Top Fire Pits for Rooftop Patios and Small Outdoor Spaces
When I first moved into an apartment with a small rooftop patio, I had one goal in mind—make it feel like an escape. A place where I could unwind, stay warm during cooler nights, and maybe even roast a marshmallow or two. That’s when I went down the rabbit hole of searching for the best fire pits for small spaces.
I quickly learned that not every fire pit is made for rooftops or compact patios. You need something lightweight, safe, and smoke-free if possible. In this post, I’m sharing my top fire pit picks for small outdoor spaces—all available on Amazon and carefully chosen for urban living and rooftop vibes.
Table of Contents
1. Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit
Best for Tiny Patios or Apartment Balconies
I love this one because it’s compact, smokeless, and perfect for tight areas like apartment patios or balconies. It uses wood or pellets and creates that real fire glow without overwhelming your space.
Key Features:
- Super compact (just 6.9 inches tall)
- Stainless steel construction
- Burns clean with little to no smoke
- Lightweight and portable
If you’re trying to add ambiance without smoke blowing into your neighbor’s window, this is the one I’d start with.
2. TIKI Brand Patio Fire Pit
Most Stylish for Rooftop Gatherings
This one brings the wow factor. I’ve used it on a friend’s rooftop patio during a small dinner party, and people couldn’t stop talking about it. The sleek design fits well with modern outdoor furniture, and it burns clean with TIKI wood packs or real wood.
Key Features:
- Low smoke design
- Powder-coated exterior
- Built-in ash pan for easy cleanup
- Comes with a weather-resistant cover
It’s a great balance between form and function, especially if you like hosting.
3. Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega
Best Propane Fire Pit for Rooftops
When I want a no-mess, no-smoke fire experience, propane is the way to go. This Outland Firebowl gives off amazing heat and ambiance with just the turn of a knob. I personally love not having to deal with wood or cleanup.
Key Features:
- 58,000 BTU heat output
- CSA approved for safe use
- Includes carrying kit and lava rocks
- Runs on standard propane tank
It’s one of the safest choices if you’re working with limited space and want consistent flame control.
4. YAHEETECH 22-Inch Outdoor Fire Pit
Best Budget Fire Pit for Small Spaces
If you’re just getting started or testing the waters with a fire pit, this is a solid budget pick. I tried this one during my first year of rooftop living—it’s basic, functional, and easy to set up.
Key Features:
- 22-inch bowl size perfect for compact areas
- Mesh lid and poker included
- Lightweight for easy movement
- Simple wood-burning design
It’s an entry-level fire pit that delivers warmth and simplicity without a big investment.
5. BALI OUTDOORS Propane Fire Pit Table
Best Multi-Function Fire Pit Table
I personally love multi-use furniture for small areas, and this fire pit table doubles as a coffee table when not in use. The fire feature is elegant and functional, plus it gives off great heat for chilly evenings.
Key Features:
- 50,000 BTU propane burner
- Hidden propane tank design
- Attractive faux wood tabletop
- Auto-ignition for ease of use
Perfect for making the most out of a rooftop space without sacrificing style or comfort.
How I Chose These Fire Pits
I focused on the following key criteria:
- Compact size for rooftop or small patio use
- Low smoke output or propane-powered options
- Amazon availability with fast delivery and high reviews
- Style, safety, and heat performance
After testing and researching, these are the ones I’d confidently recommend to friends (and have).
What’s Best for You?
If you want something compact and wood-burning, go with the Solo Stove Mesa. For something stylish and clean-burning, I’d lean toward the TIKI Fire Pit or the Outland Living Firebowl. If you’re on a tight budget, the YAHEETECH gets the job done. And for all-in-one functionality, the BALI Table Fire Pit is a top-tier pick.
In small outdoor spaces, every inch counts, so choosing the right fire pit can make a huge difference in comfort, design, and safety.
I hope my real-world experience with these fire pits saves you time (and trial and error). If you’re ready to cozy up your rooftop patio, any of these will get the job done beautifully.
One thing I didn’t realize until owning a fire pit on a rooftop patio is how much wind protection matters. Even a slight breeze can make a traditional fire pit frustrating to manage. That’s why I now look for models with glass wind guards or low flame spread, especially if you live in a city where rooftop gusts are common.
If you’re in an apartment, safety is probably a top concern like it was for me. I avoided wood-burning pits at first and leaned into CSA-certified propane fire pits, which are designed with apartment-friendly safety in mind. They’re easier to control, give off less smoke, and are often approved for balconies or decks (check your building rules).
Heat output might seem like just a number, but it makes a huge difference. For small patios, I’ve found that 40,000 to 50,000 BTUs is the sweet spot—you get warmth without overwhelming the space or feeling like you’re melting. Lower BTU models may look nice but won’t cut it during colder months.
When I was shopping for a rooftop fire pit, I looked for one that could double as a table. Rooftop spaces are usually tight, so having a multifunctional fire pit gave me extra surface area for drinks or food when the flame is off. It’s honestly one of the best upgrades I made for my outdoor setup.
Another factor I considered was assembly and storage. Some fire pits come almost fully assembled out of the box, which is great if you don’t want to deal with tools or complex setups. I also made sure the one I chose could be easily covered and stored when not in use, especially during winter or rain.
One mistake I made early on was ignoring the weight of the fire pit. If you live in a building without an elevator or plan to move the unit often, lightweight models make life so much easier. Portable fire pits with carrying handles have saved my back more than once.
From a design perspective, I always try to match my fire pit with the rest of my outdoor setup. Sleek black or faux wood finishes usually pair well with modern rooftop furniture, while stone or bronze styles add a more rustic touch. Your fire pit should look like it belongs—not like it was an afterthought.
Propane tanks were intimidating at first. I didn’t know where to store them or how long they’d last. Now I always go for models with hidden tank compartments and easy-access panels. One 20 lb tank typically lasts me 8 to 12 hours of burn time, depending on flame settings.
I also want to highlight the importance of spark screens for anyone going with a wood-burning option. These mesh covers help contain embers and reduce risk on small balconies. Trust me, you don’t want stray sparks on a rooftop surrounded by furniture and dry decking.
For those worried about maintenance, look for fire pits with removable ash pans or drain holes. Cleaning up is much easier when you’re not tipping over the whole unit or scraping out debris with a shovel. I learned that the hard way my first year.
If aesthetics matter as much to you as function, I recommend checking out models with tempered glass beads or lava rocks. They create a more dramatic, luxurious flame effect—and they really shine at night. It’s a subtle upgrade, but it makes your rooftop feel like a true getaway.
Finally, if you entertain often like I do, consider getting a matching fire pit set that includes a cover, lava rocks, and a lid. Some even come with a bench or mini-table combo. These bundles tend to be more cost-effective and help create a complete, cozy vibe without a lot of effort.