Day: June 27, 2024

От «пропаганды нетрадиционных отношений» к «ЛГБТ-экстремизму».

Momo Takahashi/BI

• Stocks ended Thursday slightly higher ahead of a key update on inflation. 
• PCE for May will be published on Friday morning, providing new hints about when rate cuts may be coming. 
• Chip firms Nvidia and Micron dipped in Thursday’s session, though the broader Nasdaq edged higher. 

US stocks ended Thursday’s trading session slightly higher as investors prepared to pore over new inflation data in the form of personal consumption expenditures for May, set to be published by the Commerce Department on Friday morning.

Bond yields dipped ahead of the new data, with the 10-year Treasury yield falling about two basis points to 4.292%.

Fresh readings on Thursday hinted at a soft PCE report, with a second revision to first-quarter GDP showing slightly higher growth than first earlier figures, but still coming in sharply lower than the final quarters of 2023. Jobless claims were lower for the week but remained near the highest level in 10 months.

Friday’s PCE will be key, as the latest batch of economic statistics doesn’t quite meet the threshold for the Federal Reserve to lower rates at its next meeting in July, though markets are still hopeful for the first move to come in September.

“[T]his softness doesn’t reach the Fed’s bar to justify a rate cut at the July 31 decision, especially since the U.S. economy’s return to more normal inflation took a bigger step back in the first quarter than previously understood,” Bill Adams, Chief Economist for Comerica Bank, said Thursday. “More recent data have moved in the right direction, but not by enough to convince the Fed that inflation is whipped.”

Fed officials have struck a more hawkish tone in recent public remarks, with Governor Michelle Bowman saying this week that a rate hike wasn’t off the table if inflation remains stuck or rises again.

Chips stocks continued to wobble, led by Micron and Nvidia on Thursday. Micron tumbled after guidance failed to impress investors, while Nvidia resumed a sell-off that has wiped billions from its market cap since last week.

Meanwhile, meme-stock icon Keith Gill, also known as Roaring Kitty on social media, sparked a rally in shares of Chewy after he posted a picture of a dog on X.

Here’s where US indexes stood shortly at the 4:00 p.m. closing bell on Thursday:

• S&P 500: 5,482.87, up 0.1%
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 39,164.06, up 0.1% (36 points)

• Nasdaq composite: 17,858.68, up 0.3%

  Here’s what else is going on today:

• The CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond testified in a deposition that she had concerns Ryan Cohen was being given insider information before he sold his stock in the retailer for a $60 million windfall.
• Russia is flooding European markets with cheap gas to try and win back customers.
• Stocks are poised for a correction amid slowing growth, high inflation, and a dimming outlook for rate cuts, Stifel said.

In commodities, bonds, and crypto:

• Oil futures climbed. West Texas Intermediate crude oil jumped 1.25% to $81.91 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 1.4% to $86.46 a barrel.
• Gold rose 1% to $2,337.30 per ounce.
• The 10-year Treasury yield fell two basis points to 4.292%.
• Bitcoin inched up 0.6% to $61,364.

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

My 10-year-old kid and I tested several fire pits to find the best, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0.

James Brains/Business Insider

Lifelong memories are made while chilling with friends around a fire. As you grill hot dogs and enjoy a drink, you share stories and talk about the deeper things. The best fire pits provide a low-fuss gathering place to enjoy late nights, in your backyard and on the go. 

We tested 10 units to find the best fire pits, evaluating their ease of lighting, smokelessness, and clean-up. The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit is our top pick because it produces the most satisfying fire with minimal smoke and is easy to clean. Our budget pick, the Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit, is $100 cheaper and comes with a grill grate, but it produces significantly more smoke and is more of a hassle to clean.

Find out more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.

Our picks for best fire pits

Best overall: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit – See at Solo Stove 

Best budget: Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit – See at The Home Depot

Best propane: Tiki Brand Customizable Propane Fire Pit – See at Amazon

Best portable: Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace – See at Snow Peak

Best smokeless: BioLite FirePit+ – See at Amazon

Best small: Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit – See at Amazon

Best heavy-duty: Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit – See at Breeo

Best overall

For the best head-to-head comparison, my 10-year-old and I set up the top fire pits in a circle and tested them under identical conditions. Once the fires had burned for half an hour, my kid and I shared a clear favorite: the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0.

It’s literally easy enough for a kid to use. BB built and lit the fire, and within five minutes, the logs were ablaze, and the fire was roaring. At its hottest, the Bonfire 2.0 was a little too hot to get close to, but it also sent heat the second furthest of any model I tested. It warmed me from 8 feet away, making it ideal for larger gatherings.

