Wood Burning Fire Pit vs Outdoor Wood Heater: Which One Should You Buy?

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The quick answer

Pick a wood-burning fire pit if you want open flames, a circle of chairs and campfire cooking. Pick an outdoor wood heater if you want an enclosed firebox that sends steady, directional warmth to a seating area or patio corner. Both burn the same firewood; they just give the heat to you differently.

Wood burning fire pit vs outdoor wood heater: the differences

A fire pit is an open container, usually a round or octagonal steel bowl on legs. The flames are visible from every side, which is why pits suit gatherings: people pull up chairs around the circle and watch the fire. Cooking fits naturally too, with grill grates that span the bowl. An outdoor wood heater, by contrast, is a closed firebox with a door and a flue. The closed design throws heat forward and upward rather than in every direction, and it shields the fire from wind and rain while it burns.

Feature	Wood-burning fire pit	Outdoor wood heater
Fire style	Open flames, visible from all sides	Enclosed firebox behind a door
Best for	Gatherings, ambiance, campfire cooking	Steady, directional warmth on a patio
Cooking	Many models include a grill grate	Possible on some models, less typical
Wind and weather	Exposed: wind pushes flames and smoke around	Sheltered: the closed box keeps the fire going in wind
Assembly and moving	Varies: 16.8 to 59.5 pounds in this set, assembly 15 to 30 minutes	Usually heavier and more fixed once placed

Four wood-burning fire pits, ranked

1. Sunnydaze Cosmic 30. The standout of this set on stated features. The 30-inch overall diameter holds a 24.25-inch bowl that the listing says fits 4 to 6 people around the flames, and the 9-inch-deep bowl takes larger logs for longer burns. It ships with a 22.75-inch stainless cooking grate, a 23-inch spark screen, a wood grate, a poker and a cover, plus a 1-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty, the only stated warranty of the four.

2. DENKOE 32-inch fire pit table. The heavyweight: the listing states 59.5 pounds with a 0.13-inch-thick iron bowl that the maker says retains heat longer. It works as a fire pit, a table and a grill in one, with a grill grate and a lid included, and it measures 32.5 by 32.5 by 12 inches. The maker offers a refund or replacement if you are not satisfied, but no warranty term is stated.

3. BreezZ American Flag 32. A 32-inch round pit in heavy-duty steel with a heat-resistant coating, a mesh spark screen and a fire poker included. The listing states 18.5 pounds and 32 by 32 by 14.6 inches, so it is easy to shift around the patio. No warranty term is stated.

4. Auhilence 45-inch. The largest here at 44.5 by 44.5 by 17.5 inches with a 35.2 by 35.2 by 8.2 inch inner bowl, room for 8 to 10 people per the listing. It is 100% steel at 52 pounds, with side vents and ridges under the fire for airflow, and assembly takes 30 minutes for two adults. No warranty term is stated.

Which one should you buy?

If cooking over the fire matters, the Sunnydaze and the DENKOE both include grill grates, and the Sunnydaze adds a spark screen and a cover in the box. If you host big groups, the Auhilence is listed for 8 to 10 while the Sunnydaze is listed for 4 to 6. If you want the pit to move between the patio and the campsite, the 16.8 and 18.5 pound pits carry far easier than the 59.5 pound DENKOE. For more options, see our wood burning fire pits under 150.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook over a wood-burning fire pit?

Yes, if it includes a grill grate. The Sunnydaze ships with a 22.75-inch stainless cooking grate and the DENKOE with a grill grate and lid. Keep the grate clean and cook over coals rather than tall flames.

What should a fire pit sit on?

A level, fire-safe surface such as stone, brick or gravel. The Sunnydaze listing says its bowl sits 6 inches above the ground, and it allows use on a wood deck or porch with a fire-resistant mat underneath.

How do you stop a steel fire pit from rusting?

Keep it dry and covered. The Sunnydaze bowl has no drainage holes, so the maker says to empty rainwater, clean out cooled ash and put the cover on after each use. Store the pit in a dry, covered spot for the off season.

How big a fire pit do you need for a group?

Match the stated seating to your crowd. The Sunnydaze 30-inch pit is listed for 4 to 6 people and the Auhilence 45-inch pit for 8 to 10 people. A bigger bowl also holds more wood, so you refill less often.

What wood should you burn in a fire pit?

Burn dry, seasoned firewood cut to fit the bowl. The Sunnydaze 9-inch-deep bowl takes larger logs, but whatever the pit, let ashes cool fully before cleaning them out.

Related guides

See our wood burning fire pits under 150, the fire pit cover vs tarp comparison and the best fire pit screens. Keep the woodpile ready with our outdoor wood racks for fire pits and clean up with the best ash shovels.

More picks: browse fire pit tongs, fire pit covers and propane fire pits for a deck.