The warm glow of summer evenings may soon be a distant memory, so don't miss out on the chance to spend time in the garden, relaxing with friends. If you're celebrating your birthday, inviting a few family members over or just having a catch up with someone close to you, you may be looking for a way to keep the chill at bay. And what better way than with a fire pit?
Once you've rid the garden of weeds and, if you're feeling particularly luxurious, added an inflatable hot tub, you'll want to look at your seating area and décor.
One thing that will make your patio area much more inviting, as well as ensuring you can spend time relaxing after the sun has gone down, is a fire pit. Created to bring warmth to your garden, along with being a lovely focal point, fire pits encourage social situations and keep you feeling cosy and comfortable. No one can resist the pull of a real fire, can they?
To help you find the right fire pit for your garden, whatever your budget and size specifications, we've browsed the web to find the best fire pits available to buy.
Best fire pits UK
Rammento Large Cast Iron Garden Fire Pit
Simple but effective, this large fire pit is made out of cast iron steel and is perfect for throwing a few logs on. It's solid, easy to clean and should last you many years.Dimensions: 50 x 20cmWeight: Not availableReview: "We love our fire pit. It came within 2 days between Christmas and New Year which was amazing. It is very strong and has been on every night. The only suggestion would be to drill some holes into the bottom to help air flow."
Somma Steel Fire Pit
Solid steel and really easy on the eye, this fire pit is built to last. It is at the higher end when it comes to price, but you get what you pay for when it comes to high-quality garden accessories.Dimensions: 45 x 49cmWeight: 12kgReview: "Great product and hoping to light a fire soon. Not the cheapest but well manufactured from high quality materials and I'm hoping for many years of use."
Josper Low Compact Metal Firepit
Finally, a firepit that's all about style and sophistication. If you're looking to bring a modern edge to your garden, then this compact firepit is everything you've been searching for. We love the brass frame detailing. Dimensions: 28 x 51cmWeight: 9.05kg
blomus FUOCO Gel Fire Pit
This gel burner will safely sit on tabletops to give a warming feeling to your family and friends. It uses standard burning gel, is easy to clean and will burn for approximately two hours. It doesn't generate as much heat as a wood or gas burner.Dimensions: 32.5 x 32.5 x 10cmWeight: 2.58 KgReview: "Birthday present for my husband, the man who has everything!!! Makes a really stylish addition to our outdoor dining table, love it."
Relaxdays Black XL Fire Bowl
Designed for use with wood, this fire pit comes with a tray to catch any embers and poker for ease. It's easy to set up and is a great fire pit for the price. It won't last as well as some of the more expensive options, but it's perfect for occasional use. Dimensions: 56 x 56.5 x 45cmWeight: 5.4kgReview: "I got three of these so that we could have family over during the COVID lockdown. On reflection perhaps three was overdoing it because they are quite large!! Anyway, at least we will be warm."They come in a flat pack but are easy to assemble and the instructions are clear. They fit together with nuts and bolts and took about half an hour. The under tray is a good idea and catches the ash etc. We used firelighters and kindling together with hardwood logs. Once going, they give out a lot of heat. Deliver was from Germany and they came within the stated time. Very pleased."
Camping Steel Fire Pit
Are you looking for a fire pit that won't break the bank? Well, then this Camping Steel Fire Pit will be right up your street. The lightweight steel and foldable legs means it's easily portable from your garden to your friend's, or even for a spot of camping.Dimensions: H 43cm x D 54cmWeight: 3.3kg
Abigaille Steel Fire Pit
Fire pits are great for taking the chill off the cooler nights and making the most of socialising with our pals after summer, however, not all fire pits have a BBQ grill function like this one. Dimensions: H42cm x W64cm x D56cm Weight: 3.5kgReview: "Absolutely love this perfect as the firepit and large grill for the bbq, nice and sturdy when in use, easy to clean and folds perfect for storing away or taking away, would definitely recommend this for use at home on your patio or for camping trips, will be buying more for gifts."
FAQs:
What types of fire pits are there?
There are a few types of fire pits to choose from, depending on what your priorities are.
Wood fire pit
Wood burning fire pits are the most popular kind available and are the closest thing to having that campfire feeling. You get all the warmth and joy of a real fire, but in a contained, raised space, usually made from steel.
Wood is easy to come by so it's generally the most affordable option when it comes to fuel. Plus, charcoal can also be used in many wood fire pits.
Gas fire pit
Gas fire pits are convenient as they don't need wood to be lit. Usually fuelled by a propane tank, they're similar to a gas BBQ in the way that you can switch it on and off as you need it.
It's essential that you follow all of the safety tips when it comes to using a product with gas. Never use a gas fire pit in an enclosed space as you could become exposed to carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
Gel fire pit
Finally, gel fire pits don't give off any smoke or smells, but they don't produce as much heat as wood or gas. They're usually smaller and make a great decorative addition to your garden. All you need to do is fill up the reservoir with gel fuel and once the gel has been used, the flame will automatically extinguish.
Gel fuel can be expensive, so these fire pits are pricier to run over time.
What are the best tips for fire pit safety?
• When handling the fire pit, ensure you use heat-resistant gloves as they can become hot, even after having cooled for a while. Don't spray it down with your hose pipe! (unless you like the rustic look).
• Keep children and pets away from the fire pit when in use.
• Do not use your fire pit as a furnace.
• Keep gas tanks a safe distance from any open flame.
• Place your fire pit on a flat surface to ensure stability. Avoid surfaces like grass and wood as they may discolour or catch fire.
• Do not use fire pits in an enclosed space, such as a gazebo, tent or caravan.
• Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for building, refuelling and cleaning your fire pit.
What to read next
Jade Moscrop is a Deputy Commercial Content Editor for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Mother&Baby.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from Jade and the rest of the What’s The Best team.