While advertised as “smokeless,” the Bonfire 2.0 clearly allows smoke to escape, as did any wood-burning model we tested. However, the Solo Stove seemed to do a better job dissipating the smoke than any other full-size wood-burning pit we tested. Standing in the smoke’s path, I didn’t get the eye-burning pain typical of classic campfires.

The Bonfire 2.0 was the clear favorite in our testing, producing a roaring fire quickly with minimal smoke.

Molly Allen/Business Insider

Assembly was quick and easy. I needed the instructions, but they were clear. I like that the pit comes with a carrying case, and it only weighs 23 pounds, making it light enough to store, but it may be a little bulky for traveling. Despite its relatively light weight, the Bonfire 2.0 feels heavy-duty and didn’t show any wear and tear after testing. 

It has an attractive appearance. I tested the basic, no-frills Stainless Steel version, but it’s also available in Mulberry, Deep Olive, Bronze Metallic, and three other colors.

Lastly, cleanup was a breeze thanks to the removable base plate and ash pan. You just wait for it to cool down, lift out the plate and pan, and safely dispose of the debris. 

Read our full Solo Stove Bonfire review.

Best budget

We initially set a $100 limit in our search for the best budget fire pit, but we had difficulty finding full-size options from reputable brands. So, we upped our limit to $200 and are happy with the performance of the $149 Hampton Bay Piedmont Steel Fire Pit. Hampton Bay is exclusive to Home Depot and encompasses a range of affordable patio furniture, including fire pits and heaters. The Piedmont is their top seller.

The assembly took half an hour, including putting on the legs, heat plate, and outside ring. It was a pain, but at least the instructions were clear. The materials weren’t the cheapest I’ve dealt with, but they weren’t exactly durable. In fact, the fasteners started rusting within a week of setup.

The Hampton Bay Piedmont was a suitable fire pit for my co-tester’s marshmallow toasting.

James Brains/Business Insider

With its airflow-promoting design, the Hampton Bay Piedmont is ideal for building a powerful fire. My kid started a raging fire in five minutes with only a firestarter cube and four logs. On a hot day, I could still feel the heat from 7 feet away, which was among the best. I also like that the pit comes with a lid, grill, and poker.

However, there were a couple of glaring negatives. The Piedmont doesn’t appear to have any smoke-reducing properties. When the wind blows your way, the smoke is uncomfortable, and you’ll likely get covered with ash too. Also, you’ll either need to flip the pit or use a shovel to get the ash out. Still, for $150, this is an outstanding fire pit.

Best propane

Wood-burning units get all the attention when discussing fire pits, but propane models have their place. Of all the fire pits I tested, the Tiki Brand Customizable Propane Fire Pit is the one I liked the most. In our tests, it was the only truly smokeless fire pit because it doesn’t burn wood. 

I like how easy it is to use. You just turn on the propane tank, press the ignition button, turn the gas knob, and you have a flame. When you’re done, unlike wood-burning pits, you don’t have to wait for wood to burn down or douse it with water. You just turn the gas off, and the fire is out. Also, there was no clean-up and no ash to deal with.

The Tiki Brand propane fire pit is great for short sessions around the fire, providing a hassle-free, smokeless experience.

James Brains/Business Insider

The Tiki Brand propane pit is the most labor-intensive to set up, taking an hour and including a long list of steps to assemble it from the ground up. Yet, the finished pit seems durable. It hasn’t shown any signs of wear or tear. I like that it comes with decorative lava rocks and a metal cover.

I wish the propane fire pit put off more heat. I could maybe feel it from about 3 feet away, which was among the weakest I tested. However, you can purchase a heater attachment for better heat disbursement. I didn’t test it, but Tiki Brands claims it provides a 6-foot heat radius. The brand also offers a table attachment to turn the pit into a patio table.

Best portable

If you’re looking for a fire pit to take on road trips or to just use outside the backyard, the Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace is the best portable fire pit you can buy. From the Japanese outdoor brand known for making clever, well-built camping products, the Pack & Carry Fireplace can collapse and fold flat, making it extremely easy to carry to any outdoor setting.

Since it weighs just 11.9 pounds and comes with its own carrying case, there really isn’t any excuse to leave it behind.

Once you reach your destination, the fireplace expands in a matter of seconds, with wide, rounded-off legs securely holding it in place even when resting on uneven terrain. A series of small holes in the fire pit’s frame help to facilitate airflow, while its bucket-like receptacle can hold moderate-sized pieces of wood. 

Yet the Pack & Carry Fireplace is well-engineered and very durable. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this model is designed to withstand the elements and be transported regularly. However, because it’s made of rugged metal, it takes a bit of time to cool.

