Creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere on your patio doesn’t require a permanent fire feature. Portable campfires offer the perfect solution, providing warmth and ambiance exactly where you need it, then storing away easily when you’re done. Whether you prioritize a smokeless experience, ultra-compact design, or a traditional wood-burning feel, there’s a portable option to fit your space and style.
This roundup highlights eight of the best portable campfires for patios available. We’ve selected products that balance performance, portability, and durability, from innovative smokeless designs to versatile multi-use fire pits. Find the ideal centerpiece for your next outdoor gathering.
Our Recommended Portable Patio Fire Pits
- Solo Stove Ranger 2.0, 15 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit
- Radiate XL 8″ Portable Campfire As Seen On Shark Tank
- UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit
- Sunnydaze 30-Inch Large Outdoor Fire Pit – Copper Finish
- Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand, 19.5 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit
- Solo Stove Mesa XL, 7 Inch Tabletop Fire Pit with Stand
- Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit
- Tiki Brand Low Smoke Smokeless Fire Pit
Solo Stove Ranger 2.0, 15 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit
The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is an excellent choice for smaller patios or for those who want to easily move their fire pit around. Its innovative 360-degree airflow design significantly reduces smoke, leading to a more comfortable experience without the irritation of smoke in your eyes or clothes. This technology burns the smoke before it can escape, resulting in a cleaner, hotter flame.
Weighing just over 15 pounds and including a convenient carry case, this fire pit is truly portable. It’s crafted from durable 304 stainless steel to withstand the elements and provide years of use. The removable ash pan makes cleanup straightforward, letting you spend more time enjoying the fire with a small group of friends or family.
Radiate XL 8″ Portable Campfire
For a completely different approach, the Radiate XL offers a contained, fuel-based fire. This portable campfire, famous for its Shark Tank appearance, uses recycled soy wax and paper briquettes to create a warm, radiant flame for up to two hours. It’s a clever option where traditional wood burning isn’t practical or allowed.
This unit produces minimal smoke, making it a good neighbor on dense patios or balconies. Its compact, self-contained design means there’s no ash to clean up afterward—simply let it cool and store it. The 8-inch size provides a substantial flame, perfect for creating a focal point on a patio table or for taking to the beach.
UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit
The UCO Flatpack stands out for its incredible versatility and space-saving design. This stainless steel unit folds down to just 1.5 inches thick, allowing it to fit in a backpack or a narrow storage space. When unfolded, it functions both as a stable fire pit for warmth and a practical grill for cooking.
Setup takes about 30 seconds, and the sides act as a windbreak, which helps maintain a consistent flame. The regular size offers a generous cooking area, making this an ideal dual-purpose tool for patio dinners that might start with a social fire and end with grilled food. Its practicality for camping also adds to its value.
Sunnydaze 30-Inch Large Outdoor Fire Pit – Copper Finish
If your patio can accommodate a larger, more traditional fire pit, the Sunnydaze 30-inch model is a compelling option. Its substantial size makes it a great centerpiece for larger gatherings, providing ample warmth and a classic bonfire feel. The attractive copper finish adds a stylish touch to any outdoor decor.
This fire pit comes as a complete kit, including a safety spark screen, a poker tool, and a wood grate for improved airflow. The steel construction with high-temperature paint is designed to resist heat and rust. While it’s portable in the sense that it’s not permanently installed, its larger size is best for patios where it can remain a semi-permanent feature.
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 strikes a ideal balance between size and portability for mid-sized patios. It uses the same efficient smokeless technology as the Ranger but on a larger scale, comfortably accommodating a group of four to six people. The included stand elevates the unit, protecting your patio surface and improving airflow.
Weighing about 22 pounds and also including a carry case, it remains portable enough to move or take on trips. The standout feature for maintenance is the removable ash pan and base, which makes post-fire cleanup very simple. This model is for those who want a robust, low-smoke fire without a permanent installation.
Solo Stove Mesa XL, 7 Inch Tabletop Fire Pit with Stand
For the ultimate in space-saving portability, the Solo Stove Mesa XL is a tabletop smokeless fire pit. Its compact 7-inch diameter makes it perfect for smaller patios, balconies, or even for use on a sturdy outdoor table. Despite its small size, it utilizes the brand’s airflow engineering to minimize smoke.
This model offers dual-fuel capability, allowing you to burn either wood pellets or small pieces of wood with the included adapter. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, and the folding stand provides stability while keeping the bottom of the pit cool. It’s an elegant solution for adding a flame to intimate settings.
Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit
The Breeo X Series 24 is a premium, heavy-duty smokeless fire pit known for its robust construction and efficient design. It uses a patented airflow system that draws in oxygen to create a secondary burn, resulting in a hot, clean flame with very little smoke. This makes it a strong performer for regular use on a patio.
