Fire Pit Surplus vs Montana Fire Pits: Best Online Fire Pit Store Comparison
With outdoor living ranked among the top three most requested home upgrades According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), fire pits are no longer a seasonal trend; they're a year-round essential.
If you’ve been searching for where to buy a fire pit, chances are you’ve landed on two very different options: Fire Pit Surplus, a curated online fire pit store with fast-shipping bundles, and Montana Fire Pits, a custom steel builder known for artisan burners and high-end design.
Both are trusted fire pit retailers. But the buying experience, and how much time, planning, and support you’ll need, varies widely.
- One is ideal for homeowners who want a ready-to-use kit with fewer decisions.
- The other suits designers and builders mapping out a long-term outdoor vision.
Below, we’ll break down how both brands compare in pricing, shipping, customization, and support.
| Feature | Fire Pit Surplus | Montana Fire Pits |
|---|---|---|
| Curation & Design | Wide, ready-to-install styles | Industrial steel, artisan-crafted |
| Customization | Finish, fuel, ignition across models | Built around Crossfire burner kits |
| Shipping Speed | 1–3 day processing, optional backyard delivery | Made-to-order; longer lead times |
| Support Access | 7-day expert support | Weekday trade and design assistance |
| Included Value | Bundled kits with covers, media, and options | Burners + pans sold separately |
| Best For | Homeowners, trade buyers, fast installs | Custom patio builds, luxury projects |
This chart helps you compare what each online fire pit store does best, whether you're ready to install next week or planning a custom outdoor living space.
What Kind of Buyer Is Each Fire Pit Brand Built For?
Montana Fire Pits is a family-owned business based in Missoula, Montana, best known for its patented Crossfire burners. These burners are engineered for twice the flame output and pair with handcrafted steel enclosures for a dramatic, industrial aesthetic.
Their products are often built to order, making them a popular choice for designers, architects, and luxury patio projects where customization is key. This retailer caters more to high-end outdoor living spaces than to first-time fire pit buyers.
Fire Pit Surplus is built for buyers who want high-quality fire features without sorting through hundreds of options. Their catalog includes gas, propane, and wood-burning fire pits, each selected for performance, design, and ease of installation.
Most models come bundled with essentials like burners, lava rock, and covers. This full-kit approach, combined with fast shipping and seven-day support, makes Fire Pit Surplus a reliable choice for both homeowners and trade buyers.
Their focus on ready-to-install products means you can get started faster, without needing custom design or assembly. Explore propane fire pit options to see what fits your space.
Products & Customization: Artisan Fire vs Plug & Play
Montana Fire Pits, on the other hand, starts with the burner. Their Lumera Concrete Table retails for $9,700, not including the burner, which must be selected separately. Buyers choose the Crossfire burner size, ignition style, pan kit, and enclosure, either custom-built or purchased locally.
This makes Montana Fire Pits ideal for architect-led designs or clients who want every detail custom-fitted. Montana fireplace reviews often highlight stunning flame output, but note the setup is more complex.
Fire Pit Surplus focuses on pre-configured fire pits designed for ease. Popular models like the Modeno Aurora Fire Pit start around $999 and include the burner, lava rock, and finish options, no guesswork or add-ons required.
Most products are ready-to-ship tables or bowls, available in multiple finishes, ignition types, and fuel sources. The lineup includes trusted names like PyroMania Fire, American Fyre Designs, Modeno, and Prism Hardscapes, giving buyers modern aesthetics with minimal hassle.
Which Fire Pit Store Offers More for Your Budget?
Montana Fire Pits starts around $697 for portable units and climbs past $9,700 for custom concrete tables. But those prices often reflect just the enclosure, burners, ignition systems, pans, and fire media are typically sold separately. This modular approach appeals to luxury buyers, but it adds cost and complexity.
Fire Pit Surplus offers bundled value. Models begin near $899, with most high-end options topping out around $3,000. Many fire pits arrive ready-to-use, including the burner, lava rock, and in some cases, a windscreen or cover.
While Montana emphasizes handcrafted, custom-built quality, Fire Pit Surplus focuses on simplifying the buying process, especially for residential & commercial fire pit buyers. For those wondering where to buy fire pit setups online without hidden add-ons, Fire Pit Surplus often delivers more “out-of-box” value.
Which Fire Pit Store Makes Buying Easier?
