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Fire pits and garden fireplaces for wood and pellets

Few things bring people together outdoors like a real fire. A fire pit or garden fireplace turns a patio, lawn or terrace into a place where you want to stay long after the sun has set, whether you are toasting marshmallows with the children, grilling over open flames or simply sitting with a blanket and a cup of tea on a cool autumn evening.

In this category you will find our full range of outdoor fires that burn traditional fuels such as firewood, logs and wood pellets. The range includes classic fire pits, fire bowls, smokeless fire pits, fire baskets, tabletop pellet fires and freestanding garden fireplaces, in materials such as corten steel, stainless steel and black steel. We carry well-known brands including Höfats, Solo Stove, GlammFire, Kratki, Nordic Flame, RedFire, ScandiFlames and TermaTech, so there is a model for every garden, style and budget.

Please note that every product in this category is designed for outdoor use only and must never be used indoors. If you are looking for other types of outdoor heat, such as bioethanol, gas or electric, take a look at our complete range of outdoor fireplaces.

Which type of outdoor fire suits your garden?

The right choice depends on how you want to use the fire, how much space you have and how much smoke and maintenance you are willing to accept. Here is a quick overview of the main types in the range.

Fire pits

The classic fire pit is a wide, open steel bowl or ring that gives you a large, social fire that people can gather around from all sides. Many models come with a grill grate and a spark guard mesh, which makes them versatile for both cooking and cosy evenings. Popular sizes range from around 60 cm to 80 cm in diameter, which is ideal for a group of four to eight people.

Fire bowls

Fire bowls are often more sculptural and design-led than traditional fire pits. They sit on a stand, a tripod or legs, which raises the fire to a comfortable height and protects the ground underneath. Designer models such as the Höfats BOWL and MOON series work just as well as a decorative garden feature in daylight as they do as a fire in the evening.

Smokeless fire pits

If smoke is your biggest concern, a smokeless fire pit is worth considering. These models use a double-walled design that draws air in at the bottom and feeds preheated air back into the top of the fire. This gives a more complete burn with far less smoke than a traditional fire pit, which is a big advantage in smaller gardens and close to neighbours. Solo Stove models such as the Ranger, Bonfire and Yukon are available with a matching stand.

Tabletop and pellet fire pits

Compact tabletop fire pits, such as the Solo Stove Mesa and the Volcano pellet fire pits, give you a small, real flame right on the patio table or balcony. They run on wood pellets or small pieces of wood, light quickly and are easy to move around. They are a great choice if you want the atmosphere of a real fire without dedicating floor space to a large fire pit.

Garden fireplaces and fire baskets

A freestanding outdoor garden fireplace gives you a more enclosed fire with a chimney or a closed firebox, which directs smoke upwards and makes the fire easier to control. Fire baskets are a simpler alternative: an open steel basket that lets the flames and glow be seen from every angle.

What to consider before you buy

Choosing a fire pit is about more than looks. Taking a moment to think about the following points will help you find a model you will enjoy for many seasons.

• Size and number of guests: A diameter of 60 cm suits a small patio and a few people, while 80 cm or more works better for larger groups and gardens.
• Fuel: Logs give the classic crackling fire and long-lasting embers. Wood pellets light quickly, burn cleanly and are easy to store, but are best suited to fire pits designed for pellets.
• Smoke: If you have close neighbours or a small garden, a smokeless fire pit or a garden fireplace with a chimney will reduce smoke considerably.
• Material: Corten steel develops a protective rust-coloured patina that gives a natural, rustic look. Stainless steel stays bright and modern, and black painted steel suits most garden styles.
• Cooking: If you want to cook over the fire, choose a model with a grill grate, or add one later from our range of BBQ grates for fire pits and braziers.
• Mobility: Lighter models and tabletop fire pits are easy to move between the patio, the lawn and the summer house, while large fire bowls on stands are best placed in a permanent spot.

Cooking over an open fire

Many of our fire pits double as an outdoor kitchen. With a grill grate placed over the flames you can cook sausages, burgers, vegetables and fish, or let a cast iron pot simmer slowly over the embers. Cooking over wood gives food a distinctive, smoky flavour that a gas barbecue cannot match.

For the best results, let the fire burn down to a bed of glowing embers before you start cooking. The heat is then more even and easier to control, and you avoid flare-ups that can scorch the food. Skewers, pans and grill grates designed for fire pits make it easy to get started, and you will find them among our garden stove and fire pit accessories.

Placement and safety

A fire pit is a real open fire, so safe placement is essential. Always place it on a stable, non-combustible surface such as paving, tiles, gravel or sand. Avoid wooden decking, as embers can fall through or ignite the boards, and keep a generous distance to buildings, fences, hedges, trees, garden furniture and anything else that can catch fire.

Before you light the fire, check the wind direction so smoke does not drift towards your house or your neighbours, and do not light a fire in strong winds. Always check any local rules on open fires and follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Keep a bucket of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher close by, and never leave the fire unattended, especially when children or pets are nearby.

Use only clean, dry firewood or pellets. Painted, treated or impregnated wood can release harmful fumes and should never be burned, and you should never use petrol, spirits or other flammable liquids to light or revive the fire. A fire pit with a spark guard mesh is a good choice if you want extra protection against flying embers. Read more in our guide to making sure your fire pit is safe.

Lighting and extinguishing your fire pit

The easiest way to light a fire pit is from the top down. Place a few larger logs at the bottom, smaller pieces of kindling on top and finish with natural firelighters or wood wool. Light the top layer and let the fire work its way down. This method gives less smoke during lighting and a stable fire that needs little attention. Natural firelighters, matches and lighters are available in our range of ignition accessories.

When the evening is over, stop adding fuel and let the fire burn down. Spread out the remaining embers and extinguish them thoroughly with water or sand, stirring until no glowing pieces remain. Check that the ashes are completely cold before you leave the fire pit or empty it.

Care and maintenance

A good fire pit can last for many years with a little care. Empty the ash regularly, as ash mixed with rain becomes corrosive and can shorten the life of the steel. Many models have a drain hole in the bottom so that water does not collect in the bowl.

Corten steel is designed to rust on the surface, and the patina that forms protects the material underneath. Be aware that rusty water can run off during the first months, so avoid placing a new corten fire pit on light-coloured paving that you want to keep clean. Painted steel and stainless steel benefit from being kept dry between uses. A fitted protective cover keeps rain, snow and leaves out of the fire pit when it is not in use, and helps it look its best for longer.

Fire pits all year round

A fire pit is not only for summer evenings. In spring and autumn it extends the outdoor season by many weeks, and on a crisp winter day there is nothing quite like gathering around a crackling fire with mulled wine and warm blankets. With a little planning, such as a sheltered spot, comfortable seating and a dry store of firewood, your garden can become a place you use all year round.

If you are still unsure which fire pit or garden fireplace is right for you, our guide to outdoor fireplaces covers more tips, or you are welcome to contact our customer service. We are happy to help you find the right model for your garden