The fireplace doesn’t have a lot of features or frills, although Snow Peak makes a number of accessories that extend its use even further. The company offers an array of cooking utensils for instance, and a grill top allows owners to cook over the fire. — Kraig Becker, Business Insider Reviews contributor

Best smokeless

Several Business Insider Reviews folks have tested and loved the BioLite FirePit+. Its integrated fan makes starting a fire effortless, and it features a grill grate for cooking meats and vegetables. The fan uses a rechargeable battery and USB output for charging your devices.  

Even without the fan, the BioLite FirePit+ was easy to start with just a firestarter cube and wood logs. Within five minutes, the fire was blazing, putting off significant heat in a 6-foot radius, and it was a little too hot for comfort up close to it. 

The BioLite FirePit+ is a Business Insider Reviews favorite because it produces relatively little smoke and is perfect for grilling.

Owen Burke/Business Insider

The FirePit+ isn’t completely smokeless, but it only emitted a little more smoke than our top pick. The smoke wasn’t uncomfortable, even when it blows right at you.  

I’ve used the FirePit+ for years, mostly for grilling small amounts of food over charcoal. I found the setup was easy. The only assembly is screwing the handles onto the main body, which only took a few minutes. I like how lightweight and easy-to-use it is. Clean-up is a snap, thanks to a sliding door in the bottom. You just slide it out and empty the ash.

Read our full BioLite FirePit review. 

Best small

The Solo Stove Mesa is basically like a petite version of our top pick, the Bonfire. It has the same hassle-free setup, is made of stainless steel, and is available in 10 colors, including Water, Mulberry, and Deep Olive.

Since it’s so small, the Mesa burns wood pellets instead of logs, which won’t fit. Using pellets and a firestarter cube, it took about five minutes to get the fire going. I was surprised by the roaring fire produced by this compact powerhouse. The blaze produced minimal smoke and no discomfort as it headed in my direction.

The Solo Stove Mesa burned hot for such a compact fire pit.

James Brains/Business Insider

Another surprise was how much heat the Mesa put off. I could feel it warming me from four feet away. This is the best tabletop fire pit I tested, provided your table isn’t heat-sensitive. While any table will likely be OK, you should only use it on non-flammable surfaces for safety reasons.

Cleaning the Mesa is easy. Once cool, you flip it and empty it in a safe receptacle.

The Mesa comes with a carrying bag, a stand, and a lifetime warranty. It’s also available in an XL version that’s only slightly larger and more expensive, but it holds almost four times as many wood pellets, so it burns longer.

Best heavy-duty

The Breeo X Series 24 was previously our top overall pick, but after testing more fire pits, we decided to rank it as the best heavy-duty fire pit because of its thick steel construction and lifetime warranty. 

First, let’s look at the positives. The Breeo X24 was incredibly easy to assemble. There weren’t any directions, but I didn’t need any. It comes assembled, and I had it ready to go in five minutes. The pit is made of rugged steel, which makes it hefty. Plus, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

The Breeo fire pit started rusting immediately, but that’s by design. The Corten Steel version develops an attractive weathered patina over time (about a year.) If a rusty fire pit sounds unappealing, the X Series pits are also available in corrosion-resistant stainless steel. In addition to the X24, the line features the X19, X30, and X42, with the number corresponding to the bowl’s interior diameter. For example, the X24 has a 24-inch-wide bowl.

As it spends time in the elements, the Breeo X Series 24 develops an attractive patina, a process that takes about a year.

James Brains/Business Insider

It has a unique construction with airflow coming from the bottom of the pit, and holes around the rim to divert the smoke. In practice, though, I was unimpressed with its fire burning. It took longer than the other pits to get started, and it seemed to produce more smoke while emitting less heat. I retested it because I was surprised by this performance. It did a little better the second time but wasn’t nearly as good as our top pick.

Clean-up is also a hassle. To remove the ash, you must use a vacuum or a shovel, which Breeo sells separately. The X vents make shoveling difficult. 

Still, if you want a durable fire pit, the Breeo X Series 24 is the one to get.

What to look for in a fire pitFire pits come in all sorts of sizes and styles.

James Brains/Business Insider

You want to choose a fire pit based on how you plan to use it. Do you want it to stay in your backyard or go camping with you? Do you want the traditional campfire experience, or would prefer to skip the hassle of wood? Here are the main factors you should consider:

Size: Larger fire pits are fun because you can build bigger fires and provide heat for more people. But, if you’re only going to entertain a few people at a time and want a more intimate experience, smaller fire pits are ideal. They have the added benefit of not burning as long, so you can call it a night earlier if you want. Of course, you can always build a smaller fire in a larger pit.

Fuel type: Wood-burning fire pits are the most popular because they give you the wholesome campfire experience. The downside is that you have to keep buying wood, cleaning up the ash, and being extra careful that the fire is out before you can leave the pit unsupervised. Propane is generally less exciting but lights quicker and is easy to put out quickly. It’s also less of a hassle to clean.

