12 best fire pit bbqs for home and camping away

Do you want to turn the cooler evenings into the ultimate relaxing chillout sessions with good food and good company? If so, then you need to get the latest UK garden trend for this autumn and winter and get a fire pit BBQ.

The irresistible warmth and glow of the open fire will give make even the coldest evenings more fun in your garden.  And not only can the garden fire pit heat you all but you can get some cooking done on them too if you buy the right one!The right BBQ fire pit can be fired up to toast some marshmallows or cook everything from a few burgers to a meaty steak.  

We have been building our outdoor entertainment area up, during and post covid, and the Fire pit BBQ was a total must have piece.  We have gone for the Dawoo fire pit BBQ (our star buy) as its great value for money, strong and has a large cooking area (plus it can be a beer cooler in summer!).  However there are simply loads of styles and types to choose from so I hope our bbq fire pit buyers guide helps you find the right one.  

If you’re ready to transform your yard/patio/garden into a relaxing and entertaining zone by getting your fire pit BBQ right now, here are our red hot top buys:

DAWOO Fire Pit with BBQ Grill Shelf - Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining,...
2,104 Reviews
DAWOO Fire Pit with BBQ Grill Shelf - Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining,...
  • - [MULTI-PURPOSE] The DAWOO Fire Pit is not only a fire pit but also a barbecue grill shelf, table brazier, and more. It is perfect for outdoor entertaining, garden parties, and camping trips.
Sale
Odoland BBQ Fire Pit Portable Campfire Pit Collapsible Camping Grill 304...
694 Reviews
Odoland BBQ Fire Pit Portable Campfire Pit Collapsible Camping Grill 304...
  • 🔥MULTI-USAGE COLLAPSIBLE GRILL - The collapsible camping grill can be worked as campfire grill gate or camping fire pit. You can use it for open fire cooking. It's great for any occasion. A welcomed addition to your hiking accessories, camping cookware, bushcraft gear, or emergency survival kits.
Sale
Gardeco Elidir Cast Iron Fire Pit, Bronze, 45 x 45 x 47.5 cm
246 Reviews
Gardeco Elidir Cast Iron Fire Pit, Bronze, 45 x 45 x 47.5 cm
  • Best-selling deep fire Pit, made of cast iron so strong and durable
Centurion Supports Fireology GINESSA Sumptuous Garden & Patio Heater Fire...
43 Reviews
Centurion Supports Fireology GINESSA Sumptuous Garden & Patio Heater Fire...
  • A sumptuous design with a round frame, the Ginessa is practical and convenient, and can be used with charcoal, logs, coal and wood. Beautifully completed with intricate charcoal and cloud grey mosaic ceramic tiles, it is perfect for providing warmth in a garden, yard, patio, terrace, or similar areas
Yaheetech Fire Pit Portable Folding Fire Pits with Cooking & Grill, Iron...
1,025 Reviews
Yaheetech Fire Pit Portable Folding Fire Pits with Cooking & Grill, Iron...
  • Small, Lightweight But Practical: Thanks to its lightweight design (weighs 3.9 kg) and foldable legs, this 54 cm fire pit is easy to move around your yards/porches/patios after fully assembled, and convenient to fold and carry in a compact size for camping trips or beach parties
Dancook 9000 - Bonfire Barbecue Grill.
187 Reviews
Dancook 9000 - Bonfire Barbecue Grill.
  • Primary cooking grid: 54cm diameter
Yaheetech Outdoor Fire Pit, Steel Fire Bowl with Firewood Rack, Cooking...
132 Reviews
Yaheetech Outdoor Fire Pit, Steel Fire Bowl with Firewood Rack, Cooking...
  • 🔥Practical Log Rack: The included log grate holds burning wood off the bottom to reduce mess or damage to the underlying surface. It also increases airflow, giving you a beautiful furious fire in a cold night.
100cm Diameter Cast Iron Fire Pit Outdoor Garden Patio Heater Wood Burner...
102 Reviews
100cm Diameter Cast Iron Fire Pit Outdoor Garden Patio Heater Wood Burner...
  • Strong cast iron construction - naturally strong with incredible heat radiance and resistance; designed to stand the test of time. Heat and rust resistant.
Rustic Outdoor Fireplace Chimnea with Cooking Grill Fire Pit Firepit...
2,536 Reviews
Large Steel La Hacienda Alexis Log Burner/Fire Pit with BBQ Grill Set,...
125 Reviews
Large Steel La Hacienda Alexis Log Burner/Fire Pit with BBQ Grill Set,...
  • La Hacienda Alexis Fire Pit Set Includes BBQ Grill, Pedestal Stand, Spark Guard Lid & Hand Tool - Large, Modern & Durable
Homeology TONTERIA Prestigious Garden & Patio Heater Fire Pit Brazier and...
42 Reviews
Homeology TONTERIA Prestigious Garden & Patio Heater Fire Pit Brazier and...
  • A prestigious design with a square frame, the Tonteria is practical and convenient, and can be used with charcoal, logs, coal and wood. Beautifully completed with real stone effect finish, it is perfect for providing warmth in a garden, yard, patio, terrace, or similar areas

When looking to buy the best fire pit BBQ, you should try answering some key questions:

1. What type of BBQ fire pit would suit your needs the best?
2. What should be its size and shape?
3. What material should it be made of?
4. What’s your budget for a BBQ fire pit?

