Eight of the best garden fire pits
Keep warm with our selection of stylish fire pits for your garden.
Garden fire pits are a fantastic way to overcome the cold and dark British weather. They offer a cosy campfire without mess, or compromising the aesthetics of your garden. They can make the focal point of a patio for big gatherings or part of a quiet, comfy nook to curl up in. Outdoor fire pits can keep a party going long after sunset, or keep you snug while you relax after work. They’re a much greener and more economical alternative to patio heaters, which consume a lot of electricity and if fitted with grills, can even be used to barbecue, toast marshmallows, or cook popcorn.
Below, we’ve curated a list of nine of the best fire pits to help you find the perfect addition to your garden.
Decorating your patio? Find inspiration in our round-up of the best solar lights, or our guide to choosing the best garden furniture.
If you're in the market for a grill, check out our test of the best charcoal BBQs, in collaboration with BBC Good Food.
Choosing the best fire pit for your garden
When picking your fire pit, consider the following:
- Space - What works perfectly for a little city garden may not work as well for a large garden in the country. Make sure your pit is large enough to give comfortable heat while you enjoy it at a safe distance.
- Storage - A fire pit can be quite a large ornament and one you’re unlikely to use in the depths of winter. Making sure it can be dismantled or stored if needed is always helpful.
- Style - Fire pits are always great additions, but you don’t want them dominating your patio. Make sure it fits the aesthetic of your garden. A great pit is unobtrusive but always ready to go.
What to burn in a fire pit?
Almost all fire pits are designed to burn logs. Depending on the materials, most are also safe to burn coal or charcoal, but it’s good to check in the instructions before doing so. Beyond that, the choice is yours.
Eight of the best fire pits
Browse our selection of a range of warming fire pits, below:
La Hacienda Camping Firebowl
Storage an issue? Try this folding fire pit. Its legs fold for storage when not in use, so it doesn’t take up too much space. An attractive, simple fire-pit at a great price.
Price: £62.99
Buy La Hacienda Camping Firebowl on Amazon
Garden Mile Large Black Square Fire Pit
This simple fire pit is great for small more formal spaces. The unfussy 40x40cm fire pit also comes with a base plate to catch any escaping ash and gives the cosiness of a fire pit at a bargain price.
Price £39.99
Buy Garden mile Large Black Square Fire Pit on Amazon
Prestige Large Round Firepit
This lantern-style fire pit would look fantastic in a Japanese inspired space but is understated enough for any spot that needs a splash of character. Mesh sides ensure 360° of heat, and with an 80cm diameter it's much more generous than a traditional chimeneas.
Price £259.99
Buy Prestige Large Round Firepit at Robert Dyas
Clas Ohlson Hanging Tripod Fire Pit Brazier
This fire pit from Clas Ohlson is easy to move around thanks to its hanging tripod bowl. This clever design also reduces the chance of the fire pit scorching the stonework underneath and because it’s detachable, this pit is especially easy to clean. It's well thought out and excellent value.
Price: £35.99
Buy Clas Ohlson ® Hanging Tripod Fire Pit Brazier at Amazon
Garden Leisure Beer Box Firepit
This fire pit is unique - a metal beer crate that can be used to hold a bonfire. Helpfully, it also comes with a wooden seat for use as a small stool. It can be packed with ice to use as a makeshift drinks cooler, or loaded with logs to take camping. A versatile bit of kit that’s great for those on the go.
Price: £129.99
Buy Garden Leisure Beer Box Firepit at Notonthehighstreet
La Hacienda Colorado Chimenea
Chimeneas - clay fire chimneys from Mexico - often offer only a narrow window of heat. However, the conical grill on this stylish chimenea combines the heat coverage of a fire pit with the tall, sleek design of a chimenea. Great for modern patios.
Price: £144.99
Buy La Hacienda Colorado Chimenea at Amazon
Yorkshire Grill Firepit and BBQ
This no-nonsense fire pit is a great option for amateur grillmasters, because it comes with a large grill. This means it can offer a spare grilling surface for afternoons of cooking, then quickly convert into a cosy fire pit as the evening draws in. A practical companion for barbecues.
Price £210
Buy Yorkshire Grill Firepit and BBQ at Homebase
Crocus Nest Iron Fire Pit Bowl
This interesting fire pit is designed to look like a birds’ nest and is perfect for woodland or cottage gardens. With a five year guarantee, this is a sturdy yet decorative statement fire pit.
Price: £219.99
Buy Crocus Nest Iron Fire Pit Bowl at Crocus
How to light a fire pit
- Always use fire pits outside on stonework and stay a safe distance from the fire.
- If instructed, fill the bottom of the pit with a couple of inches of sand. This will protect the bottom of the pit and prolong its use.
- Place your kindling - newspaper, kindling balls, or firelighters - underneath a pyramid of small logs, and light.
- This should start a small fire. Slowly add bigger logs, taking care not to smother the flames, and enjoy.
Get started with a fire starting kit.