There’s a specific magic to a cool evening spent outdoors, the kind where conversation flows as easily as the drinks and the chill in the air is kept at bay by a crackling fire. For years, my backyard felt like it was missing that one central element to bring it all together. We had the chairs, the string lights, but no focal point. We’d try bundling up in blankets, but the allure would fade as the temperature dropped. We considered a simple grill, but that felt too utilitarian for just relaxing. We thought about an outdoor table, but that didn’t provide warmth. The problem was clear: we needed something that could do it all, a single piece that could transform our patio from a simple space into a destination for warmth, food, and connection. Without it, our outdoor gatherings often felt incomplete, cut short by the creeping cold or the lack of a communal activity.
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not make fire and cover...
- [Beautiful & Humanized Design]OutVue fire pit table comes with 2 height-adjustable and 360° swivel grills which disassemble freely. You can barbecue, keep food warm or put pan to cook on them. The...
- [Durable& Safe] OutVue outdoor fire pit hold up to 20 lb wood, offer roaring fire and enough warmth. Firepit has 4 legs and enough weight can improve stability on uneven ground. Wood fire pits for...
What to Consider Before Buying a Fire Pit
A fire pit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating an inviting and functional outdoor living space. It serves as a natural gathering spot, providing warmth that extends the usability of your patio or yard into cooler seasons. Beyond simple heat, it becomes a hub for socializing, marshmallow roasting, and even open-flame cooking. A quality fire pit transforms an empty patch of grass into an outdoor living room, offering a mesmerizing focal point that encourages people to put down their phones and connect in a way that few other backyard features can. It’s an investment in ambiance, comfort, and countless memorable nights under the stars.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of an underutilized outdoor space. They are hosts, families, and individuals who want to maximize their time outside, whether for quiet relaxation, lively parties, or casual weeknight dinners. They value versatility and want a product that can adapt to their needs—a source of heat one night, a BBQ grill the next, and a functional table when not in use. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those with very limited patio space, those living in areas with strict fire bans, or individuals who prioritize a completely smoke-free experience (who might consider a propane or specialized smokeless unit instead). For those seeking pure grilling performance, a dedicated charcoal or gas grill might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A 36-inch fire pit is substantial. You must ensure you have adequate clearance from your home, fences, and any overhanging trees or structures. Measure your intended area, accounting not just for the pit itself, but also for comfortable seating and safe walking paths around it. The generous tabletop size is a benefit, but only if it doesn’t crowd your space.
- Capacity/Performance: Consider the fire bowl’s size (24 inches in this case) and wood capacity (up to 20 lbs). This determines the size of the fire you can build and how long it will burn. The addition of adjustable, swiveling grills is a major performance feature, allowing you to control cooking temperature and move food on and off the heat with ease.
- Materials & Durability: Most fire pits in this price range are made from powder-coated or painted steel/iron. While affordable, this material is susceptible to rust over time, especially if the coating is scratched or left exposed to the elements. Heavier-gauge steel, cast iron, or stainless steel will offer greater longevity but at a significantly higher cost. The inclusion of a waterproof cover is a critical accessory for extending the life of any steel fire pit.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the entire lifecycle. How easy is assembly? How will you manage the fire with the included poker? Critically, how will you clean out the ashes? Models without a removable ash pan require you to scoop out debris or, as we discovered with this unit, tip the entire pit over, which can be cumbersome.
Keeping these factors in mind, the OutVue 36 Inch 3-in-1 Fire Pit with Grills stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the OutVue 36 Inch 3-in-1 Fire Pit with Grills is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not make fire and cover...
- 3-in-1 Fire Pit: Panovue outdoor fire pit can provide inviting warmth for your patio, yard, or garden, also be used as an outdoor BBQ to cook food or as an ice bucket to keep beverages cold. When you...
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop[No waterproof cover]. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Triple-Threat Fire Pit
The arrival of the OutVue 36 Inch 3-in-1 Fire Pit with Grills was met with anticipation. The box, while large, was manageable at 35 pounds—heavy enough to suggest substance, yet light enough for one person to maneuver. Inside, the packaging was commendable. As one user noted, the pieces were well-protected with styrofoam and bubble wrap, a thoughtful touch that minimized the risk of transit damage like the dents and bends a few others have unfortunately experienced. Laying out all the pieces, the vision began to take shape: the deep fire bowl, the segmented outer ring, the sturdy-looking legs, and the stars of the show—the two swiveling grill grates. The black powder-coated finish looked sleek and modern, and the geometric cutouts on the side promised a beautiful light show once a fire was lit. The assembly process, however, is where we encountered the mixed bag reported by many users. While the instructions were straightforward, some patience and a bit of elbow grease were required. A few screw holes didn’t align perfectly, demanding some force to bring together. We highly recommend ditching the included multi-tool in favor of your own screwdriver or, better yet, a power driver to make the process much smoother and ensure a tight fit.
What We Like
- Incredibly versatile 3-in-1 design serves as a fire pit, BBQ grill, and a full-size table.
- Dual height-adjustable, 360° swivel cooking grates offer exceptional grilling flexibility.
- Generous 36-inch diameter provides ample table space and a great focal point for groups.
