The use of disposable barbeques is very wasteful, and it’s not easy to trust anyone else or yourself to build a bonfire on the ground. Such is the strong case for a portable fire pit that you can take on your camping or campervanning trips. A good one will last for many years, and it makes setting up and controlling your little bonfire much easier.
To make things easier for you, we’ve recommended our favourite portable fire pits for camping, bypassing all the unworthy models out there. All the fire pits below vary considerably from one another but all offer longevity thanks to sturdy constructions and are easy to use.
The best portable fire pits for camping
Editor’s pick
The name is a bit of a giveaway, but this acts as a crate – it doesn’t have to be just for beer – in addition to a portable fire pit. But there’s one more trick: flip it over and you’ve got a seat made more comfortable with the optional timber board.
Being a simple, robust corten steel construction, the Beer Box is incredibly durable. There is the ability to turn the Beer Box into a barbeque too by coupling it with the wire grilling grid.
| Dimensions: | 38 × 28 × 30 cm |
| Weight: | 7kg |
Rrp: $149.95
Rrp: $149.95
It’s a steel unit with sturdy scissor legs. Like the Höfats Beer Box, this can double as a grill and comes with the wire rack – though it is specifically a fire pit and doesn’t have any other tricks up its sleeve.
Burn wood or coal as you wish. We also like that the Kamoto is raised off the ground, which will keep it within the rules of many camping grounds. There is also a solid base, which acts as an ash tray of sorts to protect the ground.
| Dimensions: | 53 x 39 x 60 cm |
| Weight: | 6.3kg |
Best value
Though not quite on par with the Höfats and Primus models above, this stainless steel Outwell fire pit is much sturdier and more durable than the cheap rip-offs you find on Amazon or the wasteful disposable barbeques.
It’s light too and reasonably compact with fold-up legs. There is a wire rack included and a fork-type tool to help you handle the heated cover and rack.
| Dimensions: | 45.5 x 38 cm |
| Weight: | 3kg |
Best fire
It’s relatively expensive but there is no denying the Ranger’s performance. The Ranger has a clever airflow system that results in high output and clean burning. There are holes at the base that draw air into the fire, making it burn hot and clean.
The Ranger is just a fire pit, though an exceptional one at that, with none of the multi-purpose excellence seen with the Höfats Beer Box. However, you can quite easily cook sausages and marshmallows on sticks if you wish.
| Dimensions: | 38 x 32 cm |
| Weight: | 6.8kg |
Best features
In line with the Solo Stove Ranger, the Firepit+ aspires to burn cleanly and efficiently. Instead of holes, there are 51 tiny air jets powered by a 12,800mAh battery that stoke the fire, in order to burn with less smoke.
Naturally, there is Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to control the intensity of the fans. Alternatively, you can do it on the powerpack. It sounds gimmicky but does work, and we’re also pleased with the inclusion of a wire rack to grill food on.
| Dimensions: | 68.6 x 33 x 40.1cm (legs unfolded) |
| Weight: | 9kg |
Best super compact fire pit
Granted, it looks a little flimsy, particularly amongst the present company but it’s surprisingly solid. It’s thoughtfully designed too. There is a fine mesh in the pit, not a solid base, which captures ash and the wood burns on top of it. It helps the fire burn cleanly. There is also a heat shield to protect the ground from getting singed.
Want to grill food with it? You can if you opt for the tri-folding, or larger quad-folding grill grates.
| Dimensions: | 61 x 61 x 38.1 cm |
| Weight: | 3.5kg |
Caring for portable fire pits
Happily, it’s all rather low maintenance. Once cold – not warm, but cold – ashes need to be emptied from the fire pit. You can then store it in a dry place. Those with folding legs might need tending to with WD-40 now and again, but that’s all. If you’ve got a wire rack for grilling, you can clean this with your pots and pans.
Fire pit safety
Fires are calming when under control and alarming when they aren’t. Therefore, there are some basic yet important things to remember when you’ve got a fire pit lit:
Make sure the fire is burning well away from anything – foliage and trees, buildings, furniture, anything.
Always be present to keep an eye on the fire and to prevent kids and pets away from the flames.
Keep a bucket of water or sand, or hose at hand if the need for it arises.
Chris Williams is a Senior Product Writer for CAR, also working for Live For The Outdoors. An expert in camping and muscle cars, he spends most of his time up a mountain or laying rubber.
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