The Best Tabletop Fire Pits Tested in 2023

With a beautiful and versatile design plus a charming crackling fire, the TerraFlame Wave fire bowl is the best tabletop fireplace for contemporary homes. This portable fireplace is hand cast from organic concrete (which won’t get hot to the touch) and features a subtle, waved design inspired by the slope of ocean waves. It comes in various finishes, and the simplistic aesthetic gives this fire bowl a modern touch that will suit many indoor and outdoor spaces.

This tabletop fireplace is safe to use both inside and outside, and its relatively modest footprint means it can be used on most tables. It uses a gel fuel canister, which doesn’t just light up the bowl but also features a crackling sound to mimic the ambience of a campfire. Each clean-burning fuel canister offers up to 3 hours of burn time to brighten up a seating area or roast marshmallows for s’mores.

The TerraFlame Wave tabletop fire bowl was the right size for our small and midsize tables, and it made an excellent dining table centerpiece. It produced a bright flame that looked great. The heavy-duty bowl felt sturdy and safe when we used it inside, and it burned well outdoors, although the small flame was battered by all but the gentlest breezes. The proprietary fuel added a nice bit of movement and sound that is not typical of regular gel fuel fires. We only caution those with glass tabletops that this one is hard and heavy—use caution when placing it.

Product Specs

• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor or outdoor
• Fuel type: Gel fuel
• Dimensions: 10.625 inches in diameter by 5.125 inches tall

Pros

• Simple, balanced design complements contemporary modern decor
• Sturdy concrete fire bowl does not get hot to the touch
• Includes gel fuel canister that produces a crackling flame

Cons

• Small ornamental flame might not be adequate for gatherings of more than 4 guests
• Produces very little heat, not suitable for warming of chilly outdoor gatherings

Get the TerraFlame Wave tabletop fire pit at Amazon, Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, or TerraFlame. 

For a traditional fire pit experience, you can’t beat the sight, sound, and smell of a wood fire. The wood-burning Solo Stove Mesa tabletop fire pit offers the fun and romance of a real wood fire in a compact size. It is made of durable 304 stainless steel that will not rust or corrode and features a smokeless dual-wall design. It offers all the benefits of a wood fire without the smoke, and comes in either a stainless steel finish or a choice of five ceramic color finishes.

This is an outdoor-only fire pit that is safe to use on all kinds of tabletops with no risk of heat damage. It burns either small pieces of firewood or wood pellet fuel. Burn time varies by the fuel type and size, averaging about 45 minutes when loaded with wood pellets. The package includes the main burn chamber, flame ring, foldable base, and a drawstring bag for clean and easy transport.

Although building the wood fire took a little longer than lighting a gas, gel, or liquid fuel fire pit, we loved the authentic experience. The Solo Stove Mesa produced the biggest, most lively flame by far of all the tabletop fire pits we tested. Within minutes of lighting, a beautiful flame reached up to 12 inches above the rim. It burned almost entirely smoke-free, as advertised, and was one of the most wind-resistant of all the fire pits we tested.

There are two points that shoppers will want to keep in mind with this one. You must feed the fire regularly, so it’s important to keep extra pellets or firewood nearby. Also, although the lower portion of the fire pit remains cool, the upper two-thirds becomes dangerously hot to touch.

Product Specs 

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
• Fuel type: Firewood or wood pellets
• Dimensions: 7 inches in diameter (XL) by 8.6 inches tall

Pros

• Offers an authentic wood fire experience with almost no smoke
• Works with either small pieces of firewood or wood pellet fuel
• Compact size limits the burn time to about 45 minutes after adding pellets
• Kit includes the burn chamber, flame ring, collapsable stand, and a drawstring carry bag

Cons

• The sides and rim of the fire pit become dangerously hot during the fire
• The fire must be fed frequently to maintain a big bright flame

Get the Solo Stove tabletop fire pit at Best Buy, Solo Stove, Scheels, Nomadic Supply Company, or BBQGrills.com.

If dealing with bioethanol fuels or propane tanks sounds like too much work, the Colsen fire pit is worth considering. All this little fire pit needs to run is a bit of 70 percent or 91 percent isopropyl alcohol. Its design couldn’t be simpler; made of concrete, it has a small central reservoir that you fill with alcohol and light aflame. The alcohol burns off slowly, providing around 40 minutes of flickering fire, which is perfect for setting the mood or roasting a few marshmallows.

Suited for both indoor and outdoor use, this mini fire pit measures 5 inches in diameter by 3.5 inches tall, and it is an ultraportable option. However, due to its open fuel reservoir and lightweight design, you’ll want to take extra care and use a sturdy base to avoid jostling or spilling the contents.