- Includes a complete accessory package: lid, poker, and a fitted waterproof cover.
Drawbacks
- Material is relatively thin gauge steel, raising concerns about long-term durability and rust.
- Assembly can be challenging due to occasional misaligned holes and difficult-to-tighten screws.
A Deep Dive into the OutVue’s Performance
A product that promises to be a jack-of-all-trades can often end up being a master of none. We put the OutVue 36 Inch 3-in-1 Fire Pit with Grills through its paces over several weeks of cool evenings, backyard cookouts, and lazy afternoons to see if its performance could live up to its ambitious design. We focused on its three core functions and the overall user experience, from the first spark to the final cleanup.
Assembly and Build Quality: A Story of Value and Compromise
Our journey began, as all do, with assembly. The consensus from user feedback is split, and our experience landed squarely in the middle. The process isn’t inherently complex, but it’s where you first notice the trade-offs made to achieve this product’s attractive price point. The metal, while finished nicely, is noticeably thin. As one user aptly put it, it’s “pretty solid for flimsy metal.” This isn’t a heavyweight, cast-iron heirloom piece. The outer tabletop ring comes in several segments that must be painstakingly screwed together. This is where a power tool becomes your best friend. Some users reported that screws didn’t fit tightly without one, and we found that getting everything perfectly level and centered was a challenge. Our final build had a slight “wonky” look to the outer ring, a minor aesthetic imperfection that many others have noted. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a reminder that this is a value-oriented product. The legs attach securely, and once fully assembled, the unit is surprisingly stable. At 35 pounds, it strikes a great balance mentioned by one user: “Heavy enough to stay stationary, but light enough to easily move for cleaning around it.” The takeaway here is to manage expectations. If you are handy and have your own tools, you can have it built in under 30 minutes. If you expect perfect alignment and high-end materials, you may be disappointed.
The Main Event: Performance as a Fire Pit and Grill
This is where the OutVue 36 Inch 3-in-1 Fire Pit with Grills truly begins to shine. As a fire pit, it’s excellent. The 24-inch fire bowl is deep and spacious, easily holding 4-5 standard logs and accommodating the stated 20 lb wood capacity. The modern geometric cutouts aren’t just for show; they provide fantastic airflow, helping the fire catch quickly and burn strongly with less smoke than a simple steel ring. The result is a vibrant, captivating blaze that throws off a significant amount of heat, making it a perfect centerpiece for a chilly evening. The mesh screens behind the cutouts do an adequate job of containing sparks, adding a layer of safety.
But the real game-changer is the dual grilling system. We were incredibly impressed with this feature. The two grates are independently adjustable in height and can swing a full 360 degrees. This is not just a gimmick; it’s a brilliant piece of functional design. We could sear burgers over high heat on one grate while gently warming buns or keeping cooked food ready on the other, swung away from the direct flames. This flexibility is something you don’t even get on many dedicated grills. As one happy user who took it camping noted, you can “swing the food away from the fire… so it doesn’t over cook but still stays warm.” We grilled hot dogs, chicken skewers, and ears of corn, and the system worked flawlessly. A pro tip we’d echo is to spray the grates with cooking oil beforehand to prevent sticking. The ability to spontaneously decide to cook dinner over the fire you’re already enjoying is a feature we came to absolutely love.
From Bonfire to Coffee Table: The Versatility of the 3-in-1 Design
The transition from a fire pit to an outdoor table is what elevates the OutVue from a good product to a great one for many people. The included metal lid fits over the fire bowl, instantly converting the entire unit into a 36-inch round table. For many users, this was the “selling point,” and we have to agree. The day after a bonfire, we simply placed the lid on top, and it became the perfect spot for morning coffee or an afternoon chat. It effectively doubles the utility of the product, making it a valuable piece of patio furniture even when not in use. This solves a major problem with many fire pits: they are often large, single-purpose items that take up valuable space. The OutVue, by contrast, earns its keep 24/7.
The included accessories round out the experience. The fire poker is standard but functional for managing logs safely. More importantly, the round waterproof cover is a fantastic addition. Given the concerns about the thinner-gauge metal and potential for rust, this cover is not just a bonus; it’s essential. We made sure to cover the pit after every use once it cooled down. We did notice, as one proactive user did, a few tiny spots of surface rust beginning to form along some edges after a week outside, even with the cover. Our recommendation is to take their advice: invest in a can of high-heat black spray paint and give the entire unit, especially the fire bowl, a protective coat before its first use. This small, inexpensive step could be the difference between getting 2-3 years of use and getting 5-6, making the value proposition even stronger. For those seeking a truly multifunctional centerpiece for their yard, the smart 3-in-1 design is worth a closer look.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our extensive testing, we dug into the wider pool of user feedback to see how our experience compared. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the product’s value and versatility. One user perfectly captured the general feeling, saying, “The quality and durability for the cost are fantastic. I have recommended it to anybody with a yard.” Many, like us, were “pleasantly impressed” by its size and attractive appearance once assembled. The table feature is a recurring point of praise, with one person noting it “turns it into a table in front of the patio loveseat when it’s not burning.”
