The best outdoor fireplace for your patio depends on the experience you want. A wood-burning fireplace brings crackling logs and a traditional hearth, gas offers real flames with convenient operation, and an outdoor-rated electric fireplace creates ambiance without a gas supply or combustion chimney.
Our 2026 selections draw from popular models across our outdoor fireplace collections. Below, we explain what makes each worth considering and the project details to check before buying. These are recommendations for different needs, rather than a single ranking that assumes every patio requires the same fireplace.
Compare Our Outdoor Fireplace Picks
| Fireplace | Type | Why Consider It? |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Lifestyles Villa 36 | Wood | Traditional open-hearth appearance in a 36-inch model |
| Superior WRE4536 | Wood | Brick-to-face styling with a tall opening |
| Outdoor Lifestyles Cottagewood 42 | Wood | A larger traditional hearth with brick-pattern interior options |
| Superior WRE6050 | Wood | A substantial fireplace with Mosaic Masonry firebrick interiors |
| American Fyre Designs Contractor's Model | Gas | A fireplace structure you can customize with approved finishes |
| Outdoor Lifestyles Lanai 60 | Gas | A modern linear flame display with LED lighting |
| Superior VRE4342 | Gas | Traditional log styling in an outdoor vent-free appliance |
| American Fyre Designs Milan Tall | Gas | A tall architectural fireplace with a linear burner |
| Outdoor GreatRoom RLFP-LIN | Gas | A single-sided, ready-to-finish enclosure format |
| Amantii Traditional Lumina | Electric | A traditional firebox shape for an approved covered installation |
| Dimplex IgniteXL Bold 100 | Electric | A wide linear display for a large covered outdoor feature wall |
| Remii BAY-SLIM | Electric | A three-sided display for an approved sheltered installation |
| SimpliFire Forum 55 | Electric | Outdoor ambiance from a decorative, heater-free fireplace |
Best Outdoor Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Choose wood if building and tending a fire is part of the appeal. These models offer a traditional fireplace experience, but your project must accommodate the required chimney system, clearances, firewood storage and maintenance.
Outdoor Lifestyles Villa 36: A Classic Patio Hearth
The Outdoor Lifestyles Villa 36-Inch Outdoor Wood Fireplace is a strong starting point for shoppers who want a familiar open-hearth appearance. Its brick-panel interior and stainless steel mesh curtain screens keep the focus on the wood fire.
Consider it for a traditional patio or outdoor kitchen where a 36-inch fireplace suits the design. Remember that the model size is not the complete enclosure footprint: check framing dimensions and chimney requirements before planning the surrounding structure.
Superior WRE4536: Brick-to-Face Styling
The Superior WRE4536 is worth comparing if you want the fireplace face to have a masonry-style appearance without visible sheet metal around the opening. The WRE4500 series combines a tall opening with refractory brick-panel options.
Its visual proportions make it an appealing choice for a substantial hearth feature, even within the 36-inch model category. Plan the enclosure using the installation drawings, and select the specified chimney system rather than assuming any matching-diameter pipe will work.
Outdoor Lifestyles Cottagewood 42: A Larger Traditional Fireplace
The Outdoor Lifestyles Cottagewood 42-Inch Outdoor Wood Fireplace offers another traditional open-hearth option, with a larger nominal size than the Villa 36 featured above. Available brick-pattern interior choices help coordinate the firebox with your surrounding finishes.
It is worth considering when the fireplace will anchor a larger seating arrangement. Compare the complete structure and installation costs, not just the appliance price, before deciding whether the larger format suits your project.
Superior WRE6050: A Substantial Masonry-Style Focal Point
The Superior WRE6050 is our pick to compare when a large masonry-style hearth is central to the patio design. The WRE6000 series offers Mosaic Masonry interiors made with kiln-fired firebrick and mortared joints, with multiple patterns and colors available.
This model suits projects where the fireplace is intended to have a substantial architectural presence. Confirm the required interior selection, supporting structure, framing and chimney components when building your complete order.
Best Outdoor Gas Fireplaces
Gas is worth considering when you want real flames without loading logs or removing wood ash. These selections offer different approaches to the finished structure, from traditional hearths to linear displays and ready-to-finish systems.
American Fyre Designs Contractor's Model: Custom Exterior Finishes
The American Fyre Designs Contractor's Model gives you a fireplace structure designed for customization with your own approved stone, tile or other veneer. It is an appealing option when matching the fireplace to an outdoor kitchen, retaining wall or existing masonry is a priority.
Check the exact vented or vent-free configuration, burner and log selections before ordering. Do not assume the base price includes a complete burner-and-log package or that all configurations share the same installation requirements.
Outdoor Lifestyles Lanai 60: Modern Linear Flames and Lighting
The Outdoor Lifestyles Lanai 60-Inch Linear Outdoor Gas Fireplace suits a contemporary patio design. Its ribbon-style flame presentation and multicolor LED lighting offer a different look from a traditional log fireplace.
The Lanai combines IntelliFire ignition with a stainless steel design. Consider it for a long feature wall or a modern seating area, then confirm fuel, power and installation requirements for the selected configuration. Its outdoor designation does not eliminate clearance or installation-openness requirements.
Superior VRE4342: Traditional Gas Log Appearance
The Superior VRE4342 is worth comparing if you prefer the appearance of logs and a traditional firebox over a contemporary glass-media display. The VRE4300 series pairs a tall opening with a detailed charred-oak log presentation.
