Best fire pits 2021: for evening entertaining in your garden

The best fire pit in 2021 will bring some heat to your summer evenings. Whether you're looking for a wood burning fire pit for the charm of a classic campfire, or a convenient and patio-safe gas fire pit, our top 10 has you covered. 

Our guide features 10 top picks from Crocus, MADE.com, Barker & Stonehouse, Amazon, and Not On The High Street. There are some affordable fire pits under £50, as well as some premium gas-burning options that can make a feature in any garden. 

Fire pits essentially work as nature's best patio heaters, offering the nostalgic crackling of a campfire, as well as the warmth and light you need to prolong your evening in the garden. If you're dealing with a a smaller space, it may also be worth taking a look at our guide to the best chimineas. For the best fire pits though, keep scrolling for our top ten gas and wood-fuelled options. 

The best fire pits 2021

Designed by the Made studio, the fire pit has a very contemporary feel that should suit sleek outside spaces. The matt black colour of the sturdy metal means it will blend into any scheme. The bowl rests on a stylish crisscross base but isn’t fixed to it, so it’s easy to pick it up and dispose of the ashes when it has cooled.

The Nest Iron Fire Pit Bowl from Waitrose Garden is small enough to be stored easily, and has a hammered twig-style construction that elevates the bowl for safety. The bowl can be removed which makes cleaning a cinch. 

This option is also one of the best budget fire pits, and it's covered by a five year guarantee. 

The Lyneham Fire Pit is a top choice for small garden ideas and patios thanks to the solid fibre clay base. The pit comes in two parts, so assembly is extremely straightforward, and the contemporary design is designed to rust over time. 

It is recommended you cover this fire pit when it's not in use, but it is frost and (of course) heat resistant, so durability shouldn't be an issue. 

With the classic handles and bowl shape you'd expect from a Kadai bowl, the MADE Ivy Line Outdoor Fire Pit nods to tradition. It comes in black or in rust, and is guaranteed to work as a wonderful centrepiece for alfresco parties or evenings in the garden. It’s a mid-size option for those who want a roaring fire but without taking up too much space in their home. 

We love the style of this fire pit. The finish will give it a matte look, which is understated and unfussy. It will only get better as the iron ages, too.

A celebration of nature, the flickering flames make a mesmerising display at the heart of a charming woodland scene. Crafted from steel the copper-coloured fire bowl is an impressive accessory for alfresco family meals or larger gatherings. It will age over time to take on a rusty patina.

Large and striking, this fire pit is a great focal point for any garden soirée. The fire pit can hold a lot of logs so will spread the heat across a wide area while the sloping sides keep everything safely in the centre. And it’ll only improve with age as the surface oxidises over time to take on a warm rusted finish.

Want to be able to pack up your fire pit and take it with you for a camp out? This Femore Fire Bowl is portable, so you can take it with you on trips. It also doubles up as a BBQ so you can cook up your dinner on it too. It's really lightweight and easy to use, you just fold it up when done.

The best gas fire pit comes from Barker and Stonehouse, whose Hestia Garden Fire Pit has a thick outer ledge that can be used as a table when not in use. The glass shields are removable and there is a convenient door to open up the storage space underneath the fire pit for gas canisters. 

If you want a gas fire pit for entertaining, you'll love how easy this is to turn on. There is a simple switch to the side that can be adjusted depending on your desired look, making it very low-maintenance. 

The Fumega Metal Bowl Fire Pit from MADE has a matte black steel design and striking slanted bowl. It comes on a stand and is elevated to a 51cm height. This fire pit has a great look, and it's also secure because of the solid bowl dimensions with will cradle the firewood as it burns. You can leave the Fumega Metal Bowl Fire Pit outdoors, but take it in when it rains.

The asymmetrical design will direct all the warmth and heat towards you, which is great for smaller gatherings but not ideal for sitting around, campfire style. 

This steel firepit comes in three distinct parts that are simply placed together to form a space-age style pit that’s easy to take on the go. It comes in three size options and has an optional cooking grate that can be adjusted in height for campfire grilling and more.  

How to use the best fire pits 

Caring for your fire pit

When not in use, most large metal fire bowls can be left outside. It is best to stand them on their side, leaning against a wall in a sheltered spot so water and debris doesn't gather in the bottom. Alternatively, buy a special cover for it. The metal may rust naturally over time, producing an oxidised coating that will protect the bowl and enhance its looks. The structural integrity should be unaffected.

Consider the look

The best fire pits can be fantastic focal pieces for entertaining, but knowing how to design your space around them can be daunting. Take a look at some fire pit ideas for inspiration, and have a spot in mind when you buy so you can choose something with the right look and measurements. 

Using your fire pit 

Place on a level and stable surface. If using on a patio, put on another protective slab of stone or concrete at least 5cm thick, so your terrace won't be damaged by the heat. Always use the recommended fuel, such as wood. Don't throw in plastic which will melt and can cause fumes.

Fire pit safety

Position fire pits and braziers away from the house or combustible materials. Keep children and pets away while it's lit or still hot, and don't leave it unattended or try to move it. Allow the fire to die down and peter out naturally. Don't pour on cold water as this could damage its structure. 

Maintaining your fire pit

After use, let your fire put cool before emptying out any ash. Coat the surfaces with cooking oil to maintain it and reapply a suitable heat-retardant paint as needed.

Want to have a go at building your own fire pit from scratch? Head over to our guide on how to build a fire pit for all the advice you'll need to get started, or check out our DIY fire pit ideas.