Bill Burns Bought a Big Bag of Beef Then Built a Brick Barbecue
Whether you want to keep warm in your garden, spruce up your patio or you're looking for a more authentic way to cook your dinner, an outdoor fire pit could fit the bill.
Gaining popularity as we all spend more time at home, fire pits are super versatile and can add some glamour to your garden. But choosing the right type, size and material before investing is essential.
Use our expert advice to help you choose the best type and brand, discover interesting fire pit ideas and even learn how to make your own.
Alternatively, head straight to our guide on using your fire pit .
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Types of fire pits
There's no 'one size fits all' when it comes to fire pits, so picking the right type can take time. We run through the pros and cons of some of the most popular types:
Fire pit table
This does exactly what it says on the tin. It's designed with a fire pit in the centre of a table where you can place drinks and food – great for keeping your guests warm while you're socialising outdoors.
The extra space between the pit and the edge also provides a little more safety – children can't get too close – but you still need to be careful never to leave it untended. If you're keeping under an umbrella or covering, you'll need to check there's enough ventilation and that it's high enough so the flame won't catch.
You can get a variety of designs, including coffee tables, dining tables and high-top tables; they're almost always powered by gas or electric, but you can get wood-burning ones, too. We list brands to buy in our garden furniture buying guide.
Pros
- Functional and decorative
- Great if you're short on space
- Lots of designs available
Cons
- Typically you won't be able to cook on it
- More expensive
- If it emits smoke, you may not want to sit too close
Brick fire pit
Often homemade and permanent, brick fire pits are structures built from the floor up using fire-safe bricks such as refractory brick for the inner walls and surrounded by a more decorative brick. You can't use normal bricks for the inner wall, because they will crack under the heat. You'll also need to ensure you have a solid concrete base.
Make sure you leave it to set for about a week before lighting your first fire.
Pros
- Cheaper if you're handy with DIY
- You can match your brick to other décor in your garden
- Durable
- Can be used as a grill
Cons
- More time building the fire pit
- Not portable
- Less maintenance
- Will emit smoke
Silhouette fire pits
Normally made of steel, this style of fire pit features intricate designs that create a picture silhouette lit by the flames behind them. You can choose from a variety of sizes, shapes and designs.
Pros
- They make a statement
- You can personalise your fire pit
- Portable
- Will give off lots of heat
Cons
- No ledge/table to rest drinks on or sit around
- Will emit smoke
Portable or camping fire pit
Ideal if you like to go camping or you don't want the fire pit to be a permanent fixture in your garden. Portable fire pits should be lightweight, and preferably have wheels and/or a carry case to make it easy to manoeuvre and store.
A portable fire pit will typically be small- to medium-sized and might come with a grill to cook on. Always try to use a safety screen to prevent getting burnt by flying sparks.
Pros
- Easy to move and store
- Great for smaller spaces
- Handy for camping trips
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Less attractive
Washing-machine fire pit
These fire pits are made using a recycled washing-machine drum – great if you want to get creative and save some money. All you need to do is remove the drum from the machine, along with any plastic parts, then stake it safely into the ground. You can add legs if you want it higher off the ground.
Pros
- Cheap alternative
- Recycling old materials
- Easy to make
- Portable
Cons
- Less attractive
- The metal can get very hot
- Can damage the ground underneath if not on legs
- Will begin to rust over time
Kadai fire pit
Kadai is an Indian word for a thick, circular and deep cooking pot, and traditional Kadai fire pits or bowls have been used for hundreds of years to provide warmth and cook food.
Made of iron, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used as a permanent or portable pit. To keep yours in good condition, you should rub it with oil after every other use.
Pros
- Authentic
- Individual designs
- Portable
- You can use for cooking
- Lots of cooking accessories available
Cons
- More maintenance
- Can be expensive
- Will create smoke
Gas fire pit
Built with convenience and aesthetics in mind, gas fire pits are normally impressively designed around pebbles, faux wood or glass.
The flames are powered through gas that you can easily switch on and off. You can get portable models, however most gas fire pits tend to be permanent –and they can be expensive.
You'll also have the added expense of buying the gas and you'll need to make sure it's topped up before entertaining.
Pros
- Attractive
- Easy to use
- No ash to clear
Cons
- Expensive
- Might not be portable
- Less authentic
Tabletop fire pit
Built to sit directly on an existing surface, a tabletop fire pit is great if you're looking for something small and portable.