Built from high-quality stainless steel, it’s designed to last for many seasons. The 24-inch size provides substantial heat output for larger patio areas. While it is portable with handles, its weight and build quality position it as a more permanent-feeling fixture that you can still move if needed.
Tiki Brand Low Smoke Smokeless Fire Pit
Tiki Brand brings its expertise in outdoor ambiance to the fire pit category with a low-smoke model. This fire pit is designed to integrate with other Tiki patio products, offering a cohesive look. Its design focuses on reducing smoke output for a more pleasant gathering experience.
It typically features a simple, clean aesthetic that works with various patio styles. As a portable unit, it allows for flexibility in placement. For those familiar with and fond of the Tiki brand’s torches and lighting, this fire pit can be a natural extension of their outdoor setup.
How to Choose a Portable Campfire for Your Patio
Choosing the right portable campfire for your patio isn’t just about picking the prettiest one. I’ve found it’s about matching the fire to your space, your lifestyle, and what you want out of those cozy evenings. The first and biggest decision is fuel type. You’ve got three main options: wood-burning, propane, and ethanol.
Wood-burning pits give you that classic crackle, smell, and authentic campfire feel. They’re often the most affordable upfront, but you need a dry storage spot for wood, you’ll have to clean out ash, and smoke can be an issue, especially in covered or urban areas. Propane models are the kings of convenience. You get instant, adjustable flames with the push of a button and zero cleanup. The trade-off is you need to keep a propane tank on hand, and the flame can look a bit too perfect for some. Ethanol burners offer a super clean, smokeless burn with a realistic flame, often in very modern designs. They run on liquid fuel, are easy to maintain, but the fuel can be more expensive per hour of burn.
Next, think about size and placement. Measure your patio space! A huge fire bowl might overwhelm a small balcony, while a tiny tabletop model could get lost on a large deck. Consider the height, too. A taller chiminea or fire column will send heat and sparks upward, while a low, wide bowl creates a central gathering point. Always, always check the safety features. Look for a sturdy, stable base that won’t tip, a protective screen or lid for spark containment, and materials like steel, copper, or cast iron that can handle high heat. If you have a covered patio or pergola, you must ensure there’s enough clearance overhead and that the unit is approved for such use—many are not.
Finally, don’t forget the extras. A cooking grate can turn your fire pit into a grill. A protective cover is essential for leaving it outside. Some propane pits come with remote controls or Bluetooth speakers built right in. By weighing these factors—fuel, size, safety, and features—you can find the perfect centerpiece for your outdoor living area. This guide should help you sift through the options for the 8 best portable campfires for patios – Dec. 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a portable campfire on a wooden deck?
You can, but you have to be extremely careful. Always place the unit on a non-combustible surface like a fire pit pad, stone pavers, or a dedicated deck protector. Even with a stand, the bottom can get extremely hot and damage wood or pose a fire risk. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific clearance distances. Using a propane or ethanol model here is often safer than wood, as they produce less stray heat and no flying embers.
What’s the average burn time I can expect?
It varies wildly by fuel type and size. A small tabletop propane burner might run for 4-5 hours on a 1-lb bottle, while a large wood-burning pit will burn as long as you feed it wood. Mid-sized propane fire pits on a standard 20-lb tank can often last 8-12 hours on a low setting. Ethanol burn times depend on the tank size and flame adjustment, but 3-6 hours is a common range. Always check the product specs for the best estimate.
Are these smokeless?
Only certain types are truly smokeless. Propane and ethanol fires burn clean and produce no smoke. Traditional wood-burning pits will always produce some smoke. However, many modern “smokeless” wood fire pits use a double-wall design and strategic airflow to burn secondary smoke, drastically reducing (but not always 100% eliminating) the smoke output. They work very well, but aren’t magic.
How do I clean and maintain my portable fire pit?
Maintenance is key for longevity. For wood-burning pits, let the ash cool completely, then dispose of it in a metal container. I recommend covering it when not in use to prevent rust and water pooling. For propane pits, check the burner and gas connections for debris or insects regularly, and cover the unit. Ethanol burners need their fuel reservoirs wiped clean. For all types, a protective cover is the single best thing you can buy to keep it looking good.
Do I need to worry about local regulations?
Yes, absolutely. Many cities and towns have ordinances regarding open flames, especially in dense urban areas or during dry seasons. These rules can restrict the type of fuel (often banning wood burning), the size of the pit, and how close it can be to a structure. A quick call to your local fire department or a check of your municipal website can save you a fine and keep you safe. It’s the first step I take before buying one for my own patio.