Fire pits have become incredibly popular in recent years, with thousands making their homes in gardens across the country. Why? Personally we feel there is nothing nicer than sitting out on a lovely summer evening (or any evening for that matter) and enjoying watching the flames dance in a fire pit. Not only that, but they are the perfect solution to being able to extend the time that you spend in your garden by generating a considerable amount of heat to warm you up whilst you are out there!
Traditionally, a fire pit is exactly what the name suggests….a pit that is filled with fire. However, there are now so many different designs, styles and sizes that there really is one to suit every home but this can make it difficult to know which you should choose. Do you want one that can be used as a BBQ as well? Do you need a model that is built into a table? Our Buyers Guide has all the information that you need to make an informed purchase when looking to buy a fire pit, along with some of what we think are the best fire pits around to choose from!
Our Pick Best Fire Pit – DAWOO Fire Pit and BBQ
- - [MULTI-PURPOSE] The DAWOO Fire Pit is not only a fire pit but also a barbecue grill shelf, table brazier, and more. It is perfect for outdoor entertaining, garden parties, and camping trips.
- - [DURABLE] Made from high-quality and sturdy materials, this fire pit is built to last even in harsh weather conditions.
- - [EASY TO USE] The simple and user-friendly design makes it easy to setup, use and clean.
- - [PORTABLE] With its compact size and lightweight design, it is easy to move around and store.
- - [SAFE AND SECURE] The DAWOO Fire Pit comes with a protective mesh cover and safety metal guard to prevent sparks and embers from flying out.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
If, like us, you long for evenings spent toasting marshmallows on a fire and have finally decided to invest in a fire pit that will make that happen, then keep reading. Here you will find all the essential information that you need to purchase one of the best fire pits around! That way, you can find one quickly and spend all the rest of your time preparing your wood!
Fuel Type
One of the first things that you need to decide on when looking for a fire pit is the fuel type that you are going to use. Most are going to be compatible with boat charcoal and wood, so you will be able to vary between the two depending on either what is available or your personal preference. Wood is going to be a cost-effective option that produces a nicer-looking flame which often makes it more desirable, but you do need the wood to be perfectly dry which can cause a problem if you don’t have a shed or a log store to use. Charcoal is going to be more expensive but will burn more slowly so you will have to spend less time managing the fire (although we actually think that is part of the fun!).
There are now much less traditional fire pits as well that are run on gas. Arguably, these probably shouldn’t be known as fire pits but they are designed to have the benefits of a fire pit without the hard work of lighting and managing the fire. You will find however that these models tend to be considerably more expensive! If you do decide to opt for a gas model then make sure to check on the design whether the gas tank is going to be concealed. In our opinion this is well worth checking for as it allows your fire pit to still look “traditional” and won’t take away from the overall appearance of your patio area. Some even have fire lighters that are hidden into the design to create that perfect illusion!
Best Fire Pit Style
There are many different styles of fire pits that you will be able to choose from depending on the area that you are hoping to heat and just the general appearance of the fire pit that you are wanting to achieve.
- Fire pit bowls – Fire pit bowls are going to be one of the most common styles of fire pit. These will be either circular or sometimes square in shape and usually sit on legs to keep the base away from the floor. These can sometimes be used for BBQing food as well thanks to their larger available surface area.
- Fire pit baskets – The main benefit of a fire pit basket is that the sides are going to be more open which will not only do a better job of spreading the heat but also creates a dramatic glow from your fire. These models will have a tray at the base which is there to catch the embers and ash that falls from the basket – making it easy to clean up afterwards too!
- Art Deco fire pits – Aimed to suit the more modern outdoor space, art deco fire pits are designed to look just that little bit different! These come in varying shapes and sizes but are designed to make a stand out feature in your garden – as well as providing heat and comfort!
- Chimineas – We felt that we still had to mention the chiminea even though it isn’t technically a fire pit! These are essentially like a tall vase or urn but with a hole in the side for your fire. These have a really lovely, traditional look about them and will expel the majority of the heat from the top hole of the chiminea.
