Fire Pit Surplus vs Starfire Direct: Which Is The Best Place to Buy Fire Pits Online?

Over the years, I’ve helped countless homeowners and designers choose not just the perfect fire pit, but the right place to buy it from. And here’s what I’ve learned: where to buy outdoor fire pit products matters just as much as what you choose.

Two names often come up: Fire Pit Surplus and Starfire Direct. Both are trusted, but they take very different approaches.

Fire Pit Surplus is a curated marketplace focused on premium fire features and expert service.

Starfire Direct is a massive catalog retailer offering every style and price point.

In this guide, we’ll compare them across products, pricing, delivery, and support, and see which brand is a better choice for most homeowners.

Brand Background & Product Offering

Fire Pit Surplus

Fire Pit Surplus positions itself as a curated marketplace for premium fire features and outdoor heating. They work exclusively with over 30 U.S.-based brands, hand-picking designs that balance style, durability, and performance. 

Their focus is on modern, ready-to-use fire pits, artisan concrete tables, and high-efficiency wood stoves. What sets them apart is their exclusive backyard delivery service, expert 7-day support, and trade-friendly programs for designers and builders. In short, they’re not trying to sell everything; they’re about offering the best and standing behind it.

Starfire Direct

Starfire Direct, by contrast, is a large-scale online retailer specializing in everything fire-related. They highlight a mission to provide the widest variety of fire pits, fireplaces, and outdoor heating products in one place. 

They cater to DIYers, homeowners, and contractors with an extensive range that spans fire tables, burner kits, patio heaters, indoor fireplaces, and custom fire glass. If sheer variety and accessory depth matter most, they’ve built their brand around delivering exactly that.

Product Range & Design Variety: Curated vs Complete Catalog

In my 20+ years helping customers choose outdoor fire features, I’ve learned that the right outdoor fireplace store isn’t just about “how many” products it has, it’s about how well those products are curated. Here’s how these two compare:

Fire Pit Surplus – Curated Selection, Designer Quality

• Focuses on premium, modern fire pits and fireplaces without the clutter of low-tier options.
• Unique brands you won’t find at Starfire Direct include Pyromania Fire, Stonelum, Slick Rock Concrete, Modeno, and several niche U.S.-based artisans.
• Known for sleek concrete fire tables, artisan metal bowls, and design-forward patio heaters.
• Select models offer customization in finish, burner type, and size, perfect for custom projects.

Starfire Direct – Wide Variety, Mixed Levels

• Massive catalog with fire pits, burners, gas logs, outdoor kitchens, and shade solutions.
• Unique to Starfire: Fire Magic, RealFyre, American Outdoor Grill, Grand Canyon Gas Logs, and a broad line of DIY burner kits.
• Offers both designer-grade and entry-level products, which means more variety but also more filtering to find premium options.
• Large selection of accessories, replacement parts, and custom components for installers or DIY projects.

While Fire Pit Surplus shares brands like Prism Hardscapes, The Outdoor Plus, Fire Pit Art, Bromic Heating, EcoSmart Fire, and American Fyre Designs with Starfire Direct, they focus exclusively on each brand's most design-worthy models. You can also explore their full line of propane fire pits for modern fuel efficiency and convenience.

Pricing, Value & Add-Ons: What Do You Really Get for Your Money?

Base Price

• Fire Pit Surplus lists The Outdoor Plus Redan Fire Pit (50”) at $4,361, while Starfire Direct lists it at $4,439.
• That’s nearly $80 less upfront at Fire Pit Surplus for the exact same model.

Price Parity on Some Models

• On certain brands (e.g., Elementi, Prism Hardscapes), both retailers show nearly identical pricing.
• The difference is that Fire Pit Surplus often includes free add-ons like lava rock or starter glass, adding real value without increasing cost.
  

Inclusions vs. Upsells

• Fire Pit Surplus: Bundles frequently include extras (lava rock, fire glass options), plus seasonal promos and package discounts.
• Starfire Direct: Accessories like fire glass or covers are mostly listed as separate upsells, raising the total checkout price.

