Outdoor fireplaces act as a decorative focal point while providing warmth and alfresco fun with the best fire pits an ever-popular choice for a simple way to enjoy a mini backyard bonfire. With British gardens changing along with our climate, homeowners and gardeners are looking toward garden accessories that can be used all year round. We've rounded up the best fire pits of all designs for all seasons.
Even in the winter months, fire pits are still a trending topic, with many garden lovers adopting a night-time fire pit routine. Savouring all the charm of a real outdoor fire in your garden just got a whole lot better. All sorts of game-changing burners have arrived on the market, offering you quick-to-light fires, superior smokeless burns, and doubling up as a grill, hot plate, or handy side table too.
Best fire pits at a glance:
• Best gel fire pit: blomus FUOCO Gel Fire Pit – View on Amazon UK
• Best chimenea-style fire pit: La Hacienda Medium Steel Chimenea – View on Argos
• Best large cast iron fire pit: Rammento Large Cast Iron Garden Fire Pit – View on Amazon UK
Perfect for getting the most from your space, from freestanding fire baskets to fully installed fire pits, they’ll let you stay outside for longer into the evening. Some are a cinch to clean up, others designed to be easily stashed away if you don’t have room on your patio for a permanent firepit and – there’s no denying it – they do offer a real hit of garden eye candy.
There is a whole range of outdoor fire pits to choose from, and Modern Gardens' Jill Morgan has rounded up the best picks below. Whether you are searching for a stylish outdoor woodburner or something simple and rustic, fire pits are one of the best sources of outdoor heating and decoration.
Best fire pits for your garden
Best gel fire pit
Amazon/FUOCOIf you are looking for something small and practical, then this blomus FUOCO Gel Fire Pit will sit perfectly on your outdoor patio table. This has a stylish, contemporary design that combines a striking black base with a stainless steel middle.
This gel-fuelled fire pit does not create as much heat as a wood or gas fire pit but is a great centrepiece. It uses standard burning bioethanol gel and will burn for around two hours. The gel burner is also easy to clean with no ash or other debris to worry about.
Pros
- Stylish design to make for a modern centrepiece
- Offers a clean burn with no ash debris
Cons
- Gel only burns for around two hours
| Dimensions: | 32.5 x 32.5 x 10cm |
| Weight: | 2.58 kg |
Best chimenea-style fire pit
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
This fantastic La Hacienda Medium Steel Chimenea from Argos is a classic, traditional choice for your garden or patio. Made from durable steel and finished in an attractive, aged bronze effect, this chimenea boasts both style and practicality.
Not only does it have a full mesh body that lets you and your guests enjoy a 360-degree view of the fire, but this design means it can emit heat from all angles ensuring you, and your guests, are kept warm and cosy long into the night.
Pros
- Classic chimenea-style outdoor chimney design
- Offers a 360-degree view of the flames
Cons
- Some say the mesh parts can be fiddly to assemble
| Dimensions: | H90 x D37 cm |
| Weight: | Not Specified |
Best large cast iron fire pit
Amazon/RammentoThis Rammento Large Cast Iron Garden Fire Pit has a simple design comprising of a raised bowl and three-leg support for safety and stability. The raised bowl protects the ground from scorching while the three legs give you a tripod of support for your fire.
It's easy to assemble, with reviewers saying it can be done in under five minutes, with no tools required. Once assembled, you can use this fire pit for burning logs or charcoal, and it makes a great centrepiece for some marshmallow toasting action.
Pros
- Simple design allows for any kind of fire fuel to be used
- Raised bowl design protects the ground from scorching
Cons
- Closed bowl design may needs help with airflow
| Dimensions: | D50 x W50 x H20cm |
| Weight: | Not specified |
Best fire pit for heat
Waitrose Gardenwww.waitrosegarden.com
Looking for a compact fire pit that kicks out plenty of heat without taking up too much space? Inspired by traditional Kenyan woodburners, this Hooded Jiko Fire Pit Warmer features a curved hood that captures and redistributes the heat, which would otherwise rise straight up into the sky.
