Choosing the best fire pit

Whether you want to keep warm in your garden, spruce up your patio or you’re looking for a more authentic way to cook your dinner, an outdoor fire pit could fit the bill.

Use our expert advice to help you choose the best type and brand, discover interesting fire pit ideas and even learn how to make your own.

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Types of fire pits

There’s no 'one size fits all' when it comes to fire pits, so picking the right type can take time. We run through the pros and cons of some of the most popular types:

Fire pit table

Pros

• Functional and decorative
• Great if you’re short on space
• Lots of designs available

Cons

• Typically you won't be able to cook on it
• More expensive
• If it emits smoke, you may not want to sit too close

This does exactly what it says on the tin. It's designed with a fire pit in the centre of a table where you can place drinks and food – great for keeping your guests warm while you're socialising outdoors.  

The extra space between the pit and the edge also provides a little more safety – children can’t get too close – but you still need to be careful never to leave it untended. If you’re keeping under an umbrella or covering, you’ll need to check there’s enough ventilation and that it’s high enough so the flame won’t catch.

You can get a variety of designs, including coffee tables, dining tables and high-top tables; they’re almost always powered by gas or electric, but you can get wood-burning ones, too. We list brands to buy in our garden furniture buying guide.

Brick fire pit

Pros

• Cheaper if you’re handy with DIY
• You can match your brick to other décor in your garden
• Durable
• Can be used as a grill

Cons

• More time building the fire pit
• Not portable
• Less maintenance
• Will emit smoke

Often homemade and permanent, brick fire pits are structures built from the floor up using fire-safe bricks such as refractory brick for the inner walls and surrounded by a more decorative brick. You can’t use normal bricks for the inner wall, because they will crack under the heat. You’ll also need to ensure you have a solid concrete base.

Make sure you leave it to set for about a week before lighting your first fire.

Silhouette fire pits

Pros

• They make a statement
• You can personalise your fire pit
• Portable
• Will give off lots of heat

Cons

• No ledge/table to rest drinks on or sit around
• Will emit smoke

Normally made of steel, this style of fire pit features intricate designs that create a picture silhouette lit by the flames behind them. You can choose from a variety of sizes, shapes and designs.

Portable or camping fire pit

Pros

• Easy to move and store
• Great for smaller spaces
• Handy for camping trips
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Less attractive  

Ideal if you like to go camping or you don’t want the fire pit to be a permanent fixture in your garden. Portable fire pits should be lightweight, and preferably have wheels and/or a carry case to make it easy to manoeuvre and store.  

A portable fire pit will typically be small- to medium-sized and might come with a grill to cook on. Always try to use a safety screen to prevent getting burnt by flying sparks.

Washing-machine fire pit

Pros

• Cheap alternative
• Recycling old materials
• Easy to make
• Portable

Cons

• Less attractive
• The metal can get very hot
• Can damage the ground underneath if not on legs
• Will begin to rust over time

These fire pits are made using a recycled washing-machine drum – great if you want to get creative and save some money. All you need to do is remove the drum from the machine, along with any plastic parts, then stake it safely into the ground. You can add legs if you want it higher off the ground.

Kadai fire pit

Pros

• Authentic
• Individual designs
• Portable
• You can use for cooking
• Lots of cooking accessories available

Cons

• More maintenance
• Can be expensive
• Will create smoke

Kadai is an Indian word for a thick, circular and deep cooking pot, and traditional Kadai fire pits or bowls have been used for hundreds of years to provide warmth and cook food. 

Made of iron, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used as a permanent or portable pit. To keep yours in good condition, you should rub it with oil after every other use.

Gas fire pit

Pros

• Attractive
• Easy to use
• No ash to clear

Cons

• Expensive
• Might not be portable
• Less authentic

Built with convenience and aesthetics in mind, gas fire pits are normally impressively designed around pebbles, faux wood or glass.

The flames are powered through gas that you can easily switch on and off. You can get portable models, however most gas fire pits tend to be permanent –and they can be expensive.

You’ll also have the added expense of buying the gas and you’ll need to make sure it’s topped up before entertaining.

Tabletop fire pit

Pros

• Easy to move and store
• Smokeless
• No ash to clear

Cons

• Will need to be refilled
• Won’t give off as much heat as other pits

Built to sit directly on an existing surface, a tabletop fire pit is great if you're looking for something small and portable.

Most are powered with bio-ethanol, which means it won’t create smoke and should be easy to switch on and off. It should also have some type of safety screen or glass surrounding it.

If you’re sitting under an umbrella or covering, you’ll need to check there’s enough ventilation and it’s high enough so the flame won’t catch.

