Best Collapsible and Portable Fire Pits for Instant Flame

Everything is better around a campfire (or, as I call it, “caveman TV”). It creates a sense of calm and unity with the people around you. Oh, and food definitely tastes better when cooked over an open fire!

But there are a lot of issues with making a campfire in your backyard or even when camping out. That’s where portable fire pits come into play.

They make it possible to safely get a fire going virtually anywhere without worrying about making a fire ring or digging a pit. Some even have features like spark screens that allow them to be used when there is a burn ban.

Below are 8 of the best picks for both camping and backyard use. We’ve also got a handy guide on what to look for when choosing a portable fire pit.

Best Portable Fire Pits

1. Solo Stove Bonfire

Solo Stove is a cool company that makes gorgeous stoves and portable cylinder-type fire pits.

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The Solo Stove stands out because it has a double-wall construction. Airflow holes at the bottom feed the fire inside the cylinder. You get a really good flame without having to use up too much fuel.

The company also makes other sizes of this portable fire pit, including very small ones which can be used as stoves. The Bonfire is large enough for a group of friends to sit around but still small enough to be portable.

Why it’s awesome: Cool-looking pit that makes an efficient fire

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2. Fire Sense Folding Fire Pit

This folding portable fire pit is one of the best budget options. For such a cheap fire pit, it has a great design. You can completely fold down the legs and put it in a carrying case. This makes it very easy to transport and set up.

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The reason that this is so affordable is that it is made from painted steel. So, you’ll need to ensure it gets put inside after use.

It’s more of a table shape than a bowl, so it will get filled with embers if you try to use it for a long time. Only use small/medium sticks with it and not logs.

The fire pit has a screen lift tool, wood grate, cooking grill, and carrying bag.

Why it’s awesome: It’s a simple, low-budget, and easy to transport

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3. Landmann Fire Pit

This is one of the most popular products because it comes in such cool designs; the bowl has cutouts of stars and moons or wildlife animals.

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As far as safety goes, this is a great option. The cutouts have screens behind them that prevent sparks from coming out.  ere is also a removable spark screen and a safety ring around the pit.

Note that if you want to use coal, you should put a layer of sand at the bottom of the bowl. This will make it easier to clean. The sand also protects the bottom of the pit from corrosion.

Because it is pretty heavy and it’s recommended to use sand with it, this is a better option for home use. However, if you don’t mind lugging 32lbs out of your car, you can also bring it camping.

Why it’s awesome: Beautiful design!

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4. Biolite Energy

The Biolite is loaded with insane features. Fifty-one air jets inject the fire with oxygen to keep it burning (no smoke here!).

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A USB power pack controls the jets. You can charge the power pack with a USB or the solar panel on the case. You can also detach the power pack and use it for charging devices.

It is super-efficient. You can control the airspeed to make a huge fire or one that burns slowly – up to 24-hour burn time.

The fire pit even has Bluetooth! You can control the fire size with your phone, meaning you don’t even have to get up from your seat.

And then there are the standard features, like having folding legs for portability, a grill grate, and 360-degree mesh for good viewing.

Why it’s awesome: Bluetooth-connected and USB-powered fans!

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5. Campfire Defender

Here is a great, basic option that is truly portable. The table has legs that pop up/down in seconds and weighs just 8lbs. You can easily fit this in your car for camping. Or keep it in your garage for when you want to use it at home.

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The material is pretty thin, which means it isn’t as durable as other options. However, the thinner material means that it cools down much faster. This is important if you want to bring it to picnics – you won’t have to wait hours for it to cool down.

The manufacturers even claim that it cools down in 90 seconds (realistically, you’ll have to wait around 15 minutes before handling).

The downside is that it doesn’t have any spark screen. You’ll be able to enjoy the fire unhindered but have to pay more attention to safety.

You also don’t get a grill with this, so you’ll have to use sticks if you want to cook over the fire.

Why it’s awesome: The most lightweight option here

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7. Outland Firebowl

As far as portable propane fire pits go, this one by Outland is very popular. First off, the price is affordable. It is also designed well so you can easily transport it and clean it up without making a mess.

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One of the standout features is that it contains “lava rock” that resembles coals. When lit, it looks like the lava rock is flickering, so you get a nice campfire effect. The output is 58,000BTU/hour, which is very hot!

Another important feature is that it is CSU-approved, meaning you can use it almost anywhere – including in places with burn bans (always check first, though).

So, while propane might not be the most travel-friendly option for campfires, it’s worth bringing the extra weight to be able to make a fire anywhere.

Why it’s awesome: CSU approved for use during most fire bans

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8. Radiate Campfire

This is an entirely different option for a portable campfire (not exactly a fire pit, but it does the same job).