Shipping, Delivery & Setup: From Warehouse to Your Backyard

Shipping Costs & Thresholds

• Fire Pit Surplus offers free standard shipping to the contiguous U.S. on orders over $199. Freight may require a shipping fee if no qualifying minimum is met.
  
• Starfire Direct provides free shipping only on select orders above $1,000, with eligibility and product categories determining whether shipping is included.
  

Delivery Timeframes

• Fire Pit Surplus typically processes in-stock items within 1–3 business days, with delivery arriving within 3 to 10 days.
  
• Starfire Direct ships based on product availability, carrier, and order specifics delivery windows vary significantly depending on what's in the cart.
  

Delivery Services

• Fire Pit Surplus offers an optional Backyard Delivery service where your fire pit is placed right where you want it, inside your backyard or patio, by trusted local movers.
  
• Starfire Direct offers White Glove Delivery, which includes placement and removal of packaging, but it’s usually an add-on and not promoted as prominently.

Insurance & Protection

• Fire Pit Surplus clearly outlines its damage claim process, encouraging customers to inspect packages on arrival and note any damage on the delivery paperwork. Their team handles claims directly, making the process simple and customer-friendly.
  
• Starfire Direct also requires damage to be reported at delivery, with specific timelines and a formal claims process that includes submitting a damage form. While the procedure is structured and thorough, it’s more formal and time-sensitive, requiring customers to follow detailed steps for eligibility.

Website Experience & Buying Process: Which Store Is Easier to Shop?

Ease of Navigation

• Fire Pit Surplus: Clean, modern site with simple categories and smooth mobile browsing.
• Starfire Direct: Also well-structured, with strong filter options. Slightly busier layout, but nothing that makes it difficult to use.

Product Pages

• Fire Pit Surplus: Balanced mix of specs, clear images, and lifestyle shots. Easy for shoppers who want both looks and details.
• Starfire Direct: Highly detailed specs, though visuals are more functional than inspiring. Better suited for buyers who prioritize data.

Custom Quotes

• Fire Pit Surplus: Quote process is fast and simple, often within a day.
• Starfire Direct: Also offers quotes but the process may take a bit longer, especially for larger or more customized orders.

Educational Resources

• Fire Pit Surplus: Blogs, guides, and youtube videos geared toward first-time buyers. Straightforward explanations in plain language.
• Starfire Direct: Deep resource library, including installation guides and detailed product explainers. More technical, but very helpful for contractors or repeat buyers.

Customer Support: Service Hours, Expertise & Responsiveness

Contact Methods

• Fire Pit Surplus: Offers live chat, email (Support@FirePitSurplus.com), and phone support at (888) 671-4611, available every day from 9 AM to 9 PM PST.
• Starfire Direct: Provides live chat, email (info@starfiredirect.com), and phone support at (800) 256-8650, open weekdays 10 AM to 6 PM PST and weekends 10 AM to 5 PM.

Responsiveness & Helpfulness

• Fire Pit Surplus: My experience matches customer feedback, quick to respond via chat or email, with high follow-up clarity.
• Starfire Direct: Has solid answers, especially for technical questions, but some reviews mention slightly longer wait times during peak hours.

Expertise

• Fire Pit Surplus staff know product details and design fit, they’re comfortable advising on style, placement, and installation.
• Starfire Direct shines with technical expertise, especially when customers ask about burner specs, replacement parts, or custom builds.

Both retailers provide good support, you get friendly, design-savvy help from Fire Pit Surplus and technically robust assistance from Starfire Direct. Choose based on whether you value design guidance or deep technical knowledge in your shopping experience.

Reviews, Trust & Reputation: What Customers Are Saying

Reviews

• Fire Pit Surplus reviews sit at 4.4 stars from 900+ reviews, with numerous reviews praising responsive service and quality products.
• Starfire Direct reviews sit at 4.1 stars from 879 reviews, reflecting strong customer satisfaction with occasional delivery hiccups.

