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Cool evenings used to send my family indoors early, but that was before I tried out the Ninja Fireside360 Outdoor Heater & Fire Pit. I’ve tested several patio heaters this year, from tabletop units to tall towers, but none matched the balanced heat, smokeless performance, and visual charm of this one.
Best New Fire Pit
Photo: Amazon
It’s pricey, yes — but it transformed my patio into a year-round living space. After hands-on testing during multiple fall nights, I can confidently say the Fireside360 earns its “premium” label for both performance and ambiance.
360-Degree Warmth
When I fired it up for the first time, its 80,000 BTUs of heat emanated uniformly in a full circle around the unit. Unlike directional tower heaters, the Fireside360 radiates warmth evenly in all directions, easily heating a 10-foot circle. On brisk evenings in the 40s and 50s, guests could sit back without crowding in. The radiant warmth feels natural, not scorching, making it perfect for long conversations and late-night dinners.
That said, breezy conditions can and will reduce the heat output, but that’s true for virtually any outdoor patio heater. Even so, the Fireside360 holds its own better than most, especially when placed in a semi-sheltered spot.
Smokeless Ambience
This heater doubles as a smokeless fire pit, which is a big part of its magic. The flame dances along a side panel that gives off the look of a real campfire without the mess to clean up later. I typically use flame-only mode when the outdoor temperature is mild; The Fireside360 provides magical flickering flames without additional heat.
When temperatures are cooler (around 40 to 50 degrees F), I like switching to flame plus heat mode, and the Fireside360 evokes the same kind of warmth and connection I remember from childhood campfires—minus the smoke and sparks.
Easy Setup
Assembly took less than 15 minutes. It involved inserting the ignitor battery, positioning the lava rocks in the top bowl, and hooking up a 20-pound propane tank in the base enclosure, which was easy, thanks to the hinged door.
The cool-touch base is more than a selling point—it really did stay comfortably cool to the touch—but you still don’t want to let small children run around unmonitored because they could reach higher and touch the heating grid. It’s heavier than some patio heaters, so find a spot that’s pretty much sheltered from the wind and consider leaving it there and building your seating area around it.
Unlike wood-burning pits, I was able to use this one on a covered patio because it didn’t create soot stains on the patio ceiling. It burns very clean.
Worth the Money
At roughly $500, the Ninja Fireside360 costs more than some patio heaters, but the difference is notable. Its dual function as both a heater and a fire pit means you’re getting more than ambient warmth – you’re gaining a year-round outdoor feature that will keep family and friends outdoors and chatting long after the chilly weather would have sent them inside. The build quality is solid, the performance consistent, and the design refined enough to complement nearly any outdoor setting.
If your space is small or especially windy, a lighter, mid-range model may suit you better. But for anyone who spends real time outdoors, hosting dinners, winding down after work, or simply wanting a true campfire experience without smoke or cleanup, the Fireside360 justifies the cost in comfort and longevity.
Where to Buy the Ninja Fireside360 Patio Heater
Best New Fire Pit
Photo: Amazon