This was truly one of the easiest and most accessible fire pits we tested. The fuel (over-the-counter rubbing alcohol) is readily available at any grocery, hardware, home improvement, or drug store. Load it, light it, and let it burn. We recorded burn times of 35 to 50 minutes. The flame color was more yellow than that of the bioethanol burners, which gave it a warmer appearance, but the burn time was shorter. It’s also important to note that the flame must be extinguished before adding more fuel for additional burn time.

Product Specs

• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor or outdoor
• Fuel type: Isopropyl alcohol
• Dimensions: 5 inches in diameter by 3.5 inches tall

Pros

• Compact and sturdy design is tabletop stable and works indoors or out
• One of the simplest tabletop fire pits we tested; easy to fuel and easy to operate
• Uses budget-friendly and easy-to-find rubbing alcohol for fuel

Cons

• With no protective cover, the flame is easily extinguished in the wind
• Open fuel reservoir requires close attention to prevent fuel spills

Get the Colsen tabletop fire pit at Amazon or Wayfair.

With a large size and stately design, the Endless Summer outdoor fire column is an excellent choice for those looking for a large tabletop fire pit. Measuring 11 inches square by 15 inches tall, this fire pit features a column-style design that makes it suitable for use on a dining or patio table as a striking tabletop fireplace, or placed on the ground as a small stand-alone fire pit.

Powered by a propane tank (not included), this fire column is intended for outdoor use only. It features a rustic faux-stone finish with a large decorative base that conceals a spot for a 1-pound propane tank inside. Because of its larger size, this fire pit puts out a pretty significant amount of heat. It has a 10,000-British-thermal-unit (BTU) stainless steel burner, so it can double as an outdoor heat source.

The Endless Summer gas fire column produced a big, warm flame—much larger than those from canned fuels. With a fuel bottle in place, operating this fire pit was easy: Just turn on the gas and light it manually. The gas control knob allowed us to change smoothly from a low flickering flame to a big bright flame.

Installing the gas bottle, however, was a bit awkward since there was no side access door, and the fire stones around the burner would fall off if we tilted the column too far while reaching under with the new bottle. Also, it is compatible only with the shorter/wider 1-pound gas bottles due to the height of the column. The narrower 14.5-ounce torch fuel bottles are too tall.

Product Specs

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
• Fuel type: Propane
• Dimensions: 11 inches square by 15 inches tall

Pros

• This piece conveniently comes preassembled (single-use propane tank sold separately)
• Column design and exposed flame are suitable for tabletop or freestanding display
• Adjustable 10,000-BTU burner adds welcome warmth for cool-weather comfort
• Compartment inside the column base hides the propane tank for a tidy appearance

Cons

• The lack of a side access point makes it difficult to change the propane tank
• Fire pit is built for outdoor use only, but it does not include a protective cover

Get the Endless Summer tabletop fire pit at Amazon, Wayfair, or Endless Summer.

The TerraFlame Geo tabletop fire bowl features a modern geometric design that adds character to indoor or outdoor tables. This tabletop fire bowl comes in six earth-tone finishes and is crafted from eco-friendly concrete to create a contemporary-style fire bowl. The included beach pebbles add a natural touch. The thick concrete looks nice, plus it’s sturdy and doesn’t get hot to the touch.

This fire pit measures 10.625 inches in diameter by 5.125 inches tall, so it’s a suitable small fire pit for almost any tabletop. It’s powered by gel fuel that may be burned all in one sitting or snuffed out when partially burned for reuse later on. Once the canister is lit, the flame makes a lovely crackling sound and provides up to 3 hours of warmth and light.

Weighing in at 15 pounds, the TerraFlame Geo tabletop fire bowl was one of the heaviest tabletop fire pits we tested. We made sure to handle it carefully so as not to accidentally drop it and risk breaking it or damaging the surface below. In action, it was an ideal no-fuss option. The gel fuel was easy to light, easy to snuff out, made an attractive flame, and required no cleanup afterward. After going through three cans of fuel, our per-can burn time averaged 3 hours and 8 minutes.

Product Specs

• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor or outdoor
• Fuel type: Gel fuel
• Dimensions: 10.625 inches in diameter by 5.125 inches tall

Pros

• Chic geometric design complements contemporary, midcentury, and Art Deco styles
• Durable cement construction is built to last and won’t get hot while in operation
• Includes a gel fuel canister that crackles like a fireplace

Cons

• Special crackling gel fuel canister refills may be a bit pricey

Get the TerraFlame Geo tabletop fire pit at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Wayfair, Crate & Barrel, or TerraFlame. 

