Fire pits are great for creating a gathering place in your backyard at night and during cold weather. They can be a great way to entertain your friends, cook food, provide ambiance to your outdoor space, and most importantly, provide some needed warmth.
But have you ever felt that you aren’t getting all the warmth you need from your fire pit? If so, then you need a pit heat deflector.
Read on below to learn more and find the right one for you!
Summary Table
Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Our Take
What is a Fire Pit Heat Deflector?
A fire pit heat deflector (sometimes called a heat reflector) is an accessory that can be placed over a fire pit to direct the heat from the fire pit toward people sitting around a fire pit on a patio or any other outdoor environment. The fire pit heat deflectors can have various shapes: square, rectangular, and circular. They come in various sizes in width, length, and height. So, you can find one to fit your fire pit.
How Does a Fire Pit Heat Deflector Work?
A fire pit sends heat up vertically into the air. The fire pit heat deflector is meant to counter the heat loss and redirect this heat sideways to warm the people seated beside the pit. More specifically, the fire pit heat deflector is placed over a fire pit flame to redirect the heat, sending it horizontally to the sides away from the pit to family and friends who sit around the pit.Â
What Type of Fire Pits Use a Heat Deflector?
You will mainly find fire pit heat deflectors for built-in fire pits, free-standing fire pit bowls, and fire pit tables. Heat deflectors can work on gas fire pits (propane and natural gas), wood fire pits, etc.
Is there a difference between a heat deflector for a gas fire pit or a wood fire pit? From our experience, the only additional consideration for a fire pit heat deflector on a wood fire pit is that you may need some additional space between the flame and the deflector to allow you to put wood into the fire.
What Size Fire Pit Heat Deflector is Right for my Fire Pit?
When buying a fire pit heat deflector, there are several size dimensions to consider. Therefore, you should ensure that:
The area of the fire pit heat deflector covers the entire area of the bowl or fire area of your fire pit. If the heat deflector is too small, too much heat will rise vertically and may prevent heat from traveling horizontally.
The legs of the fire pit heat deflector are 1) not in the fire bowl/fire area of your fire pit and 2) are in a position to support the heat deflector appropriately
The heat deflector is above the height of the flame. Ideally, you do not want the fire pit’s flame touching the heat deflector. Additionally, if you need to add wood to your fire, you will need several inches of clearance between the fire pit heat deflector and the top of the flame to let you add wood to the fire
Safety Considerations for Fire Pit Heat Deflectors
Heat deflectors are extremely hot after use. Though some deflectors may come with handles insulated from heat, it is advisable to allow any heat deflector to cool down before moving to the store. The deflector may take 30 minutes or a few hours to cool down (you can refer to manufacturer information for best guidance).
Proper supervision is needed during the cooling process because the fire pit heat deflector will still be hot for some time when it is removed from the fire pit, or the flames are extinguished. It is also safe to keep flammable objects away from the deflector. If you need to move the pit heat deflector while it is hot, you can consult the manufacturer’s manual on how to do it safely. Using heat-resistant gloves to remove the warm cover to a safe zone may be advisable.
7 Best Fire Pit Heat Deflectors
If you are on the search for the best fire pit heat deflectors, have a look at 7 of the best options below (in no particular order)
#1
Heat Warden Heat Deflector
Our Take: Most Popular Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Heat Warden Heat Deflector
Highlights:
- 304 Stainless Steel, carbon steel
- Four foldable legs
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Easy to set up and move
The Heat Warden USA heat deflector features a highly polished American 304 Stainless Steel/ carbon steel construction design to last a long time. Its custom-made steel legs fold flat to allow easy storage and transportation to and from your fire pit.
The Heat Warden comes with side shields to block the wind from sending sparks to you and other people around the fire pit. The unit is easy to install; all you need is to unfold its foldable legs and place the deflector security around the fire pit.
What Sets it Apart from Other Fire Pit Heat Deflectors:
Heat Warden is one of the most popular and well-built heat deflectors on the market right now. This is the brand that constantly showed up in our searches when we were looking for a heat deflector for our own fire pit table. If you are looking for a trusted brand that is made in America, then you should consider a Heat Warden heat deflector.
#2
VEVOR Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Our Take: Budget-Friendly Fire Pit Heat Deflector
VEVOR Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Highlights:
- 430 Stainless Steel, carbon steel
- Four foldable legs
- Bakelite handle for heat protection
- Compact design for easy storage
VEVOR fire pit heat deflector is an excellent heat deflector for your heating needs. It features 430 stainless steel construction to guarantee you a long serviceable life. In addition, the Vevor fire pit heat deflector comes with four foldable legs, which unfold to provide sufficient space for heat spreading and collapse to allow for easy carrying.Â
With a size of 26.4 x 25.6 x 2.4 inches, the Vevor fire pit heat deflector fits well in square and rectangular fire pits. Its 12 pounds and the PVC-coated legs allow for a sturdy stature of the heat saver without scratching the pit. The Vevor’s fire pit heat deflector is designed with your safety in mind. It has curved corners and Bakelite handles, which allow for secure removal and moving of the deflector.
What Sets it Apart from Other Fire Pit Heat Deflectors:
The VEVOR Fire Pit Heat Deflector comes with many of the same characteristics and options as other heat deflectors but comes at a lower price point than other heat deflectors. So, if you are looking to save some money on your fire pit accessories, check out this option from VEVOR.