Made from iron with a fire-retardant black paint, the entire firepit heats up to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for gathering around long into the night. When not in use, the fire bowl can be turned over so it doesn’t gather rainwater, and the hood is detachable, making it easier to store.
Pros
- Compact design with a small footprint
- Radiates lots of heat thanks to the hooded design
Cons
- Take care with open flame and hot surfaces
| Dimensions: | W52cm x H85cm |
| Weight: | 12kg |
Best rustic fire pit
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
This La Hacienda Fasa Oxidised Firepit from Argos is another great choice for your garden as a low-profile fire pit that would work well in the centre of a cosy seating area. The handy, built-in log store is perfect for storing your fuel when not in use and makes refuelling no effort at all.
Constructed from a durable mix of cast iron and steel, this fire pit is fuss- and maintenance-free and will continue to weather attractively as you use it. With its oxidised looks and chunky design this will add a distinctive rustic flair to your outdoor sanctuary.
Pros
- Attractive oxidised finish that will age well
- Handy wood storage area built into the base
Cons
- Heavyweight and not very portable
| Dimensions: | 40 x 56 x 56 cm |
| Weight: | 8.9kg |
Best outdoor fireplace
Amazon/RelaxdaysIf you have a modernist aesthetic throughout your outdoor space, Relaxdays' Patio Heater will fit right into that simple vibe. Its eye-catching design is crafted from conductive steel with a grid inside to allow for air flow to create a roaring blaze.
This fire pit's tall design (it measures in at 120cm) ensures the chimney directs the smoke away from nuisance areas, something that reviewers who want to enjoy sitting around this fire pit appreciate.
Pros
- Reviewers say assembly is very easy
- Low maintenance to operate as it can take lots of wood
Cons
- No spark protection built in
| Dimensions: | 120 x 45 cm |
| Weight: | 7.9 kg |
Best compact fire pit
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
This Argos Home Foldable Firepit is a popular choice racking up a near five-star review score on the retailer's website. It gets praise for being totally portable with its own carry bag, so you can transform the moment with some flickering flames, whether that's at home or out and about, in a matter of minutes.
This is crafted from 100% steel for strength and durability. This fire pit comes complete with a grill that's perfectly sized to fit across the top of the pit so you can use this as a camping or occasional BBQ. The mesh guard keeps your outdoor area safe by protecting from sparks.
Pros
- Comes with a grill so you can use this as a BBQ
- Portable option with removeable legs
Cons
- Low profile design is not safe for homes with pets
| Dimensions: | 41.5 x 56 x 56 cm |
| Weight: | 4kg |
Best multifunctional fire pit
Amazon/YaheetechThis Yaheetech 3-in-1 Outdoor Fire Pit can be used as a fire pit, as an open BBQ, or if you have no need for heat, as an ice pit to fill with drinks. This has a stable square design and the frame is made from powder-coated metal for weather-resistance during all seasons.
There's a heat-resistant fire bowl that fits into the frame and this comes with a log grate to go inside, a mesh spark cover for safety, a poker-style tool to move the spark guard, and a water-resistant cover to shield this from the elements when not in use.
Pros
- Three-in-one functionality for multipurpose use
- Comes with a water-resistant fabric cover
Cons
- BBQ grill not included in the bundle
| Dimensions: | 81 x 81 x 45 cm |
| Weight: | 12.5kg |
Best extra-large fire pit
Amazon/RelaxdaysThis fire brazier from Relaxdays is a great option for any gardeners that have cuttings to get rid of, offering an open basket design to efficiently burn all kinds of wood offcuts. Aside from its obvious practical use, this can just be used as a fire pit for entertaining.
This pit sits on legs and features a handy tray at the base to catch ash and burning debris, protecting the surface you're placing it on from scorching. It's crafted from solid steel and comes complete with a handy poker-style tool to keep your flames burning bright.