However, the criticisms are just as consistent and align with our findings. The most common complaint revolves around assembly challenges and build quality. Phrases like “Definitely flimsy,” “rim is flimsy,” and “not 100% level” appear frequently. Several users confirm the need for force or their own power tools to overcome misaligned holes or improperly tapped threads. One detailed review stated, “I had to muscle and hammer on some places to get the screws or metal pieces lined up.” This feedback is crucial for potential buyers: the OutVue offers incredible features for its price, but it achieves this by using lighter materials and having manufacturing tolerances that are less than perfect.
How Does the OutVue 3-in-1 Compare to the Alternatives?
The OutVue 36 Inch 3-in-1 Fire Pit with Grills occupies a sweet spot of versatility and value, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your priorities—be it durability, simplicity, or fuel type—one of these alternatives might be a better fit for your backyard.
1. hykolity 35 Inch Fire Pit with Cooking Grate
- 【3-IN-1 Outdoor Fire Pit】: Measures 35” Dia x 26” H, This wood burning fire pit from Hykolity features a multi-functional design, ideal for outdoor heating and grilling. The round cover lid...
- 【Convenient Design】: The large cooking grate has a diameter of 18.5 inches, while the small one has a diameter of 15 inches, making it safe to cook on. With built-in handles at both ends, the...
- 【Accessories Complete】: The fire pit also features a log rack, a charcoal pan, and a poker. The log rack can help promote efficient log burn while the charcoal pan can be placed into the fire pit...
The Hykolity is the most direct competitor to the OutVue, offering a very similar feature set. It boasts a large outer ring that functions as a table, a cooking grate for grilling, and a wood-burning design. The primary difference is its single, larger cooking grate compared to OutVue’s dual, more flexible system. While the Hykolity’s grate is also adjustable, it lacks the brilliant versatility of having two independent cooking zones. If your focus is more on large-group grilling on a single surface and less on the multi-zone cooking the OutVue excels at, the Hykolity presents a compelling, and often similarly priced, alternative.
2. Panovue 32 inch Octagonal Fire Pit
- [Beautiful & Safe Design] Panovue fire pit is unique octagon which is complement to any style yard. Wood fire pit for outside are coated with high-temperature powder for durability and rust...
- [Enough Heat] Panovue firepit has vents on fire pit's sides and ridges on bottom of fire pit which can help elevate firewood for better air flow underneath fire, resulting in more efficient combustion...
- [Suitable for Gatherings]The fire pit has foot pedals of octagonal bonfire pit outer ring. This wood burning fire pits can accommodate 6 people for heating and each angle is warm enough. The octagonal...
If you prioritize simplicity and a robust fire over cooking and tabletop functionality, the Panovue is an excellent choice. This fire pit forgoes the grills and table lid in favor of a straightforward, heavy-duty octagonal design. Its focus is purely on being a great wood-burning fire pit. The deep bowl and solid construction are designed for creating impressive fires. This is the pick for someone who already has a dedicated grill and outdoor table and simply wants a durable, attractive, and no-fuss centerpiece for warmth and ambiance without the extra bells and whistles.
3. Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit
- Perfect No-Mess Campfire: With our fire pit, say goodbye to dirty ash, expensive firewood, and bothersome smoke and enjoy a clean, realistic propane fire pit for outside. The perfect outdoor fireplace...
- Compact and Easy to Transport: Travel-size fire pit is lightweight and portable. Easily set up in minutes with no tools required. All-weather fire bowl, outdoor fire pits delivers a clean and...
- Beat the Campfire Ban: CSA approved fire pit is safe to use during most campfire bans. Always check with the current fire restrictions in your area. Spark-free propane campfire helps protect...
For those who desire warmth without the work, the Outland Living fire pit is in a different league entirely. It runs on propane, meaning there’s no wood to chop, no smoke to dodge, and no ashes to clean up. It offers instant, adjustable flames at the turn of a knob. Its 58,000 BTU output provides substantial heat, and its portable design makes it ideal for camping, tailgating, or use on decks where wood-burning might be prohibited. You sacrifice the authentic crackle of a wood fire and the ability to cook, but you gain unparalleled convenience, portability, and a smoke-free experience.
Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the Versatile Host
After weeks of testing, grilling, and relaxing, our conclusion is clear: the OutVue 36 Inch 3-in-1 Fire Pit with Grills is a fantastic product that punches well above its weight class. It successfully delivers on its promise of being a fire pit, a grill, and a table, and it executes each function with surprising competence. The dual swiveling grills are a standout feature that adds legitimate cooking capability, while the table conversion lid makes it a useful piece of furniture day in and day out.
Yes, there are compromises. The metal is thin, and assembly can be a bit of a wrestle. It will require care and likely a coat of high-heat paint to maximize its lifespan against the elements. However, to find this level of multi-functionality and thoughtful design at this price point is exceptionally rare. For the homeowner, camper, or host who values versatility and wants to create a warm, inviting, and functional outdoor hub without breaking the bank, this fire pit is an absolute winner.
If you’ve decided the OutVue 36 Inch 3-in-1 Fire Pit with Grills is the right fit for your backyard gatherings, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API