Sophie King
You can transform any chilly evening into a cosy one if you invest in one of the best fire pits on the market.
Of course, you could go for one of the best patio heaters instead – but if you're looking for ambience, fire pits are the way forward. I mean, what beats toasted marshmallows and late-night chats huddled around a fire?
To help you find the best fire pit for your space, we've rounded up our favourite designs on the market. Below, you'll find notes on style, price, performance and practicality to kickstart those fire pit ideas.
Best fire pits
Dimensions: H43 x Dia.56cm Materials: stainless steel
If you're looking for one of the best fire pits that's classic and classy, the Charles Bentley Snug fire pit ticks all the boxes. It's a compact option, perfect for patios and small gardens. It's affordable, too, and comes with a cooking grill, a mesh cover for safety, and a poker.
Dimensions: H43 x Dia.56cm Materials: stainless steel
We've tested both the original and the newer Solo Stove Ranger 2.0, and we think the most recent model is one of the best fire pits on the market. We were blown away by the smokeless design and the quality of the unit itself. It's a little pricier, but worth the investment for smoke-free outdoor living. Read more in our Solo Stove ranger fire pit review.
Dimensions: H55 x Dia.55cm Materials: steel alloy
This steel alloy VonHaus fire pit kicks out a good amount of heat thanks to its decorative mesh side panels that also act as a safety feature to keep sparks and ash contained. It's topped with an easy to remove mesh lid, has carry handles for easier manouevre, and comes with a heat-resistant fire poker.
Dimensions: H26 x Dia.66cm Materials: cast iron
We love the simplicity of this cast-iron fire bowl that's raised off the ground via powder-coated iron legs. It's designed to rust if left outside all year round, but cast iron forms an attractive patina that we think adds to its appeal. The simple bowl design is also easy to brush out once any embers have cooled down.
Dimensions: H41.5 x Dia.56cm Materials: steel
If you're looking for convenience and a highly-rated model that won't break the bank, take a look at the Argos Home Foldable Fire Pit. It's completely portable and comes with its own carry bag so you can take it away with you, and it's even compatible with both charcoal and wood. At £50, it's a steal.
Dimensions: H48 x Dia.52cm Materials: magnesium oxide, iron, steel
If you're looking for a stylish fire pit, this magnesium oxide, iron and powder-coated steel model from Charles Bentley is a brilliant choice. With dual fuel compatibility, you can burn wood and charcoal on this one, and even store your logs underneath the pit. It comes with a poker and mesh cover, too.
Dimensions: H34.5 x Dia.55cm Materials: cast iron
A timeless classic, this cast iron fire pit is available in three size options. A cast iron fire pit is heavier but more durable than steel, and although it takes longer to heat up, it holds the heat better. Whereas a steel fire pit will need storing indoors to prolong its life span, a cast iron fire pit is also better able to withstand harsh outdoor elements.
Dimensions: H51 x W107 x D37.5cm Materials: concrete, metal, plastic, glass, and lava rocks
If you want a cleaner burn that doesn't leave you smelling of bonfire, then a gas fire pit is the answer. Gas is usually a more expensive option than wood, but designs tend to be more contemporary and in keeping with a modern garden. This statement concrete design also has adjustable flames.
Dimensions: H51 x W107 x D37.5cm Materials: concrete, metal, plastic, lava rock
Another gas model, this fire pit brings a touch of rustic country style to the garden. It's got a stone brick effect with a stainless steel burner and integrated ignition, and there's even a weatherproof protective cover to keep it clean when you're not using it. We think it's one of the most interesting fire pit designs out there.
Where to buy a fire pit
- Amazon: affordable fire pits and outdoor heaters
- Argos: wide range of styles and price points
- Homebase: decorative and practical fire pits
- Solo Stove: fire pits with less smoke
- Robert Dyas: large selection of fire pits
- B&Q: fire bowls and outdoor log burners
- Barker and Stonehouse: built-in firepits
- Vonhaus: budget-friendly fire pits
How to choose the best fire pit for your outdoor space
There are a few things you should know before you buy a fire pit, and thinking about the space you have available is one of them.
'A compact metal fire pit, like our Snug 56cm Round Patio Fire Pit, is great for smaller patios or gardens, and it’s lightweight enough to move around,' says James Bentley, Director at British garden furniture supplier Charles Bentley. 'If you’ve got more room, you might prefer something that will create more of a stylish centrepiece in the garden, like our Lima Fire Pit.'
Of course, you could always opt for a model that doubles up as a grill, like the Snug Clay Chiminea with Barbecue Grill from Charles Bentley – unless you've already got your hands on one of the best BBQs money can buy.
You'll also need to brainstorm some fire pit seating ideas around your heat source, so remember to factor in enough space around the fire pit to set chairs back a safe distance from the flames and to allow for ease of manoeuvre when you're tending the fire.
If possible, positioning a fire pit in a sheltered area will help to contain the warmth better and enable you to place seating away from the direction the smoke is blowing. You'll also want to make sure the fire pit can be positioned well away from any flammable materials.
As Joanna Humphreys, fire and stove specialist at Direct Stoves advises, ‘it’s recommended that your fire pit should be at least ten feet away from your house, shed, fences or any other structure to prevent accidental fire spread.’
For this reason, it can be well worth opting for a fire pit with a built-in ash guard to help prevent sparks and loose hot ash from drifting away from the fire during windy weather. It doesn't mean you don't have to stay present with the fire at all times whilst it burns, but it's an extra safety measure that can help to prevent accidental fires and help to keep children and pets a little safer.
The shape and style of fire pit you opt for is largely down to personal preference, but it's definitely worth thinking about ease of cleaning when you shop. Ideally, a fire pit should be cleaned out after every use. Opting for a shallow bowl design can make this easier, as there are no tight angles for ash to get trapped in.
And lastly, there's fuel type to consider. Most affordable fire pits and fire bowls burn wood or charcoal, but you can also get gas fire pits for a cleaner burn. A gas fire pit tends to cost a lot more, but can create a luxe look. Some of the best garden furniture on the market also offers seating sets with built-in fire pits.
FAQs
What's better, a chiminea or a fire pit?
Both chimineas and fire pits have their merits, but heat distribution and styles can vary.
'Chimineas, like our Snug Terracotta Clay Chimineas, are fantastic for more focused heat – they tend to direct warmth forwards, making them great for smaller gatherings or if you want to sit close by,' says James from Charles Bentley.
'Fire pits spread heat more evenly and can often accommodate a bigger group. They’re also a bit more versatile – some come with grills for cooking, and you can even use them as a stylish garden centrepiece as there are so many contemporary designs to choose from.'
Can you use a fire pit on decking?
Whether or not you can use a fire pit on decking all depends on the type of decking you have. Richard King, Owner of Dino Decking, cautions that ‘if your decking is made of timber, adding a fire pit is not advisable due to its susceptibility to catching fire.’
However, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, other types of decking such as composite or aluminium decking could be a different story. Our guide on whether you can use a fire pit on decking has more detail.
