better homes and gardens hawthorne fire pit

Even if the weather isn't always particularly delightful and the temperature isn't that warm, sitting outside by a fire pit can be a really relaxing experience. If nothing else, getting yourself one now will ensure that you're fully prepared for the summer months. In this article, we've looked at some of the best fire pits and chimineas out there. Whether you're after a basic bowl design, something with much more attention to detail, or a chiminea constructed from metal or clay, we've collected and reviewed some amazing garden accessories which are worth checking out!

There's something rather cathartic about owning a fire pit or chiminea. Maybe it's because a lovely fire pit can evoke fond memories of campfires and bonfires alike, or maybe it's simply because relaxing in your back garden as the warming flames gently ripple through the grates of your fire pit is an incredibly enjoyable and calming experience.

Our favourite fire pits rely on the classic fuel – wood – in order to create heat. Building up a roaring fire within the safety of a self-contained fire pit will not only keep you warm, but will also take you back to camping trips and the senses you associate with them, such as the smell of smoke and the sound of occasional crackling as an ember flies into the air.

There are numerous styles on offer, especially when it comes to fire pits. From minimalist bowl designs to intricately woven steel mesh to fire pit tables that are designed to boast multiple uses, choosing the right fire pit can be a somewhat arduous task. When it comes to chimineas, there are less design distinctions, but the material can still vary. Chimineas were traditionally built using clay, but have more recently been re-popularised with modern metal construction.

Either way, a fire pit or chiminea is an investment that we'd strongly recommend for this summer. They're an excellent way to transform a back garden space without having to spend a fortune, and can be become the centrepiece of a get-together with family or friends.

Continue reading for our picks of the best fire pits and chimineas currently available on the market. We've highlighted some brilliant products across a range of prices and materials, so there should be something that appeals to everyone!

Best All-Round Fire Pits

Femor Large 3 in 1 Fire Pit - £149.99

In terms of a fire pit which is effective at its job, looks great and doesn't break the bank, you'll struggle to find much better than what Femor has to offer!

This fire pit is described as 3-in-1. While it can obviously and primarily be used as a fire pit, it can just as easily adapt to become a BBQ, thanks to the stainless steel grill which is provided. If you line the pit with plastic sheeting, then it can even be used as an ice bucket for keeping drinks cool on a warm summer's afternoon/evening.

With robust construction and a simple yet stylish appearance, this is a deceptively sizeable fire pit – 31.9 x 31.9 cm excluding the frame – in which an impressive fire can be built. If the flames become too big, then the lid can be simply placed on top, in order to prevent sparks and debris from flying out and harming others.

The high quality and heat-proof steel frame provides plenty of durability and rust resistance. This fire pit will survive multiple uses and you can expect it to last for years to come.

best fire pits

Amagabeli Fire Pit Bowl - £121.99

best fire pits

With a deep bowl design, Amagabeli's fire pit is perfect if you wish to build up a raging fire from within its depths. Being able to hold excessive amounts of wood also allows you to create a fire which can burn for hours and hours, without needing any additional tending to. The bowl measures at 45 cm high, with the total height being 58 cm.

Not only that, but this particular fire pit also has a brilliantly striking appearance that we can't get enough of. The bronze finish, along with distressed lattice patterning, make for a classic and artistically inclined fire pit which can offer a beautiful addition to a back garden, patio or terraced area alike. This same patterning is also really practical, as the mesh spark protection screen helps to avoid embers, sparks and debris from flying out and scalding yourself or others, while equally allowing air to freely flow in.

Made of high-quality and durable iron with heat and rust-resistant coating, this fire pit is incredibly strong and has plenty of heat resistance and radiance. The fairly small size and simplistic design makes it easy to construct and de-construct if you wish to take it anywhere. Merely remove the legs and then carry it using the handle rings.

Rammento Cast Iron Basket Fire Pit - £43.99

For many, the decision as to which fire pit should be bought will ultimately come down to the design which most appeals. If you're after something which embodies effective simplicity, then Rammento's fire pit might be the one for you!