This is an outdoor vent-free gas appliance. Although it does not use a conventional combustion chimney, its permitted location, required clearances and ventilation conditions still need to be confirmed. Check the selected fuel and ignition configuration as part of your project plan.
American Fyre Designs Milan Tall: An Architectural Statement
The American Fyre Designs Milan Tall Linear Outdoor Gas Fireplace combines a linear burner with a tall, defined fireplace body. It is worth considering when you want the fireplace structure itself to become a prominent part of the patio's architecture.
Available finish and ignition choices let you tailor the selection to your project. Compare the manual flame-sensing and FyreStarter control options, including their different power requirements, before planning utilities. Confirm the approved fuel-supply arrangement rather than assuming a propane cylinder fits inside the structure.
Outdoor GreatRoom RLFP-LIN: A Ready-to-Finish Linear Fireplace
The Outdoor GreatRoom Company RLFP-LIN is a useful option when you want a custom exterior finish with a prepared, single-sided fireplace enclosure. Its ready-to-finish format can reduce the enclosure fabrication involved in the project.
It still requires an installation plan. Compare available sizes, burner and ignition configurations, fuel supply and permitted finishing materials. Keep the required vents and service access functional when applying the exterior finish.
Best Outdoor Electric Fireplaces
Outdoor-rated electric fireplaces create a flame effect without burning wood or gas. They can be a practical option when ambiance is the priority, but permitted weather exposure and installation requirements vary. Some include heaters; others are decorative only.
Amantii Traditional Lumina: A Traditional Electric Hearth
The Amantii Traditional Lumina is worth considering if you want a familiar firebox shape rather than a long linear opening. Multiple sizes provide options for coordinating the fireplace with a traditional surround or a smaller feature wall.
Amantii identifies covered outdoor applications for this series. Confirm the required protection from direct water exposure and the installation details for the selected size. Its traditional proportions make it a useful comparison point against the wider electric models below.
Dimplex IgniteXL Bold 100: A Wide Electric Feature Wall
The Dimplex IgniteXL Bold 100-Inch Electric Fireplace is a strong contender for a large covered outdoor feature wall. Its wide display and visual depth suit projects where a smaller fireplace would look lost within the overall design.
Dimplex currently identifies Ignite Bold as outdoor-certified with overhead protection required. Confirm that the exact unit and installation follow the current outdoor instructions. The heater can operate separately from the flames, but indoor heating-area claims should not be treated as outdoor patio-heating promises.
Remii BAY-SLIM: A Three-Sided Electric Display
The Remii BAY-SLIM offers an alternative to a conventional front-facing fireplace. Its three-sided display makes it worth considering for a projecting feature wall where the fire effect can be enjoyed from more than one angle.
Remii's outdoor installation guidance requires protection from direct water exposure. Review the selected model's framing depth, permitted configuration and shelter requirements before construction. Plan seating and sightlines so the additional viewing sides contribute to the finished space.
SimpliFire Forum 55: Outdoor Ambiance Without Heat
The SimpliFire Forum 55 is a dedicated option for shoppers who want the look of a fireplace without adding heat. This heater-free outdoor electric model offers adjustable flame colors and brightness settings.
Consider it for an outdoor gathering area where the fireplace's visual effect matters more than heating. Its outdoor-focused design includes corrosion-resistant materials and UV-resistant logs, but placement, electrical connections and finishing still need to follow the installation manual.
How to Choose Between These Outdoor Fireplaces
Start by narrowing the list to the fuel type and installation format that fit your project. Then compare the complete installation rather than choosing by appearance or nominal size alone.
- Choose the experience: Wood offers a traditional fire-building routine, gas offers real flames with convenient controls, and electric provides flame effects without combustion.
- Confirm the location: Covered patios, partially enclosed spaces and exposed installations have different requirements. Use the selected model's instructions.
- Check the complete footprint: The product name's size does not establish framing dimensions, required clearances or the finished enclosure size.
- Budget beyond the appliance: Include support, framing, finishes, chimney or venting where required, utilities, labor and permits.
- Set heating expectations: Wind, outdoor temperature and seating distance affect comfort. A wider fireplace or higher gas input rating does not guarantee a warmer seating area.
- Confirm the package: Verify required interiors, burners, logs, media, controls and installation components before ordering.
Outdoor Fireplace FAQs
Which Outdoor Fireplace Is Best for a Covered Patio?
The best choice is a model specifically permitted for your patio's enclosure, overhead structure and exposure conditions. Outdoor-rated electric models may require shelter, while gas and wood fireplaces have their own clearance, ventilation and chimney requirements. Confirm the exact installation before selecting a product.
Do All Outdoor Electric Fireplaces Provide Heat?
No. Some include supplemental heaters, while others are decorative only. The SimpliFire Forum featured here is heater-free. Check the selected model's specifications rather than assuming an electric flame display includes heating.
Are Ready-to-Finish Fireplaces Ready to Use Immediately?
No. A ready-to-finish fireplace still needs appropriate placement, required utility connections, approved finishes and installation checks. The format can reduce enclosure construction, but it does not eliminate the remaining installation requirements.
Final Thoughts
The best outdoor fireplace is the one that suits your patio, preferred fire experience and installation conditions. A traditional wood hearth, a modern gas display and an outdoor-rated electric fireplace can each create a welcoming gathering space when matched to the right project.
Explore our full selections of outdoor wood fireplaces, outdoor gas fireplaces and outdoor electric fireplaces. For help comparing models and building a complete order, contact our product specialists with your patio dimensions, project photos and preferred fuel type.
