I’ve ranked these four alfresco fireplaces by how well each suits a distinct outdoor-living need, because they differ more in use and installation than in appearance alone. The COOKE Palisades is my pick for a permanent, high-output natural-gas gathering spot; the Alfresco Home Cheyenne is a flexible propane table that can be covered for dining; and the SimpliFire Forum gives a wall-mounted flame effect without adding heat or requiring a gas line. For a wood-burning focal point with usable side tables, the Deko Living takes a separate, more traditional route.
Get furniture and decor delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
The main tradeoffs are fuel access, heat, and how much space the fireplace occupies. Natural gas suits a fixed patio with an existing connection, propane keeps the Cheyenne more movable but requires a separate tank, and wood offers a real fire with storage and ash to manage. SimpliFire is the only electric model, but its flame is decorative rather than a source of warmth. I’d choose by starting with how you want to use the area, then checking whether its fuel and installation demands fit your home.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Best for a permanent gas setup: COOKE’s 60,000-BTU natural-gas burner suits larger gatherings, but it needs a gas connection and weighs 200 pounds.
- Best dual-purpose fire table: Alfresco Home’s Cheyenne includes a center disc that turns the propane fire pit into a full table; its 20-pound tank is sold separately.
- Best flame effect for a covered outdoor design: SimpliFire offers four flame options and 13 ember-bed colors, but it produces no heat.
- Best wood-burning centerpiece: Deko Living combines side tables and log storage, though its heating coverage is under 250 square feet and wood requires tending.
- Installation should lead the decision: The Forum mounts to a wall, the Palisades needs a natural-gas supply, and the Cheyenne and Deko have freestanding formats.
| COOKE Palisades Rectangular Natural Gas Fire Pit Table, 52 x 36 in, Dark Cherry Base |  | Best Overall for a Permanent Natural-Gas Patio | Fuel: Natural gas | Burner output: 60,000 BTU | Dimensions: 36 x 52 x 21 in (D x W x H) | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Alfresco Home Cheyenne 40-Inch Square Gas Fire Pit |  | Best Value in Versatile Table Use | Fuel: Propane | Shape: Square | Size: 40 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| SimpliFire Forum 55-Inch Outdoor Electric Fireplace |  | Best for a Weatherproof Wall-Mounted Flame Effect | Type: Outdoor electric fireplace | Size: 55 inches | Dimensions: 8.25 in D x 57.75 in W x 18.12 in H | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Deko Living 70-Inch Rectangular Outdoor Steel Wood-Burning Fireplace with Side Tables |  | Best for a Wood-Fired Outdoor Focal Point | Fuel: Wood | Installation: Freestanding | Dimensions: 35.43 x 69.29 x 17.72 inches | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| alfresco fireplace | Fuel | Dimensions | Weight | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOKE Palisades Rectangular Na | Natural gas | 36 x 52 x 21 in (D x W x H) | 200 lb | Rectangular |
| Alfresco Home Cheyenne 40-Inch | Propane | — | — | Square |
| SimpliFire Forum 55-Inch Outdo | — | 8.25 in D x 57.75 in W x 18.12 in H | 139 lb | — |
| Deko Living 70-Inch Rectangula | Wood | 35.43 x 69.29 x 17.72 inches | 71.9 lb | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
COOKE Palisades Rectangular Natural Gas Fire Pit Table, 52 x 36 in, Dark Cherry Base
The COOKE Palisades is my overall pick for buyers planning a fixed outdoor gathering zone around a real gas flame. Its 60,000-BTU stainless-steel burner is the strongest stated heat output in this lineup, while the integrated natural-gas system avoids storing a propane cylinder beneath or beside the table. A 52-by-36-inch top gives guests a broad shared surface, and included bronze reflective glass, a burner pan, a stainless-steel lid, and leveling feet make the package more complete than the Cheyenne’s tank-free-in-the-box propane setup.
