There are few better ways to relax than sitting around an open fire in the garden on a chilly evening. Firepits have surged in popularity over the past few years, largely due to everyone staying at home in lockdown.
Firepits are essentially an enclosure for burning wood or gas and there’s a bewildering choice of models to choose from. Firepits aren’t to be confused with chimineas, smaller structures which burn wood in a partially enclosed casing.
If you love spending time in your garden but are put off by the cold, a firepit can be a savvy purchase. They’re extremely effective at producing heat and can be used all year round. From late summer parties to cosy winter wonderland gatherings, a firepit could be just what your garden’s been waiting for.
There are several types of fire pits to consider when you’re looking for the perfect fire pit for your garden, including gas fire pits, tabletop fire pits, portable fire pits and traditional iron Kadai fire pits. Take a look at our ‘How to buy the best fire pit for your garden’ feature at the end of this article for more details about the different options.
Whether you are on the lookout for an unusual, rustic, elegant or smokeless table fire pit, we’ve rounded up the best fire pits on the market to help you choose the perfect heater for your space and extend the precious time you spend outside.
Our TOP Firepit Picks
10 of the Best Outdoor Fire Pits to Buy in 2023
Ready to cosy up around a toasty open fire? From traditional wood-burning firepits to modern gas, portable and eco-friendly, smokeless Bio ethanol models, here’s our round-up of the best fire pits for your garden and beyond:
- TuDou Portable Fire Pit for Camping
- REALGLOW Heatblock MGO Gas Fire Pit
- Harbour Housewares Cast Iron Fire Pit
- VonHaus Gas Fire Pit
- Elan Garden Bio-Ethanol Tabletop Fire Pit
- La Hacienda Kala Oxidised Fire Pit
- Outsunny Square Gas Fire Pit Table
- DAWOO Fire Pit with BBQ Grill Shelf
- Fimous Wicker Outdoor Rattan Garden Furniture Set with Fire Pit Table
- Solo Stove Ranger Cast Iron Grill Cooking Bundle
TuDou Portable Fire Pit
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Wood
- Size: 66cm high x 9.1cm wide and deep
- Weight: 600g
- Material: Stainless steel
- Compact and easy to assemble
- Foldable for easy transportation
If you love to camp or spend long summer evenings on the beach, this could be the fire pit for you.
This small fire pit is suitable for burning wood and kicks out an impressive amount of heat without scorching the ground underneath. It’s ideal for campsites, beaches and areas where ground fires are prohibited as the fire is raised well off the ground. If you’re travelling, this fire pit is an excellent addition to your kit and, as it’s foldable and lightweight, it’s perfect for throwing into a camping bag or storing in the car.
Unlike cast iron fire pit models, the stainless steel mesh cools quickly after use and it’s easy to remove any ash residue with a quick brush over.
The portable fire pit comes with a useful carry bag and gloves and the mesh can simply be rolled up and stored with the legs and clips after use.
This fire pit may be small but it offers ridiculously good value for money and it’s a perfect solution for warming up chilly evenings spent outside.
Pros
- Unbeatable value for money
- Perfect for trips away
- Quick and easy to assemble and dismantle
- Folds away into a small bag
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Less sturdy than a solid fire pit
- Only suitable for wood burning
REALGLOW Heatblock MGO Gas Fire Pit
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Liquified petroleum gas
- Size: 30cm high x 77cm wide and deep
- Weight: 28kg
- Material: Composite concrete
- Supplied with 3m gas hose and weatherproof cover
- Powerful 13kw heat output
Although several types of fire pits can be used on decking, including wood-burning versions, this fantastic-looking, gas-burning fire pit is one of the safest options and you won’t need to worry about escaping embers.
This large fire pit is an attractive addition to a patio or decked area and it pumps out plenty of heat. The fire pit doesn’t come with a glass fire guard but you can purchase one separately, helping to protect the flames from the wind and preventing little fingers from touching the fire.