Return Policy

• Fire Pit Surplus offers 30-day returns policy, with customers responsible for return shipping. While most products have no restocking fee, a few select brands may include one, clearly noted on the product page.
• Starfire Direct also allows 30-day returns but requires customers to pay return shipping and may apply a restocking fee, depending on the product.

Warranty Transparency

• Fire Pit Surplus provides clarity around manufacturer warranties and fine-print coverage, helping homeowners understand exactly what’s protected
• Starfire Direct supports warranty claims via a structured process, though it can take longer to resolve issues, often 1–4 weeks.

Payment & Financing Options: Pay Now or Later?

When it comes to payment flexibility, both Fire Pit Surplus and Starfire Direct give customers a range of choices, though each emphasizes slightly different options. 

Both retailers accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and PayPal, while ensuring secure checkout with SSL encryption, trust badges, and buyer protection measures that reassure customers when making large purchases online.Where they differ is in financing… 

Fire Pit Surplus Financing integrates Bread Pay, allowing customers to split payments into smaller interest-free installments. 

They also support PayPal Pay Later, which can extend 0% promotional financing offers for short-term plans. On the other hand, Starfire Direct partners with Affirm, offering clear, longer-term installment plans (usually 3, 6, or 12 months), with upfront interest disclosures.

Both systems are easy to use, but your choice may depend on whether you prefer short, interest-free splits (FPS) or structured monthly financing with Affirm (Starfire).

Payment & Financing Options

Trade & Commercial Services: Which One Supports Projects Better?

Starfire Direct offers a solid B2B Trade Program with scalable discounts (up to 60% off), flexible order terms, and extended return windows. Their support system is well-suited for large or custom commercial projects, with options like co-marketing and design assistance.

But Fire Pit Surplus takes trade support a step further, combining competitive pricing with a more personalized, design-focused experience. Trade Program includes tiered discounts, priority order processing, unlimited swatches, and dedicated reps who actually understand outdoor design.

With faster approvals (typically within 48 hours) and a more collaborative partnership model, Fire Pit Surplus is the better choice for designers, builders, and trade professionals who want more than just wholesale pricing, they want real support that helps their business grow.

FAQ around Fire Pit Surplus & Starfire Direct

1. Can I customize my fire pit when buying from Fire Pit Surplus or Starfire Direct?

Yes! Fire Pit Surplus offers customization on many models like size, finish, and fuel type. Starfire Direct also allows custom setups, especially for burner kits and commercial builds, though options may require more filtering.

2. Do Fire Pit Surplus or Starfire Direct offer commercial-grade fire pits?

Yes, both offer commercial fire pits. Fire Pit Surplus provides designer-grade models with trade perks, while Starfire Direct caters to large-scale projects with bulk discounts and custom burner systems for commercial use

3. Is there a price-match guarantee offered by Fire Pit Surplus or Starfire Direct?

Fire Pit Surplus offers a Low Price Guarantee if you find the same product cheaper elsewhere. Starfire Direct doesn’t advertise a match policy but may offer discounts through its trade program or seasonal promos.

4. Can I buy a fire pit from these retailers if I live in an apartment or small space?

Yes, both stores offer compact fire pits ideal for balconies or small patios. Fire Pit Surplus even has a dedicated category for apartment-safe models. Just confirm your building’s fire safety rules before buying.

Conclusion – Which Retailer Fits You Best?

Both Fire Pit Surplus and Starfire Direct offer reliable buying experiences with extensive product offerings, secure checkout, and trade support. But while Starfire Direct excels in sheer catalog volume and appeals to those managing large-scale or highly technical commercial builds, Fire Pit Surplus delivers a more refined, value-driven experience.

With expert curation, bundled add-ons, design-savvy support, and services like Backyard Delivery, Fire Pit Surplus is the better choice for homeowners, designers, and builders who want more than just product variety; they want a partner in creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

Whether you're planning a dream backyard or sourcing products for a client project, Fire Pit Surplus combines premium products with thoughtful service, making it the best place to buy fire pits online for those who care about quality, convenience, and long-term value.