- Fire pit tables – We will look at this in more detail below, but you can now get fire pits that are inset to a table, which makes a great feature and is practical too!
TOP TIP: If you are still not sure of the style of fire pit that you want then why not look for a multipurpose fit pit? These are designed to have guards and grills that can be added and removed depending on whether you are wanting to cook on your fire pit or just have it there for decoration and warmth! Some can even be used for the opposite purpose – to keep things cool – by swapping over to a ice tray for those summer drinks!
Best Fire Pit Materials
Almost most fire pits may look the same, there will actually be variations in the materials that are used! The two similar materials that you will have to choose from are cast iron or steel fire pits. Both materials are designed to be able to cope with the extreme heat necessary for fire pits to do their jobs, so you can be safe in the knowledge that they are heat resistant. Cast iron has the added benefit of the fact that it actually stores heat – this means that even if you forget to tend to your fire towards the end of the evening, the heat from the cast iron will still be there to keep you warm. However, there are also benefits from having steel as your material of choice – particularly because it is so flexible so can be moulded into more intricate designs.
Your other material option is going to be terracotta, which you will usually only find used for chimineas. This material isn’t going to be quite as durable and long lasting as the metals but it gives a much more natural finish and is fantastic at spreading the heat evenly over a wider area.
TOP TIP: If you are wanting a fire pit that is going to be more durable and long lasting then look out for metals that have been powder coated. This will offer you extra protection against scratches and dints, to avoid rust developing over time.
Best Fire Pit Size
The size of the fuel pit that you choose really depends on the space that you have available and the amount of heat that you are wanting to create. Obviously, a larger fire pit is going to generate a lot more heat which will then be spread over a much greater area!
We found that models started at around 40cm in diameter which would be suitable for probably keeping a couple of people warm, and went up to over a metre in diameter – which will be well suited for keeping 10/12 people warm.
TOP TIP: The height of your fire pit really depends on the design and personal preference. Just remember to consider that the taller it is, the more the heat is going to rise above you and your guests, rather than warming up the social area that you are enjoying!
Best Budget Fire Pit – SUNLIFER Outdoor Fire Pit
- STURDY & DURABLE DESIGN -- The Sunlifer round shape outdoor fire pits is made from heavy duty gauge steel with high temp paint which can work longtime outside and keep rust resistant. There are three durable legs to maintain the best stability, so that the firepits for outside is not easy to shake during use
- EASY ASSEMBLY -- The garden fire pits no need tools and screws to install, simply attach the 3 removable legs less than 1 minute. The camping fire pit is very lightweight and convenient. With two side handles, you can take it anywhere in the backyard or while camping
- SAFE ACCESSORIES -- The fire pit bbq packages come with marshmallow roasting sticks set, the length can extend to 81CM means you can ensure that your child is always at a safe distance from fire when roasting. With practical poker, you can stir charcoal or wood safely
- IDEAL GRADEN ITEM -- The portable fire pit is an excellent choice for outdoor heating and grilling. It can be used as fire bowl, BBQ Grill or outdoor heater and perfect for garden, picnics and camping. Add warmth and decoration to your garden space, suitable for family and friends gathering
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE -- Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or problems with Sunlifer outdoor heaters & fire pits, we will reply you within 24 hours
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Extra Fire Pit Considerations
There are many additional aspects that you are going to need to consider when purchasing a fire pit depending on exactly what you are looking for. We have covered many of these below including some of the extra features that you should be looking for when you buy.
- Fire pit grill – If you are wanting to use your fire pit to cook food (other than just marshmallows) then it is definitely important to check whether it comes with a grill for you to place on the top of the pit to heat the food away from the main lick of the flames. Also think about the design of the fire pit and whether it is going to give you enough surface area to fit the food on!
- Protective fireguard – Make sure to look whether your fire pit comes with a protective grate for over the top – as many don’t! Some people would probably prefer to not have one as it distracts from the fire, but they are going to be a fantastic safety feature and many are designed in ways so that they actually ADD to the look of the fire pit!