Most are powered with bio-ethanol, which means it won't create smoke and should be easy to switch on and off. It should also have some type of safety screen or glass surrounding it.
If you're sitting under an umbrella or covering, you'll need to check there's enough ventilation and it's high enough so the flame won't catch.
Pros
- Easy to move and store
- Smokeless
- No ash to clear
Cons
- Will need to be refilled
- Won't give off as much heat as other pits
BBQ fire pit
A BBQ fire pit is a great multifunctional tool, in that you can use it for flame-grill cooking as well as warmth (perfect if you're short on space). It makes an interesting centrepiece for any garden event, and if you opt for a larger than average pit, it can accommodate food for big parties.
These fire pits are usually log-fuelled, and you can even burn certain wood chips to flavour your food. However, it's worth bearing in mind that they can produce a lot of smoke from the meat or oil drippings, so they need to be cleaned frequently.
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Decorative and attractive
- Lots of designs to choose from
Cons
- Some models can be awkward to cook on
- Most do not come with solid BBQ lids
- Can give off lots of smoke and require a lot of cleaning
If you fancy having a homemade pizza while you relax around your fire pit, here's the best pizza ovens .
Which size of fire pit is best?
If you're buying a fire pit from a shop, then the dimensions will be predetermined, and most bands offer varying sizes (small, medium, large); however, there's no one size fits all. The size of your fire pit depends largely on the type you choose: a portable or tabletop design will most likely be your smallest option, while fire-pit dining tables and gas fire pits are usually bigger.
The height will often depend on whether you want to rest things on a table, but if you want to feel the warmth from your pit, you shouldn't go much higher than 50cm from the ground.
Generally speaking, the larger the pit, the more heat it will give off, although other factors can change this, including what materials it's made of and the fuel you use to power it.
Are you renovating your garden? If so, how about adding a hot tub? Here's our hot tub buying guide .
What material is best for a fire pit?
Stainless steel
- Pros:Corrosion-resistant and durable, lightweight, easy to maintain
- Cons:Can be expensive
Copper
- Pros: Great for radiating heat, lightweight
- Cons:Low- to medium-maintenance, expensive
Cast iron
- Pros:Sturdy, extremely durable, budget-friendly
- Cons: Very heavy
Where to buy a fire pit
Generalist retailers and dedicated garden shops both offer a wide range of fire pits. To make sure you're buying a fire pit that's well built and safe to use, only shop with trusted sellers online or in store.
Ideally, you'd get to see some fire pits in store before buying, but if this isn't possible, find out as much information about it as possible before investing.
For more details on shopping online safely and arranging refunds for faulty equipment, see our online shopping advice.
Cheap fire pits
The cheapest fire pits are typically made of cast iron or steel and prices start at around £30. You can find cheap fire pits from online retailers including Argos , Amazon and the Range .
Some large supermarkets such as Aldi , Lidl and Asda have started stocking them, too.
Fortunately, if you're looking to save money, some of the more affordable materials are durable , so you won't need to keep replacing it each year.
Do remember that the more basic options won't come with safety extras such as lids or screens, so you might need to spend a little more on accessories.
Or, if you're handy with DIY, you could try making your own. Washing-drum and brick fire pits are both budget-friendly – and it gives you a chance to get creative. Keep scrolling for our tops tips on building a homemade fire pit.
Popular fire pits
We don't currently test fire pits, but at the time of writing, Homebase, Amazon, Aldi and The Range are some of the most searched-for retailers for fire pits. Below is a selection of different types and styles from those picks.
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Fire Pit, 66cm
- Price: £40.99
- Available from: Amazon
- Type: Portable fire pit
- Size: H41.9cm X W66.8cm
This log-fuelled compact fire pit is comprised of a steel bowl and comes with many accessories, such as a fire safety screen, carry bag and fire tool.
It can be set up without tools, and comes in at the cheaper end for most fire pits at just over £40. Plus, it's portable, which is handy if you're going camping or you just like to move your fire pit around the garden.
Homebase Texas Black Painted Steel Stripe Fire Basket
- Price: £50
- Available from: Homebase
- Type: Portable fire basket
- Size: H45cm x W43cm
This budget-friendly, powder-coated steel fire basket from Homebase looks a little different to most models on the market.
Painted black and designed to burn wood, it will feel super-authentic in your garden; however, it does emit smoke, so you'll need to be careful of embers.
