Decorative fire bowl
This stylish and contemporary fire feature adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any modern outdoor living space.
Outdoors & Adventure
Outdoor fireplaces
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Outdoor fireplaces tend to go to people with a backyard, deck or cottage lot: a dad who likes tending a fire, a couple who stay outside past sunset, or new homeowners setting up a patio. The ones that get used fit how the person already spends evenings outside. Someone who loves splitting logs and the smell of a campfire will want a wood burning fire pit. Someone on a condo balcony or a busy schedule is often happier with a portable propane fire pit that lights with a switch. Think about where it will sit, what fuel is easy to get, and whether it has to travel.
Kind 1 of 8
A fire pit for the backyard
A fire pit is an open bowl or ring that holds a fire at ground level, and people gather around it to talk, roast marshmallows or just watch the flames. It suits families, couples and anyone who already spends summer evenings outside. Before buying, check how big their yard or patio is, whether they would rather burn wood or gas, and what their municipality allows. A decorative fire bowl works well on a finished patio. A plainer steel ring is better for a rougher spot out back.
Kind 2 of 8
Wood burning fire pits for real crackle
Wood burning fire pits give the classic campfire: crackle, smoke and the fun of building the fire. They suit people who have a steady supply of firewood and enjoy tending a fire. Check the steel thickness, since thin metal can warp after a few seasons. Look for a spark screen and a poker, and make sure ash is easy to clean out. A heavy duty campfire ring suits a cottage or rural lot. A chiminea sends smoke up a chimney, which helps on a smaller patio.
Wood burning fire pits
This timeless outdoor centerpiece creates a warm gathering spot for friends and family in any backyard setting.
Heavy duty campfire ring
A robust and simple solution for containing ground fires safely, ideal for rustic campsites or designated backyard fire areas.
Traditional chiminea
A classic vertical outdoor fireplace that directs smoke upwards, providing warmth and a charming focal point for smaller patios.
Kind 3 of 8
Portable propane fire pits for camping
A portable propane fire pit runs off a standard tank and packs down small enough for a car trunk. It suits campers, tailgaters and cottage-goers, and it helps during fire bans that allow gas appliances but not wood fires. Check the weight, whether a carry bag or handles come with it, and the hose length. See whether it takes a small camping cylinder or a full-size tank, and whether the lid doubles as a cover.
Portable propane fire pit
Ideal for campers, RV enthusiasts, or anyone desiring instant, clean flames without the hassle of wood and ash.
Kind 4 of 8
Propane fire pits that stay on the patio
These are larger propane fire pits built to stay in one place, often as a round or square table with a flat rim for drinks. They suit people who want a fire at the push of a button, with no ash to clean up and no smoke drifting toward the neighbours. Check whether the tank hides inside the base, how big the tabletop is, and whether a weather cover comes with it. Decide whether lava rock or fire glass matches their patio furniture.
Kind 5 of 8
Smokeless fire pits for less smoke
A smokeless fire pit burns wood, but it has double walls that pull air through and reburn much of the smoke. You still get a real wood fire with far less smoke in your eyes and clothes. It suits people who love wood fires but hate smelling like one, and it works well in suburban yards. Check the size against how many people usually sit around it. A stand to protect the deck or grass is worth having, and a carry case matters if they will take it camping.
Smokeless outdoor fire pit
Enjoy cozy fireside moments with significantly less smoke, perfect for those sensitive to smoke or with close neighbours.
Kind 6 of 8
Outdoor propane fireplaces as a centrepiece
An outdoor propane fireplace looks like a standing fireplace, with a chimney-style body or a finished surround, and it makes a clear centrepiece for a patio. It suits homeowners who are finishing an outdoor living space and want something that looks built in. Check the footprint and weight, whether it runs off a tank or a natural gas line, and how the finish holds up through Canadian winters. Talk with the household first, since this is a bigger commitment than a bowl.
Outdoor fireplace structure
Create a grand and permanent focal point in a backyard with a robust, built-in style fireplace for significant warmth and ambiance.
Kind 7 of 8
Electric fireplaces for covered spaces
An outdoor electric fireplace plugs in and shows a flame effect, and many models also give off heat. It suits people with a covered porch, a sunroom or a balcony where open flames and gas tanks are not allowed. Check that it is rated for outdoor or damp locations and that an outdoor outlet is close by. See whether the flame effect and heat can run separately, so they can enjoy the look on milder nights too.
Kind 8 of 8
Tabletop fireplaces for small spaces
A tabletop fireplace is a small fire feature that sits on a patio or side table, usually fuelled by a small propane cylinder or gel canisters. It adds a glow more than real warmth, so it suits balconies, small decks and people who like to set a mood when friends come over. Check the fuel type and how easy refills are to find. Look for a glass or metal guard around the flame and a wide, stable base.
Tabletop propane fire feature
Perfect for adding intimate warmth and a flickering glow to outdoor dining tables or small balcony spaces.
How to choose outdoor fireplaces as a gift
- Find out where they live first, since condo rules, rental agreements and municipal bylaws often decide between wood, propane and electric.
- Match the fuel to their habits: firewood lovers want wood, busy people usually get more use out of propane.
- Measure the space and picture chairs around it, because a fire pit that crowds the patio rarely gets lit.
- Choose a cover or storage bag along with it, since snow and freeze-thaw cycles wear down finishes quickly.
- For campers and cottage-goers, pick portability first and check the weight and packed size.
Usually safe to skip
- Skip large wood burning pits for apartment or condo dwellers, since most buildings do not allow open wood fires on balconies.
- Avoid thin, lightweight steel bowls for heavy use, because they tend to warp or rust through within a season or two.
- Pass on permanent outdoor fireplace structures as a surprise, since placement and installation are decisions the household should make together.
Questions people ask about outdoor fireplaces
- What is the difference between a smokeless fire pit and a regular fire pit?
- A smokeless fire pit has double walls that draw air in and reburn much of the smoke, so you get a cleaner wood fire. A regular fire pit is a simple bowl or ring. It gives more crackle and smoke, and it takes more tending.
- Is a propane or wood fire pit better as a gift?
- It depends on the person. Wood suits people who enjoy building a fire and can get firewood easily. Propane suits people who want a fire in seconds with no ash, and it is often allowed where wood fires are not. Condo and cottage rules can settle the choice.
- Can you use an outdoor fireplace on a balcony?
- Often only an electric or small tabletop model is allowed, and many buildings ban open flames on balconies altogether. Check the condo or rental rules and local bylaws before choosing, and pick a model rated for outdoor use in that kind of space.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All outdoor fireplaces picks
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