Design: The best fire pits balance airflow with limiting smoke. Based on my testing, the more open the design, the better the airflow, but there also tends to be more smoke. Pits that limit smoke tend to have an opening smaller than the bowl’s diameter and holes near the inner rim that can take in and dissipate the smoke. Our top pick, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, is a perfect example of this.

Portability: Portability isn’t a concern if your fire pit will live in your backyard. In fact, if your yard is easily accessible to passersby like mine is, a heavier, harder-to-steal pit is a plus. However, if you want a unit to take camping, bring along to get-togethers, or store when not in use, look for one that’s lightweight and comes with a carrying case.

Accessories: If you want to cook on your fire pit, look for models with compatible grills. While most models are designed to withstand the elements, a cover can ensure your pit is dry when you want to have a fire. Other helpful accessories to consider are fire pokers, ash shovels, and lids.

How we test fire pitsMy co-tester preps a fire pit for testing according to our exacting specifications.

James Brains/Business Insider

I’ve tested home and kitchen products professionally for six years. For this guide, I tested 10 backyard fire pits to find the best. When assessing a fire pit, the main factors to consider are the ease of starting a fire, how much smoke it produces, the heating radius, and the ease of cleaning. Here are the main characteristics we look for and how we test them:

Fire quality: Kids love playing with fire, so it’s important to teach them how to do it safely. I enlisted the help of my 10-year-old to build and evaluate fires in each of the pits. The table sums up what we were looking for.

Cleaning: After a few fires, ash builds up, impacting airflow and performance. We cleaned each fire pit and evaluated how difficult it was. Fire pits with removable ash pans were easier, while models that required you to dump, shovel, or vacuum ashes were a little less user-friendly. 

Durability: I left the pits in humid, rainy Michigan summer weather and examined each unit for wear and tear, including rust and discoloration. For the most part, the pits haven’t deteriorated, but I’ll continue to evaluate them for future updates to this guide.

Setup: You only really assemble your fire pit once, so this was a minor factor we considered, but you want the setup to go smoothly. I timed how long it took me to set up the fire pits and noted if there were any difficult or confusing steps.

Fire pit FAQsI like propane fire pits, like the one shown here, because they’re easy to clean, use, and extinguish.

James Brains/Business Insider

How do you clean a fire pit?

It’s important to wait until your fire pit is completely cooled before attempting to clean any part of it. Ideally, you’d clean it on a day when you haven’t used it at all. 

Cleaning the pit is a straightforward process. We recommend wearing protective gloves. First, unhook propane tanks, unplug cords, and then remove all ash, burned wood, and debris from the inside. You can then use some dishwashing soap (the grease-cutting kind tends to work best) and a warm cloth or scrub brush to scrub inside the pit.

How do you put out a fire in a fire pit?

If you’re using a fire pit that burns actual wood, you’ll want to make sure you effectively extinguish the blaze before leaving it. To do so, douse the flame with water and stir the ashes with a poker or stick. You should see the coals start to cool off. Pour more water over them if they’re still lit (and the pit still feels warm). Don’t leave the pit until it’s entirely cooled off. 

Many propane fire pits require you to turn off the propane (or turn off the pit via a built-in switch), and they’ll completely turn off. Check the owner’s manual for proper operation, as some may differ from others. 

You’ll always want to have some sort of emergency extinguisher nearby should any fire get out of control, too. This could be anything from a bucket of water set somewhere close, a nearby hose turned on and ready to use, or even a fire extinguisher. If a fire becomes unruly, call 911 immediately.

Which fire pits give off the most heat? 

Based on my testing, wood-burning fire pits give off the most heat. Additionally, the larger the fire, the more heat it will put off. So, consider bigger fire pits since they can accommodate larger fires.

What is the best type of fire pit to buy?

It depends on your situation. Wood-burning fire pits are popular because they give you the campfire experience and put off a good amount of heat. But propane fire pits are easy to start and put out and have minimal cleaning. 

Smokeless fire pits are in vogue, but they aren’t completely smokeless. Still, they have vent holes and a ring around the rim that help dissipate the thick smoke clouds that can make sitting around a fire uncomfortable. Propane fire pits don’t burn wood and thus have almost no smoke. If smoke is a big concern, consider a propane pit.

Best fire pit overall

Breeo

Durable, versatile, and beautiful, the Breeo X Series 24 is an outstanding fire pit that serves as a hub for outdoor entertainment, can help you cook dinner, and looks like a piece of art all at the same time. 

Pros: Looks great, incredibly well-built, doubles as a wood-fired grill, high-quality components, and lifetime warranty.

