These Fire Tables Are Basically Grown-Up Firepits For Your Backyard or Patio
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Few things upgrade a backyard or patio like a fire pit. They look and feel great, acting like a magnet for guests to cozy up around as the sun goes down. But now there’s a new kind of fire pit on the block — fire tables — replacing old school pits everywhere.
At a Glance: The Best Fire Tables
- Editor’s Pick: Grand Patio Outdoor Propane Fire Table
- Budget Pick: Bali Outdoors Gas Fire Table
- Best Design: EcoSmart Fire Table Manhattan 50
- Indoor/Outdoor: EcoSmart Fire Table Ark 40
- Stone Top: Hampton Bay Crossridge
- Great for Decks: Outland Living Fire Table
- Tabletop Fire: Solo Stove Mesa
Fire tables are essentially just raised fire pits with some added surface area for setting down drinks, snacks, or other knick-knacks. Besides looking a bit more sophisticated than most fire pits, the best fire tables are easier to install in a typical backyard setup, and the table space means you don’t have to deal with an outdoor coffee table and a fire pit.
The Best Fire Tables to Buy Online
Below are some of the best fire tables you’ll find online. We’ve chosen a variety of tables — from sleek modern fire tables to minimal, more affordable units — so there should be something for every budget and backyard style. To make this list, we tested a couple of best-selling fire tables, researched top-rated picks across the web, and consulted reviews from experts and customers. The final picks below are all in stock at reputable online retailers and have an average customer rating of at least 3.7/5 stars (as of writing).
Grand Patio Outdoor Propane Fire Table
This Grand Patio fire table ticks all the right boxes. It’s powerful enough to keep a group of people warm with an output of 50k BTU, it offers ample table space, and the wicker design looks great with a range of patio furniture. Plus, it’s very reasonably priced at $350. It measures 43 inches long and 29 inches deep, which is about the size of a coffee table, and fits nicely between a couch and two chairs.
Bali Outdoors Gas Fire Table
If you’re looking for something affordable, check out this fire table from Bali Outdoors that’s currently listed on Amazon for just $160. And, although the price is very low, you’re not sacrificing quality or functionality over something like the Grand Patio option above. The only difference is size: This one is a 28-inch square, which gives you less tabletop space.
EcoSmart Fire Table Manhattan 50
In terms of looks, the best fire table is this EcoSmart Manhattan 50. It works with propane, natural gas, or bioethanol for indoor use, and has a powerful output of 65,000 BTU (with propane or natural gas) and 20,000 BTU with bioethanol.
One of our favorite features of the Manhattan 50 is its half-fire, half-coffee table design. This clever build means it can replace your current outdoor coffee table, as you’ll still have room for snacks, drinks, and books on one side. Another benefit of the split design is that the Manhattan 50 looks gorgeous — especially in slatted teak, pictured above.
EcoSmart Fire Table Ark 40
Want to take that cozy fire inside? Pick up this Ark 40 fire table, also from EcoSmart. It works with natural gas or propane for outdoor setups, or bioethanol for lower-output, indoor-friendly use. If you choose to use it outside, definitely opt for propane, which the little fire will turn into 65,000 BTU of heat. We used the Ark 40 for a few nights and never got tired of looking at the sleek table. It was very easy to turn on and off (even without directions) and it feels extra sturdy.
Hampton Bay Crossridge
Stone is a very popular option for outdoor coffee tables, withstanding the elements and looking great. This affordably-priced Crossridge fire table from Hampton Bay utilizes the durable material for a sturdy, great-looking pick. It’s propane-powered, making it very fast to fire up and turn off. The Crossridge comes very highly rated on Home Depot, with some reviewers attesting to years of use.
Outland Living Fire Table
Another solid all-around fire table is this one from Outland Living. The body is made of wicker (that comes in either espresso brown or slate grey), and the tabletop is made of tempered glass with ice rocks in the firepit. It’s plenty powerful with 50k BTU, and you can protect the flame with this glass wind guard (sold separately) if the fire will be somewhere breezy.
Solo Stove Mesa
Want to turn any outdoor table into a fire table? Check out the Solo Stove Mesa. The mini firepit measures about seven inches tall by five inches wide (there’s also a larger XL version), fitting perfectly on picnic tables and other outdoor furniture. It uses pellets or wood as fuel, making it a great option for making s’mores or cooking small dishes while camping. Like Solo Stove’s full-size firepit, our tester found the Mesa to be durable and easy to use.
How Do Fire Tables Work?
The best fire tables are larger than fire pits and use a hidden fuel tank (usually propane) attached to a burner to run, rather than burning wood. The tank is hidden beneath the table, and connected to the burner via a hose.
To start the table, you push the button on an electric starter, and turn a dial to control the intensity of the flame. If you’ve ever used a propane-powered grill, you’ll be familiar with the process.
Fire Table Shopping Guide
Not all fire tables are made equal; here are some of the key factors to consider while shopping for one.
Size: Fire tables are usually square or rectangular-shaped, and fit nicely between furniture as a coffee table alternative. Be sure to measure the space where you’ll put your new fire table and shop accordingly.
Durability: Fire tables are large and fairly heavy, which means you’ll likely keep them outside for one or more seasons. We made sure the fire tables we picked were designed with materials that should withstand some rain, or come with a cover.
Heat output: In the United States, heat from flames is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units). The fire tables we’ve chosen range from 38,000 BTU to 65,000 BTU, which is enough to keep you warm when you’re close to the fire.
Tank storage: All of the fire tables in this guide have a space to hold the fuel tank under them, and come equipped with a tube to easily attach them. Keep in mind you’ll have to buy fuel tanks separately.
How We Chose the Best Fire Tables
To make this list, we tested a couple of best-selling fire tables ourselves and thoroughly researched top picks from other experts and consumers. We looked for fire tables that were easy to use, well made (especially since they’ll likely be sitting outside), and powerful enough to provide substantial heat. After landing on several finalists, we poured over more customer reviews and made sure that the picks above were in stock on at least one major retailer’s website, and had great reviews from buyers.