With a stunning design and a variety of color options, the Orren Ellis Craddock bioethanol tabletop fireplace is the best tabletop fire pit for those looking to make a statement. Measuring 9.5 inches tall by 19.5 inches long by 8 inches wide, this large centerpiece will be the star of a coffee table or dining room table with its eye-catching modern style.

The fire pit’s distinctive elliptical shape provides plenty of space for its long flame feature, and the high-gloss finish is available in beige, black, blue, red, or stainless steel. A glass flame guard helps protect passersby from accidentally touching the flame while also giving this fire pit an elevated look.

One liter of bioethanol will power this tabletop fireplace for up to 5 hours (fuel is not included). This tabletop fire pit is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, although it’s best to store it indoors to protect the glossy finish.

The Orren Ellis Craddock tabletop fireplace stood out from our test group because of the elegant shape of the elongated curved base. The design gave it a subtle nautical feel. The fuel system operated by wicking the bioethanol fuel from the reservoir like a torch. The wick material itself did not burn, but it seemed to infuse the flames with livelier motion compared to canned fuel burners. Bioethanol fireplaces are not yet common in many locations, so be sure to order fuel when purchasing this indoor/outdoor fire pit.

Product Specs

• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor or outdoor
• Fuel type: Bioethanol
• Dimensions: 9.5 inches tall by 19.5 inches long by 8 inches wide

Pros

• Displays a striking contemporary design in the elliptical base and glass flame guard
• Available in 5 different finish options to complement most modern contemporary decor
• The large eye-catching flame is infused with lively motion
• Glass flame guard protects the flame from wind and guests’ hands from the flame

Cons

• Bioethanol fuel is not included with purchase and may not be available locally

Get the Orren Ellis tabletop fire pit at Wayfair. 

The TerraFlame stone tabletop fire bowl features smooth, rounded curves that complement most decorating styles. This tabletop fire bowl is crafted from durable concrete and comes in four finish options. The thick concrete looks great, plus it’s sturdy and doesn’t become dangerously hot to touch.

This small fire pit measures 10.625 inches in diameter by 5.125 inches tall and weighs 15 pounds, so it works for almost any tabletop. Fueled by a can of gel alcohol with special additives for a crackling sound that resembles a wood fire, it burns up to 3 hours at a time.

Like the other TerraFlame fireplaces on our list, this one tested well for its attractive design and ease of operation. We tested the TerraFlame stone fire bowl both indoors and out. Indoors, the crackling flame became the immediate focus in a quiet room. Outdoors, it became slightly overwhelmed/outsized by wide-open space, and the flame was more susceptible to the whims of the wind. It served more of a supporting role outside rather than the star of the show. And the attractive bowl shape looked like it belonged in the space, whether or not the fire was lit.

Product Specs 

• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor or outdoor
• Fuel type: Gel fuel
• Dimensions: 10.625 inches in diameter by 5.125 inches tall

Pros

• Sturdy concrete construction infuses a sense of permanence, like it simply belongs in the space
• Crackling gel fuel emits sounds and movements that replicate wood fire, but without smoke or ash
• Versatile design is well proportioned and neutrally designed to fit any decor

Cons

• The smaller flame size easily becomes somewhat “lost” in an outdoor setting
• Fuel cost is higher than other indoor/outdoor fire pits

Get the TerraFlame stone tabletop fire pit at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Wayfair, Williams Sonoma, or TerraFlame.

A portable fire pit comes in handy for outdoor adventures, tailgating, in the backyard, or wherever you may roam. The pocket-size City Bonfires portable fire pit is the smallest, lightest model we tested, but it burns longer than other mini or portable fire pits. Each recycled steel can is loaded with food-grade soy wax fuel that lets you toast marshmallows, meditate, or just stay warm for up to 5 hours.

This is a mini bonfire in the truest sense of the word. Place it on a fireproof surface to light it, and within minutes, bright flames dance over the entire 4-inch-diameter surface. The exterior becomes very hot, so it’s only safe for outdoor use on heat-resistant surfaces.

For portable fire pitting, we really liked the City Bonfires’ design. To begin with, the tins were fairly small—each just 4 inches in diameter by 2 inches high and weighing 1 pound. They were tightly sealed, and even if one became punctured, the wax was solid, so there was no chance for a leak. It seemed much safer to carry these around than to transport liquid or gel fuel.