Cons: Heavy

The Breeo X Series is incredibly well designed and engineered. For starters, the whole line is made from high-quality Corten steel, which allows it to naturally weather over time. This gives it a unique, timeless look that isn’t found in most other fire pits.

The X Series 24 is not only large enough to accept big logs with its 24-inch opening, but it keeps a flame going for hours. The line is designed with integrated airflow technology that makes it easier to get a blaze going while keeping the level of smoke produced to a minimum. 

The X Series 24 model is nearly 30 inches in diameter, so there’s plenty of room for people to gather around it to bask in warmth and comfort. It’s also 78 pounds, though, so don’t expect it to be portable.

The X Series 24 also makes for an amazing wood-fired grill with a stainless-steel outer ring that doubles as a sear plate to sizzle steaks, burgers, chicken, and the like. This model is also compatible with Breeo’s Outpost Grill add-on (which we didn’t test) that opens up the possibilities for cooking a meal even further. 

Because Breeo’s X Series 24 is incredibly well-built and well-designed, it’s also one of the more expensive models in our guide. But Breeo confidently backs its products with a lifetime warranty.

Best smokeless fire pit

BioLite

Technology and design come together in the BioLite FirePit+, a model that not only excels at grilling but comes equipped with an onboard rechargeable battery pack and a unique airflow design.

Pros: Great for grilling, burns both wood and charcoal efficiently, integrated fan and battery pack make starting a fire easy and keeps the FirePit+ relatively smoke-free.

Cons: The battery pack needs to be recharged regularly.

We’ve long loved BioLite’s original FirePit, and its second-generation FirePit+ is all the original best plus some significant upgrades.

Most notably, the FirePit+’s has a new body design that radiates more heat outward — ideal for staying warm on cold nights. It also has a new enamel coating that better holds up to high temperatures and allows for easy cleaning.

What makes the BioLite FirePit+ so unique is its battery-powered fan (which runs longer than the original). This keeps air flowing inside the unit itself, which not only allows the fire to burn more efficiently but also minimizes the amount of smoke produced. You control the speed of the fan using an on-device button or via the smartphone app. 

We especially love the FirePit+ because it weighs less than 20 pounds and it doubles as a grill. That means it’s ideal to use in your backyard, then load into the car for a weekend of camping or beach tailgating.

As for the grill, because it burns wood and charcoal, it has a high level of versatility. The FirePit+ even comes with a removable grill grate that facilitates hibachi-style cooking.

Best propane fire pit

Amazon

For the ultimate convenience, it’s tough to top the Outland Living Fire Bowl, a propane-powered fire pit that looks great, burns efficiently, and can produce a flame in seconds. 

Pros: Uses propane as a fuel source, looks great, fast and easy to use, and is smoke-free

Cons: Not as versatile as wood-burning models and if you run out of propane you won’t be able to maintain a fire

With its sleek, modern design, low profile, and efficient helios burner, the Outland Fire Bowl is a fire pit built for anyone who places a high value on convenience. It uses propane as a fuel source so you can get a flame going in a manner of seconds — ideal for someone who doesn’t have the skills, patience, or inclination to build a fire by hand.

Because it’s so easy to use, you’re also more likely to use it more often. Propane fires also burn more cleanly, which means you won’t be dealing with smoke, ash, or soot.

Unlike some propane fire pits, the Fire Bowl doesn’t have a push-button ignition which means you’ll still have to use matches to get a fire going. Once started, though, you can adjust the size and intensity of the blaze with the simple turn of a knob.

Outland ships the Fire Bowl with some handy accessories, including a pre-attached 10-foot hose and regulator, a stabilizing ring for the propane tank, and lava rocks to put inside the fire pit itself. The unit also comes with a cover and a carrying case, both of which are nice additions when it comes to keeping the Fire Bowl well protected from the elements. 

Best portable fire pit

Snow Peak

The Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace is lightweight and collapses down for ease of transport while offering excellent durability and performance wherever you take it. 

Pros: Lightweight and collapsible, the Snow Peak Fireplace is very easy to transport

Cons: Limited features out of the box

If you’re looking for a firepit to take on road trips or to use outside of just the backyards, it’s hard to find a lightweight, packable option. From Japanese outdoor brand well known for making clever, well-built camping products, the Snow Peak’s Pack & Carry Fireplace has the ability to collapse down and fold flat, which makes it extremely easy to carry with you to any outdoor setting.

And since it weighs just 11.9 pounds and comes with its own carrying case, there really isn’t any excuse to leave it behind.

Once you reach your destination, the Fireplace expands back into its regular shape in a matter of seconds, with wide, rounded-off legs securely holding it in place even when resting on uneven terrain. A series of small holes in the fire pit’s frame help to facilitate airflow, while its bucket-like receptacle can hold moderate-sized pieces of wood.