A weatherproof cover is included with the fire pit.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Contemporary looking
- Composite material so won’t rust
- Includes a weatherproof cover
- Excellent heat output
- Safe to use on wooden or composite decking
Cons
- Self-assembly required (minimal)
- Glass flame guard not included – can be purchased separately
- Some users report that not enough lava rocks are included with the fire pit so you may need to purchase more
Harbour Housewares Cast Iron Fire Pit
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Wood
- Size: 40cm high, 97cm wide (including handles) and 85.5cm bowl diameter
- Weight: 20kg
- Material: Cast iron
- Oversized fire bowl for a longer burn
This traditional-looking fire pit is constructed from sturdy cast iron, making it one of the most durable fire pits on our list. The wide bowl means you can load up plenty of logs for a more sustained burn and an impressive heat output.
If you’re looking for an attractive, large fire pit that will fit plenty of logs, burn for hours and give out plenty of heat, we’d really recommend this model.
Although this fire pit is marketed as being rust-free, some users have experienced rusting issues, so we’d suggest coating the fire pit with suitable heat-proof paint before use.
This fire pit comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Very sturdy
- Deep fire pit bowl for a large, sustained fire
- 2-year warranty
- Legs can be removed for storage
Cons
- Larger than some fire pits
- Self-assembly required (minimal)
- Said to be rust-free but some users have experienced rusting issues
VonHaus Gas Fire Pit
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Propane gas
- Size: 60cm high, 107cm wide and 51cm deep
- Weight: 40kg
- Material: MgO concrete effect
- Discreet gas cylinder storage
- UV and rust resistant
- Hose and hose regulator included
If you’re searching for a sleek, smoke free fire pit, the Von Haus model is well worth a look. This fantastic-looking, modern fire pit is a perfect choice for contemporary outdoor spaces.
It’s constructed from concrete effect MgO so it has the looks of concrete without the weight. It’s also rust and UV-proof and includes a waterproof cover to protect it from the rain.
This fire pit is an attractive option if you don’t like the look of an ugly gas cylinder as it neatly stores away inside the fire pit unit. You can control the size of the flames and, unlike wood-burning models, there won’t be any unpleasant smoke or cleaning up of ash afterwards.
This fire pit doesn’t include a glass flame surround, but you could have one made to fit if required.
Pros
- Sleek, modern looks
- Non rust fire pit
- Extremely sturdy
- Handy gas cylinder storage
- Includes waterproof cover
Cons
- Expensive
- Lower heat output than wood-burning fire pits
- No glass flame surround
Elan Garden Bio-Ethanol Tabletop Fire Pit
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Bio ethanol
- Size: 20cm high x 35cm wide and 18cm deep
- Material: Stainless steel, metal and glass
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Includes glass screen
- Eco-friendly fuel. No smoke, no ash
- Compact size
If you’re on the hunt for a completely smokeless tabletop fire pit that can be easily moved around and used indoors too, this Bio ethanol model is an excellent buy.
Its compact size makes it perfect for use on small and large tables and it comes with a glass flame protector which is important for a tabletop fire pit where you’re close to the flames.
This fire pit may be small but it kicks out a fair amount of heat. The manufacturers state that it can heat a room up to 250 square feet in size and user reviews second this.
The reviews for this fire pit are excellent and we’ve rated it as the best tabletop fire pit due to its good value for money, environmentally friendly fuel, compact size and ability to be used indoors and out.
Pros
- Ideal for use under gazebos
- Easy to clean
- No smoke
- Good heat output
- Can be used inside or out with adequate ventilation
Cons
- Gets through fuel quite quickly
- Some self-assembly is required
La Hacienda Kala Oxidised Firepit
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Wood
- Size: 38cm high x 56cm wide and deep
- Weight: 6.4kg
- Material: Cast Iron
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Good size for smaller outdoor spaces
With a diameter of 56cm, this rustic-looking fire pit is a great buy if you have a smaller patio or garden area. It’s a well-made, sturdy fire pit with a welded base so will be able to handle a high volume of logs and the resulting heat output.
