There are few things in life as satisfying as gathering around a warm, glowing fire with the people you love. Whether it's a relaxed weekend evening in the backyard, a lively summer cookout, or a crisp fall night with close friends, an outdoor fire pit transforms any ordinary outdoor space into something truly special. It creates atmosphere, encourages conversation, and gives your backyard a focal point that no piece of furniture or lighting fixture can quite match.
If you've been thinking about adding a fire pit to your outdoor space, you're not alone. Outdoor fire pits have become one of the most popular backyard upgrades in recent years , and for good reason. They extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the cooler months, add real value to your property, and offer an experience that simply can't be replicated indoors.
But with so many styles, fuel types, and price points available, choosing the best outdoor fire pit for your specific needs can feel overwhelming. That's exactly why we put this guide together. At Smoky Mountain General Store, we carry two of the most sought-after categories in outdoor fire pits , outdoor wood burning fire pits and outdoor gas fire pits , and in this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your backyard.
Why Invest in an Outdoor Fire Pit?
Before diving into the types of fire pits available, it's worth understanding why so many homeowners consider an outdoor fire pit one of their best backyard investments. The answer goes beyond aesthetics.
First, a fire pit extends your outdoor season. Even when temperatures dip in early spring or late fall, a quality outdoor fire pit keeps the gathering going. Instead of retreating indoors when the sun sets and the air cools, you and your guests can stay outside comfortably for hours longer.
Second, fire pits create the kind of natural gathering space that no other backyard feature can replicate. People are instinctively drawn to fire. It slows the pace of an evening, encourages face-to-face conversation, and creates a relaxed, communal atmosphere that feels unlike anything else.
Third , and this often surprises first-time buyers , a well-chosen outdoor fire pit can genuinely increase the perceived and real value of your outdoor living space. A beautiful, functional fire pit signals a thoughtfully designed backyard, which matters whether you're entertaining guests or thinking about long-term home value.
Now, let's look at your two main options: outdoor wood burning fire pits and outdoor gas fire pits.
Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pits: The Classic Choice
When most people picture a backyard fire pit, they're picturing a wood burning one. Our collection of outdoor wood burning fire pits captures everything that makes a real fire so compelling , the crackling sound, the smell of burning wood, the unpredictable dance of real flames, and the deep, radiant heat that warms you from the outside in.
There's a primal satisfaction to a wood fire that no gas alternative has fully managed to replace. It connects us to something timeless , the same kind of fire our ancestors gathered around for warmth and community. If that experience matters to you, a wood burning fire pit is hard to beat.
What Makes Wood Burning Fire Pits Stand Out:
• Authentic experience: Real wood fire delivers the crackling sounds, natural aroma, and unpredictable flame movement that gas simply can't fully imitate.
• No fuel infrastructure needed: You don't need a gas line or propane tank. Use any firewood, and place your fire pit anywhere in your yard.
• Campfire cooking: Wood burning fire pits are perfect for roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, and even more elaborate campfire-style cooking.
• Affordability: Wood burning models are generally the most budget-friendly entry point into the outdoor fire pit category, offering great value without sacrificing the core experience.
• Portability: Many wood burning fire pits are lightweight and easy to move, giving you the flexibility to change your outdoor layout whenever you like.
Wood burning fire pits are ideal for families who love the campfire tradition, homeowners who want a versatile fire pit they can use anywhere on their property, and anyone who finds the ritual of building and tending a fire to be part of the enjoyment. They're especially popular with younger children who love the s'mores experience , and honestly, most adults do too.
The main consideration with wood burning fire pits is management. You'll need to keep a supply of dry firewood on hand, monitor the fire as it burns, and deal with ash cleanup afterward. For many people, this is part of the charm. But if that sounds like more work than you'd like, a gas fire pit might be the better fit.
Best For: Traditionalists, families with kids, campfire cooking enthusiasts, budget-conscious buyers, and those who want a fire pit they can place anywhere.