That performance comes with a firm installation commitment. The Palisades needs a natural-gas connection, so I would not choose it for a patio without an accessible supply or for anyone expecting to move the fireplace between areas. At 200 pounds, it is much less adaptable than the 71.9-pound Deko, and its substantial rectangular footprint calls for deliberate placement. The brushed aluminum top and powder-coated dark cherry base suit a more furniture-like setting, but buyers should plan around the gas route before deciding where it belongs.
Compared with the Cheyenne, this is the better match for a permanent setup where stated burner output and concealed fuel hardware matter more than portability. The Cheyenne is easier to consider when propane is the practical fuel and a convertible table is useful; the Palisades makes more sense when a gas line is already part of the patio plan. I’d skip it if I wanted the visual effect of electric flames, the crackle and tending of wood, or a fire feature that can be repositioned without help.
Pros:- 60,000-BTU stainless-steel burner has the lineup’s highest stated output.
- Integrated natural-gas system avoids an exposed propane tank and hose.
- Brushed aluminum top and powder-coated base suit a permanent patio setup.
- Includes reflective glass, stainless-steel lid, burner pan, and leveling feet.
Cons:- Requires a natural-gas connection, limiting placement and installation options.
- At 200 pounds, it is difficult to move once positioned.
- Large table footprint may not suit compact patios.
Best for: Homeowners with an existing natural-gas connection who want a substantial fire table for regular outdoor gatherings.
Not ideal for: Buyers without a practical natural-gas connection, people who want a movable fireplace, or anyone needing a lightweight, compact option.
- Fuel:Natural gas
- Burner output:60,000 BTU
- Dimensions:36 x 52 x 21 in (D x W x H)
- Weight:200 lb
- Shape:Rectangular
- Top:Brushed aluminum
- Base finish:Dark cherry powdercoat
- Included components:Bronze reflective glass, 304 stainless-steel lid, burner pan, leveling feet
Our verdict“I’d choose the Palisades for a fixed, well-equipped natural-gas gathering area, but not for a patio where fuel access or mobility is uncertain.”
Alfresco Home Cheyenne 40-Inch Square Gas Fire Pit
The Alfresco Home Cheyenne is the easiest recommendation here for someone who wants a gas fire table that can serve a second purpose. Its 40-inch square top holds the fire feature at the center, and the included center disc converts it into a full table when the fire is not in use. That practical change gives it an advantage over the COOKE Palisades, which is a larger, more committed fire-table choice rather than a surface designed to close over its burner.
A cast-aluminum frame with a weather-resistant powder-coated finish is suited to outdoor placement, and the included 17.6 pounds of Glacier Ice fire beads means the decorative media is part of the package. It runs on a standard 20-pound propane tank, but the tank is not included; buyers need to plan for that separate purchase and a place to keep it. This model cannot be converted to natural gas, so it is not a path to a permanent plumbed setup like the Palisades.
I rank the Cheyenne just behind COOKE because it offers more table flexibility but does not list burner output or the integrated fuel arrangement that distinguish the Palisades. It is also less visually configurable than SimpliFire, which supplies multiple flame and ember-bed color choices, and it does not offer Deko Living’s wood-burning experience. The Cheyenne makes the most sense when propane is acceptable and the conversion disc will get real use. I would pass if I needed natural gas, want a stated heat-output figure for comparison, or prefer a wall-mounted flame effect without an open gas fire.
Pros:- Center disc converts the fire pit into a full table.
- Includes 17.6 pounds of Glacier Ice fire beads.
- Cast-aluminum frame has a weather-resistant powder-coated finish.
- Propane fuel avoids the need for a fixed natural-gas connection.
Cons:- Standard 20-pound propane tank is not included.
- Cannot be converted to natural gas.
- No burner-output figure is supplied in the product details.
Best for: Buyers seeking a propane fire table that can be covered and used as a full table between fires.
Not ideal for: Anyone who wants natural-gas compatibility, needs the propane tank included, or prioritizes a specified burner-output figure.
- Fuel:Propane
- Shape:Square
- Size:40 inches
- Frame material:Cast aluminum
- Finish:Weather-resistant powder coating
- Tank requirement:Standard 20 lb propane tank, not included
- Included media:17.6 lb Glacier Ice fire beads
- Other included part:Center disc
- Natural-gas conversion:Not supported
Our verdict“I’d choose the Cheyenne when a convertible propane table matters more than natural-gas integration or a stated heat-output specification.”
