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17 fire pits and chimineas to keep you toasty in the garden
Enjoy the outdoors for longer with our top picks.
Whether you’re planning a Sunday barbecue or a big garden party, a fire pit will make a welcome addition to celebrations. It’ll keep your guests warm as evening sets in and provide the perfect focal point for an outdoor seating area. Not to mention the gorgeous aesthetic of gently burning flames that’ll linger well into the night.
There are plenty of pretty options for you to consider, in a range of styles, prices and materials.
Chimineas
Clay chimineas are great if you prefer a traditional look. Most have natural terracotta finishes, although we’ve also spotted some lovely colourful designs that’ll double up as pretty garden decorations. For a more modern feel, go for cast iron or brass chimineas. Homebase’s garden trading director Stephen Pitcher says metal models tend to last longer as they’re more robust, so you’ll be buying a real investment piece.
Not only do they look lovely and keep you warm, some two-tiered chimineas can also help to cook up burgers and sausages. Just remove the chimney, set up a grill, place your food on top and watch it sizzle.
Clean your chiminea regularly, as leftover residue can cause a ‘sooty flame’ – black smoke that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat.
Open fire pits
Open fire bowls work well in a contemporary setting. Similar to chimineas, some fire bowls come with removable grill covers for barbecuing meats and veg, such as roasted vegetables, chicken kebabs or pork chops.
Fire pits are fuelled by wood or gas. Wood-burners look more authentic and they add a nice smoky flavour to your food, if you decide to use it as a grill. It is harder to control the size of flames with wood, though. Gas pits will be pricier than wood-powered models, but they’re quick and easy to light, making for a convenient option. A bottle of gas is more costly than a bag of logs and it isn’t the most eco-friendly fuel, either.
Outdoor dining table with a built-in fire pit
Add some wow-factor to your patio with an outdoor dining table set with an integrated gas fire pit. These are more expensive than a small wood-fired pit, but investing in one of these does give you a chic outdoor dining set where you can host family meals for years to come. Gas fires run continuously without you having to constantly tend to the flames, as well.
Fire pit safety tips
Before using your new fire pit, make sure it's in a safe spot away from anything flammable, like foliage or your shed. Keep a hose or a bucket of water handy in case of emergencies. When you go inside, make sure the flames are completely extinguished and covered with a suitable lid. This will help to stop hot embers and ash from blowing around in your garden.
Always keep pets and unsupervised children far away from flames, too.
Fire pits: Our best picks
Scroll down to see our picks of the best fire pits for 2022.
Currently on sale for less than £100, this sleek fire pit is a bargain. A removable grill cover and poker will help prepare tasty burgers and sausages for sunny get-togethers. The mesh holes in the cover will prevent embers from sparking.
Size: H37cm x D50cm
For fans of contemporary designs, this is a great option. Its striking angular design will be sure to add some oomph to your garden setup. It’s currently on sale for £130, reduced from £185, so snap it up while you can.
Size: H26cm x W62cm x D62cm
We think this lovely spherical pit will steal the spotlight in any outdoor space – whether the fire is lit or not. As night draws in, it will cast whimsical shadows of leaves across your patio and fence.
Add on a protective cover and 15 smokeless wood briquettes (logs made of recycled wood particles), for an extra £45.99
Size: H61cm x D50cm
Garden Leisure Kilya Two Piece Clay Chiminea With Grill
This dusty grey chiminea is one of our favourites. A grill and poker are included, so you can serve up burgers and corn on the cob during your Sunday barbecues. Just remove the top-tier chimney when you’re ready to whip up a feast.
Size: H84cm (inc stand) x W39cm
This is an expensive one, but we love the aged look of this fire pit. The patina really maximises its vintage feel – and it doubles up as a grill. It’ll be a lovely addition to any al fresco lunches with your friends or partner. Choose between two sizes: small or medium.
Size: H55cm x W90cm x D100cm (large); H55cm x W70cm x D80cm (medium).
You can personalise this cast iron fire pit with whatever you like, making it a sweet personalised gift option for a loved one. Father’s Day is coming up, after all! Designed to gradually rust over time, this is another option that’ll add a rustic feel to your garden.
Size: H35cm x W59cm x D59cm
Featuring an intricate mosaic outer design and stylish stone and copper accents, this is a real show piece. A dome-shaped fire screen provides a full view of the crackling flames too, so it can be appreciated from any angle.
Size: H59.9cm x W86.1 x D86.1cm
This stylish bowl doesn’t have a stand, giving everyone an easy view of the flames during any garden gatherings. Its generous width allows for an ample roaring fire that’s sure to impress your party guests, too.
Size: H19cm x W80cm x D80cm
For just £40, this is an absolute steal. Its sleek design should happily suit any garden scheme, too.
Size: H23cm x D58cm
Fashioned with a rusty steel finish, this homely fireplace design evokes the feel of a rural countryside garden. A mesh door and chimney helps keep smoke out of your eyes, as well. It’s currently reduced to £314.99 from £449.99, saving you £135.
Size: H112cm x W74cm x D48cm
As the smallest chimenea on our list, this is a good option if you have a petite patio or terrace. Crafted from cast iron, its traditional design will add some vintage charm to your outdoor space. The protective mesh metal door means you can enjoy the warmth without fear of sparks flying into the garden, too.
Size: H68cm x D38cm
Something a little different to the traditional circular design, this chiminea’s rectangular shape makes for a chic, contemporary look. A handy built-in log store helps to keep wood dry – and saves you scouting out a spot for it in the shed.
Size: H140cm x W38cm x D38cm
With angular edges and a polished black finish, this is a modern take on the traditional chiminea. It comes with a small poker to help you rearrange the wood if the flames begin to die down, too. It’s currently reduced to £160.99 from £229.99, so now’s the time to buy if you’re tempted.
Size: H120cm x W44cm
This towering model will certainly form an eye-catching centrepiece in your garden. Unlike most chimineas, this provides an all-round view of the softly glowing flames, so everyone can enjoy the fire. The sliding door allows for easy access to the pit, as well.
Size: H160cm x W60cm
This table set is an investment piece, but look how luxurious it is. With six seats and a gas-powered fire, it’ll offer warmth and comfort well into the evening. The rope-effect armchairs are very on-trend at the moment, too – we love its stylish boho feel.
Save 20% by using the code 20DISCOUNT at checkout.
Size: H64cm x W150cm x D90cm (table); H76cm x W63cm x D63cm (chairs)
This slick table with an integrated fire pit will finish off your garden area properly for all your summer parties. During the daytime, place the protective cover over the pit and use the space for extra snack bowls or drinks. It’s available in four colour schemes: grey/black, oak/black, oak/white and white/grey.
Size: H47cm x W120cm x D80cm
Create a cosy nook in your garden with this minimalist coffee table setup. Place a couple of snuggly armchairs close by, wrap a woollen throw around your shoulders and enjoy your morning espresso in the warmth of your gently crackling fire. It’s selling out fast though, so snap one up if you’re tempted.
Size: H34cm x D90cm
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