Yet the Fireplace is well-engineered and very durable. Made from high-quality stainless steel, this model is designed to withstand the elements and be transported on a regular basis. Because it is made of rugged metal, however, it does take a bit of time to cool after the party is over.

Out of the box, the Fireplace doesn’t have a lot of features or frills, although Snow Peak makes a number of accessories that extend its use even further. The company offers an array of cooking utensils for instance, and a grill top allows owners to cook over the fire.

Best budget fire pit

Amazon

Sturdy and durable, the no-frills Kingso Outdoor Fire Pit is affordable enough that anyone can add one to their backyard.

Pros: Attractive, inexpensive, and comes with some handy accessories

Cons: Not weather-resistant, requires some assembly, not a lot of frills

The Kingso Outdoor Fire Pit may not have all of the bells and whistles of other models on this list, but it is durable, good-looking, and gets the job done for a steal.

Lightweight and relatively compact, the Outdoor Fire Pit is made of rugged, heat-resistant steel. This makes it easy to move around or take with you on a camping trip. Unfortunately, the metal used is not particularly well suited for resisting the elements, so you do need to put it under cover when not in use to avoid rusting.

Despite the low price, the Outdoor Fire Pit still comes with a mesh cover that prevents sparks from escaping the flames and a metal poker that makes it easy to safely remove that lid and adjust logs while the fire is going. 

Assembly out of the box wasn’t too difficult in our testing. Once together, its 22-inch bucket can hold a surprising amount of wood and can comfortably accommodate a small gathering of people. That said, this unit is a bit smaller than the others on this list, which makes it a good choice for those with a smaller deck or patio. 

The real selling point of this particular model is without a doubt the price. For less than $60 you can own a reasonably well-made, portable, and attractive fire pit.

Fire pit safety tips

You should always take proper care when starting a fire, as well as putting one out. We strongly advise against using any of these fire pits if you lack the experience and recommend consulting an expert before using them.

You should also double-check where you can and can’t start a fire, be it in a residential setting or while camping. Not all campgrounds allow fires but in those that do, it’s important to understand the guidelines. It doesn’t hurt to take note of Smokey Bear’s fire safety rules, either.

FAQs

How do you clean a fire pit?

It’s important that you first wait until your fire pit is completely cooled off before attempting to clean any part of it. Ideally, you’d clean it on a day when you haven’t used it at all.

Actually cleaning the pit is a straightforward process. First, unhook any propane tanks or unplug any cords, and then remove all ash, burned wood, and debris from inside. You can then use some dishwashing soap (the grease-cutting kind tends to work best) and a warm cloth or scrub brush to scrub the inside of the pit. 

It’s recommended you wear some kind of protective gloves, and be careful not to get any electronics wet in the process. Let the fire pit fully dry (especially for those that plug into a wall or use some sort of battery) before using them again. Fire pits that just use wood can be used immediately.

---

How do you put out a fire in a fire pit?

If you’re using a fire pit that burns actual wood, you’ll want to make sure you effectively extinguish the blaze before leaving it. To do so, douse the flame with water and stir the ashes with a poker or stick. You should see the coals start to cool off. If they’re still lit (and the pit still feels warm), pour more water over them. Don’t leave the pit until it’s entirely cooled off. 

For propane fire pits, many just require you to turn off the propane (or turn off the pit via a built-in switch) and they’ll completely turn off. Check the owner’s manual for proper operation as some may differ from others. 

You’ll always want to have some sort of emergency extinguisher nearby should any fire get out of control, too. This could be anything from a bucket of water set somewhere close, a nearby hose turned on and ready to use, or even a fire extinguisher. If a fire becomes unruly, call 911 immediately. 

---

What should I look for in a fire pit?

Fire pits range from stone circles on the ground to innovative engineering and thoughtful designs. 

Modern fire pits should have strategically placed vents, air holes, and tubes to help make starting a fire easier than ever, while at the same time channeling away excess smoke. 

Modern fire pits come in all shapes and sizes, too, ranging from small, portable, wood-burning models, up to massive propane-powered structures permanently installed on a patio. 

No matter which size or model you choose, it’s likely to become the centerpiece of your outdoor space anytime a fire is lit. It also provides plenty of heat and light, allowing you to enjoy being outdoors even during the colder times of the year.

Some fire pits even make excellent grills, allowing you to cook entire meals over a flame. But most important of all, they’re a safe way to enjoy a bonfire in your backyard, without fear of the fire getting out of control. 

How we test fire pits

Each fire pit featured in this guide went through a series of tests to see how it compared across these four categories:

Ease of use: First and foremost, you should be able to easily start a fire in the fire pit. Sometimes this means a button ignition, other times it means enough space to build a solid wood starter. Some fire pits are designed not just for easy fire starting but also in keeping the flame lit and full for several hours. If it feels like a chore to get it lit and to stay burning, you’re less likely to want to use it very often.

