There’s nothing quite like a roaring fire pit to gather around with friends and family. However, if you don’t have the space (or permission) for a traditional wood-burning fire pit, a portable fire pit bowl is an excellent alternative. The best pit bowls will transform your outdoor space into a cozy oasis where you can enjoy the company of those you love.
The best fire pit bowl for most people is the Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl. It comes in a reasonably large size that is perfect for small and large gatherings. It also boasts enhanced durability, easy portability, rust resistance, and a 1-year warranty.
The only instances in which I would recommend another product over the Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl are if:
- You are on a strict budget. Go with the Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit (available on Amazon)
- You want a fire pit that doubles as a grill. Go with the Portable Outdoor Wood Fire Pit (available on Amazon).
- You are looking for a propane-powered fire pit bowl. The Outland Living Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit (available on Amazon) is an excellent choice.
In this article, I’ll take you through everything you should consider when buying a fire pit bowl and demonstrate how each product I’ve selected meets these criteria. I’ll also discuss why the Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl is my top pick and provide some alternative options for specific needs.
Best Overall: Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl
The Sunnydaze Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl is the best option for most people because it boasts excellent features and is reasonably priced.
With a thick steel construction and a stylish contemporary copper finish, this fire pit bowl is well built and adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
The bowl sits 7 inches (177.8 mm) above the ground on four legs, providing good airflow to help keep the fire going. It has an outer diameter of 32 inches (812.8 mm) and is 12 inches (304.8 mm) deep, making it large enough to accommodate a good-sized fire but not so large that it’s cumbersome to move around or to dominate your outdoor space.
The fire pit bowl has a spark screen to help contain flying embers, a log grate to promote good airflow, and a poker to move logs around safely. It is large enough to accommodate wood logs up to 18 inches (457.2 mm) long, with a wide opening for easy access to the fire and plenty of room for air to circulate, ensuring that your fire burns evenly.
Sunnydaze offers a one-year warranty on this fire pit bowl, which is longer than most other manufacturers.
Bottom line: I highly recommend the Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl if you’re looking for a great all-around option at a reasonable price. It’s large enough to accommodate a good-sized fire without being too bulky, and the included spark screen, log grate, and poker are nice extras.
Pros
- Durable: The Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl is made of thick steel with a copper finish that is both stylish and corrosion-resistant. It is built to last for many years with proper care.
- Attractive design: The copper finish and simple yet stylish design of the Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
- Sturdy construction: The Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl is made of thick steel and has a solid structure. It is sturdy and unlikely to tip over, even in strong winds.
- Easy to assemble: The Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl is easy to assemble. It comes with everything you need to set it up, including a spark screen, log grate, and poker.
- Portable: The Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl is lightweight and can be easily moved around, making it great for use in different areas of your outdoor space.
- Easy to maintain: The bowl shape of the fire pit bowl makes it easy to clean, and the three holes in the bottom allow for easy drainage.
- Safe to use: The fire pit bowl includes a spark screen to help contain flying embers, poker, and log grate to promote good airflow and prevent logs from rolling out.
Cons
- The copper finish may develop a patina over time: This is normal and can add to the attractiveness of the fire pit. However, if you prefer the shiny copper finish, you must clean and polish it regularly to maintain its appearance.
- There have been some delivery-related complaints. A few customers have complained about receiving scratched, dented products. However, getting in touch with customer support should resolve the issue right away.
Best Bang for the Buck: Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit
If you’re looking for a fire pit bowl that offers excellent value, I recommend the Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit. It’s a fantastic option if you’re on a budget but still want a quality product.
The bowl is made of high-temperature antique bronze steel with a hammered lip and brushed painted steel legs. It sits 35″ high and is the perfect size for a patio or deck.
The Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit comes with a one-piece mesh spark screen to help contain flying embers. The screen is equipped with high-temperature paint to resist corrosion, and it’s easy to remove with the included screen lift tool. It also comes with a wood grate to help keep the wood burning evenly.
Bottom line: This fire pit bowl is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a durable, long-lasting fire pit bowl at an affordable price. Its stylish design and high-quality construction make it a great addition to any outdoor space.
Pros
- Great for saving money: This is one of the market’s most inexpensive fire pit bowls, yet it doesn’t skimp on quality or features.
- Easy to assemble: Assembling the fire pit is a breeze and doesn’t require special tools.
- Very compact: The dimensions of this fire pit are 35″ (89 cm) D x 35″ (89 cm) W x 20″ (51 cm) H, allowing it to fit perfectly on any patio or deck without taking up too much space.
- Durable and long-lasting: The Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit is made of high-quality materials. The bowl is made of thick steel, and the legs are made of coated steel. These materials are designed to resist rust and corrosion.
- Stylish design: This fire pit features a classic Roman column design that will look great in any outdoor space.
- Lightweight: The fire pit weighs only 15 pounds (6.80 kg) making it easy to move around.
Cons
- Might need a heat shield: If you plan on using this fire pit on a wooden deck, you might need to purchase a heat shield to protect the deck from the heat.
Best for Camping and Picnics: Portable Outdoor Wood Fire Pit – 2-in-1 Steel BBQ Grill
Spending time outdoors is always more enjoyable when you have a fire to keep you warm. And the SereneLife Portable Outdoor Wood Fire Pit is the perfect choice for any camping, picnic, or bonfire.
This fire pit bowl doubles up as a BBQ grill, a perfect way to cook your food while enjoying the outdoors. It is made of durable steel with a high-temperature black heat-resistant coating to ensure long-term use.