Pros
- Efficient woodburner to get rid of cuttings
- Comes complete with a handy poker tool
Cons
- Best for occasional use
| Dimensions: | 56 x 56.5 x 45cm |
| Weight: | 5.4kg |
Best contemporary fire pit
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
This fire pit from La Hacienda with its striking pedestal stand will make for a real statement piece in your garden even when it's not being used for fire. The 100 per cent steel bowl of this pit has a generous 60cm diameter so you can really crank up the flames.
This comes with a log grate to place in the base of the pit so ash falls through and allows for better flame ventilation, a mesh-style spark cover, and a poker to use on the hook of the cover when you need to add more fuel or stoke the fire.
Pros
- Attractive pedestal-style stand design
- 100 per cent steel construction for strength and durability
Cons
- Bowl isn't removeable for storage
| Dimensions: | H47cm |
| Weight: | 4.8kg |
How we chose the best fire pits
All of these fire pits have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the fuel type, capacity, and build quality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching fire pits to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
FAQs: Fire pits and chimineas
What is the difference between outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas?
Fire pits have become an increasingly easy and affordable way to heat things up outside. They make alfresco evenings more inviting while adding an extra twist to everyday outdoor lighting. If you want all the perks of having a fire minus the camping, then you can choose anything from a simple rustic firepit to a multi-purpose outdoor fireplace. Some outdoor fire pit tables can function as a BBQ or even an ice bucket depending on your needs.
Outdoor fireplaces are more traditional but made for the outside. They are often designed with a chimney, much like indoor fireplaces and can be crafted from materials such as wood or iron. If you are looking to keep smoke at bay or add a touch of Scandinavian-style décor, then an outdoor fireplace is ideal.
Nowadays, there’s a vast choice of stunning, stylish chimineas to choose from, every one of which has what it takes to grace your garden and delight your senses. There’s something about the round fire bowl and narrow chimney that balances beautifully, whatever the design, whatever materials it’s made of, from clay to cast iron, or steel.
Chimineas are typically hand-crafted fireplaces with a chimney made with clay or cast iron. They are often created in Mexico or the southwest of America. While many see chimineas as garden décor for their garden or patios, they also produce a good amount of warmth and channel the smoke away from you with the chimney design.
What different types of fire pits are there?
There are a few types of fire pits, such as wood burners, gas fire pits, or gel fire pits.
Wood-burning fire pit
The most common fire pits are ones that are wood-burning. If you are looking to get a real outdoor experience, then a wood burner is the closest you will get to camping without a tent. Wood-burning fire pits are typically made from steel and are the most affordable option for fuel. Charcoal is usually compatible with many wood fire pits, so you can also consider using it as a BBQ.
Gas fire pit
Gas fires are fuelled by a propane tank, making them a convenient option. Like the gas you use to fuel the BBQ, this fire pit is easy to manage as you can switch it on and off at will. However, it is important to note when using a product with gas that you follow the safety tips in the product manual. In addition, gas fire pits are strictly for outdoor use, as if used in an enclosed space, you may become exposed to carbon monoxide.
Gel fire pit
If you are looking for a scent and smoke-free product, then gel fire pits are a great option. The downside is that gel burners can be quite expensive and don’t produce as much warmth as gas or wood-burning fire pits. If you are looking for a more decorative fire, then a gel burner would be an excellent accessory for your garden or patio. They are small and only require you to fill up the reservoir with gel fuel. Once all the gel has gone, the fire will go out on its own.
What safety features should I look for in a fire pit?
If safety is a concern we'd recommend fire pits that come with mesh-style spark guards to stop the flames spitting. These can be purchased separately for pits that don't have one included. You can also buy fire pit mats to go under your pit to protect the ground from scorching.
Can I cook on my fire pit?
Technically, you can cook on any kind of open flame, but some fire pits do lend themselves to also be used as a BBQ if you can add a grill to the top of the pit to place food on. You simply need to measure the dimensions of your pit and then buy a grill cover to fit.
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Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.