Finding the best fire pit table doesn't have to be overwhelming. With all sorts of new designs and materials, there are now so many fire pit tables to choose from, making them the must-have garden furniture for chilly nights and al fresco dining. Options vary from low-level dining tables that stand next to a comfy sofa, to spacious dining tables, and sophisticated high-level bar designs. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or spending an evening with the girls – or boys! – and a few glasses of fizz, a fire pit table is a fabulous focal point around which to gather loved ones.
We all love the charm and informality of a standard firepit, but, a more sturdy raised design that provides room for eating and entertaining is even better! If you have free-ranging children and pets, then it’s a safer option too. Providing warmth, light and atmosphere after the sun goes down, this classy bit of garden furniture with easy-light flames will revolutionise how you use your outside space this summer.
Best fire pit tables at a glance:
• Best overall fire pit table: VOUNOT 3-in-1 Fire Pit Table with Grate Shelf – View on Amazon UK
• Best gas-powered fire pit table: REALGLOW Warmpact Rattan Table Gas Fire Pit – View on Amazon UK
• Best fire pit coffee table: Maze Oxford Oval Fire Pit Coffee Table - View at Maze Living
So, read on to find out about fuel options, design extras, and the latest innovative designs. Materials to look out for when it comes to looking for a fire pit table include concrete, stainless steel, and aluminium. This is so you can spend your hard-earned cash wisely and choose the best product to suit your plot and lifestyle.
Best fire pit tables for your outside space
Best overall fire pit table
Vounot VOUNOT's affordable fire pit table has a traditional design that uses wood, charcoal, or a combination of the two to provide you with a cosy outdoor fire. This square table has an outer rim, made of flame-proof material with a stone line design, that you can place your glasses or plates on as you relax around the flames.
This measures in at 81cm square and stands 36cm high. It comes with a mesh grate for when you want to light a fire, and a metal tray with pre-drilled holes that allows you to use the centre of this table as a fancy ice bucket. This great value option comes complete with a mesh lid to place over the fire, a poker, and a weather-proof cover.
Pros
- Three-in-one design - can be used as a BBQ, fire pit, or ice bucket
- Comes with a poker and a mesh lid for the fire
Cons
- Requires more maintenance than gas options
Best gas-powered fire pit table
REALGLOWThe combination of a hard-wearing and easy-care rattan effect table base combined with the convenience of standard patio gas makes this REALGLOW fire pit table a no-fuss option. This contemporary choice features lava rocks to enhance the fire's visual effects and a glass windshield for safety and to protect the flames from the wind.
The tabletop edge of this table is made from elegant tempered glass that compliments the modern rattan effect finish of the base. This does require assembly but comes with everything you need including a three-metre trailing gas hose, a 27mm clip-on regulator, and a handy cover for protection from the weather when not in use.
Pros
- Contemporary design with a rattan table base
- Push button ignition that works with standard 13kg patio gas
Cons
- Burn time is not specified
Best fire pit coffee table
Mazewww.mazeliving.co.uk
This all-weather rattan "Oxford" Oval Fire Pit Coffee Table from Maze offers an attractive design with an offset fire pit area that ensures there is plenty of room for drinks, nibbles, and other essentials. This is another gas-powered option that can house a five-kilogram patio gas bottle within the base of the table for a space-saving and tidy solution.
The rattan is weather, frost, and UV-resistant and surrounds a lightweight yet sturdy aluminium metal frame. The rounded glass surround and lava rocks are supplied as standard, as is all the kit you need to get this hooked up to a standard patio gas bottle.
Pros
- Incorporates storage for the gas bottle inside the table's base
- Offset fire pit area to give you more tabletop space
Cons
- Need to store away in bad weather
Best decorative fire pit table
Outsunnywww.robertdyas.co.uk
If you're looking for a fire pit table that will add a decorative touch to your outside space, consider Outsunny's attractive option that boasts mosaic detail in elegant grey and beige tones. This is a compact choice that measures in at 60cm in diameter and stands at 47.5cm high. The three-legged base is made of sturdy steel that will withstand all weathers.
The mosaic outer rim surrounds a fire pit bowl that measures just under 38cm wide for you to place your fire fuel, whether that's wood or BBQ coal, or both. This fire pit table comes with a mesh cover to shield the flames and a poker so you can safely move the cover to tend to the fire.
Pros
- Attractive and decorative mosaic outer rim
- Comes with a protective mesh cover for the open fire area
Cons
- Limited tabletop space
Best low fire pit table
Teamson Home A low table design is a good option for smaller outdoor spaces as the low profile will not monopolise your seating area, instead making it feel more spacious while providing that essential source of heat. This Teamson Home fire pit table is made from pale wood effect materials for a natural-looking finish.
This is gas-powered and comes with the necessary gas regulator and hose to get it hooked up to your propane canister. This has simple-to-operate push button piezo ignition that requires one AAA battery. This fire pit table is supplied with a lightweight cover for everyday use, but Teamson Home recommends investing in a more robust version if you want to keep this outside in the winter months.