Measuring 50 cm in diameter, this fire pit is made out of cast iron. Why is this important? Well, for one, it provides an assurance of heat-resistance. Cast iron doesn't show any signs of heat-weakening until around the 370ºC mark (or around 700ºF), so you can be confident in the quality and longevity of this fire pit.

It's also excellent at absorbing and then radiating heat. This means that everyone sat close-by will be able to really enjoy the warming benefits, remaining pleasantly toasty as a result.

With a basic yet aesthetically pleasing design, Rammento's bowl fire pit is a great way to add warmth and ambience to a garden setting. Even when the fire barely remains, the heat radiation from the cast iron will continue to keep everyone warm.

best fire pits

La Hacienda Alexis Fire Pit - £234.99

best fire pits

La Hacienda's Alexis fire pit is worth a look-in by virtue of its gorgeous design alone. The darkened alloy steel and an appearance which feature seemingly autumnal leaves combine to create a really desirable aesthetic which is perfectly framed when the sun is setting with a smoky fire rippling through the frame.

This fire pit set is equally multi-functional, featuring a BBQ grill, pedestal stand, lid and hand tool (so you can shuffle the burning wood about as necessary). Fire pits are more often used as a social focal point on a summer's evening, but if you wish to use it as a BBQ then this is also possible, thanks to the removable grill which can be added to cook meats and other foods on top of.

Not only does the Alexis fire pit look great, but it's also a highly reliable product which you can confidently expect to last for years to come. The modern and strong build is ideal for gardens, patios and terraces alike.

Best Portable Fire Pit

Surmounty Portable Fire Pit/Campfire - £30.99

While having a permanent fire pit in your back garden is great, they're often awkward to deconstruct and transport, making them a less than viable option when going camping.

Surmounty's portable fire pit and campfire aims to solve this issue. A rollable stainless steel mesh creates a lightweight and highly convenient burning stand which can be folded for added compactness.

The mesh itself is cool to touch only a short period of time after being used, making the product safer as it limits the chances of retroactively burning yourself.

A large number of campsites and similar outdoor areas no longer allow outdoor fires, for fear of said fire spreading and damaging the surrounding area. This portable campfire gets around that issue by ensuring the (small) fire remains controlled and safe at all times.

best fire pits

Best Chimineas

Deuba Cast Iron Chiminea - £345.00

best chimineas

We love chimineas, and feel that Deuba's cast iron incarnation is one of the very best out there. Sometimes referred to as Aztec stoves, chimineas serve a number of purposes, including the creation of a warm and relaxing atmosphere. In this regard, Deuba's chiminea excels. Because it's so effective at radiating heat, everyone sat around it will benefit, as opposed to just those positioned directly in-front of the opening.

Standing at an impressive 112 cm, this chiminea has the potential to be the centrepiece of any garden. It's very sturdy and can function as a heat source and BBQ alike. As far as barbecuing goes, a grill rack (included in the set) can be inserted into the chiminea for meats and other foods to be cooked upon.

It also looks absolutely gorgeous. The beautiful aesthetic combines rustic simplicity with contemporary functionality to create an incredibly desirable heating source.

It may be a little more expensive than other options, but we feel this price is certainly justified. Especially when placed in a medium to large sized garden, Deuba's chiminea will provide pleasant ambience and can be the focal point of just about any garden setting. Made of cast iron, it can withstand temperatures well beyond what you could feasibly create within its chamber, so there should be little concern of heat-related damage.

La Hacienda Wela Mexican Design Clay Chiminea - £147.00

Traditionally, chimineas have been built from fired clay and were most used for heating and cooking. These early designs originated from Spain and Mexico, with this chiminea paying homage to these classic builds from the latter country.

La Hacienda's Wela chiminea offers a simple yet vibrant aesthetic in which a warming fire can be easily built up. Smoke can freely pour out from the front of the chamber, or through the top if you choose to leave the lid off.

Measuring 70 cm (excluding the provided support legs), this chiminea is tall enough to look impressive in your garden, yet isn't so big that it'll completely dominate, making it perfect in small and medium sized back gardens.

Modern clay chimineas, such as this one, are excellent at handling the heat stresses which naturally occur when lighting a fire within. The upshot of this is that the Wela can handle an incredibly high temperature when in use.

best chimineas