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The Radiate Campfires come in little cylinders with soy wax and fuel inside. You simply light it, and it starts burning. One pack can burn for about 3-5 hours. If you want to put out the fire before then, slide the lid over it. You will be able to relight it again later.

Of course, the downside is that these have a limited life. Once you burn out the wax, you’ll have to buy another. However, as far as convenience goes, this is the easiest portable campfire to use and take with you.

It makes no smoke or sparks and is hot enough to roast marshmallows.  

Why it’s awesome: Easy, instant campfire

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Why Would You Want One?

When Camping:

In many places I go camping, there is no need to bring along a portable fire pit. I just gather rocks to make a fire ring to contain the fire Or, on the beach, you can easily dig a hole in the sand to contain the fire.

However, sparks can easily jump out of these improvised fire rings or pits. This is particularly dangerous in dry areas prone to wildfires.

Plus, many people don’t know how to make a campfire properly. As a result, many campgrounds and national parks require you to have an approved fire pit if you want to make a fire.

In Your Backyard:

A permanent fire pit can be a great focal point for your yard, but it isn’t always practical. They are a pain to move around and do require maintenance. You’ll have to clean out leaves and debris from a permanent pit each time you want to use it. On top of that, many cities have ordinances that limit options or permanent fire pits.

It’s much easier (not to mention cheaper) to get a portable one instead of installing and maintaining a permanent fire pit.

Choosing a Portable Fire Pit

Local Regulations and Safety Considerations

Before you buy one for use in your backyard, make sure you check local regulations first. Most municipalities do allow “recreational fires,” but there are rules you have to follow.

For example, one town in Colorado sets these regulations:

• Maximum size 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high – anything bigger requires a permit
• Fire must be at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material, with some exceptions made for townhomes
• Cannot be used if there is a fire ban in place
• Only cut and dried wood can be burned; you cannot burn lawn cuttings or trash

Note: Your town might have very different regulations, so check them first! If you can’t find the regulations online, then call your local fire department.

Camping Regulations

Most National and State Parks provide fire pits with grilling surfaces. Not all do, though; they will likely have strict rules about the types allowed. Regulations vary, but the strictest campsites (like Disney) will likely require:

Size/Weight

After regulations, this is the most important thing to consider. Some are heavy and bulky. It will be difficult to carry out each time you want to use it, especially if you have a bad back!).

The more annoying it is to carry, the less likely you will use it. If you struggle to carry heavy things, get a small option or one on wheels.

Shape

It may not seem so important, but the shape will change how it works. You have three main options:

Bowls:

• Come in many styles and materials
• Deep bowls can keep a fire going longer
• Great for grilling food
• Wood, coal, or propane gas options
• Sometimes are very heavy

Tables:

• Usually collapsible and lightweight
• Legs might not be very stable, so need to be used on firm ground
• Not very deep – you may have trouble removing ashes if you want to keep a fire going for a long time
• Might be able to burn wood or coal

Cylinder Shape:

• Contains fire well – very safe
• Good airflow makes for an efficient fire (can use less wood)
• Lighting the fire inside small cylinders can be difficult
• Can only burn wood

Materials

Fire pits come in many materials. However, a lot of these aren’t suitable for anything portable. For example, cast iron is gorgeous – but way too heavy to be moved. So, you’ll likely want to choose one of these materials:

• Aluminum: Very affordable and lightweight, requires little maintenance, and has good durability.
• Stainless steel: Looks good and comes in a variety of styles. It is also weather-resistant (for those times you forget to bring the pit inside). Like aluminum, stainless steel is lightweight. However, it is a pricier option.
• Steel: Comes in many more shapes and is generally affordable. However, be warned that steel is heavier and susceptible to rust.

Spark Screen

Spark screens are a great safety feature and may be required by certain cities or campsites. Most fire pits have removable spark screens, which look like domes you put over the fire. However, some have fixed spark screens. To light the fire, you will have to open a little door.

If you want to roast something on the fire, make sure the spark screen is removable. It’s virtually impossible to roast anything through the door!

Fuel Type

You have two choices: wood/charcoal or gas/propane. Gas/propane pits allow you to have an instant fire and are easier to clean up. However, you won’t get the crackle or smell of a wood fire. Nor do gas fires get as hot as wood fires.

Note that some wood portable fire pits cannot also burn charcoal. It depends on the material and design. So, be sure to read carefully before assuming you’ll be able to use charcoal.

The choice is personal preference and will be influenced by where/how you will use it. For example, I prefer wood fire pits, but I only go camping in places with plenty of wood.

If I were mainly using it in my backyard (not much wood!), then I would go for propane.

Accessories

Here are some of the accessories you might need. Check to see whether they come bundled or if you need to buy them separately.

• Grill
• Spark screen
• Metal brush for cleaning it
• Brush and metal dustpan (for cleaning wood ash)
• Ash bucket
• Fire extinguisher