When it comes to finding the perfect fire pit, there is a lot to consider! You should look for something that will look visually attractive in your garden but you should prioritise functionally and think about how you plan to use it. For example, if you’re envisioning summer evenings on the beach in the glow of the firelight, a lightweight and portable option will be the best choice for you. For foodies who plan on doing outdoor cooking with their fire pit, models with handy outdoor features such as BBQ racks are a must. Size is another key factor when it comes to choosing a fire pit. Larger fire pits tend to give off more heat, but smaller ones can be a handy option when it comes to moving it around the garden. It’s best to choose a model which complements the dimensions of your outdoor space without overwhelming it.

Contents

Where is the best place for an outdoor fire pit?
Which are the best fire pits to buy?
What are the different types of fire pits?
How to choose the best fire pit for you?
Are wood burning fire pits a good option?
How to maintain your fire pit properly

Finding the perfect spot for your fire pit can have a big impact on how often you will likely use it, so it’s important to spend time finding the right nook. Putting it in an area with seating nearby will help you enjoy the fire pit year-round and is sure to make a great spot for garden get-togethers.  Of course, safety is an absolute must when it comes to choosing the right location for your pit. While positioning it near seating is great for making the most of it, avoid placing it too close to ensure everyone stays a safe distance from the fire. Aim for at least 7 feet between the seating and the fire pit. You should also position it in an area with ample clearance from surrounding hedges, trees, sheds, and the house to minimise fire hazards and ensure proper ventilation. There are a number of additional features for fire pits that will make your fire pit even safer, such as mesh guards.

Here we’ve given you a selection of our most popular outdoor fire pits, we’ve chosen models that our customers love and ones we’ve seen in action. Deciding your budget is important since prices range from under £100 to well over £1,000 for more stylish options and for models that include extra features like grilling or swinging arms for wood fired cooking.

There isn’t a standard fire pit to suit every consumer and there are lots of different designs and fuel types to choose from. When it comes to fire pits, picking the right type can take a little bit of time so here we’ll run through the pros and cons of some of the most popular types of outdoor fire pits.

1. Gas fire pit tables - This outdoor heater doubles up as a table and is designed with a fire pit in the centre of a table so you can place drinks and food around the outside. A gas fire pit table is a great social option that will also keep your guests warm outdoors. The additional space between the fire pit and the edge of the table also provides a little more safety so children can’t get too close, lots of models also come with a glass screen for added protection. If you’re keeping a gas fire pit table underneath a parasol or umbrella you should check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that there is enough clearance to combustible materials and ventilation.
2. Portable or camping stoves - Portable stoves are the ideal choice if you like to go camping or if you don’t want a fire pit to be a permanent fixture in your garden. Our portable fire pits come in lightweight and easy-to-carry designs so you can easily manoeuvre them to your preferred position. All our camping stoves come with a grilling option to cook on and you’ll find gas, electric and wood fuel options within the range.
3. Smokeless fire pits - Smokeless fire pits do exactly what they say, they produce no smoke or very little because they use double walls and have a secondary combustion system to prevent heat that is produced by the wood fuel from escaping. The secondary combustion system burns wood or charcoal down to ash, doing away with any remaining smoke particles.
4. Fire pit bowls - Traditionally, a fire bowl sits a little higher above the ground and come in a  freestanding designs. A fire pit bowl can look beautiful in your garden and add ambience when you're entertaining, it will keep your guests warm in the evenings and thanks to the round shape it invites your guests to gather round this heat source. There are plenty of options and you can choose from a variety of sizes and designs.
5. Fire pits for foodies - No matter your preference, there's plenty of cooking options to choose from with a fire pit grill. You can spit roasting, pot cook, frill, fry and skewer on lots of these models. The versatility of the fire pit is endless and some consider them to be superior to a BBQ because of the double functionality of heat and cooking.
6. Outdoor fire stoves - Whether you're looking to extend your outdoor entertaining season or simply want to add a touch of luxury to your garden, an outdoor fire pit stove provides a great heat source with better efficiency than an open fire pit. The closed combustion area means your fuel will last longer and the cast iron or steel frame helps to return the heat long after the fire is extinguished.

Choosing the best fire pit for your needs can be tricky. Firstly, we’d recommend you work out where it is going to be located, whether you prefer a permanent or portable unit and if you wish for the fire pit to double up as a barbecue. Deciding your budget is also an important factor, as we’ve already mentioned, prices range from under £100 to well over £1,000 so consider how often you’re going to use this new outdoor living feature so you get your money’s worth. The size of the best fire pit for you will depend on how much space you have available but it is important to allow plenty of clearance around the fire pit too, you may need to push your seating back as standard fire pits can churn out a bit of smoke.

If you prefer the authentic feel of a wood-burning fire pit, you can enhance their efficiency through proper airflow and regular maintenance to minimise emissions and maximise heat output. You can boost the sustainability of a fire pit further by using seasoned hardwoods, which burn cleaner and produce less smoke, or utilising wood pellets made from compressed sawdust and agricultural waste as an alternative fuel source. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for an outdoor heater that is environmentally friendly you’re a little short on options, wood can be a carbon neutral fuel source so is one of the better choices but wrapping yourself up in a blanket or throwing on an extra jumper is the only real eco-friendly way to stay warm in your garden.

The good news is that most fire pits can be left outside all year round and some even rust naturally which adds a coat of protection around the fire pit and can help it last longer. A great tip, if you are the proud owner of a fire bowl, is after emptying the ash, leave it on its side or upside down over winter to prevent rain water building up inside. Another great tip is to layer sand in the bottom of your fire pit, this not only helps radiate heat but it can help to prevent burning the metal bottom of your new fire pit. Never leave a fire pit unattended and always remember to remove any ash or embers once it has fully cooled.