SimpliFire Forum 55-Inch Outdoor Electric Fireplace
The SimpliFire Forum is the clear pick for a buyer who wants flame ambience integrated into a wall rather than a freestanding fire table. Its 55-inch format can be installed with a flush or framed appearance, and the supplied remote, crystal stones, black glass, and driftwood logs let the display suit different outdoor styles. Four flame options and 13 ember-bed colors offer more visual variation than the other products here, which focus on the fire pit or table as a whole.
The defining tradeoff is straightforward: this fireplace produces no heat. Its 36-watt electric operation creates a decorative flame effect, not the warmth available from the Palisades’ 60,000-BTU burner or from the wood-burning Deko. That may be a benefit for someone who wants a visual focal point without managing gas or wood, but it makes the Forum the wrong choice if extending comfortable outdoor use in cool weather is the main goal.
Weatherproof construction is specified for outdoor use, but this is a wall-mounted appliance, not a portable alternative to the Cheyenne. At 139 pounds, it also calls for a suitable mounting plan and careful handling. I rank it below the fuel-burning options because it cannot provide heat; I rank it above a basic decorative accessory for buyers who value selectable flame and ember colors. I’d skip it if I wanted a self-contained freestanding feature, real combustion, or a smaller and easier-to-place fireplace.
Pros:- Weatherproof construction is designed for outdoor use.
- Four flame options and 13 ember-bed colors allow visual customization.
- Includes a remote and crystal, black-glass, and driftwood media.
- Can be installed with a flush or framed appearance.
Cons:- Produces no heat, unlike the gas and wood-burning options.
- Weighs 139 pounds and requires a suitable wall-mount plan.
- Wall-mounted format is less flexible than freestanding tables.
Best for: Buyers who want a wall-mounted outdoor flame display with several color and media choices, without heat or fuel handling.
Not ideal for: Anyone buying a fireplace primarily for warmth, seeking a freestanding fire table, or unable to accommodate a heavy wall-mounted unit.
- Type:Outdoor electric fireplace
- Size:55 inches
- Dimensions:8.25 in D x 57.75 in W x 18.12 in H
- Weight:139 lb
- Power:Corded electric, 36 watts
- Installation:Wall mount; flush or framed appearance
- Heat output:None
- Flame and ember choices:4 flame options; 13 ember-bed colors
- Included accessories:Remote, crystal stones, black glass, driftwood logs, GFCI power cord
Our verdict“I’d pick the Forum for customizable, wall-mounted outdoor ambience, but not as a heat source or a movable patio centerpiece.”
Deko Living 70-Inch Rectangular Outdoor Steel Wood-Burning Fireplace with Side Tables
The Deko Living 70-Inch takes the most traditional approach in this group: a freestanding steel fireplace that burns wood, with side tables and integrated log storage built into the design. Those adjoining surfaces make it more useful for a casual seating area than a simple firebox, while the log storage keeps fuel close at hand. A poker and protective cover are included, and the powder-coated finish is designed to resist rust and weather.
Compared with the COOKE and Cheyenne, Deko Living does not need a gas connection or propane tank, but it does ask the owner to source and manage firewood. That means tending the fire and dealing with ash are part of the experience, rather than simply turning on a gas burner. Its stated heating coverage is under 250 square feet, so I would not choose it as a broad-area heat solution. The Palisades has a stated 60,000-BTU burner for buyers focused on output, while SimpliFire has no heat at all; Deko sits in a different category, offering a wood fire with a limited stated coverage area.
At 69.29 inches wide and 71.9 pounds, it is lighter than the 200-pound Palisades but still a sizable object that deserves a planned location. The product details also list corner orientation, so check the intended placement and clearances before purchase. I place it fourth because its wood-fueled format and under-250-square-foot coverage make it more specialized than the gas-table choices. It is the right pick for buyers who specifically want wood, storage, and side-table convenience, but I’d skip it if fuel-free operation, compact dimensions, or simple on-and-off use matters more.
