Best fire pits of 2023 – this year's hottest designs
Get set for evenings al fresco with our edit of the best fire pits for the patio and garden


The best fire pits on the market make a versatile addition to any outdoor space, banishing the chill on a cool night, and providing an atmospheric focal point for outdoor gatherings.
Since our Stone Age ancestors first tamed fire, humans have been drawn to the flickering flames to cook and find warmth and protection, and there’s no denying that a modern-day fire pit still attracts people to its radius like moths to a… well… flame.
Arguably more atmospheric than investing in one of the best patio heaters money can buy, a fire pit will throw out plenty of heat to keep late-night conversation flowing, and as long as you’re happy with some toasted marshmallows or a simple fire-grilled sausage rather than anything more complex, with the right accessories a fire pit can give some of the best BBQ’s a run for their money.
We’ve rounded up some of the Ideal Home team’s favourite designs, focusing on style, performance, price, and practicality.
Best fire pits 2023
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Dimensions: H25 x Dia.60cm Materials: composite
One of the bestselling fire pits on Amazon, this circular design is stylish, affordable, and multifunctional, with a BBQ grill rack included so you can cook as well as keep warm. The handy mesh pit cover will prevent sparks and embers from escaping, and you get a wooden handle poker to stoke up the flames.
Dimensions: H22 x Dia.60cm Materials: steel
We love this minimal black fire pit that offers a wide shallow bowl balanced on three tripod legs. Simple yet stylish, the 60cm diameter design is perfect for multiple people to gather around.
Dimensions: H38 x Dia.56cm Materials: cast iron and steel
Want something more rustic? This oxidised cast iron and steel fire pit fits the bill. The concave fire bowl and pedestal base lends the design a sculptural quality that means it will create a statement focal point in the garden whether the flames are lit or not.
Dimensions: H20 x Dia.50cm Materials: cast iron
One of the most affordable fire pits we've come across, this fire bowl may be fairly basic, but it's the flames that are going to steal the show anyway and for under £50 it's a good price for an outdoor centrepiece.
Dimensions: H43 x Dia.56cm Materials: stainless steel
It may be an investment, but we think this cleverly designed smokeless fire pit is worth it to avoid swallowing billowing clouds of smoke when the wind changes direction, and to keep the neighbours happy.
Dimensions: H38 x W55 x D55cm Materials: powder-coated steel and fibre clay
This contemporary square fire pit features a concrete-look base and a mesh-sided pit that allows the heat to radiate whilst giving some protection from sparks.
Dimensions: H32.5 x Dia.44cm Materials: powder-coated steel
This compact fire basket is great for smaller outdoor spaces. Designed exclusively for John Lewis & Partners the contemporary burner is made from weather-resistant powder-coated steel and scores high in the style stakes.
Dimensions: H64.5 x Dia.66.5cm Materials: steel
This large fire pit throws out a good amount of heat whilst offering spark protection thanks to the mesh sides and fitted mesh guard lid. It also comes with a heat resistant poker for stoking the flames.
How to choose the best fire pit for your outdoor space
Some fire pits are style statements in and of themselves and make great centrepieces for any garden. There are some beautiful designs available, from sculptural pieces to sleek chimeneas.
But aside from being a stylish addition to the garden, price, fuel type and whether they double up as a barbecue or practical table are important things to think about.
When considering budget, it’s perfectly possible to buy a fire pit for around £50, or for well over £100, and even £1000+. As a general rule, we'd say the larger and more sturdy designs that are often more expensive, will see you through many summers to come.
Versatility is also worth considering. If you can use your fire pit for more than just a heat source, you're likely to use it more often, making it an overall better value buy.
Can I put my fire pit on grass?
Fire pits are definitely better for your lawn than a campfire. If you’ve spent time carefully cultivating your lawn though, you don’t want to risk any burning. Fire pits could well burn the grass, because while the heat is elevated away from the ground itself the grass does sit quite close. To avoid this opt for something on a taller stand that removes your fire pit from the ground as much as possible. You could also place a slab of tile or stone under the fire pit, which will not only stabilise it but will create a barrier between the bowl and the grass.
Most fire pits aren’t safe to place on a patio either. Not only can their heat discolour your patio, but they can also potentially burn or crack any slabs or wood because they burn so hot and are often low-lying. That said, there are some fire pits that can be placed safely on a patio, like a gas fire pit table that's designed to elevate the heat source well away from the ground.
Want to know how to create the ideal fire pit set up? See our firepit ideas to turn up the heat in your garden, without damaging anything in the process.
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After studying Print Design at Winchester School of Art, Amy spent multiple years working in the interior industry, including styling and visual merchandising for many well-known brands. She’s now Ecommerce Editor at Ideal Home, offering expert advice on the best products for decorating your home and ensuring it functions smoothly. That includes sourcing stylish yet affordable furniture – from the best sofa beds for combining style, comfort, and function, to the best artificial Christmas trees for a stress-free festive season – helping our readers to find the best mattress for their sleep style, and testing top-rated dehumidifiers and air purifiers to narrow down the best-in-class.
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