It features steel feet to keep it stable and a wooden tray to catch any ashes. It also comes with a mesh spark screen, a cooking grill, a log grate, and a fire poker.
Bottom line: The Portable Outdoor Wood Fire Pit is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a versatile fire pit bowl that can be used for camping, picnics, and bonfires. It was designed with the outdoors in mind and is built to last.
Pros
- Doubles as a BBQ grill: The SereneLife Portable Outdoor Wood Fire Pit can be used to cook your food while enjoying the outdoors.
- Easy to assemble: With two people, this round wood-burning fire pit can be assembled in 15 minutes. It also comes with all the necessary accessories.
- Equipped with a wood storage shelf: This fire pit has a wood storage shelf to store your wood when not in use, making it even more convenient.
- Made to last: The materials used to construct this fire pit bowl are designed for long-term use. The steel frame and high-temperature black heat-resistant coating will ensure years of service without rust or corrosion.
- Safe and reliable: Flying embers are no match for the included mesh spark screen. The fire poker makes it easier to control the fire and is safer than traditional bonfires.
Cons
- Two people are recommended for assembly: While the fire pit bowl is not difficult to assemble, it may be challenging for one person to do it alone.
- Some people may find the wood storage shelf too small: Long camping trips may require more wood than what can fit on the shelf.
Best for a Clean and Efficient Burn: Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
The Outland Living Firebowl is a portable propane gas fire pit perfect for any outdoor activity. This deluxe version includes a cover and carry kit, making it even more convenient to take with you on the go.
The Outland Living Firebowl is 19 inches (482.6 mm) in diameter and is made of durable steel with a powder-coated finish to resist corrosion.
The fire bowl uses a standard 20-pound (9.07 kg) propane tank (not included) with a pre-attached 10-foot hose to keep it safely out of sight. A fully adjustable regulator allows you to control the flame height to have a roaring fire or a gentle flickering flame.
Optional accessories include a CSA-approved natural gas conversion kit and a standard carry bag that are available separately.
Bottom line: The Outland Living Firebowl 893 is the best propane fire pit bowl for anyone who wants a portable and convenient option.
Pros
- Portable and convenient: The Outland Living Firebowl is perfect for any outdoor activity. It is easy to take with you on the go and has a cover and carry kit to make it even more convenient.
- Fully adjustable regulator: You can control the flame height depending on your needs.
- Clean and easy to use. There is no need for firewood or messy ashes that come with a traditional fire pit.
- CSA approved: Canadian Standards Association is a renowned third-party certification agency that has tested and approved this fire pit bowl for safety and quality.
- Durable: The Outland Living Firebowl is made of durable steel and has a powder-coated finish to resist corrosion.
- No assembly is required: This fire pit bowl comes ready to use, making it even more convenient.
Cons
- The ambiance of a wood fire is more enjoyable for some people: If you are looking for the authentic feel of a wood fire, this may not be the best option for you.
- Propane tank not included: You will need to purchase a propane tank separately.
Factors To Consider
There are three main factors to consider when choosing a fire pit bowl:
- Size
- Portability
- Cost
I’ll explain each factor in more detail below:
Size Comparison
| Fire Pit Bowl | Length/Width/Height | Diameter |
| Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl | 32.25 x 32.25 x 25.75 inches (819.15 x 819.15 x 654.05 mm) | 31” or 787.4 mm (Inner) |
| Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit | 35 x 35 x 20 inches (889 x 889 x 508 mm) | 35” (889 mm) |
| Portable Outdoor Wood Fire Pit | 226 x 26 x 20 inches (5740.4 x 660.4 x 508 mm) | 26” (660.4 mm) |
| Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit | 19 x 19 x 11 inches (482.6 x 482.6 x 279.4 mm) | 19” (482.6 mm) |
Winners: Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit (Largest), Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit (Smallest)
The size of the fire pit bowl is important to consider because it will determine how much space it will take up and how many people it can accommodate.
Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you may want a smaller fire pit bowl that will not take too much space. On the other hand, if you’re looking to host large gatherings and have ample space, a bigger option might be the way to go.
Portability (Weight Comparison)
| Fire Pit Bowl | Weight | Score |
| Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl | 23 lb (10.43 kg) | 5/10 |
| Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit | 15 lb (6.80 kg) | 9/10 |
| Portable Outdoor Wood Fire Pit | 20 lb (9.07 kg) | 7/10 |
| Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit | 23 lb (10.43 kg) | 5/10 |
Winners: Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit, Portable Outdoor Wood Fire Pit
The portability of the fire pit is essential to consider if you plan on taking it with you on the go. Some fire pit bowls are lightweight and portable, while others are more stationary.
If you want a fire pit bowl you can take with you on camping trips or to the beach, you will want to choose a portable option with less weight and bulk. If you plan on leaving it in one place, you can choose a heavier and more stationary fire pit.
Cost
The cost of the fire pit bowl can vary depending on the materials, size, and features. On this list, fire pit bowls range in price from around $60 to $230. What you decide to spend will depend on your budget and what features are important to you.
However, it is essential to remember that the initial cost is not the only expense you want to consider. You’ll also need to factor in wood, propane, and maintenance costs.
Key Takeaways
After considering price, build quality, maintenance requirements, and a host of other factors, it’s safe to say that the best fire pit bowl for most people is the Sunnydaze Large Copper Finish Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl.
However, depending on your budget and preferences, there’s a wide array of other excellent-quality fire pit bowls that might be even better suited for you.