Montana Fire Pits is built for the design community. Their team works closely with architects and contractors, offering guidance on burner sizing, enclosure materials, and layout, but support is limited to weekdays, typically via form-based contact.
This model works well for clients who already have a project manager or builder involved. It’s less suited for first-time buyers who need real-time answers or direct ordering help.
Fire Pit Surplus offers a more hands-on experience. Buyers can reach product specialists seven days a week via phone or live chat. The site includes quoting tools, spec sheets, and install resources for homeowners who want clarity without hiring out.
What Do Buyers Say About Each Fire Pit Brand?
Montana Fire Pits reviews earn consistent praise from designers and builders for its flame quality and industrial steel craftsmanship. Reviews on Houzz and trade forums average between 4.0 and 4.2 stars, with standout comments on the Crossfire burner’s performance.
However, longer lead times and a more complex ordering process are common trade-offs mentioned by buyers.
Fire Pit Surplus reviews hold a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot, based on 85+ verified reviews. Customers often highlight fast delivery, clear communication, and well-packaged kits that include everything needed for install.
Phrases like “ahead of schedule” and “superior service” show up frequently.
Which Store Has Easier Returns and Better Coverage?
Montana Fire Pits offers limited return options. Most sales are final unless there’s shipping damage, and warranty coverage applies only to the hardware itself. Labor costs, rentals, or contractor fees aren’t covered. Policy details are sparse and not prominently listed on-site.
Fire Pit Surplus provides a clearer return process, including a 30-day return window and minimal restocking fees on most products. Warranty terms are straightforward, covering parts and accessories with full documentation available at checkout.
For buyers seeking transparency, Fire Pit Surplus outlines its terms upfront. Montana’s warranty info excludes installation-related costs, important to factor in for custom projects.
Who Should Buy From Which Store? Use-Case Scenarios
Both retailers serve different segments of the fire pit market, and the right fit depends on your timeline, experience level, and project scope.
First-time buyer
Fire Pit Surplus is the better choice with its pre-bundled kits and straightforward install guides. Montana Fire Pits may overwhelm with its multi-part ordering process.
Landscape designers
Both work well. Fire Pit Surplus offers bundled kits for speed, while Montana supports high-end, custom patio builds.
DIY homeowners
Fire Pit Surplus supports plug-and-play installs. Montana requires ordering separate components, which adds complexity.
Custom patio projects
Both fit: Fire Pit Surplus for complete kits, Montana for burner-first builds.
Need it fast
Fire Pit Surplus ships in 3–10 days. Montana Fire Pits often requires several weeks or more.
Montana vs Fire Pit Surplus: Answers to Common Questions
Who owns Montana Fire Pits?
Montana Fire Pits is a family-owned business based in Missoula, Montana. The company designs and manufactures handcrafted steel fire features and is best known for its Crossfire burner system, engineered for high flame performance.
Are Montana Fire Pits worth it?
Montana Fire Pits are ideal for buyers prioritizing custom design and raw steel craftsmanship. They're more expensive and require longer lead times but offer unmatched flame performance and architectural appeal.
Can I buy everything in one order at Fire Pit Surplus?
Yes. Most Fire Pit Surplus models come bundled with essential components, burners, media, covers, allowing buyers to order everything needed for a complete setup in one go, without custom configuration.
Which retailer ships faster?
Fire Pit Surplus typically ships in-stock models within 1–3 business days. Montana Fire Pits builds most products to order, with shipping often taking 2–6 weeks depending on the configuration.
What makes Fire Pit Surplus stand out?
Fire Pit Surplus stands out for its curated product catalog, fast shipping, included value bundles, and 7-day expert support. It’s built for homeowners and pros who need quick, confident decisions.
Which Fire Pit Retailer Makes Sense for You?
Montana Fire Pits is the right choice if you’re building a fully customized outdoor space and want total control over materials, burner specs, and design. Their Crossfire technology and steel craftsmanship appeal to high-end buyers working with builders or landscape architects.
Fire Pit Surplus is better suited for buyers who want a complete fire pit that’s easy to order, easy to install, and backed by fast, expert support. It’s ideal for both homeowners and trade clients who need ready-to-ship solutions without the complexity.
Each store delivers value, but in different ways. Your timeline, install experience, and design needs will decide which one fits best.
