3/5
Best Permanent Outdoor Fireplace Kit
FlameCraft Traditional Outdoor Gas Fireplace
Permanent fire pits require a lot more work—and much more money—than portable ones, even large portable options. However, a permanent installation will last longer and can add value to your home when the time comes to sell.
Our recommendation for the best permanent outdoor fireplace kit is the FlameCraft traditional outdoor gas fireplace from Woodland Direct, which specializes in hearths and fireplaces (and has been around since 1978), so you can feel confident you’re purchasing something carefully made.
This natural gas fireplace comes with a 20-year warranty, which means you’ll be enjoying it for decades to come. I love that this fireplace comes with everything you need to set it up. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need a professional to install this beast—but hey, at least you’ll have everything ready to go!
To be clear, this permanent outdoor fireplace is a big investment both in terms of time and money, but the reward is a beautiful, sturdy fire feature that’ll last a lifetime and can increase the value of your home.
Pros
- Permanent installation that can add value to your home
- Designed by fireplace experts
- Electronic ignition
- 20-year warranty
Cons
- Requires professional assembly
4/5
Best Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplace Kit
Sunjoy Outdoor Steel Fireplace
If you liked the large Sunjoy fireplace we detailed above as the best overall pick, but don’t want something quite so big, this smaller Sunjoy wood-burning fireplace kit might be the right option for you. While it doesn’t have integrated firewood storage and shelves, itnstill offers the same warmth and ambiance. It weighs about 115 pounds, so a dolly will be helpful for moving it to your desired set-up location.
Crafted of powder-coated metal with copper highlights and ceramic tile, this portable fireplace is both functional and pleasing to the eye. It features two metal mesh doors to prevent embers and sparks from flying around, and your purchase includes a fire poker to tend to the burn. This fireplace also comes with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cover to protect the unit from the elements when not in use.
Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers stating that their Sunjoy fireplace is a “show-stopper” and a “great buy.” Some reviewers note that the product is “nicer than expected” for the price point and worth the investment.
Pros
- Chimney channels smoke away from face level
- Includes PVC protective cover and fire poker
- Available in four colors
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Assembly may be difficult
5/5
Best Outdoor Fireplace Kit with Pizza Oven
Blue Rooster Casita Grill Chiminea with Pizza Oven
Sometimes, the best answer is the simplest one. Chimineas are an age-old solution to a forever problem: smoke. This simple type of fireplace draws fresh air in from outdoors to fuel the fire and, due to the vase-like shape, funnels air upward, thus keeping smoke out of your face.
This particular chiminea happens to also be a pizza oven, so it’s sure to be the talk of everyone at your next social gathering. The Blue Rooster fireplace looks like a brick oven, but is made out of cast aluminum, negating any worry about rust or corrosion. The two-level design features a fireplace on the bottom and a cooking space on top, where you can make all sorts of meals and snacks over an open fire, either directly on the grill or with the removable high-heat cooking grates that raise the fire higher into the chiminea.
This unit comes with a stainless steel screen and a fire poker, so you can safely tend to the fire and ensure your food cooks evenly and deliciously. However, it’s not recommended to cook directly on grill, so make sure to use a pizza stone, cast-iron pan or other cookware.
Pros
- Doubles as a fireplace and outdoor pizza oven
- Solid cast aluminum design eliminates risk of rust
- Comes with second set of cooking grates for high-heat cooking
- Includes a screen and fire poker
Cons
- Doesn’t radiate heat like an open fire pit or larger fireplace
What to Look for When Buying an Outdoor Fireplace Kit
Before you buy and build, consider these factors to make sure you get the best design and materials for your home.
Outdoor Fireplace Kit vs. Outdoor Fire Pit
There are a lot of differences between DIY outdoor fireplace kits and outdoor fire pits, but the primary considerations lie in construction and mobility. Installing hardscapes as a DIY project with an outdoor fire kit can be challenging, but also very rewarding, says Raboine.
“[Fire pits] can be a more affordable and quicker option, and a good beginner project for someone looking to explore DIY projects deeper,” he says. “In comparison to a permanent outdoor fire feature, both options can improve the functionality and increase a homeowner’s enjoyment of a space. However, a permanent option can deliver a stronger ROI [(return on investment)] when it comes time to sell the property.”
“By installing a permanent backyard fireplace, a homeowner is making an investment in their property in the same way that upgrading an interior space, such as a bathroom or kitchen, can improve a home,” Belgard explains. “There are important considerations for deciding which is best for your home, including available space, proximity to other structures, materials available and durability.”
DIY Outdoor Fireplace Kit Safety
Raboine says that “DIY outdoor fireplace kits are safe to use for most people, but there are some safety considerations all should keep in mind.”
For starters, “Homeowners should carefully consider the placement of the fireplace, considering nearby trees and foliage, potential wind and proximity to other structures,” Raboine says. “It’s also important to consult with your local municipality, as each may have local ordinances that need to be followed for installing fireplaces.”
Building Materials
The most obvious and practical option for an outdoor fireplace kit is a hardscape, such as from stones or concrete pavers, Raboine says. These are “ideal materials for building a fireplace, as they are durable and offer numerous design options,” he says.
“With various [hardscape] options, you can select the best materials to match your overall style and customize your space. They are also simple to maintain and easy to repair as needed,” Raboine says. Follow these tips for outdoor fireplace maintenance.
Wood-Burning vs. Gas Fuel
Finally, consider the fuel type for your desired outdoor fireplace. Many offer the option to utilize gas or wood for heat. “A gas fireplace might require professional assistance to run a gas line and ensure safety protocol is followed,” Raboine says. “Regarding wood-burning fireplace kits, homeowners will want to consider storage, and make sure to add some kind of [storage] solution to your list, as it is often forgotten but very important.”
Why You Should Trust Us
The Family Handyman team consists of shopping experts and subject matter experts whose collective goal is to bring readers the best products for their needs, wants and budgets. I’m an experienced commerce writer and journalist who has a knack for investigating product specifications and brand policies, and a personal interest in putting the consumer first. For this article, to improve my understanding of outdoor fire features, I consulted with subject matter expert Joe Raboine, a former contractor and vice president of design at Belgard, a top design studio for hardscapes.
Dozens of Fireplaces Researched and Experts Consulted
This guide to the best outdoor fireplace kits began with hours of research, sifting through product listings online and reading customer reviews. After spending hours comparing specifications, I made a shortlist of 15 potential product inclusions. I then consulted with Raboine, my subject matter expert, on the pros and cons of permanent outdoor fireplace kits, portable fireplaces, different building materials and storage and safety considerations. At that point, I narrowed my list down to the five outdoor fireplace options you see here.
FAQ
Does an outdoor fireplace increase home value?
According to Raboine, permanent fire features can increase the value of your home. It’s much like adding an in-ground pool or making substantial updates to the interior of your home. A portable fire pit or chiminea, however, won’t increase the value of your home since it’s considered personal property that doesn’t stay with the home.
Is an outdoor fireplace warmer than a fire pit?
When considering the warmth of a fire feature, the most important thing to note is the British thermal unit (BTU) output of the feature. The higher the BTU, the more warming potential. In general, fireplaces can utilize higher-BTU components, making them warmer than fire pits in most cases. That won’t always be the case, though, so it’s important to check the specifications. Some manufacturers also include information on how many square feet the fire feature can warm.
Source:
- Joe Raboine, a former contractor and vice president of design at Belgard, a top design studio for hardscapes