Aldi Geometric Firepit
- Price: £79.99
- Available from: Aldi
- Type: Portable BBQ fire pit
- Size: H42.5cm (without fire mesh) X W61cm
This artsy centrepiece is part of Aldi's garden shop range. It features a modern chrome-plated geometric design and stone-effect finish.
This BBQ fire pit also comes with a removable grate and fire guard for cooking, and Aldi say it's light, portable, and simple to assemble.
The Range Industrial Fire Pit
- Price: £89.99
- Available from: The Range
- Type: Portable fire pit
- Size: H30cm X W50cm. 60cm diameter
This low-standing, steel fire pit will provide 360 degrees of wood-burning fire. It has three legs, as well as handles, so it can easily be manoeuvred around the garden and you can cook food over it if you want.
The steel will oxidise naturally over time, so it shouldn't need much maintenance.
Making your own fire pit: top tips
If you're handy and would prefer to make your own fire pit, here are some top tips:
- Build it at least 3 metres away from building structures, trees and fences.
- Make sure there isn't anything hanging directly above it.
- Ensure you have a stable base for the pit walls, so they don't crack as the ground moves over time.
- Make sure you use fire-safe bricks.
- Make a hole in the middle of the base the pit will sit on and fill it with gravel to help drain rain water; then cover the entire base area with gravel.
- Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
- Don't use stones that have been submerged in water, as they can explode with the heat of the fire.
- Don't make your pit too small or too big. Too small and the fire won't get started; too big and it can get out of control. The average size is 0.9-1.2 metres wide.
- Leave small air gaps in the inner wall to feed the fire.
- Leave your pit to set for at least seven days before lighting your first fire.
Lawsons gives a step-by-step guide on how to build your own fire pit . Or watch this video from Wickes on how to make your own fire pit .
Alternatives to fire pits
If you want something to keep you warm while relaxing in your garden but don't fancy a fire pit, here are some other outdoor heating options to try.
Chimineas
Chimineas are front-loading, freestanding fireplaces with a round bottom and a vertical chimney. Typically they're made of clay, cast iron or steel and come in a variety of sizes – opt for a model that you can cook on, too.
Chimineas are normally smaller in width compared with fire pits, but much taller. The surrounding walls offer more safety because they can contain the fire, while also retaining heat and funnelling the smoke upwards rather than outwards, which a fire pit does.
However most fire pits will give you a full 360-degree view and allow you to make a larger fire.
Patio heaters
Patio heaters are powered by gas or electric and come in all shapes and sizes. You can also find heaters for a wide range of budgets.
If safety is a priority, a patio heater should give you much more peace of mind. They usually come with grills and screens to shield the heat and will automatically switch off if they overheat, as well as turning the gas off if the flame goes out. Plus, there will be no ash and embers to worry about.
You'll also have instant heat, with some even offering temperature control.
A patio heater won't give the same experience as a fire pit or a chiminea, though, and you won't be able to cook on it, either.
See our patio heater buying guide for more information on how to choose the best types, sizes and retailers to buy from.
Are outdoor heaters bad for the environment?
No outdoor heater is 'good' for the environment. Unfortunately, wrapping yourself up in a blanket or throwing on an extra jumper is the only real eco-friendly way to stay warm in your garden.
Gas patio heaters are one of the worst in terms of energy efficiency and the amount of CO2 emissions they emit. They are also pretty pricey.
Fire pits and chimineas aren't great either. In fact, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), while UK air quality has improved significantly over the past few decades, the burning of solid fuels (such as coal and wood) in our homes is the largest contributor of harmful particulate-matter (PM) emissions.
This is because when wood is burned, it releases harmful pollutants, such as small particles known as PM2.5. These tiny particles can be easily inhaled and can enter the bloodstream.
Wet logs and house coal emit higher levels of PM so if you still want to invest in a fire pit, always burn dry wood.
Is a wood-burning stove bad for the environment, too? Our guide covers everything you need to know about stoves and pollution .
How we selected prices and retailers
We've chosen these retailers and fire pits based on popular UK search terms, availability and what the retailers told us were popular. Prices correct as of 18 May 2022 and obtained from manufacturer's own website where possible; otherwise, obtained from third-party retailers listed on Google Shopping.
Source: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/fire-pits/article/fire-pit-buying-guide/choosing-the-best-fire-pit-awEnP0Q90R87