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The best fire pits for outdoor entertaining
Fire pits are an essential for every garden, no matter what time of year it is. After all the restrictions we've had to endure over the past couple of years, we've all become quite aware that knowing how to entertain in your garden all year round is quite important and we've embraced the garden party like never before (we had no other choice). Having guests over for an outdoor dinner party is always a wonderful way to spend a summer evening, yet before we get there, we have to pass through spring, making heat sources vital. To help you navigate the rather confused world of chimineas and bowls, we've rounded up the best fire pits to buy now.
Warmth, shelter and light are the most important things to consider for a garden dinner party and, for the first of those, you simply won't beat an outdoor fire pit (although a patio heater might come in close second). Solar lights dotted around will create a wonderful atmosphere and in case of too much sun or too much rain, a garden parasol will provide some shelter.
What are the benefits of having a fire pit?
A fire pit can help to extend your evenings outdoors, allowing you to stay alfresco for longer. They are more atmospheric than even the best patio heaters, throwing out warmth and that inimitable orange light simultaneously. Many open fire pits lead double lives as outdoor ovens, providing plenty of heat to fuel BBQs and pizza ovens. Plus, there’s nothing better to roast marshmallows over!
What are the different types of fire pit?
Fire pits don't have to be a huge investment, although good quality should never be scrimped on. Depending on what you want from your garden fire pit there is a wide range to choose from.
- Chiminea fire pits are great for entertaining as their chimney keeps smoke away from your guests. These are also safer for those with young children as the fire is more enclosed.
- Cast iron fire bowls look lovely when encircled by your garden furniture and can be used for cooking and BBQ style meals.
- A brazier is similar to a fire pit in style, but tends to be a slightly more upright basket shape, as opposed to a lower bowl.
Which is the best fire pit to buy?
Our top picks are the Cox and Cox Fire Storage Brazier which makes log storage pleasingly stylish. It makes a beautiful centre piece whilst entertaining and will keep those around it warm.
We also love the Kadai Tula Solid Steel Fire Pit for its charming look and ability to fit with other products in the range. You can buy a pizza oven as an add on and it'll sit neatly on top of the fire bowl, waiting to cook your pizzas to perfection.
Best fire pit to buy 2022
1/14Delta Fire Pit, starting at £75 from Arada.
2/14Metal Fire Pit with BBQ Grill Shelf, £291.50 from WSCQ on Amazon.
3/14Outdoor Fire Pit, £189 from Ciel Shop Interiors.
4/14Abura Metal Chiminea, black and brass, £185 from Made.com
5/14Smokeless Octagonal Fire Pit, starting at £650 from Fabulous Firepits.
6/14La Hacienda Leon Mesh Steel Chiminea, medium, £59.99 from La Hacienda on Amazon.
7/14Peaktop CU296 Wood Burning Fire Pit, £124.99 from Argos.
8/14Recycled Indian Firebowl with Grill and Stand, £249.99 from Primrose.
9/14Reclaimed Iron Kadai with Grill, 100cm diameter, £425, from Nkuku.
10/14Sosebee Steel Charcoal and Wood Burning Fire Pit, £276.99, from Wayfair.
11/14Jotul Froya Wood Burning Stove, £329, from Bonfire.
12/14Black Low Metal Fire Pit, £185 from Made.com.
13/14Moho Steel Fire Pit, 66cm, £192.99 by La Hacienda from Primrose.
14/14Halali Kadai Bowl and Surround, rust, £895 from Nkuku.