Pros:- Side tables provide nearby space for drinks, snacks, or decor.
- Integrated log storage keeps firewood within reach.
- Includes a log poker and protective cover.
- Powder-coated steel finish is designed for outdoor weather resistance.
Cons:- Stated heating coverage is under 250 square feet.
- Wood requires tending and creates ash to manage.
- Its 70-inch width can make placement difficult.
Best for: Buyers who want a freestanding wood-burning fireplace with nearby log storage and side surfaces for a patio seating area.
Not ideal for: People who want low-effort gas operation, a compact fireplace, or heat coverage beyond the stated area of under 250 square feet.
- Fuel:Wood
- Installation:Freestanding
- Dimensions:35.43 x 69.29 x 17.72 inches
- Weight:71.9 lb
- Heating coverage:Under 250 sq ft
- Material:Steel with powder-coated finish
- Orientation:Corner
- Included accessories:Log poker, protective cover
Our verdict“I’d choose Deko Living for wood-fire character and built-in patio utility, not for compact placement or minimal-maintenance heat.”
How We Picked
I compared these options as outdoor fireplace choices, not as interchangeable decorative objects. The ranking reflects the use each model supports, the work required to install and operate it, and the practical compromises buyers should know before committing. I gave weight to fuel type, heat output where specified, weather-oriented construction, footprint, included accessories, and whether the surface can do more than display a flame.
The top position goes to the COOKE Palisades because it combines substantial stated burner output with a built-in natural-gas setup and a broad table format, making it the strongest fit for a fixed gathering area. The Cheyenne ranks next for everyday flexibility: its propane operation and conversion disc make it useful both as a fire table and as a full table, though it lacks the Palisades’ stated heat output and needs a separate tank. I place SimpliFire third because its color and flame choices make it the most tailored visual option, but zero heat limits its role. Deko Living earns the wood-fire role, with useful storage and side tables balanced against its smaller stated heating coverage and the effort of burning wood.
I have not treated a higher output figure as an automatic win: it matters only when the installation, fuel, and intended use match. Product details supplied for this roundup guide the comparisons; I do not claim hands-on testing. Before purchase, check local outdoor-fire rules, clearances, the exact installation instructions, and whether your patio’s gas or electrical supply can support the chosen model.
| alfresco fireplace | Fuel | Shape | Installation | Included accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COOKE Palisades Rectangular Na | Natural gas | Rectangular | — | — |
| Alfresco Home Cheyenne 40-Inch | Propane | Square | — | — |
| SimpliFire Forum 55-Inch Outdo | — | — | Wall mount; flush or framed appearance | Remote, crystal stones, black glass, driftwood logs, GFCI power cord |
| Deko Living 70-Inch Rectangula | Wood | — | Freestanding | Log poker, protective cover |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Alfresco Fireplaces
I’d narrow the choice by answering three questions first: Do I want heat or just flame ambience? Which fuel can I realistically use? And should the fireplace double as furniture? Those answers separate these four models more clearly than their appearance does.Choose fuel around your patio, not a showroom ideal
Natural gas is a strong fit for a permanent installation when a connection is already accessible. The COOKE Palisades uses an integrated natural-gas system, but that convenience depends on the supply and placement being workable. The Cheyenne uses a standard 20-pound propane tank, which avoids a fixed gas connection but is not included; it also cannot be converted to natural gas. The Deko burns wood, so you need a way to store fuel and handle ash. SimpliFire avoids gas and wood entirely, but it is an electric decorative fireplace with no heat output. Before buying, check installation guidance and local rules for outdoor fires.
Separate real heat from a flame display
The most important performance distinction is that the SimpliFire produces no heat. Its flame and ember settings are for visual ambience, so it should not be compared with a heater. COOKE lists a 60,000-BTU burner, while Deko lists heating coverage under 250 square feet. Those figures describe different aspects of use and should not be treated as directly interchangeable. The Cheyenne’s supplied details do not state burner output, so I would not infer a heat level from its size or fuel. If warmth is a priority, focus on stated output, the area you want to use, and the manufacturer’s operating guidance.