When we lit the four wicks, it took about a minute for the flame to develop fully. After that it was a steady 4-inch-wide by 4- to 5-inch-high bright flickering flame for hours at a time. When we wanted to snuff it out, we just placed the lid on top to smother the flame. The portable fire pit seems to be priced a bit higher than the materials warrant, but it works perfectly.

Product Specs 

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
• Fuel type: Soy wax
• Dimensions: 4 inches in diameter by 2 inches tall

Pros

• Eco-friendly soy wax fuel produces bright beautiful flames and a pleasant aroma
• Compact, lightweight fire pits are easy to store, easy to transport, and easy to set up
• Simple to extinguish by simply placing the lid back on the can
• May be lit, extinguished, and relit multiple times for up to 5 hours of total burn time each

Cons

• The exterior of the portable fire pit becomes hot as it burns; not suitable for heat-sensitive tabletops
• Costs more per burn hour than replacement gel fuel cans

Get the City Bonfires tabletop fire pit at Amazon or City Bonfires.

Looking for a more permanent propane fireplace fixture for a patio table? This tabletop fire bowl from Bond Manufacturing installs right into a patio table umbrella hole to create a sturdy and beautiful centerpiece. The fire pit is compatible with a standard umbrella hole in wood, glass, metal, wicker, and composite patio tables. Made of long-lasting steel with a weathered bronze finish, this is the best propane tabletop fire pit for busy backyards.

Installing via the umbrella hole ensures this fire bowl won’t tip over; it also helps to hide the propane tank, which sits beneath the table. This tabletop fire pit is powered by a 1-pound propane tank (not included) to provide a pleasant flickering light and 10,000 BTUs of warmth.

We installed the Bond Manufacturing tabletop fire bowl on a picnic table, and it could not have been easier. The gas stem that extended through the umbrella hole was threaded on the outside to accommodate the clamp nut and threaded on the inside to attach the gas bottle. The included tank support bracket worked only with the short/wide “green” 1-pound camp-style propane bottles and not the tall/narrow 14.5-ounce blowtorch bottles.

This fire pit required a lighter or match, as there was no built-in igniter. We liked the option to adjust the flame from a low flicker to 10 or 12 inches high for more or less heat and light on demand. We also noted that this propane burner was less sensitive to windy conditions than the gel- and liquid-fueled fire pits. It never seemed as though it was at risk of blowing out. The possible downside here is that the owner has to choose between installing a fire pit or an umbrella.

Product Specs

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
• Fuel type: Propane
• Dimensions: 10 inches in diameter by 5.9 inches high

Pros

• Installs into standard patio table umbrella hole, so that tank is hidden below the tabletop
• Long-lasting coated-steel construction requires almost zero maintenance
• Safe to operate and impossible to topple over once installed

Cons

• The umbrella hole cannot be used for an umbrella while the fire pit is installed
• Some configurations may require you to crawl under the table to change the propane tank

Get the Bond Manufacturing tabletop fire pit at Amazon or Lowe’s.

A rectangular tabletop fireplace is a popular choice for rectangular tables. Since the Singry bioethanol outdoor tabletop fireplace features a low rectangular profile for clear visibility with guests across the table, it’s a great choice for a rectangular dining or patio table. It measures 8 inches tall by 14 inches long by 7.25 inches wide. It will fit comfortably on four- to eight-seat rectangular tables. The fire pit can absolutely work on round tables as well. The shape offers enough space for a substantial flickering flame to cast a glow over a dinner party or cocktails with friends.

The basic but contemporary design, featuring a black steel finish and two protective panels, can fit in with a variety of decors. It runs on bioethanol (not included) and comes with a wool-wick bioethanol burner for lighting and a snuffer to put out the flame safely.

In our tests, the Singry tabletop fireplace offered a generously proportioned flame with an excellent view for cross-table conversation. Although the low steel base stands only a few inches above the tabletop, the fuel reservoir held more than enough bioethanol fuel to last through the full 5-hour test period.

Product Specs

• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor or outdoor
• Fuel type: Bioethanol
• Dimensions: 8 inches tall (12-inch glass) by 14 inches long by 7.25 inches wide

Pros

• The sleek black stainless steel finish gives this fire pit a stylish modern look
• The elongated shape of the wick and sizable fuel reservoir allow for a large attractive flame
• Includes a snuffer to extinguish the flame safely at the end of the evening

Cons

• Bioethanol is not included and generally is not available at brick-and-mortar stores; be sure to order fuel separately.

Get the Singry tabletop fire pit at Amazon.