Best Outdoor Fireplaces: What to Look For Before You Buy

The best outdoor fireplace is the one that matches your fuel preference, your patio size, and your local burn rules, not simply the one with the biggest flame. Wood-burning models give the classic crackle and smell, gas models give instant heat with no ash, and ethanol or tabletop units suit tiny balconies. Start with those three questions and the rest of the decision gets much easier.

Wood, Gas, or Ethanol: Choosing a Fuel Type

Fuel drives almost every other part of the purchase, so settle it first. Wood-burning fireplaces, often built as chimney-style units with a steel body and a short flue, deliver the strongest radiant warmth and the most atmosphere. They also demand dry, seasoned firewood, regular ash removal, and a clear sense of local rules about open flames and smoke.

Gas fireplaces run on propane tanks or a natural gas line. They light with a switch or an ignition knob, burn clean, and shut off quickly, which is why many homeowners with covered patios prefer them. The tradeoff is that a fuel line or a hidden tank compartment is part of the design, and the flames look a little more uniform than a real log fire.

Ethanol and gel burners are the low-commitment option. They need no chimney or gas line, but heat output is modest, so they work best as decoration on a balcony or small deck where regulations allow them. If warmth is your main goal, they are usually not enough on their own.

Match the Style to Your Space

Outdoor fireplaces generally fall into a few body types, and each fits a different yard. The table below compares them by the factors buyers tend to weigh most.

Key Specs That Actually Matter

Marketing pages love to list dimensions and finishes, but a few details deserve closer attention.

• Heat output: Gas models are usually rated in BTUs. A rule of thumb is that a unit in the range of 30,000 to 40,000 BTU warms a small seating group, while larger gatherings need more. Wood models do not publish a number, so judge by firebox size and steel thickness.
• Material: Thicker steel resists warping, and a high-temperature paint or a bare steel that develops a patina holds up better than thin sheet metal. Cast aluminum suits gas columns, and stone or cast concrete suits permanent builds.
• Spark control: A mesh screen or a chimney that funnels smoke upward protects nearby furniture and plants.
• Stability: A wide base or weighted feet matters in windy yards and around children and pets.
• Weather cover: A fitted cover prevents rust and keeps rain out of the firebox.

Placement, Clearance, and Local Rules

Where the fireplace sits matters as much as which one you choose. Manufacturers specify minimum clearances from walls, fences, overhanging branches, and roof eaves, and those numbers should be followed exactly. Never place a wood-burning unit under a covered patio ceiling unless the manual explicitly permits it, because heat and embers collect overhead. Place it on a non-combustible surface such as pavers, concrete, or a stone pad rather than directly on a wooden deck unless it comes with an approved heat shield.

Many cities and homeowner associations restrict open burning, require permits for permanent installations, or ban wood fires on certain air-quality days. Check with your local fire department or building office before you buy, particularly for masonry builds or gas lines, which often need a licensed professional.

Where to Start Shopping

If you want a flexible wood-burning option, browsing outdoor wood burning fireplaces and chimineas lets you compare steel thickness, spark screens, and weight in one place. For convenience-focused buyers, propane outdoor fireplaces and fire columns are worth comparing on BTU rating and tank compartment design. Whatever you choose, a waterproof outdoor fireplace cover is an inexpensive way to extend the life of the finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying for looks and ignoring clearance requirements on a small patio.
• Choosing a gas unit without checking whether you have, or can safely add, a fuel source.
• Using green or damp wood, which produces heavy smoke and leaves creosote residue.
• Skipping the cover and letting moisture rust the firebox.
• Leaving a fire unattended or putting it out with a hose while the metal is very hot, which can crack some finishes.

Keep a bucket of sand, a garden hose within reach, and a fire extinguisher rated for outdoor use nearby whenever the fireplace is lit.

Seasonal storage is a final consideration. In snowy climates, a cover and a dry spot extend life dramatically, and gas units should have their tank disconnected and stored upright outdoors per the manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put an outdoor fireplace on a wooden deck?

Only if the manufacturer allows it. Most wood-burning units need a non-combustible pad or heat shield beneath them, and gas units often have their own base requirements. Read the manual and local code before placing one on decking.

How much space should be around it?

Specific numbers vary by model, but a common guideline is several feet of open space on every side and plenty of vertical clearance. The product manual will state the minimums, and those take priority over general advice.

Is gas or wood cheaper to run?

It depends on your local fuel prices. Firewood can be inexpensive if you can source it nearby, while propane costs add up with frequent use. Compare what you would realistically burn each week before deciding on cost alone.