Match the footprint and installation to your layout
These are not equally easy to place. The Forum is wall-mounted and weighs 139 pounds, so its location and mounting support need planning. COOKE is a 200-pound rectangular table, best treated as a permanent patio fixture. The Cheyenne’s 40-inch square format makes it the most contained table option in the lineup, while Deko is almost 70 inches wide and 71.9 pounds. Its freestanding build avoids wall mounting, but its large shape can still crowd a small deck. Measure the full area around the fireplace, including room for chairs, access, and required clearances.
Decide whether the surface should serve another purpose
For a fire table that can become ordinary patio furniture, the Cheyenne’s center disc is its defining advantage. The Palisades includes a lid, but its strongest case is a permanent gas-fire gathering table rather than a conversion feature. Deko adds side tables and integrated log storage, which are useful while a fire is burning but do not make it a full dining surface. SimpliFire trades tabletop space for a wall-integrated display. Think about what the area does when the fire is off: that answer may make the Cheyenne the better fit even if another model offers a different kind of fire.
Look at maintenance and outdoor protection together
Outdoor-ready details do not remove the need to follow care and cover instructions. The Forum is described as weatherproof and includes a GFCI power cord, while the Cheyenne has a weather-resistant powder-coated cast-aluminum frame. Deko supplies a protective cover and has a powder-coated steel finish designed to resist rust and weather. COOKE combines a brushed aluminum top with a powder-coated base and includes a stainless-steel lid. I’d treat the included covers and finishes as practical features, not permission to ignore the product’s care directions or local exposure conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these alfresco fireplaces provides the most heat?
COOKE lists the highest specific burner output, at 60,000 BTU. Deko Living is a wood-burning model with stated coverage under 250 square feet, but that is not a directly comparable output figure. The Cheyenne’s supplied details do not list burner output, and SimpliFire produces no heat. If warmth is your main goal, compare the full manufacturer guidance for the area and conditions where you plan to use the fireplace.
Can I connect the Alfresco Home Cheyenne to natural gas?
No. The product details specify that the Cheyenne cannot be converted to natural gas and uses a standard 20-pound propane tank. That tank is not included, so plan for it separately. If you already have an outdoor natural-gas connection and want an integrated system, the COOKE Palisades is the matching option in this lineup, subject to installation requirements.
Is the SimpliFire Forum a heater?
No. The Forum is an outdoor electric fireplace designed for a flame display and has no heat output. Its four flame options and 13 ember-bed colors offer visual variation, but they do not substitute for the gas burner in the Palisades or a wood fire in the Deko. Choose it for wall-mounted ambience rather than outdoor warmth.
Which option is easiest to use as a table when the fire is off?
The Alfresco Home Cheyenne is the clearest choice for that purpose because it includes a center disc that converts the square fire pit into a full table. The COOKE Palisades includes a stainless-steel lid, but its overall appeal is a substantial permanent fire table. Deko has side tables rather than a conversion top, and SimpliFire mounts to a wall instead of occupying a table footprint.
What should I check before installing an outdoor fireplace?
Check the model’s installation instructions, fuel or electrical requirements, clearances, mounting needs, and local rules for outdoor fires. A natural-gas model like COOKE needs a suitable connection; the Cheyenne needs a separate propane tank; the Forum is a heavy wall-mounted electric unit; and the Deko needs space for a wood-burning fireplace and its required clearances. Measure the patio and plan access around the appliance before settling on a location.
Conclusion
My recommendation depends on what you want the fireplace to do. For a permanent patio gathering point with a natural-gas supply, I’d choose the COOKE Palisades for its stated 60,000-BTU burner and integrated system. For a flexible propane fire table that becomes a full table, I’d pick the Alfresco Home Cheyenne, provided I’m comfortable sourcing its separate tank. Buyers who mainly want a customizable wall-mounted flame display should choose SimpliFire, with the clear understanding that it provides no heat. For wood-fire character, log storage, and side tables, Deko Living is the most fitting option, but it requires tending and has stated coverage under 250 square feet. I’d let fuel access, intended warmth, and available space decide before comparing decorative details.
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
