The best fire pit is an essential purchase for keeping your garden warm, cosy, and atmospheric in the winter months. Many of the best fire pits on the market come with wood-fired designs that will allow you to enjoy all the crackling and authentic flames of a traditional campfire, in a controlled kadai bowl.
We've also included sleek and modern fire pits in our top roundup, which will be perfect on stylish patios and in more compact spaces. The best fire pit can often be available with an elevated design to keep your grass or tiles from scorching while you enjoy a roaring fire. If you want something more low-maintenance, we've included some of the best gas fire pits in this guide too, because they can be switched on and off very easily and won't give off as much smoke.
With both warmth and light, a fire pit will stand in for the best patio heater, but with a lot more theatre. Some will even have grill inserts, which allow you to turn them into a BBQ for nibbles and late-night snacks. While we focus on gas and wood-fired fire pits in this guide, we also have a dedicated page to the best chimineas.
With a traditional design and sturdy cast iron construction, this fire pit is built to last. The Forest and Co Outdoor Brazier will dominate your garden, but there's a medium size for smaller homes. It leaves plenty of space for firewood and is easy enough to transport.
The Forest and Co Outdoor Brazier is made of hardy Heavy Gauge Raw Steel and will age well, although do expect some oxidization with age. It will naturally rust over time for that authentic fire pit look, and the exposed top means it's perfect for toasting marshmallows.
The Mahone Iron Propane Gas Fire Ring from Dakota Fields comes in black, white and olive colours and is powered by propane. That means it's easy to ignite and can sit on the top of your table as you enjoy evenings out on the patio.
The basket design is striking and also adds a level of safety. The top is lined with sleek stones and you can increase the size of the flame by turning up the propane levels.
It is a little on the small side, but this tabletop option is a smoke-free and portable option that's perfect for smaller spaces.
If you want to dabble with having a fire pit but aren't sure about committing to the space requirements, how about the Centurion Supports Fireology? This fire pit is built into a mosaic patio table, with an insert that can be easily stored on the shelf below the pit itself.
You can use this fire pit as an alternative to the best BBQs, making it great for entertaining. It's also nice and tall, so unlikely to scorch your lawn. The actual fire pit is on the small side, but as a furniture piece we think it's genius. Plus, you could even use the pit to ice your wine or put plants when it's not in use as a fire pit.
Painting a beautiful woodland scene, the Esschert Design Fallen Fruits Oxidised Woodland Fire Globe is a total showstopper of a fire pit. The globe design will cast beautiful shadows on your garden and will also act as a shield for any spitting or exposed flames.
The globe comes pre-oxidised, which we think completes the rustic and natural look. If you want something sleeker though, this isn't the best fire pit for you. If you did want to opt for something more exposed, the globe top can be removed from the stand for it to act as a traditional open fire pit.
If you want a cheap fire pit, look no further than the La Hacienda Steel Firepit. It's made of 100% steel and comes with a stand which boosts its modest size. This fire pit runs on fire wood and you can buy a grill to make it more multi-functional.
The deep design will contain plenty of fuel, and the rim will make sure it doesn't spill. We also like the black paint on the La Hacienda Steel Firepit which gives is a sleek finish, although if you want this to last, don't leave it out in the rain.
We've zoned in on the circular design, but the Fibre Clay Fire Pit also comes in square. The grate is fine enough to protect those sitting around it, while still letting you enjoy the view of the fire.
Because the base is fibre clay, the Fibre Clay Fire Pit is a very durable fire pit. The metal topper is designed to rust, so don't be surprised when it does, but you can cover it up when not in use to keep it save when not in use.
What is the best fire pit?
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We think the Cox & Cox Fire Pit Bowl is the best fire pit you can buy. It has a classic construction and the iron sheet design is built to last. Ensure you get the best price by using one of our Cox & Cox discount codes.
If you want something a little cheaper, the La Hacienda Steel Firepit is a brilliant budget fire pit that packs in plenty of style for its price.
What to know before buying a fire pit
Can I stop a fire pit from rusting?
Fire pits are prone to rust, often coming in hardy metal designs that can withstand high temperatures. You can buy high heat Rustoleum to coat the fire pit even in high heats, but many people actually like the rusty look of a traditional fire pit. If you don't, consider buying one with a powder coated finish.
Should I buy a fire pit or a chiminea?
A chiminea is very similar to a fire pit in that it's designed to add light and heat to your outdoor space, but unlike fire pits they have a chimney-style design that directs smoke upwards and contains the fire to a greater extent. We've covered the best chimineas you can buy in a separate guide.
If you want to enjoy the open flames or toast marshmallows, a fire pit will give you that authentic campfire experience. Chimineas are preferable to those with smaller gardens because they're not as exposed and often are easier to store.
Can I put a fire pit on a wood deck?
Usually the answer is no, but check the specifications of your specific fire pit. Some fire pits come with high enough stands that they're unlikely to scorch or burn your deck, but it's definitely better to err on the side of caution if the guidance doesn't explicitly say a fire pit is safe for use on a wood deck.