#3
Solo Stove Yukon Heat Deflector
Our Take: Best Heat Deflector for Solo Stove Fire Pits
Solo Stove Yukon Heat Deflector
Highlights:
- 304 Stainless Steel
- Compatible with Yukon Fire Pit
- Three detachable legs
- Additional sizes available for other Solo Stove models
The Solo Stove Yukon heat deflector is unique because it’s made for a specific brand of fire pit: the Solo Stove, a popular fire pit brand. They have fire pit heat deflectors for specific versions of their fire pits. Like in this case, the Yukon fire pit heat deflector is compatible with the Yukon fire pit.Â
It features a 304Â stainless steel construction, enabling many years of use of this heat deflector. The angle center cone and deflection disc work in tandem to trap the flaring heat and send the warmth of the fire pit laterally to warm your family.Â
The cover pack has three detachable legs with a lock and latch mechanism, allowing enough space for heat build-up and spread. The deflector is very sturdy thanks to the detachable legs and the deflector’s 10 pounds weight.
What Sets it Apart from Other Fire Pit Heat Deflectors:
If you have a Yukon Solo Stove, this is the heat deflector for you because this is specifically designed to fit your fire pit. If you have other types of fire pits from Solo Stove, you can get one specifically made for the Ranger model or the Bonfire model.
#4
Heat Warden Premium Heat Deflector
Our Take: Best for Ultimate Heat Direction Control
Heat Warden Premium Heat Deflector
Highlights:
- 304 Stainless Steel, carbon steel
- Four foldable legs
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Three side shields
With three side shields, the Heat Warden Premium Fire Pit Heat Deflector may be your go-to option if you’re looking for a heat deflector capable of blocking the wind and better directing heat. You can remove the shields to allow the Heat Warden spread to different directions depending on the number of your friends. Moreover, the Heat Warden cover features a high-quality stainless steel construction to withstand elements.Â
Another advantage of the Heat Warden fire pit heat saver is that it comes with foldable legs which unfold to provide needed support for the deflector over the fire pit flame and to allow for easy storage.
What Sets it Apart from Other Fire Pit Heat Deflectors:
The three heat shields give you unparalleled ability to control and focus the direction of the heat from your fire pit. So, if you need the ability to direct the heat to a specific direction (or keep heat from going to a certain area), go with this heat deflector from Heat Warden.
#5
HeatSaver Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Our Take: Best Circular Fire Pit Heat Deflector
HeatSaver Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Highlights:
- Aluminum material construction
- Lightweight and portable
- Legs telescope to adjust the height of deflector
The HeatSaver Fire Pit Heat Deflector distributes heat in all directions to provide sufficient heating, thanks to the curvature of the design of this fire pit heat deflector. Its legs are adjustable to let you tailor the height of the heat deflector to the height of your fire pit flame.
Additionally, you can lower the height of one leg to tilt the dish to act as a wind block and better direct the heat from your fire pit. Ensure you maintain a minimum depth of the heat deflector so that it doesn’t interrupt the visual enjoyment of the flame.
You can detach the legs when not in use and then use the dish to cover the firepit from the elements. The aluminum construction of this fire pit heat deflector should allow many years of use from this heat deflector.
What Sets it Apart from Other Fire Pit Heat Deflectors:
This is a great option if you have a circular fire area in your fire pit and you would like your heat deflector to have the same circular shape. The adjustable legs are also a great feature that you won’t find in other brands.
#6
Titan Great Outdoors Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Our Take: Best Heavy Duty Heat Deflector
Titan Great Outdoors Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Highlights:
- Stainless steel material
- Four foldable legs
- Easy-to-carry handle
- Item weight: 17lbs
The Titan Great Outdoors fire pit heat deflector features a stainless steel construction that won’t bend or rust when exposed to elements, providing a lifetime of use. Additionally, the Titan Great Outdoor’s deflector features collapsible legs that give enough room for heat to build up and spread. Carrying the deflector to and from the yard is a breeze, thanks to the attached carry handle. Finally, this heat deflector can be used as a lid for your fire pit.
What Sets it Apart from Other Fire Pit Heat Deflectors:
This fire pit heat deflector weighs 17lbs, which is heavier than most other options that weigh about 12-13lbs. So, if want a heat deflector that weighs a bit more to better withstand some higher winds, consider the Titan Great Outdoors heat deflector for your next purchase.Â
#7
Brewtus Designs Breeo Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Our Take: Best Heat Deflector for Breeo Fire Pits
Brewtus Designs Breeo Fire Pit Heat Deflector
Highlights:
- High-quality metal construction
- Designed specifically for certain Breeo fire pits
- Customizable top
This fire pit heat deflector by Brewtus Designs that is designed specifically for Breeo fire pits can be a great purchase for your backyard. It features a stainless steel construction to overcome the outdoor elements for a long useful life season after season. Additionally, the fire Breeo fire pit’s lid can be personalized, which can be a great way to customize this heat deflector to your backyard style.Â
What Sets it Apart from Other Fire Pit Heat Deflectors:
If you have a Breeo fire pit, this heat deflector should be your first option since it is specifically designed for Breeo fire pits.Â
Conclusion
A fire pit heat deflector is a must-have accessory if you own a firepit because it can help get the most heat to you and your family and friends as you enjoy your fire pit. We list several options available here, so pick the one that best suits your needs!
