Best fire pits and chimineas for all seasons

With British gardens changing along with our changing climate, homeowners and gardeners are looking toward garden accessories that can be used all year round. Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and chimineas act as a decorative focal point while providing warmth and alfresco fun. We've rounded up the best fire pits and chimineas for all seasons.

Even in the winter months, fire pits are still a trending topic, with many garden lovers adopting a night-time fire pit routine. Savouring all the charm of a real outdoor fire in your garden just got a whole lot better. All sorts of game-changing burners have arrived on the market, offering you quick-to-light fires, superior smokeless burns, and doubling up as a grill, hot plate or handy side table too.

Best fire pits and chimineas at a glance:

• Best premium fire pit: VonHaus Light Grey Square Gas Fire Pit – View on Vonhaus
• Best gel fire pit: blomus FUOCO Gel Fire Pit – View on Amazon UK
• Best large cast iron fire pit: Rammento Large Cast Iron Garden Fire Pit – View on Amazon UK

Perfect for getting the most from your space, from freestanding fire baskets to fully installed fire pits, they’ll let you stay outside for longer this autumn. Some are a cinch to clean up, others designed to be easily stashed away if you don’t have room on your patio for a permanent firepit and – yes, there’s no denying it – they do offer a real hit of garden eye-candy.

There is a whole range of outdoor fire pits to choose from and Modern Gardens' Jill Morgan has rounded up the best picks below. Whether you are searching for a stylish outdoor woodburner or something simple and rustic, fire pits are one of the best sources of outdoor heating and decoration.

Best fire pits for your garden

Best outdoor fireplaces – UK 2023

If you are looking for a fire pit with an upgrade then an outdoor fireplace with a chimney will give you warmth, comfort and limited smoke in your eyes.

Best chimineas for your garden – UK 2023

Nowadays, there’s a vast choice of stunning, stylish chimineas to choose from, every one of which has what it takes to grace your garden and delight your senses. There’s something about the round fire bowl and narrow chimney that balances beautifully, whatever the design, whatever it’s made of, from clay to cast iron or steel.

FAQs

What is the difference between fire pits, fireplaces and chimineas?

Fire pits have become an increasingly easy and affordable way to heat things up outside. They make alfresco evenings more inviting while adding an extra twist to everyday outdoor lighting. If you want all the perks of having a fire minus the camping, then you can choose anything from a simple rustic firepit to a multi-purpose outdoor fireplace. Some outdoor fire pits can function as a BBQ or even an ice bucket depending on your needs.

Outdoor fireplaces are more traditional but made for the outside. They are often designed with a chimney, much like indoor fireplaces and can be crafted from materials such as wood or iron. If you are looking to keep smoke at bay or add a touch of Scandinavian-style décor, then an outdoor fireplace is ideal.

Chimineas are typically hand-crafted fireplaces with a chimney made with clay or cast iron and sometimes wood. They are often created in Mexico or the southwest of America. While many see chimineas as garden art for their garden or patios, they also produce a good amount of warmth and channel the smoke away from you with the chimney design.

What kinds of fire pits are there?

There are a few types of fire pits, such as wood burners, gas fire pits or gel fire pits.

Wood burning fire pit

The most common fire pits are ones that are wood-burning. If you are looking to get a real outdoor experience, then a wood-burner is the closest you will get to camping without a tent. Wood burning fire pits are typically made from steel and are the most affordable option for fuel. Charcoal is usually compatible with many wood fire pits, so you can also consider using it as a BBQ.

Gas fire pit

Gas fires are fuelled by a propane tank, making them a convenient option. Like the gas you use to fuel the BBQ, this fire pit is easy to manage as you can switch it on and off at will. However, it is important to note when using a product with gas that you follow the safety tips in the product manual. In addition, gas fire pits are strictly for outdoor use, as if used in an enclosed space, you may become exposed to carbon monoxide.

Gel fire pit

If you are looking for a scent and smoke-free product, then gel fire pits are a great option. The downside is that gel burners can be quite expensive and don’t produce as much warmth as gas or wood-burning fire pits. If you are looking for a more decorative fire, then a gel burner would be an excellent accessory for your garden or patio. They are small and only require you to fill up the reservoir with gel fuel. Once all the gel has gone, the fire will go out on its own.

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Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.