The best garden fire pits, plus tips on how to choose the best fire pit for your outdoor space

Whether it’s a balmy evening or a chilly night, fire pits are ideal pieces of outdoor equipment to use all year round, whatever the weather. Designed for gardens and patios or taking on the move with you to the beach or camping (depending on their portability), fire pits provide the ultimate atmosphere, functionality and warmth.

Whether wanting to roast marshmallows, have a BBQ or simply burn wood for creating a cosy outdoor seating area, you can’t go wrong with investing in a fire pit (there are options available at all budget-friendly price points). Make sure you choose a suitable style for you - look at features including the material it’s made from, how weatherproof it is, and safety features such as spark covers to prevent debris and sparks from flying around.

To help you out, The Recommended has done our research and rounded up some of the best fire pits out there. Read on for our top picks.

The best fire pits at-a-glance:

• Best affordable fire pit: Rammento Large Cast Iron Garden Fire Pit Basket Patio Heater
• Best multifunctional fire pit: Caccks Store Large Fire Pit Table
• Best premium fire pit: Solo Stove Store Fire Pit
• Best simple fire pit: Amazon Basics Steel Lattice Fire Pit
• Best sturdy fire pit: Loberfve Fire Pit
• Best three-in-one fire pit: Aoboco Fire Pit
• Best lightweight fire pit: Yaheetech Fire Pit
• Best portable fire pit: Tudou Portable Fire Pit

The best fire pits

Best affordable fire pit: Rammento Large Cast Iron Garden Fire Pit Basket Patio Heater

Strong and durable

Made with heavy cast iron steel and built on a three-leg design, this fire pit is long-lasting and super sturdy to see you through chilly evenings.

Gather round the deep, circular bowl, burn timber and keep warm. This fire pit puts safety as a priority, is easy to clean and empty, and won’t break the bank. It is portable, can be propped up on any terrain and used as a mini bonfire or BBQ.

Best multifunctional fire pit: Caccks Store Large Fire Pit Table

Great for all-seasons

Bring some atmosphere to your outdoor space with this square-shaped fire pit, designed with a classic stone pattern. This all-in-one fire pit can be used to burn wood, as a BBQ, or campfire.

Rust-proof and made from durable cast iron, this fire pit is suitable all year round and is heat-resistant up to 500°C. It has a spark cover included to maintain safety while in use, a fire fork to stir the wood, and a waterproof and dustproof cover.

Best premium fire pit: Solo Stove Store Fire Pit

No installation required

Splash the cash with this stainless steel fire pit, created with a double wall design to maximise airflow and the burning process.

Easy to set up wherever you are, whether camping or in the garden, simply flip the flame ring on the top and watch the crackling fire light up. This fire pit produces a low smoke flame thanks to its 360° airflow design and is complete with a weather-resistant UV-coated cover.

Best simple fire pit: Amazon Basics Steel Lattice Fire Pit

Sleek and secure

This wood-burning fire pit has useful side handles for easy manoeuvring. Choose your favourite spot and position for an atmospheric fire, bringing warmth and a flickering flame.

Made with a sturdy steel construction and three angled legs, this fire pit will stand securely for the ultimate safety. It also comes with a dome-shaped spark screen and fire poker to stoke the wood with. The stylish lattice-designed fire bowl is 60cm wide, ready to produce large fires.

Best sturdy fire pit: Loberfve Fire Pit

Withstands temperatures up to 500°C

Transform your outdoor space with this sophisticated fire pit, doubling up as a BBQ and heating function. Finished with an anti-rust coating, it is suitable all year round.

This fire pit is made from heavy-duty steel and reinforced with an X-shaped layer to provide an extra thick and strong structure. It has four sturdy legs to position securely and features two portable hand rings to move with ease. A fire poker and spark cover are included.

Best three-in-one fire pit: Aoboco Fire Pit

Large and versatile

This fire pit has multiple uses, from warming you up and barbecuing your favourite food to transforming it into an ice bucket and chilling your drinks in at summer parties.

It is made with a high-quality steel frame for a long-lasting design and is weather-resistant and rust-proof for the ultimate longevity. This fire pit is lightweight and easy to move and comes complete with a poker and mesh spark screen for a safe experience.

Best lightweight fire pit: Yaheetech Fire Pit

Deep and wide

This fire pit is light, easy to move around, and requires minimal setup, whether positioned on your patio, terrace or taking on your camping trip.

Made from a durable iron with a slick black coating, this fire pit has a hexagonal shape to extend the heating effects further and also adds a contemporary style to glam up your garden. It will withstand all outdoor weather and includes a mesh cover for safe protection.

Best portable fire pit: Tudou Portable Fire Pit

Ready to go

Take this fire pit on the move with you and make the most of your outdoor activities, whether hiking, camping, picnicking or wanting an outdoor BBQ.

Easy to assemble, with no tools required, this fire pit is made with a stainless steel mesh, providing a durable and sturdy design and producing reliable and large fires. It is lightweight and folds down compactly to fit into your backpack, ideal for days out.

Can you cook on a fire pit?

Yes, you can cook on a fire pit! In fact, many fire pits come with a cooking grate, making it easy to turn your fire pit into a barbeque pit. All you need is the right accessories to transform your fire pit into a cooking station, ready to rustle up some delicious al fresco dishes. Some come with additional attachments, and others you will need to buy separately. These include grill grates to pop over the top of your fire pit, rotisserie attachments for slow cooking, and deep pots to heat up over the fire.

What should you not burn in a fire pit?

Avoid anything flammable near your fire pit, and don't burn any materials which could release dangerous toxins and pollutants into the air. This includes rubber, plastics, household waste, painted or treated wood, garden weeds, and newspapers and magazines. As well as having a negative impact on the environment, the fumes produced can cause harm to humans and our breathing.

It's also important to note that open fires are illegal in the UK if the smoke causes a nuisance.

What size fire pit should you buy?

Fire pits come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and it’s important to choose the right one for you and your outdoor space. If you're using it for cooking, you'll want a larger fire pit with a cooking grate. If you're using it for ambience, a smaller fire pit may suffice.

A couple of things to consider when deciding between a small, medium, large, or even portable fire pit include:

• Location: where is your fire pit going? How much space do you have for it?
• Fire size: How big do you want your fire? Typically, the bigger the fire pit, the more fire there is, and therefore the more heat exuded.
• Portability: Will you take your fire pit with you on a camping trip, for example? A compact portable option will be best for those on the move.
• Cleaning: Be aware that larger fire pits will be harder and take longer to clean.

How far away from a house should a fire pit be?

For safety precautions, ensure you position your fire pit appropriately in order to enjoy the benefits and avoid any damage to yourselves and your surroundings. Fire pits should stand on a level surface at least 10 feet away from any structure and kept away from any low-hanging trees or plants. Think about the wind direction for the flames, and it's always advisable to have some fire safety items, such as a fire extinguisher, at hand nearby.

If you want to read more expert-recommended round-ups and product guides, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more home recommendations, including the best clothes airers, the best energy efficient heaters, and the best draught excluders.