Shop our Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pits here:
Outdoor Gas Fire Pits: Modern Convenience Meets Backyard Elegance
If convenience, cleanliness, and modern design are your priorities, our collection of outdoor gas fire pits is where you want to start. A gas fire pit gives you a beautiful, steady flame at the turn of a knob or the press of a button , no kindling, no lighter fluid, no ash, no waiting.
Gas fire pits have grown enormously in popularity over the past decade, and it's easy to see why. For busy homeowners who want to enjoy a fire without the prep work, or for those who entertain frequently and need a fire that's ready at a moment's notice, a gas fire pit is genuinely a game-changer. You step outside, ignite the flame, and within seconds your patio is transformed into an inviting, warm outdoor living room.
Gas fire pits are available in two fuel configurations: natural gas and propane. Natural gas models connect directly to your home's existing gas line for a permanent, always-ready setup with no tanks to refill. Propane models are powered by portable tanks, offering more flexibility in placement and making them a great option for renters or those who prefer not to run a gas line.
What Makes Gas Fire Pits Stand Out:
• Instant ignition: Light your fire in seconds with no prep work required. Perfect for spontaneous evenings or last-minute entertaining.
• Clean operation: No ash, no smoke, no sparks. Gas fire pits burn cleanly, which means no cleanup and no worrying about embers.
• Smoke-free experience: Without smoke, guests can sit close to the fire without constantly shifting positions to avoid irritation.
• Adjustable flame: Control your flame height and heat output precisely, giving you full command over the ambiance and warmth.
• Design variety: Gas fire pits come in a wide range of styles , round, square, rectangular, linear, and tabletop , making it easy to find one that fits your outdoor aesthetic.
• Year-round usability: The reliable heat output of a gas fire pit makes it a great year-round feature, not just a seasonal one.
Gas fire pits are particularly well-suited for entertaining because they create a sophisticated, polished focal point that complements a well-designed patio. Pair one with quality outdoor seating, ambient lighting, and a few well-placed planters, and you've created an outdoor living space that rivals any indoor room.
They're also a favorite among homeowners who want to enjoy their outdoor space but don't necessarily want the task of managing a fire. If you're cooking dinner, hosting guests, and keeping an eye on the kids all at once, a gas fire pit lets you enjoy the warmth and ambiance without adding fire management to your list of responsibilities.
Best For: Frequent entertainers, modern patio setups, low-maintenance lifestyles, and anyone who wants a beautiful fire ready in seconds.
Gas Fire Pit vs. Wood Burning Fire Pit: Which Is the Best Fire Pit for You?
Both gas and wood burning fire pits are excellent choices , the best fire pit for you simply depends on your priorities, your outdoor setup, and how you plan to use it. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose an outdoor wood burning fire pit if: You love the authentic campfire experience, want a portable option, prefer a lower upfront cost, or plan to do campfire cooking.
Choose an outdoor gas fire pit if: You want instant, hassle-free fire, entertain frequently, prefer a clean and smoke-free experience, or want a permanent design feature for your patio.
There's no wrong answer. Many of our customers actually end up with both , a gas fire pit on the main patio for everyday use, and a wood burning fire pit in a more casual area of the yard for weekends, camping vibes, and s'mores nights. Whatever direction you go, you're making an investment in your outdoor lifestyle that you'll appreciate for years to come.
Find Your Best Outdoor Fire Pit at Smoky Mountain General Store
At Smoky Mountain General Store, we're passionate about helping you build the outdoor space you've always envisioned. We carry a carefully selected range of outdoor wood burning fire pits and outdoor gas fire pits to suit every backyard, every budget, and every entertaining style. Our products are built for durability, designed for beauty, and chosen with real customers in mind.
Whether you're a first-time fire pit buyer or you're upgrading an existing setup, we're here to make the process simple and enjoyable. Browse our collections, compare your options, and feel confident knowing that whatever you choose from our store is a quality product backed by a team that genuinely cares about your satisfaction.
Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pits , Shop the Collection
Outdoor Gas Fire Pits , Shop the Collection
Your backyard is waiting. The fire is ready to be lit. All you need to do is choose your pit , and we'll take care of the rest.