We love the rusty finish of this fire pit and it means you won’t need to worry about covering it up in wet weather. There isn’t a hole in the base of this fire pit so we’d recommend drilling a few holes before use so water can escape.
Pros
- Powder coated finish
- Integral log storage
- Good value
- Ideal size for a smaller outdoor space
- Contemporary style
Cons
- Minimal self-assembly required
- No drainage holes in the bowl so can become filled with water
Outsunny Square Gas Fire Pit Table
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Liquified petroleum gas
- Size: 65.5cm high x 81.5cm wide and deep
- Material: Rattan
- Glass windshield
- Can be transformed into a regular table when not in use
- Gas hose, lava rocks and rainproof cover included
This attractive rattan model from Outsunny is our best patio fire pit table winner. It’s made from durable poly rattan so can withstand life outdoors, it’s spacious enough to hold drinks and food alongside the fire pit, and it comes with a glass windshield to protect the flames from the breeze.
When not in use, you can remove the windshield and place the table lid over the fire pit so it can be used as a regular table.
The fire pit table will incorporate a gas cylinder, pump out plenty of heat and is an attractive and good value addition to your outdoor space. The versatility and great looks of this product make it one of the best gas fire pits on our list.
Pros
- Spacious fire pit table
- Integral gas canister storage
- Great looks
- Smokeless
- Durable polyrattan construction
- Good value for money
- Suitable for use on wooden or composite decking
Cons
- Will rust if not protected from rain
DAWOO Fire Pit with BBQ Grill
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Wood
- Size: 50cm high x 81cm wide and deep
- Weight: 14.35kg
- Material: Alloy steel
- 3 in 1 fire pit, barbecue grill and ice bucket
- Mesh lid for safety
If you love to cook outdoors, this large fire pit is an excellent option. It’s large enough to hold plenty of coal and logs and, as well as being fantastic for cooking burgers and bangers, it’s one of the best fire pits for heat on our list.
This fire pit and bbq in one can also be used as an ice bucket on hot days, just fill the bowl with chipped ice instead of wood.
This is one of the cheapest fire pits on our list but it’s sturdy, well made and more versatile than many of the other models. We like the addition of the mesh lid and that the stone textured surround is large enough to place a drink or plate on.
Pros
- Excellent for cooking
- Multi-functional
- Easy to move around if needed
- Inexpensive
- Removable ash pit makes it easy to clean
Cons
- Some assembly required but it’s straightforward for most
- Griddle gaps are quite wide
Fimous Wicker Outdoor Fire Pit Patio Table Set
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Propane gas
- Size: 50cm high x 81cm wide and deep
- Weight: 90kg
- Material: Poly rattan, tempered glass
- Integral gas storage
- Glass windshield
If you want to enjoy your fire pit in comfort, a patio set with a fire pit table is a great option. You can choose from a range of different seating options (from 5 to 9 seats) and the set comes with a large, glass-topped table with an integral fire pit that’s protected with a glass windshield.
Fire pit patio sets aren’t the cheapest to buy, but they are a beautiful and practical addition to your garden. We love the comfortable seat cushions that come with this set, often not the case with garden furniture.
The table neatly stores a full-sized gas canister so you don’t need to worry about unsightly bottles and hoses, and the durable poly rattan construction means the set can be left outside during inevitable downpours. Make sure you remove and store the seat cushions when not in use. You can purchase a separate waterproof table cover.
Pros
- Gas fire pit so no smoke or mess
- Great looking fire pit
- Can be used under a gazebo
- Various seating options available
- Very comfortable seat cushions
Cons
- Some assembly required
- Expensive
- Additional storage required for cushions
Solo Stove Ranger Fire Pit
Key Features:
- Fuel type: Wood
- Size: 51cm high x 37.5cm wide and deep
- Weight: 14.1kg
- Material: Stainless steel and cast iron
- Unique design creates far less smoke than standard wood burning fire pits
- Ultra-efficient burn
- Cast iron grill for cooking
- Portable
This sleek-looking, compact fire pit is perfect for home or away use. Solo Stove prides itself on its ‘smokeless fire pit’ design; the clever double-walled structure draws air into the bottom of the burner where it’s fed to the top, resulting in a secondary, smokeless burn.
