Fall Fire Pit Guide: 5 Ways to Extend Your Backyard Season This Year
The moment the evenings start to cool down is the moment your backyard gets a second wind. Fall doesn't have to mean packing up the patio — with the right fire pit, it's actually the best time of year to be outside, with cider in hand and a fire crackling in front of you. Whether you've got a full patio to fill or just a small balcony, there's a fire pit setup that fits.
We rounded up five fire pit options from our Fire Pits collection, from compact tabletop models perfect for apartment patios to full smokeless steel fire pits built for a backyard gathering, plus one accessory that makes any setup safer. Every product below links straight to the product page with current pricing.
1. Fire Pit Surround Tabletop Guard — For Portable Fire Pits
Fire Pit Surround Tabletop – 360° Fire Pit Guard for Solo Stove Bonfire & Ranger — $205.18
If you already own a compact fire pit like a Solo Stove Bonfire or Ranger, this 360-degree surround is the accessory that makes it genuinely usable around kids and pets. The UV-resistant outdoor fabric wraps the entire fire pit and fits units up to 21 inches across, so sparks and radiant heat stay contained while the flame stays fully visible. It's a smart pickup before hosting a fall bonfire night with a mixed crowd of adults and little ones running around.
2. YEFU Tabletop Fire Pit — Compact and Portable
YEFU Tabletop Fire Pit 9.7 x 7.1 in, Flame Intensity Control — $62.99
Not everyone has room for a full-size fire pit, and this is exactly where a tabletop model earns its keep. At under 10 inches across, it sits comfortably on a patio table or balcony railing setup, runs on pellets or wood, and includes flame intensity control so you can dial the flame up for ambiance or down for a quieter, low-smoke burn. It comes with a travel bag and two mini sticks, making it just as useful for a fall camping trip as it is for a weeknight on the patio.
3. YEFU Smokeless Fire Pit with Removable Ash-Pan — 15 Inch
YEFU Fire Pit with Removable Ash-Pan, 304 Stainless Steel, 15 Inch — $197.98
This is the classic backyard fire pit upgrade: a smokeless design in durable 304 stainless steel that burns hotter and cleaner than an open ring fire, meaning less smoke drifting into your eyes (or your neighbor's yard). The removable ash-pan is the detail that actually matters day to day — instead of scooping out cold ash by hand, you lift the pan out and empty it in seconds. At 15 inches, it's sized right for a smaller patio or deck without overwhelming the space.
4. YAHKBTEN 36" Fire Pit Ring Insert
36" Fire Pit Ring Insert, Smokeless Heavy Duty Steel Fire Pit for Outdoor — $71.92
For anyone building or already using an in-ground or DIY stone fire pit, this heavy-duty steel ring insert is the piece that keeps the whole setup safe and rust-resistant for years. It fits 36–39 inch campfire rings, works as a portable DIY frame, and is built specifically for backyard bonfires, camping, and BBQ nights. It's a practical, lower-cost way to upgrade an existing fire pit area rather than buying an entirely new unit.
5. YEFU Smokeless Fire Pit with Removable Ash-Pan — 19 Inch
YEFU Fire Pit with Removable Ash-Pan, 304 Stainless Steel, 19 Inch — $269.99
Step up to the 19-inch version of the smokeless fire pit above for a setup that comfortably seats a full group of friends or family around it. The larger diameter means a bigger, more visible flame and more consistent heat output for cooler fall evenings, while the same removable ash-pan design keeps cleanup simple. If your patio regularly hosts gatherings, this is the size that avoids people crowding in too close just to feel the warmth.
Fall Fire Pit Checklist
- Choose a size that matches your space: tabletop for balconies, 15" for smaller patios, 19"+ for group gatherings
- Look for a removable ash-pan if you'll be using the fire pit regularly through fall and winter
- Add a spark guard or surround if kids or pets will be nearby
- Keep a metal ring insert on hand if you're building a permanent in-ground fire feature
- Stock up on dry wood or pellets before the weather turns damp
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a fire pit "smokeless"?
Smokeless fire pits use a double-wall design that draws air in through the base and recirculates it near the top of the flame, which burns off more of the smoke-producing particles before they rise. The result is a cleaner, hotter burn with noticeably less smoke than a traditional open ring fire pit.
Can I use a tabletop fire pit on a wooden deck?
Always check the manufacturer's clearance guidelines first, and use a heat-resistant mat or tray underneath. Tabletop models that run on gel fuel or small wood pellets generally run cooler at the base than full-size wood-burning pits, but direct contact with a wood deck should still be avoided.
How often should I empty the ash-pan?
For regular use, emptying it after every two or three fires keeps airflow strong and the fire burning cleanly. Letting ash build up too high can restrict the air intake that makes a smokeless design work well.
Is a 15 inch or 19 inch fire pit better for a small backyard?
A 15 inch fire pit is usually the better fit for a patio under roughly 100 square feet or for a table-and-chairs setup for two to four people. Once you're regularly hosting five or more people around the fire, the 19 inch size gives everyone enough room to sit comfortably without crowding.
Get Your Backyard Ready for Fall
You don't need a full patio renovation to make the most of fall evenings outside — just the right fire pit for your space and a few accessories to keep it safe and low-maintenance. Whether that's a tabletop model for a small balcony or a full 19-inch smokeless fire pit for weekend gatherings, now's the time to get set up before the first cold snap hits.