BBQ fire pit

Pros

• Multifunctional 
• Decorative and attractive
• Lots of designs to choose from

Cons

• Some models can be awkward to cook on
• Most do not come with solid BBQ lids
• Can give off lots of smoke and require a lot of cleaning

A BBQ fire pit is a great multifunctional tool, in that you can use it for flame-grill cooking as well as warmth (perfect if you're short on space). It makes an interesting centrepiece for any garden event, and if you opt for a larger than average pit, it can accommodate food for big parties.

These fire pits are usually log-fuelled, and you can even burn certain wood chips to flavour your food. However, it's worth bearing in mind that they can produce a lot of smoke from the meat or oil drippings, so they need to be cleaned frequently. 

If you fancy having a homemade pizza while you relax around your fire pit, here are the best pizza ovens

Which size of fire pit is best?

If you’re buying a fire pit from a shop, then the dimensions will be predetermined, and most bands offer varying sizes (small, medium, large); however,  there’s no one size fits all. The size of your fire pit depends largely on the type you choose: a portable or tabletop design will most likely be your smallest option, while fire-pit dining tables and gas fire pits are usually bigger. 

If you’re building a brick fire pit yourself then a 90cm-wide fire pit should be big enough for smaller gatherings, while a 1.8 metre wide one (including the surrounding walls) will be large enough for six to eight people.

The height will often depend on whether you want to rest things on a table, but if you want to feel the warmth from your pit, you shouldn’t go much higher than 50cm from the ground.

Generally speaking, the larger the pit, the more heat it will give off, although other factors can change this, including what materials it's made of and the fuel you use to power it.

Are you renovating your garden? If so, how about adding a hot tub? But first take a look at our hot tub buying guide to consider your options

What material is best for a fire pit?

Stainless steel

• Pros: Corrosion-resistant and durable, lightweight, easy to maintain 
• Cons: Can be expensive

Copper

• Pros: Great for radiating heat, lightweight 
• Cons: Low- to medium-maintenance, expensive 

Cast iron

• Pros: Sturdy, extremely durable, budget-friendly 
• Cons: Very heavy 

Where to buy a fire pit

Generalist retailers and dedicated garden shops both offer a wide range of fire pits. To make sure you're buying a fire pit that's well built and safe to use, only shop with trusted sellers online or in store. 

Ideally, you'd get to see some fire pits in store before buying, but if this isn’t possible, find out as much information about it as possible before investing. 

• Aldi typically sells fire pits, among other garden accessories and furniture. In previous years, the supermarket has sold steel models, as well as a kadai fire pit with a built-in log store. Its outdoor ranges for 2024 are coming soon, so keep an eye out online and in-store.
• Amazon retails fire pits from a number of different brands from as little as £30 for a metal option, and £15 for a smaller camping fire pit.
• B&M stocks a small range of log burners, fire pits and outdoor heaters online, as well as accessories and fire lighters. Expect to pay around £35 for the cheapest options, and upwards of £80 for larger fire pits, log burners and chimineas. 
• B&Q has an impressive selection of stainless steel, silhouette, kadai and even collapsible fire pits. Princes range between £15 and around £500 depending on the style and size of the fire pit, and you may be able to opt for free Click & Collect.
• Crocus fire pits are slightly pricier than other retailers, with its cheapest kadai pit selling for £90, while its largest fire pit with a grill and log storage is £1,350.
• Firepits UK sells fire pits with swing or optional grills, chimineas, and portable options. Its products are handmade in Britain, with many models made of British steel. A small portable model will set you back at least £90.
• Homebase products are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for a year. It stocks a small selection of fire pits online, including silhouette and bowl types. Expect to spend at least £40.
• John Lewis has over 30 outdoor heaters on its website, around half of which are fire pits and chimineas. It mostly retails the Ivyline range in both copper and black, starting at £130.
• The Range retails more than 300 fire pits online in a plethora of styles. There's plenty to choose from, including fire pit tables, camping pits, gas fire pits and grills - its most basic models are around £15.
• Waitrose Garden fire pits start at £65 and can cost up to £230 for larger options. You can also buy a range of accessories and fire lighters from this retailer, and may be able to select Named Day delivery.
• Wayfair has an enormous online stock of simple and stylish fire pits, with its most basic models costing around £27. It's most high-end options can sell for upwards of £5,000.

For more details on shopping online safely and arranging refunds for faulty equipment, see our online shopping advice

Cheap fire pits

The cheapest fire pits are typically made of cast iron or steel and prices start at around £30. You can find cheap fire pits from online retailers including Amazon and the Range.

Some large supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Asda have started stocking them, too.

The more basic options won’t come with safety extras such as lids or screens, so you might need to spend a little more on accessories.

Or, if you’re handy with DIY, you could try making your own. Washing-drum and brick fire pits are both budget-friendly – and it gives you a chance to get creative. 