This unusual fire pit has consistently excellent reviews and comes with a lifetime guarantee, reflecting the quality of the build and the success of the design.
For campers, explorers and home barbecuers, the Solo Stove Ranger is an excellent cooking fire pit. It includes a good-sized sturdy cast iron grill which rests securely on top of the fire pit hub. The spaces under the grill allow you to re-fuel when needed without disturbing the food on top.
If you’re after a great-looking, incredibly well-made stove with unbeatable performance, the Solo Stove is hard to beat.
Pros
- Reduced smoke
- Fantastic looking fire pit
- Small, portable and ideal for camping
- Excellent for cooking
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
How to buy the best fire pit for your garden
There is a huge range of fire pits on the market so before you buy, you’ll need to find out about the different types and which fire pit will be best suited to your space and your needs.
Different types of fire pit
There are many fire pit models to choose from and these are determined by the fuel they require; you can opt for wood burning, natural gas, propane gas or Bio ethanol for gel fires.
Size and weight
Fire pits vary hugely in size so think about where you’ll be positioning your pit, whether you need it to be portable or not, and the material it’s made from to make sure you buy the right model for your needs.
Fire pit safety
If you have a wood-burning fire pit, it will need to be placed on a concrete surface or fireproof mat. We wouldn’t recommend placing it onto wooden or composite decking due to the risk of fire or damage from escaping embers.
Gas fire pits are generally safer for use on decking and under well-ventilated structures like gazebos.
FAQs
Chiminea or fire pit?
This can be a tricky decision to make but it’s usually influenced by the amount of space you have in your garden. Chimineas generally have a much smaller footprint and are easy to store when not in use.
Fire pits are more versatile than chimineas in terms of the fuel they burn. You can use Bio ethanol models both inside and out, and large fire pits will provide more space for cooking. They’ll also provide a larger fire and more warmth than a chiminea, depending on the size of your fire pit.
What is the best wood for fire pit?
Wood-burning fire pits will burn best with seasoned hardwoods like ash and beech. These woods will burn for the longest time.
Don’t burn wood that’s been treated, painted or stained as it can produce toxic chemicals when lit.
What is the best fuel for fire pit?
This really depends on your needs, if you want a fire pit that can be regularly moved, is low maintenance and clean, we’d recommend a gas fire pit. If you don’t mind cleaning up ash and the smoky aroma, a wood-burning fire pit is hard to beat.
In terms of gas, propane is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than natural gas. Most fire pits are built to burn propane gas but many can be converted to run on natural gas if required.
What is the best stone for fire pit?
If you’ve built your own fire pit, you can line it with hard stones like granite, marble and limestone which won’t crack under the heat.
What’s the best material for fire pit?
The best material for a fire pit really depends on the fuel type you’re using.
Cast iron and stainless steel are excellent, durable options for wood-burning fire pits. If you’re tempted to build your own sunken or free-standing fire pit, it’s best to construct it from stone or metal. You can even turn old washing machine drums into effective fire pits!
Limestone and sandstone are also excellent options. Both are naturally hard stones, they’re extremely durable, able to resist high temperatures without cracking and will radiate heat efficiently.
Can you use a fire pit under a gazebo?
If you’re planning to cosy up around a fire pit under a gazebo, you’ll need to make sure there is plenty of ventilation and adequate space around the fire and take care not to place any soft furnishings or flammable items near the fire pit. We don’t recommend the use of wood-burning fire pits under covered areas.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a wood-burning, gas or Bio ethanol fire pit, it’s sure to light up your garden and let you enjoy more time outside, at any time of the year.
Fire pits are an excellent buy and they’re incredibly effective at producing heat, as well as creating an attractive focal point.
From shop bought to homemade, check out our Garden Fire Pit Ideas article for some sizzling fire pit inspiration.
We hope our list of the best garden fire pits will help direct you to the perfect pit for your patch. Let us know in the comments below.
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