Versatility: In addition to providing a warm flame for you to gather around, some fire pits come with additional functionality such as being able to grill on them or pack down small enough to take on camping trips. Of course, we still considered home-specific fire pits that excelled at their lone purpose but did make not of multi-faceted options where necessary.

Design: A poor design could mean that the fire burns out more quickly or that it doesn’t quite ration the wood well. A bad design can also just be an eye-sore, and if it’s something you’re looking to keep in your backyard, it’s likely you prefer one that not only maintains fire but looks good doing it.

Value: Value is the sum of the categories above, as well as some attention toward its actual price. Though it’s ideal to not have to spend a fortune on a simple fire pit, it’s smart to invest in something that’s premium and high quality as opposed to spending less money more often on a cheaply-built model. 

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Mint Mobile offers excellent value if you use 15GB of data or less monthly, while Visible Wireless is our favorite budget option for unlimited data.

Business Insider

If prices on T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon have you worried, your best bet is to consider carriers with more affordable plans, like Mint Mobile and Visible Wireless. 

Mint Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses T-Mobile’s network and thus has the same coverage. Visible is a little different, as it’s owned and operated by Verizon while enjoying Verizon’s extensive coverage. They offer less expensive plans than T-Mobile and Verizon, especially for accounts with one or two lines. 

Mint Mobile and Visible exchange certain premium features you’d find on major carriers for affordability. Namely, premium data with speeds unaffected by network congestion and data-connected smartwatch support. However, while pricey for an affordable option, Visible offers a premium plan, Visible+, that includes both these features.

At the same time, Mint Mobile’s excellent customer support and value for those who use 15GB or less can’t be ignored. Check out our breakdown between Mint Mobile and Visible below for more detail. 

Plan offerings and flexibility

While either of Visible’s two plans is a superior value for unlimited data, Mint Mobile offers more plan variety, including the option to pay as low as $15/month for a limited 5GB of data. 

Except for Visible’s premium plan, all Visible and Mint Mobile plans offer data subject to deprioritized speeds on Verizon’s and T-Mobile’s networks, respectively. 

Where Mint Mobile offers prepaid plans in three-, six-, and twelve-month increments, Visible’s plans are prepaid monthly or annually. Below, we’ve noted the standard starting prices for the entry-level plans from the MVNOs: Mint Mobile’s three-month plans and Visible’s monthly options. 

Note: Mint Mobile’s three-month plans are currently discounted to $15/month with a new customer promotion. For a limited time, the first month of a Visible+ monthly plan is also discounted to $25/month. 

Both Mint Mobile and Visible offer mobile hot spot connectivity. With data-specific Mint Mobile plans, mobile hot spot data is limited to the amount of data in the data plan at the same service speeds. However, for Mint Mobile’s unlimited data plan, mobile hot spot is strangely limited to 10GB.

Meanwhile, Visible doesn’t have a data limit for hot spot connectivity, but speeds are limited to 5Mbps on the standard plan, which is fine for sending emails, light web browsing, music streaming, and perhaps some video streaming at lower resolutions. You get faster 10Mbps data speeds on the Visible+ plan, which gives you more freedom to do basically whatever you want except streaming video at 4K. 

Another thing to consider is that Visible offers a data plan for smartwatches (only available for Apple Watch models at the time of writing), which comes included in the Visible+ plan or costs an additional $10/month with the standard Visible plan. Mint doesn’t offer any data plans for smartwatches, so Visible is the clear choice if you plan to use data on a connected Apple Watch. 

See our full Mint Mobile review or Visible Wireless review for more comprehensive plan breakdowns. 

Coverage and data speeds

While Mint’s coverage via T-Mobile is impressive, you should check with neighbors or social media to see if T-Mobile’s networks covers where you need it.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network, while Visible (owned by Verizon) runs on Verizon’s network. That gives Visible an advantage, as Verizon’s network generally has better coverage in rural areas than T-Mobile’s, which will matter if you know you travel away from urban areas. 

Before signing up, check Mint Mobile’s and Visible’s respective coverage maps to ensure that the areas you frequent are adequately covered. 

T-Mobile (and, therefore, Mint Mobile) can service rural areas as well, if not better, than AT&T and Verizon. However, it’s more case-by-case than other carriers and less comprehensive than Verizon’s coverage. You should also check with neighbors, friends, family, or even social networks like Nextdoor to see if T-Mobile works well enough in a specific area.

Visible’s Verizon coverage offers more comprehensive coverage in the US.

Visible

Mint Mobile and Visible aren’t “premium” major carriers, so their data speeds are “deprioritized” under T-Mobile and Verizon customers. That means data speeds on either Mint Mobile or Visible may become slower temporarily in areas or when their networks are congested.

