If you haven’t already clocked it, the time for switching your bedding to warm flannelette sheets, pulling the heater out from under the house and warming your hands over hearty conversation by the fire, is well and truly here.
Whether you’re pitching up your tent in a campground or wanting to add a bit of wintry pizazz to your own backyard, an outdoor fire pit makes a stylish and functional statement piece to any setting and is the perfect addition to an alfresco soirée.
With so many options for fire pits, bowls and grills on the market – made from a variety of metals from stainless steel to cast iron – it can be hard to know where to look to take your pick.
To help you cultivate ambience and chatter in your yard or on your next camping trip, we’ve rounded up six of the best outdoor fire pits currently available that’ll see your friends and family flocking.
6 best outdoor fire pits to shop in Australia 2024
Grillz 70cm portable outdoor fire pit, $81.08 (usually $115.95) at Amazon
Material: Alloy steel
Made from alloy steel with a patinated finish, this rustic deep bowl fire pit is frost-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and is easily portable – meaning you can keep warm in any corner of your yard.
Key features:
- Modern style
- Painted finish
- Frost-resistant
- Corrosion-resistant
Also available at:
- $109.95 (usually $254.99) at Kitchen Warehouse
- $120 (usually $292) at Bargains Online
Until Eva solo fire globe pit, $1200 at hardtofind
Materials: enamelled steel and stainless steel
Elevate your alfresco entertaining space with this sculpture-like fire globe made from enamelled stainless steel. Featuring a shape that creates a windshield with an integrated grid aiding ventilation, this fire pit is a tasteful and reliable addition to your winter nights.
Key features:
- Use handle to lift and move
- Integrated grid ensures good ventilation
- Two-year warranty
- Free delivery to Australia and New Zealand
Grillz 2-in-1 camping fire pit and BBQ grill, $49.95 (usually $65.95) at Myer
Material: food-grade stainless steel
You better whip out the marshmallows pronto, for this dual fire pit and barbeque is going to be your new favourite camping staple. Suitable for wood and charcoal fires, this stainless steel two-in-one has a height-adjustable grill and comes with a handy carry bag.
Key features:
- Two-in-one fire pit and BBQ
- Height-adjustable grill rack (two levels)
- Easy to use and clean
- Suitable for wood and charcoal fire
- Bonus carry bag
Also available at:
TIKI Brand stainless steel low smoke fire pit, $1163.11 at Amazon
Material: stainless steel
This modern black stainless steel fire pit will infuse your evening with warm ambience but low smoke – due to its internal airflow system.
“Love love love this firepit,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “Lots of room inside for the firewood and it burns hot and smokeless. So glad we purchased this. Definitely recommend this product.”
Key features:
- Over 1660 five-star ratings on Amazon
- Internal patented airflow system yields low smoke and less ash
- High-quality and easy clean-up
- Radiates a large, robust flame with a four-foot heat radius
- Includes stand and cover
UCO flatpack portable stainless steel grill and fire pit, $76.46 at Amazon
Materials: stainless steel and metallic fibre
If you’re looking for something a bit different from the usual fire bowl or grill, this affordable and easily portable flatpack is a hybrid of both.
Key features:
- Constructed from durable stainless steel to provide high rust and corrosion resistance
- Quick 30 second setup
- Durable and portable
- Stable base for safe grilling
- Sides of grill serve as a wind-break
- Safely contains fire and keeps fire off the ground
Also available at:
- $115.95 (usually $122.95) at Wild Earth
vidaXL Mosaic fire pit table in blue and white, $141.99 (usually $192.99) at Dick Smith
Materials: steel and ceramic
Bring a touch of Europe to your own backyard with this Mediterranean-style mosaic fire pit that perfectly suits coastal home decors.
Key features:
- Steel fire pit bowl efficiently absorbs and radiates heat
- Suitable for burning dry wood, logs or charcoal
- Four-leg stand for stability and support
- Safety mesh cover included for watching the fire and preventing sparks
- Doubles as a barbecue with a round ceramic surface for drinks and roasting supplies
Also available at:
Is an outdoor fire pit worth it?
An outdoor fire pit can be a fantastic addition to your backyard, turning it into a cosy, inviting space for social gatherings, relaxation and even some outdoor cooking. It extends the usability of your outdoor area into those cooler evenings and seasons, creating a perfect spot for entertaining or unwinding.
With various styles and fuel options available, you can find one that suits your taste and practical needs.
While there’s an initial investment and some upkeep involved, the ambiance and warmth a fire pit provides can make it totally worth it for many homeowners.
What is the best material for an outdoor fire pit?
Materials with a naturally very high melting point like cast iron, stainless steel, rusted steel and powder-coated steel are the best materials for an outdoor fire pit. While they each have their own particular strengths, these metals are all durable.
Can you put an outdoor fire pit on a wooden deck?
It is never a good idea to put your fire pit directly on a wooden deck as the heat, ash and flying sparks can easily cause damage to your deck, or worse, set it alight. You should also always place your pit at least three metres away from the house, and never leave your fire unattended.
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