Types of Fire Pit BBQs

Charcoal BBQ fire pits: Do you like your chicken and ribs, pork chips, and steaks with a smokey, char-grilled flavour? If yes, charcoal fire pits are your best bet. A budget-priced charcoal fire pit BBQ can cost £55 – £100. However, some of the top choices, like an Aldi firepit with grill, can set you back by £120.

Wood BBQ fire pits: For grilling or smoking your food on open fire for a longer duration than charcoal fire pit BBQs, you can choose wood fire pit BBQs. Budget buys can cost in the range of £25 – £120.  If you choose one with an elaborate rustic design, like the Chiminea fire pit, you’ll need to shell out around £280. However, those with a lightweight design, like Dancook 9000 that costs £214.51, are ideal to carry along to a camping site or enjoy your favourite delicacies when hiking.

Multipurpose BBQ fire pits: If you want to enjoy flexibility with your choice of fuel, you can opt for multipurpose fire pits costing £40 – £100. For instance, you can buy Dawoo concrete fire pits for around £80 that let you use charcoal, logs, coal, fruit charcoal, and other burning materials to fire them up.

There’s bad news for gas BBQ lovers as there don’t seem to be any gas fire pits you can barbecue on.

Size and Shape of Fire Pit BBQs

Your fire pit’s size will depend on how many people you want around it. For a cosy, romantic night for up to four people, a 50-cm fire pit would be ideal. You can increase the size by 10 cm for every two people you add to the group. Thus, for up to 6, 8, 10, and 12 people, the ideal fire pit size (in cm) would be 60, 70, 80, and 90, respectively.  

For up to twenty people, you should stick to a fire pit size of 120 cm, while 30+ people would do well with a 160-cm fire pit.

Depending on the shape of your patio or outdoor seating area, you can get fire pits in different shapes. From octagonal, hexagonal, and square fire pits to rectangular and round fire pits, you’ll have many garden fire pit options.

Fire Pit BBQ

Materials of Fire Pit BBQs

Cast iron fire pit BBQs: These are among some of the most affordable fire pit BBQs known for their superb heat capacity. They can absorb the fire’s heat and spread it evenly over a large surface.  Make sure to check if the fire pit bbq you are buying is a cast iron fire pit as many are simply steel.  Cast iron BBQ Fire Pits will be very heavy, cost more but are real lasting peices.

Chiminea fire pits: Are you seeking a flexible and portable fire pit for your BBQs? If yes, a chiminea could be just what you need. Since they’re designed to help draw air to the fire, they deliver an efficient and clean burn. Additionally, they direct the smoke upwards, away from the eyes of you and your guests.

Stone fire pits: If you need low-maintenance fire pits that look more authentic and organic than their metal counterparts, stone fire pits can fit the bill just right. However, they don’t transmit heat the way metals do (so maybe not so great for BBQing on) and are difficult to repair should they chip or crack.

Indian bowl fire pits: Inspired by authentic Indian kadai bowls, which are a cooking apparatus, Indian bowl fire pits let heat be delivered evenly out of all sides. They are strong and durable and can be a beautiful addition to your garden or patio.

Brick fire pits: These typically have a robust concrete base and use fire-safe bricks for the inner walls as they won’t crack under the heat, unlike regular bricks. More decorative bricks surround the inner walls for an aesthetic look from the outside.

Concrete fire pit BBQs: Despite being heavier than most other fire pits, these are more stable. They are ideal for making your cool evenings comfortable with a campfire or barbecue.

Fire Pit Tables: Unlike what some may think, a fire pit BBQ is different from a fire pit table. While the former is for cooking, the latter merges a patio table and a fire pit. You can only cook on a fire pit table if it is designed for that purpose and most arent.  Make sure to check if its a fire pit BBQ table and it is sold with the right BBQ accessories before you buy it.

Camping Fire Pit: Yes unreal huh you can even get a fire pit to take to the campsite (check the rules on BBQs and open fires in your site or hiking location before sparking up!).  These are small, lightweight little BBQ fire pits that can pack down to fit in a rucksack!  Just be sure to make sure they are 100% cool before you pack away as I cooked my backpack with one!

Safety Tips for Using a Fire Pit BBQ

  • You should use the appliance as mentioned in its user manual. Any other improper use could damage it or even cause personal injury.
  • You should never leave the fire unattended.
  • It’s important to always use heat-resistant gloves (or other safety tools, like a log claw grabber, poker stick, etc.) when adding or repositioning fuel.
  • You shouldn’t use water to extinguish the fire after use as it could damage the appliance. You can let the fire die naturally by not adding any more fuel to it. However if you are going to go off to bed then douse it with sand.
  • Some fire pits could mark or stain a patio. You should find out if you need a separate brick base or patio slab to install the appliance to avoid such damage.
  • You shouldn’t use fire pit BBQs in confined spaces like tents, motor homes, caravans, etc., as such use run the risk of causing fatal accidents due to carbon monoxide poisoning.  You would think thats obvious but people still do it….even under an awning can be a danger…so do your fire pit bbq out in the open air only!

OVERALL BEST FIRE PIT BBQ

DAWOO Fire Pit with BBQ Grill Shelf - Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining, Garden Parties, and Camping Tripsing, cozy backyard,...
2,104 Reviews
DAWOO Fire Pit with BBQ Grill Shelf - Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining, Garden Parties, and Camping Tripsing, cozy backyard,...
OVERALL BEST FIRE PIT BBQ - Thanks to its sturdy design, you can continue using this fire pit for years. It’s heat-resistant and designed for warmth, captivating light, and BBQ. It comes with a BBQ grill and a handy poker along with a mesh lid to protect you from sparks.

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