Mint Mobile customers have access to all of T-Mobile’s 4G LTE and 5G networks, including the low-band (around 20% faster than LTE), mid-band (2-4x faster than LTE), and wide-band (extremely fast) 5G networks. The speeds you experience on Mint Mobile depend on which network is available where you are; Mint itself says that most users find themselves on low- and mid-band 5G networks the majority of the time. 

Visible’s two plans offer different access to Verizon’s network and, thus, different speeds. The standard Visible plan, subject to deprioritization at any time, gives you access to Verizon’s 4G LTE and standard 5G networks. Closer to some of the best cellphone plans from major carriers, the Visible+ plan grants 50GB of “premium” 4G LTE and 5G data, which doesn’t slow down when the network is congested. It also gives users access to Verizon’s fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network.

Customer support

Mint’s mobile app stands out as particularly straightforward to use.

Eve Montie/Business Insider

Mint Mobile’s customer support is second to none among any type of carrier, whether more affordable MVNO carriers or major premium ones.

The Mint Mobile app is well laid out and simple to navigate. It shows you most of what you’d typically want to know or manage, like a data usage indicator, which is handy for judging how much data you usually use in a month. The app also lets you switch plans straight from the app. 

If Mint Mobile’s app doesn’t have the answers or actions you’re looking for, the carrier’s phone and online chat support are refreshingly responsive and have notably short wait times relative to our experience with other carriers. 

The Visible app has the options you need, but it’s not as well laid out as Mint’s.

Eve Montie/Insider

Visible’s app and customer support are comparatively average for a carrier, which means your experience can be fine or frustrating. The Visible app gives you similar functionality as Mint Mobile’s, like data usage and plan switching, but it’s generally not as well laid out or easy to navigate. 

However, if you decide to leave either service, Mint Mobile and Visible offer straightforward methods to cancel plans through their respective apps, websites, or customer support lines. 

Mint lets new customers cancel and receive a full refund within seven days of activating their service. Existing customers can disable auto-renewal in the Mint app or by calling customer support 24 hours before their next payment, or you can simply opt not to actively renew.  

Visible offers no refund opportunity, but customers can cancel anytime ahead of their next monthly or annual payment through the carrier’s app or website. 

Which should you sign up for?

Mint Mobile and Visible could be worthwhile budget carriers depending on your needs and location.

Business Insider

Before considering anything, you need to make sure which carrier has the network coverage that works for you. It won’t matter if Mint Mobile or Visible Wireless has the perfect plan if you can barely use it due to limited coverage. 

With its customer support, user experience, and plan variety, Mint Mobile is a winner among the best cheap cellphone plans. If you know that T-Mobile’s network covers you, it offers exceptional value for those who only need up to 15GB of data per month. That’s a decent amount of data, and it’s worth checking if you use as much on your current carrier. If you’re a low-data user, switching to any of Mint Mobile’s entry-level plans is a solid move. 

Beyond 15GB, Verizon-backed Visible Wireless starts to offer better value with unlimited data, as the basic $25/month Visible unlimited plan has the same monthly price as Mint Mobile’s entry-level 25GB plan.  

For those who don’t want to risk slower data speeds from a congested network, the $45/month Visible+ plan with 50GB of premium data is an ideal “budget” option that offers great value for the first few lines, especially compared to Verizon’s plans, some of which even lack premium data. You would need four lines or more on Verizon’s Unlimited Plus plan to get premium data on Verizon at the same $45/month price, for instance.  

AP Photo/Richard Drew

• Chewy and Petco shares spiked briefly on Thursday after Keith Gill posted a dog on his X account.
• Chewy shares were up as much as 28%, while Petco shares surged as much as 13%.
• Both stocks had pared the gains as the market headed to the closing bell. 

Chewy and Petco Health and Wellness Company shares enjoyed a fleeting rally on Thursday after Keith Gill, the meme trader known by his online moniker “Roaring Kitty,” posted a picture of a dog on his X account.

The petcare stocks spiked around 1:00 p.m. as Gill posted the image. Chewy was up as much as 28% to trade at $35.75 a share before paring the gain, while Petco briefly surged 13% to trade at $3.66 a share.

Gill revived interest in GME overnight earlier this year after he posted a picture of a man leaning forward in a seat holding a video game controller, which sent GameStop shares soaring 74%.

Shares soared again when the famous retail trader posted screenshots on his Reddit account, which revealed he owned 5 million shares of GameStop stock. He’s since nearly doubled his stake to 9 million shares and is among the top holders of the video game retailer’s stock.

GameStop shares have plunged 47% since early June, but ticked higher 3% on Thursday.