The best fire pits 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 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 a moth 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
Dimensions: H22 x Dia.60cm Materials: steel
One of the bestselling fire pits on Amazon – no doubt due to its affordable price tag and multifunctional design – this option offers a fire bowl, mesh cover to prevent sparks and embers from escaping, charcoal grate, and cooking grill. It's available in two sizes, both with folding legs for space-saving storage.
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: H38 x Dia.56cm Materials: cast iron and steel
Want something more rustic? This oxidised cast iron and steel fire pit fits the bill. It doesn't come with a spark guard, but the concave fire bowl and pedestal base lend 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: 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: 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: H43 x Dia.56cm Materials: stainless steel
In our tests we were really impressed by the build quality and smokeless design of Solo Stove's fire pits. They're an investment, but worth it to avoid clouds of billowing smoke. If you want a fire pit that is less likely to rust, this stainless steel design is also most likely to retain its shine. Find out more in our Solo Stove ranger fire pit review.
Dimensions: H38 x W55 x D55cm Materials: powder-coated steel and fibre clay
Not all fire pits have to be round. A square design can offer a more contemporary look, especially if you opt for a modern materials such as this fibre clay and metal design. The mesh side panels allow heat to radiate sideways as well as upwards whilst protecting those around it from any stray sparks.
Dimensions: H58 x Dia.76cm Materials: concrete and metal
This large concrete fire pit is perfect for larger outdoor spaces if you prefer a more contemporary look. Unlike a metal fire pit a concrete option won't rust, although it does mean the thick sides will retain the heat so you may need to sit a little closer to the flames to benefit. This option comes with a spark guard, BBQ grill and fire poker.
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.
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
Before you invest in firepit it's wise to think about where you want to use it and how much space you have. This will determine how large of a fire pit your outdoor space can hold.
It's likely you'll want to have some seating 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 manouevre when you're tending the fire. Our guide to outdoor fire pit ideas has plenty of inspo to inspire your layout.
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 postioned well way 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. This is a safety measure that can help to prevent sparks and loose hot ash from drifting away from the fire during windy weather. It doesn't mean you don't still have to stay present with the fire at all times whilst it burns, but it is an extra safety measure that can help to prevent accidental fires and help to keep children and pets a little safer around the flames.
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.
You might also want to consider a fire bowl that has added versatility, such as an option you can add a grill to if you decide you want to use it as an impromptu BBQ. Although, food dripping into the fire pit as it cooks through can make your fire pit harder to clean.
And lastly, there's fuel type to consider. Most affordable fire pits and fire bowls burn wood, 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 in the outdoor dining or coffee table.
FAQs
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 to can you use a fire pit on decking has more detail.
What style of fire pit is best?
Round fire pits are one of the most popular styles as they allow you to make maximum use of the heat. Depending on the size of fire pit you opt for you could warm between four and eight people in a circle around the flames.
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