Cozy Up Outdoors: The Best Fire Pits for Late-Summer Backyard Evenings

As August evenings start cooling off just enough to be comfortable again, the backyard starts calling. There's something about gathering around an open flame that turns a quiet evening into an occasion — it's the natural next step after a summer spent grilling, gardening, and lounging on the patio. If your outdoor space is missing a fire pit, late summer is actually the perfect time to add one: warm enough to enjoy it right away, and just in time for the crisp fall evenings coming up next.

We rounded up a few of our favorite fire pits at Green Store, from compact tabletop designs perfect for small patios to larger smokeless bowls built for real backyard gatherings.

YEFU Fire Pit with Removable Ash-Pan, 15" Smokeless Stainless Steel

Price: $164.98

This is the centerpiece option for anyone ready to commit to a real backyard fire pit. Built from 304 stainless steel, it uses a double-wall airflow design that pulls smoke back through the flame for a much cleaner, less smoky burn than a traditional fire pit — which means you can actually sit close to it without your clothes smelling like a campfire the next day. The removable ash-pan makes cleanup simple, and at 15 inches it's sized well for patios, decks, and smaller backyards where a giant fire pit would feel out of place.

YEFU Fire Pit with Removable Ash-Pan, 19" Smokeless Stainless Steel

Price: $209.99

The larger sibling of the 15" model, this 19-inch version is built for bigger gatherings — think family cookouts, s'mores nights with a group of kids, or just wanting a bigger, more dramatic flame to sit around. Same smokeless double-wall design and removable ash-pan, just scaled up for backyards with more room to work with. If you're the type who hosts, this is the size to go with.

YEFU Tabletop Fire Pit, 9.7 x 7.1 Inches

Price: $52.49

Not everyone has the patio space — or the budget — for a full-size fire pit, and that's exactly what this tabletop version solves. It sits right on a patio table or side table and runs on wood pellets or small sticks, with flame intensity control so you can dial it up for ambiance or down for a low, steady glow. It comes with a travel bag and mini sticks, so it doubles easily as a camping accessory when you're not using it at home. It's a low-commitment way to get the fire pit experience on a balcony, small patio, or even a picnic table.

YEFU Tabletop Fire Pit Portable, 7.5 x 5.5 Inches

Price: $44.99

An even more compact take on the tabletop fire pit, this low-smoke version is built for portability — it comes with a travel bag, mini sticks, a fireproof mat, and a rack, making it an easy grab-and-go option for camping trips, tailgates, or a friend's backyard. At just 7.5 x 5.5 inches, it's the smallest option here, but still puts out a genuine, cozy flame that's perfect for close-up conversation and marshmallow roasting.

36" Fire Pit Ring Insert, Heavy Duty Steel

Price: $59.93

If you already have — or are planning — an in-ground fire pit, this ring insert is the piece that makes it safe and long-lasting. The heavy-duty, rust-resistant steel fits a 36"/39" in-ground pit and keeps the surrounding soil and rocks contained, protecting your yard from scorching and erosion over repeated use. It's a practical, budget-friendly upgrade for anyone building a DIY backyard fire pit from scratch, whether that's a permanent stone-ringed pit or a simple dug-out fire circle.

Backyard Fire Pit Checklist

• Choose a spot at least 10 feet from your house, fences, and any overhanging branches
• Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a hose nearby before lighting any fire
• Check local burn ordinances — some areas restrict open fires during dry seasons
• Use the removable ash-pan or fireproof mat to protect decking and patio surfaces
• Let ash cool completely (ideally overnight) before emptying or disposing of it
• Store tabletop fire pits in their travel bag when not in use to keep them ready for camping trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Are smokeless fire pits actually smoke-free?
Not entirely, but the double-wall airflow design in models like the YEFU stainless steel fire pits significantly reduces smoke compared to a traditional open pit, especially once the fire is fully established. You'll still get some smoke when first lighting it.

Can I put a fire pit directly on a wood deck?
It's not recommended without a heat-resistant mat or paver base underneath, even with a smokeless design, since radiant heat can still damage or discolor wood decking over time.

What fuel do tabletop fire pits use?
The tabletop models featured here run on wood pellets or small sticks, making them easy to fuel without needing propane or gel fuel canisters.

How do I clean a fire pit with a removable ash-pan?
Once the ash has fully cooled, slide out the pan, dump the ash into a metal container, and wipe down the pan before sliding it back in. It's a much quicker process than scooping ash directly out of a bowl.

Get Ready for Fire Pit Season

Whether you're after a statement piece for weekend gatherings or a portable option you can toss in the car for a camping trip, there's a fire pit here to match your backyard and your budget. Browse the full fire pit collection at Green Store and get your outdoor space ready for cooler evenings ahead.