With one of the best fire pits, you’ll be enjoying your outside space so much more. Whether it's making the most of late nights alfresco, relaxing under the stars, or having a garden party that goes on after dark, with a fire pit there’s no reason to go back inside. Even as the darker nights come along, these buys will bring light and warmth to your outside space. A fire pit really can be the ultimate way to create a cosy atmosphere.
As well as being a heat source, they can make a stylish centrepiece for your garden, patio or terrace. From contemporary-style fire pits and sleek gas fire pits to table options and cast-iron types for an authentic look, there's one to suit every aesthetic. And if size is the deciding factor, then the best chimineas offer a smaller, fancier way to stay warm once the sun has set.
But with so many fire pits to choose from, finding the right one for you can be tricky. So we've done the research and rounded up a few of our favourites. Rated highly for their performance and design, they're sure to bring all the cosy vibes you're looking for this season.
9 of the best fire pits to buy this season
Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Our favourite fire pit
Size: H30x Dia.87cm
Material: Steel
Fuel: Wood
+Contemporary style
+All size gardens
+Value for money
- Appearance may change overtime
Made of durable steel with a sleek matte finish, this Made.com fire pit is our favourite for its stylish silhouette and simple practicality. It is affordable, but sure doesn't look it with its modern design that will instantly upgrade any outdoor space.
Best fire pit table
Size: H51 x W84 cm
Material: Steel
Fuel: Wood
+ Classic style
+Doubles up as a table
+Affordable
- Large size not suitable for small gardens
Relax, eat and have a drink around this best table fire pit by Pure Garden, all the while staying warm once the sun's gone down. If you have a large enough garden or patio space, it's the perfect pit to set the ambiance for a relaxing evening.
Best gas fire pit
Size: H66 x Dia.58 cm
Material: Glass reinforced concrete (GRC)
Fuel: Gas
+ On-trend design
+Doubles up as a table
+Great for all size gardens
- More expensive
Channel Love Island and romantic settings with this sleek stone gas fire pit. In a bowl shape and table design, keep warm whilst enjoying a date-night glass of wine once the kids have gone to bed. Made from high-quality GRC, it will stay looking great.
Best smokeless fire pit
Size: H49.5 x W35.6 cm
Material: Stainless steel
Fuel: Wood
+ Lightweight and portable
+Great for taking away
- Expensive
- Not the most stylish
This fire pit is unlike any other - because it will give off no smoke and leave very little ash residue behind. How? It gets its power from logs to create a secondary flame that won’t leave you smelling like a campfire.
Best alternative fuel fire pit
Size: H10xDia.32.5cm
Material: Stainless steel
Fuel: Gel
+Compact design
+Easy to store and clean
+Great value for money
- Not big enough for large gatherings
If you want the aesthetic pleasure of an open fire but without the fuss of fire-starting, this fire pit runs on gel and burns away leaving no residue. Plus, it's easy to store, clean and even comes with an extinguisher to put the fire out.
Best square fire pit
Size: H68.5 x W68.5 x D53cm
Material: Steel
Fuel: Wood
+The best for gatherings
+Easy to use
+Super affordable
- Big and bulky in design
At a super affordable price, it's a best-seller for Aldi, and we can see why. It comes in three parts that are placed together to make a great centrepiece for your garden. Easy to set-up and even easier to buy, pick it up in your next supermarket shop.
Best contemporary fire pit
Size: H66 x W62 x D62cm
Material: Steel
Fuel: Wood
+A style upgrade
+Great for smaller parties
+Super affordable
- A little expensive, for its size
This most stylish fire pit will make a great addition to any garden. Its contemporary design with an industrial, handmade finish, will instantly work to upgrade any space, whilst also shedding light and warmth.
Best fire pit for cooking
Size: H55 x Dia.40 cm
Material: Steel
Fuel: Wood
+Adapt to a barbecue
+Compact to take away
+Affordable
-Will need to store away
Want to be able to pack up your fire pit and take it with you for a camp out? This HI-GEAR Corvus model is lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you on trips. It doubles up as a best BBQ, so you can cook up your dinner on it too.
Best small fire pit
Size: H23 x Dia.56cm
Material: Cast iron
Fuel: Firewood
+Compact to take away
+Affordable
+ Simple and practical design
-Not suitable for large gatherings
This cute cast-iron fire pit from Hoole is small enough to be stored easily, lightweight enough to take away and just the right size for petite gardens or patio spaces. For this reason it's our best small fire pit.
How to choose the best fire pit for you
Given fire pits are often a big investment (even when you are choosing a more affordable option) and considering they'll take up a large space in your garden, or shed if needing to be stored, it's important to make sure you're buying the best fire pit for your outdoor heating. Price, size and whether they will go with your outdoor aesthetic are therefore a good place to start.
You might also be interested in some specific details, like whether they are suitable to take away with you on holiday, if you need a gas can, or whether you can keep them outside all year round. There are a lot of fire pit options out there so pay attention to details. If you do, you're sure to enjoy a summer full of alfresco evenings and warm late night lounges.
Is cast iron or steel better for fire pits?
Cast iron is often deemed the superior choice for fire pits for its durability, affordable price point and heat-retaining properties. Since you can either burn wood or coal in a cast-iron bowl you can create a lot more heat for warmth and marshmallow roasting. It's a thicker and denser metal than steel, which does take a while to heat up but it will hold the heat for longer.
How do I use a best fire pit safely?
One of the key things to remember when learning how to light a fire pit correctly is to place it 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.
If you're including one of the latest fire pit ideas in your garden, position any 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. Learn how to put out a fire pit safely, by allowing the fire to die down and peter out naturally. Don't pour on cold water as this could damage its structure.
How to care 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 (available from Amazon) (opens in new tab) 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.
After use: It's important to follow the right methods for how to clean a fire pit. Make sure you let your fire pit cool before emptying out any ash. It can also be a good idea to coat the surfaces with cooking oil to maintain it, and reapply a suitable heat-retardant paint as needed.
How we chose the best fire pits
Whilst we haven't had chance to test out these best fire pits just yet, we've chosen them based on a few factors, that prove them as stand outs from the rest. Features such as whether they're portable, gas or wood fuelled, possible to cook with or come with a cover, are generally things customers are looking for in a best fire pit. We've scanned reviews to see if these designs live up to expectation, as well as seeking out retailer recommendations.
We've compared and evaluated fire pits for their size, price and as always, style. Meaning many of the decisions we have made depend on their overall practicality and whether they'll make a stylish addition to your outdoor space. There is one option within the list, the Blomus 65079, which is powered by burning gel, that we are eager to test in the near future. We intend on trying this most since there aren't any other alternative fuel competitors. Come back and we'll inform you on how well it burns.
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