- Portability – It is definitely worth considering how portable your fire pit is going to be, and whether that is even an important feature for you! Many people will be wanting to take their fire pit with them on camping trips or possibly to neighbours houses and if so you are going to need it to be light and with suitably placed handles. Cast iron fire pits are going to be considerably heavier than other materials – particularly if they are bigger models.
- Accessories – If you are wanting the best value for money that you can find, then look to see whether your fire pit comes with any additional accessories. This may be as simple as a set of pokers but could be something like an ash tray which will make it much easier for you to clean your fire pit!
- Cleaning – That moves us on nicely to cleaning your fire pit. Some of the more elaborate art deco fire pits are really beautiful but are going to be incredibly difficult to clean. You are going to find a large amount of dust and ash builds up in your fire pit whilst you are cleaning, so look to see if your fire pits comes with grates that can be pulled out to be cleaned and empty the ash, or whether there are other parts of your fire pit that are detachable (when cold) to make this process easier!
- Cover – If you are wanting your fire pit to last then look out for models that come with protective covers for when they are not being used. Just make sure that you only ever put the cover on when the fire pit is COMPLETELY cold!
Best of the Rest
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Compact Size For Multiple Uses: With a compact size of 60.5 cm L × 60.5 cm W × 62 cm H, this 6-sided outdoor fire pit fits perfectly in small yards/patios/porches and is also portable for camping trips. Lightweight design, easy to move around
- Unique & Chic Backyard Addition: Designed in a unique hexagon shape with woven mesh walls, this cute, compact outdoor fireplace is a welcome addition to any porch, backyard or patio to create memorable moments with family and friends
- Well-ventilated Designs: Compared with solid four-sided walls, this wood-burning fire pit features 6 mesh walls and three inverted V-shaped bars at the bottom of the fire bowl to avoid ashes blocking the six air holes under
- Safety Always Comes First: The fire pit spark screen protects you from stray embers and sparks. A 51 cm / 20″ long fire poker is provided to help move firewood and lift the spark screen from a safe distance
- Fire Pit Accessories For Enhanced Safety: The included fire pit spark screen is essential for shielding you from stray embers and sparks. Additionally, we provide a convenient 51 cm / 20″ long fire poker to assist you in safely moving firewood and lifting the spark screen
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- Portable and Foldable - The HH Home Hut Folding Fire Pit is designed for easy transport and storage. Perfect for camping, campervan trips or for use in small gardens.
- Versatile - Not only a fire pit, it can be used as a BBQ stove too and is completely Collapsible Enjoy your favorite BBQ meals while enjoying the warmth of the fire.
- Durable - Made from high-quality materials, this Large fire pit is designed to withstand high temperatures and resist wear and tear. Ideal for outdoor heaters & fire pits.
- Easy to Use - This fire pit is easy to set up and take down, making it the perfect companion for your camping adventures.
- Safe - Designed with safety in mind, the fire pit features a protective cover to prevent sparks and debris from flying out. It also comes with a BBQ cover to protect your grill from the elements when not in use.
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my fire pit on grass or on a wooden patio?
This largely depends on the build design and materials that have been used for your fire pit. There are models out there that are designed with heat-resistant materials on the base and legs of the fire pit so that they aren’t going to damage grass or patios underneath, but this will need to be checked for.
Is it ok to leave my fire pit burning overnight?
You should never leave a fire pit burning overnight! Fires can often look as though they are dying down but with a simple move of a log reignite again! Not only that, but even just with the embers still glowing on your fire it will be able to set fire to other flammable items around it!
How do I start a fire in a fire pit?
Actually starting the fire in your fire pit can be easier said than done and there is nothing worse than having your friends and family waiting to see your new fire pit…with no way to light it. The most simple way to start a fire in your fire pit is going to be with lighter fluid. Place some kindling at the base of your fire pit and then put larger (completely dry) logs on top. You can then use a simple fire lighter to ignite the edge of the pile of wood. Make sure to prod the logs occasionally to be sure that the fire is getting the oxygen that it needs to stay lit.
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