Find out how much the best patio heaters cost to run

Making your own fire pit: top tips

If you would prefer to make your own fire pit, here are some top tips:

• Build it at least 3 metres away from building structures, trees and fences.
• Make sure there isn’t anything hanging directly above it.
• Ensure you have a stable base for the pit walls, so they don’t crack as the ground moves over time.
• Make sure you use fire-safe bricks.
• Make a hole in the middle of the base the pit will sit on and fill it with gravel to help drain rain water; then cover the entire base area with gravel.
• Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
• Don't use stones that have been submerged in water, as they can explode with the heat of the fire.
• Don’t make your pit too small or too big. Too small and the fire won’t get started; too big and it can get out of control. The average size is 0.9-1.2 metres wide.
• Leave small air gaps in the inner wall to feed the fire.
• Leave your pit to set for at least seven days before lighting your first fire.

Lawsons gives a step-by-step guide on how to build your own fire pit. 

How light a fire pit

1. Put a few bunches of scrunched-up newspaper on the bottom of the pit
2. Add some kindling on top of the newspaper in a pyramid shape to aid ventilation
3. Using a long safety match or a long lighter, light the newspaper and kindling
4. Once the fire has caught, add one or two logs to increase the fire
5. As the fire starts to decrease, add one or two logs to keep it burning

If you’re lighting a chiminea, make sure you have a layer of sand or lava rocks on the bottom before you light the fire.

If you have a gas fire pit, all you need to do is switch it on. If the gas has run out, always read the instruction manual to find out how to replace the canister.

Fire pit maintenance

Looking after your fire pit will help to lengthen its lifespan. Here are a few ways to keep your fire pit in good working order:

• Keep your fire pit covered and protected from the elements when not in use. This is especially important for cast iron, steel and copper pits. Excessive rain can cause it to rust.
• Don’t douse the fire with water to put it out – let it extinguish naturally. The quick drop in temperature can cause the pit to crack.
• Clean out the ash and debris after every use and give it a deep clean every three to six months.
• Don’t use accelerants – the extreme heat can damage the pit.
• Oil your steel fire pit around twice a month.
• Don’t burn plastic in the pit. It will melt and stick to the pan.

Fire pit safety 

To find out more about safety when setting up and using fire pits, we spoke to Charlotte Lee, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s East Hub Prevention Manager. Here are her top fire pit safety tips:

1. Pick a safe location Make sure your fire pit is well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs.
2. Protect vulnerable users Keep children and pets away from the fire.
3. Choose approved items Use only approved lighters and only ever on cold coals.
4. Be prepared Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
5. Stay put Don't leave a lit fire pit unattended.

Alternatives to fire pits

If you want something to keep you warm while relaxing in your garden but don’t fancy a fire pit, here are some other outdoor heating options to try.

Chimineas

Chimineas are front-loading, freestanding fireplaces with a round bottom and a vertical chimney. Typically they're made of clay, cast iron or steel and come in a variety of sizes – opt for a model that you can cook on, too.

Chimineas are normally smaller in width compared with fire pits, but much taller. The surrounding walls offer more safety because they can contain the fire, while also retaining heat and funnelling the smoke upwards rather than outwards, which a fire pit does.

However most fire pits will give you a full 360-degree view and allow you to make a larger fire.

Patio heaters

Patio heaters are powered by gas or electric and come in all shapes and sizes. You can also find heaters for a wide range of budgets.

If safety is a priority, a patio heater should give you much more peace of mind. They usually come with grills and screens to shield the heat and will automatically switch off if they overheat, as well as turning the gas off if the flame goes out. Plus, there will be no ash and embers to worry about.

You’ll also have instant heat, with some even offering temperature control.

A patio heater won’t give the same experience as a fire pit or a chiminea, though, and you won’t be able to cook on it, either.

Find out the running costs and which we named the best patio heaters.

Are outdoor heaters bad for the environment?

No outdoor heater is ‘good’ for the environment. Unfortunately, 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.

Gas patio heaters are one of the worst in terms of energy efficiency and the amount of CO2 emissions they emit. They are also pretty pricey.

Fire pits and chimineas aren’t great either. In fact, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), while UK air quality has improved significantly over the past few decades, the burning of solid fuels (such as coal and wood) in our homes is the largest contributor of harmful particulate-matter (PM) emissions.

This is because when wood is burned, it releases harmful pollutants, such as small particles known as PM2.5. These tiny particles can be easily inhaled and can enter the bloodstream.

Wet logs and house coal emit higher levels of PM so if you still want to invest in a fire pit, always burn dry wood.

Is a wood-burning stove bad for the environment, too? Our guide covers everything you need to know about stoves and pollution.