Best garden fire pits
Warm up on a chilly summer evening with one of our favourite garden fire pits. Some of our picks even double as a barbecue for outdoor cooking.
Deck out your garden with a stylish fire pit to take your outdoor space to the next level. They're great for spending some time with family and friends, gathered around a warming campfire on a chilly summer evening.
When buying a garden fire pit, there are several design and practical features to consider. Consider your space: some garden fire pits are portable, others are more permanent garden installations. Not all will be suitable for using on a wooden deck and they can vary drastically in size. Aesthetically, garden fire pits vary from minimalist cast iron to modern metal structures or rustic stoneware designs. Also check to see if there are extras included like a spark screen to keep flying embers away or if there is a grill feature for cooking, if you'd like your garden fire pit to go beyond toasting marshmallows.
We've gathered a wide range of options, from stylish centrepieces to practical outdoor essentials. Some of our picks double up as simple barbecues, great for cooking anything from burgers to kebabs. See what to cook on a campfire with our camping recipes or our barbecue collection.
For more outdoor inspiration, see the best charcoal barbecues on test, the best pizza ovens for cooking outdoors and the best camping stoves. Complete your outdoor feast with the best picnic baskets, picnic rucksacks and the best outdoor tableware.
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Best fire pits at a glance
Best fire pits to buy
How do fire pits work and what is the best material for a fire pit?
Fire pit safety tips
Best fire pits at a glance
- Best safety conscious fire pit: Outsunny metal mesh fire pit, £54.99
- Best budget fire pit: Texas painted steel fire basket, £50
- Best simple fire pit: Outdoor fire bowl, £62.95
- Best clay fire pit: La Hacienda Idris clay fire bowl, £100
- Best charcoal fire pit: Yaheetech fire pit, £59.99
Best fire pits to buy 2023
Outsunny metal mesh fire pit
Best safety conscious fire pit
Add a contemporary feel to your garden with this unique square design from Outsunny. The mesh sides keep ash from escaping, containing any excess mess. The durable, steel construction is finished with high-temperature paint for heat resistance. It also includes a poker tool for stoking fire logs.
Texas painted steel fire basket
- Available from Homebase (£50)
Best budget fire pit
This simple fire basket is easy to use and very budget friendly, making it great value for money. Little assembly is require for this fuss-free design. The base plate keeps the basket stable while catching any burning embers. The painted steel is hard-wearing and durable.
Available from:
Homebase (£50)
Outdoor fire bowl
- Available from Not on the High Street (£62.95)
Best simple fire pit
Minimalists will love this gorgeous garden fire pit from All Things Brighton Beautiful. This simple design will complement a range of patio styles and garden spaces. Three legs keep the bowl stable on any surface, while the hammered steel finish adds a subtle special feature.
Available from:
Not on the High Street (£62.95)
La Hacienda Idris clay fire bowl
- Available from Homebase (£100)
Best clay fire pit
Add a rustic touch to your outdoor space with this handmade clayfire bowl. Hand-painted, this gorgeous fire pit is decorated with elaborate carvings and detailing. This fire bowl comes complete with a mesh safety guard and fire poker.
Available from:
Homebase (£100)
Yaheetech fire pit
- Available from Amazon (£59.99)
Best charcoal fire pit
This large 70cm diameter fire pit is great for burning thick wood logs or charcoal to give some soft light and keep you warm on a summer's evening. The diamond cut out motif gives your fire good ventilation, plus it weighs in at 10kg meaning you can find the best spot in the garden for it and know that it will stay in place.
Available from:
Amazon (£59.99)
How do fire pits work and what is the best material for a fire pit?
Fire pits burn dry wood, gas or charcoal to create a warm fire in your garden that is safely enclosed in a metal, clay, cast-iron or stone structure. For gas fire pits there is usually a hidden spot where the fuel tank sits. For those that use wood or charcoal, the wood and charcoal is arranged at the bottom of the pit or bowl before being lit. Cast-iron tends to be the material used on the more budget fire pits but they are very durable.
Fire pit safety tips
Location
Choose an area that has nothing nearby that could fall loose or slip into the fire. Keep the fire pit a good distance away from your home and any trees, shrubs or sheds. As a general rule, keep three metres of space around the fire pit free – including any seats. It is also best not to place your fire pit under a gazebo or covered area. Protect the surface underneath if your fire pit does not have legs.
Weather
Check the direction of the wind before you light your fire pit and generally avoid lighting in strong winds as that could mean embers blowing across your garden.
Precautions
Don't leave your fire pit unattended. Cover the fire pit with a suitable lid to stop ash and hot embers from blowing around. Once the ashes cool, empty them out as they can corrode your metal fire pit when wet. Protect your fire pit from the elements by buying a cover for when it's not in use, to prevent rust and discolouration.
Enjoyed these ideas? See more inspiration...
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The best portable barbecues on test
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Best BBQ boxes to buy
This review was last updated in July 2023. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
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