $100 it’s one of the most budget-friendly and attractive options on our list. A non-slip base ensures that the fire bowl won’t budge, no matter where you place it.
4. Tacklife Tabletop Fire Pit
BEST BUDGET PICK
If you’re just starting out and don’t need a mini campfire pit but something to spruce up your balcony or patio set, this super affordable option from Tacklife is the best choice for beginners. With two burning options, you can either use bioethanol or light the wick which provides a real flame for a warm and pleasant ambiance. With a ventless design, it’s the ultimate replacement for bulky gas or propane fire pits that are harmful to the environment and your health.
5. Project 62 Two Harbors Patio Tabletop Fire Pit
BEST RECTANGULAR PICK
Rectangular fire pits have an undeniable elegance to them, elevating any space and creating an expensive-looking makeover in minutes. This propane-based model is one of the best mini fire pits that stands out from the crowd with a heat-resistant steel exterior. It’s also one of the most powerful with a heat output of 15,000BTU. Still, keep in mind that assembly is required and you’ll need a table with an umbrella hole. Just fill it up with the included lava rocks and you’re good to go.
6. Danya B Smokeless Glass & Metal Tabletop Fire Pit
BEST FOR INDOOR USE
You don’t need a full-sized fire pit to make a statement. Danya B is known for creating attractive, compact fireplaces made from mixed materials like glass and metal, resulting in a sophisticated aesthetic. With an average of 4.8 stars from reviewers, it’s clear that buyers agree. Along with adding a contemporary pop, those clear glass panels also create a wind-proof effect, keeping your flame protected. Despite its small size, it puts out enough heat to keep folks warm and can be used inside, which is a major perk.
7. K Lawrence Outdoor Personal Fire Pit
BEST SHAPE OPTIONS
The ultimate buy for minimalists, this personal fireplace by K Lawrence is one of the most popular yet underrated mini fire pits of the year. Using clean-burning, ethanol-free fuel (additional bottles can be purchased from Food 52 when you need a refill) these personal-sized wonders are hand-painted and made from concrete. They’re also available in a range of gorgeous shapes which is appealing to users; choose from oval, semi-round or tubular.
8. Cuisinart Tabletop Mini Fire Pit with Citronella
BEST FOR REPELLING BUGS
Ideal for summertime or for anyone who deals with insects year-round, Cuisinart’s tabletop fire pit with citronella is one of SPY’s favorite mini fire pits. It’s highly portable and features windproof glass that protects the flame. It’s compatible with citronella fuel, which isn’t included but can easily be purchased on Amazon and provides an insect-repelling, smokeless fire to keep you cozy. Need to put your flame out quickly? Use the included flame snuffer to do so.
9. City Bonfires Mini Fire Pit Pack
BEST FOR S’MORES
Sometimes you don’t need ambiance, but you do need a perfectly charred marshmallow for the ultimate s’mores. If you’re searching for mini fire pits that are disposable and won’t take up storage space, consider this two-pack from City Bonfires which doesn’t require any fire or embers and can burn for up to five hours at a time. Handmade with recyclable steel tins and filled with 100% FDA-approved food-grade soy wax. Along with being great for s’mores, this mini bonfire pit set also makes a fantastic emergency kit for campers or road trippers.
10. Northwest Mini Fire Pit
ALSO CONSIDER
A rectangular fireplace that’s suitable for a patio table, balcony or any dining room table, this portable fire pit is European-inspired with clean lines. It’s easy to move from place to place and acts as a stylish conversation piece. Best of all, it can be used both indoors and out, warming up to 250 square feet. The wool wick in the burner provides a longer-lasting flame and while it might not provide the heat of a larger pit, it’s one of the best mini fire pits you can use as an accent piece.
11. Anywhere Fireplace Botanical Tabletop Fireplace
MOST VERSATILE
Even when it’s not in use, this botanical tabletop fireplace in gold or silver will command attention. Ideal for placing on a coffee table or backyard, this gel fuel tabletop fireplace is made from aluminum and is clean-burning, allowing you to place it anywhere you’d like. When it’s not in use, it can even be used as a planter or a way to display a bottle of wine on a tablescape. The damper handle can even be removed for use with a tea light, making this one of our most versatile choices.
12. Solo Stove Ranger
BEST SMOKELESS PICK
This small fire pit from Solo Stove, a tinier version of the brand’s Bonfire model, is slightly bigger than some of the other options, but it’s still much smaller and more travel-friendly than other fire pits. It’s designed to be low-smoke with a trademarked 360 Airflow Design for a secondary burn and minimal ash. The pit itself is made of durable stainless steel that can travel anywhere and it’s log-friendly, so you still get that genuine fire pit feel. It only weighs about 15 pounds and is easy to set up and take down.
13. Radiate Portable Campfire
BEST FOR CAMPING
While this fire pit isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as the other ones, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures where you’re less than confident in your ability to build a fire. It was featured on Shark Tank and received three offers, so you know it’s good. Radiate weighs only four pounds and is only 8″ wide. It uses recycled soy wax and paper briquettes to burn for three-plus hours while minimizing carbon footprint. All it takes is a match to light, and you can snuff out the flame with the lid. It reduces the chances of sparking a wildfire with a stray ember, and it’s designed to accomplish our collective goal in nature: leave no trace.
14. Blue Sky Outdoor Fire Pit
MOST PORTABLE
This small fire pit from Blue Sky is made for quickly packing up and easily storing. It’s designed to burn efficiently with little to no smoke, ash, sparks or unpleasant odors. It’s high heat, so make sure you use it in an outdoor context with plenty of space. Very little assembly is needed to set it up and get it going. It comes with its own carrying case and is designed to leave no trace.
15. Colsen Tabletop Fire Pit
CLEAN-FUEL BURNING
This firepit from Colsen burns rubbing alcohol, so it’s a clean burn that’s designed for convenient use rather than crackling embers and the smell of a fire. It’s light, small and super easy to place anywhere you’d like a little bit of ambiance. It lasts about 40-50 minutes on a single round of rubbing alcohol.
16. Latitude Run Jessica Concrete Propane Mini Fire Pit
BEST FOR BACKYARDS
This fire pit runs off propane takes up a bit more space than other models that we’ve included in our roundup. While it just nearly fits into our small fire pit dimension criteria, it is smaller and slimmer than other regularly sized fire pit options. It’s made of faux fiberglass stone underneath and comes with a metal bowl for safely handling the fire. It has a minimalist design to let the fire speak for itself, and is easy to set up and take down.