Pros
- You can adjust the level of the flame
- Attractive, natural-looking wood effect finish
Cons
- There is no space for the gas canister under the table
Best tall fire pit table
East Lakellwww.robertdyas.co.uk
This fire pit table from East Lakell is a taller option that will provide a striking contemporary conversation piece in your outdoor space. Standing at 65cm tall, this is made from lightweight aluminium that's been given a power-coated finish to make it more durable and weatherproof.
This is powered by an ordinary propane gas bottle that connects with the included UK gas regulator and sits inside the table for space-saving storage. The flame level is adjustable so you can fine-tune your fire to suit the occasion and ambient temperature.
Pros
- Made of aluminium with a powder-coated finish
- Striking contemporary design that's great for modern gardens
Cons
- Modern design might be too stark for some
Best compact fire pit table
Union Rustic www.wayfair.co.uk
If you don't have the space on your patio or deck for a full-size fire pit table, you can still enjoy the warmth of an outdoor fire pit thanks to this compact option from Union Rustic. This measures in at 41cm by 41cm and is 63cm to the top of the base.
This is gas-powered, using a five-kilogram patio gas canister, and the flame can be initiated by a push button mechanism and then controlled with levels from low to high. This comes with volcanic rocks, a borosilicate glass wind guard, and a protective PVC cover.
Pros
- Attractive volcanic rocks included to enhance the flame effect
- Compact footprint that's ideal for smaller spaces
Cons
- Heavyweight at over 23 kilograms
How we chose the best fire pit tables
All of these fire pit tables have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the size, type of fuel, and build quality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching fire pit tables 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: Best fire pit tables
Which material is best for a fire pit table?
Firepit tables come in a wide range of hard-wearing materials including reinforced concrete, aluminium, wood, and steel. Each brings their own character and personality to your outside space, so it really is a matter of style.
There are many matching furniture set deals available. For example, there are firepit tables accompanied by a sofa or dining chairs in the same material - if you’re thinking of giving your patio a whole new look. Current favourites in the style stakes are homely all-weather synthetic rattan, sleek powder-coated aluminium, and glossy teak.
Don’t be swayed by whether or not your desired gas or bioethanol table comes with ceramic logs or lava stones as standard as these can be bought separately. Just check if any product is fuel-compatible. It’s simple to swap the style of those supplied too. Standard ceramic logs are often a dull brown. However, stripy pale birch, rough charred oak, and smooth silvered driftwood will instantly bring a more modern look. Fire-resistant pebbles can also top any gas or bioethanol fire pit table. As can crush fire glass, which is available in many different colours.
Key features to look out for
Glass wind guards are a must for gas and bioethanol burners as they prevent the fuel from being extinguished. They encourage it to burn efficiently, while also protecting those gathered around from sudden wind-caught flames. They form an essential barrier to prevent little fingers from getting too close and from debris being blown into the fire.
Most products include these in the total price but do check before ordering. Circular, square, or rectangular, they are made from sections of 5mm-thick heat-resistant glass connected by metal – usually aluminium – brackets. Raised on rubber feet that sit directly on the table, there will be a small gap to allow air to flow underneath and fan the flames.
Which fuel is best for a fire pit table?
Before you start shopping, decide which fuel type is most suitable for you and your garden.
Bottled gas or propane
This is the most popular. Clean-burning, efficient and easy to control, these canisters produce continuous flames that can be instantly dialled up or down as you prefer. Smokeless, there’s no danger of annoying guests or neighbours. Most tables have space to discreetly house the cylinder, though some do require it to be positioned a few metres away and connected with a hose.
Do check the size of any housed gas canister that suits your needs as tables accommodate different sizes. As a rough guide, a 5kg canister will burn for around six hours, longer if flames are at a reduced height. Canisters can be bought from local gas centres, DIY stores and petrol stations. You’ll need to buy a full bottle and then pay for a refill. Many people choose to buy two bottles so they have a spare for a quick changeover when the fuel runs out. Check too that the bottle is compatible with the burner’s particular regulator before you buy.
Bioethanol fuels
Bioethanol fuels are made from plant-derived sugar and starch combined with alcohol, making them an inexpensive and environmentally friendly choice. Available in liquid or gel form, this fuel produces lively flames without any soot, ash, or toxic fumes.
The burn rate and height of the flames are controlled by widening or reducing the burner’s aperture, using a long-handled hook tool. Although it can take up to 15 minutes for the fire to begin burning steadily, one litre of liquid fuel can last for three to four hours, making it very cost-effective.
It’s also possible to buy separate bioethanol burners that you can fit into your own custom-built table. The only downside is that you can’t refill a bioethanol burner while it’s hot so, once the fuel is used up, the flames are finished for the night.
Logs and charcoal
Seasoned logs and charcoal are unrivalled for charm and atmosphere. But, the unmistakable crackle and aroma of wood are firmly offset by the hassle of smoke, flying sparks, and ash that has to be cleared up.
A cleaner and more efficient burn can be achieved by using quality seasoned and kiln-dried timber. But, there will always be one person with eyes watering from the smoke! It’s hard to control the flame height and heat level too, but these tables are significantly cheaper.
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Jill Morgan writes regularly for Modern Gardens, and loves everything to do with gardens, plants and outdoor living. Her long thin, town garden is the setting for many family and creative projects from bird feeding and veggie growing to den building and mini-pond dipping.