There are a number of different styles of fire pits available in the UK, each one with its own look, advantages and disadvantages. These fire pits are usually log-fuelled, and you can even burn certain wood chips to flavour your food. However, it's worth bearing in mind that they can produce a lot of smoke from the meat or oil drippings, so they need to be cleaned frequently. Although the Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit is one of the most expensive options on this list, if you want to add an interesting focal point to your yard, we think its unique design, durability, and little to no smoke make it worth the splurge. Normally made of steel, this style of fire pit features intricate designs that create a picture silhouette lit by the flames behind them. You can choose from a variety of sizes, shapes and designs.

It is important to note a fire pit’s dimensions before purchasing a unit. You should measure how much room you have available in your outdoor space to hold a fire pit, and see how that compares to the dimensions of the fire pit you would like to buy. Keep in mind the following fire pit safety tips as well as the advice from The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board member Larry Campbell that you should be placing your fire pit in an area with a “fireproof-type surface.” Most are powered with bio-ethanol, which means it won’t create smoke and should be easy to switch on and off. It should also have some type of safety screen or glass surrounding it. Camping pits: compact and portable, these fire pits are designed to be taken outdoors for safe, cosy campfires on the go. Are you looking for a way to add a touch of decorative charm to your garden while keeping warm on cool evenings? Then Dunelm’s range of outdoor heaters is just what you need! Ideal if you like to go camping or you don’t want the fire pit to be a permanent fixture in your garden. Portable fire pits should be lightweight, and preferably have wheels and/or a carry case to make it easy to manoeuvre and store.

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The Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit has a sturdy build, a large bowl that allows it to produce a good amount of heat, and a unique, rustic design. The fire pit is made from steel, and once the fire starts burning, it turns a bronze color (courtesy of the patina layer it develops when the fire burns). We think this is a stylish heat source and could blend seamlessly into any outdoor living space. Make sure the fire has plenty of oxygen - your fire won't last long without a steady flow of O2; give it plenty of space to breathe. Do remember that the more basic options won’t come with safety extras such as lids or screens, so you might need to spend a little more on accessories. The poker conveniently has a hook at one of its ends, which makes removing and adjusting the mesh cover easy when you need to add more wood. The lid itself is light and easy to move, and it feels sturdy. We had no problem lifting the lid when it came time to roast a marshmallow, for instance. Also, throughout the duration of our time using the fire pit, we didn't experience any embers escaping through the screen.

If you want your fire to produce a nice aroma while it burns, you may also want to consider apple or cherry wood, though make sure these are seasoned and very dry. Pine will create a pleasant smell, though it will spit a lot and can leave behind sooty residue, so use it with care.In terms of design, the fire pit has a plain, but clean and stylish, appearance. However, to keep it looking like new, you will need to protect it with a fire pit cover when not in use, otherwise, rust will develop on the screen (although we found that the rest of the fire pit still looked great). Overall, the unit offers a simple, yet effective, design at a great value, and is an essential addition to any outdoor space. Are you renovating your garden? If so, how about adding a hot tub? Here's our hot tub buying guide . What material is best for a fire pit? Stainless steel

This low in height, the square concrete firepit is beautifully made and is the perfect companion to a garden sofa set which will add to the intimate feeling for a family night in or friends are gathered. The height will often depend on whether you want to rest things on a table, but if you want to feel the warmth from your pit, you shouldn’t go much higher than 50cm from the ground. We were very impressed with the Tiki Fire Pit’s heating performance. While standing five feet away from the pit, we were still able to significantly feel the warmth. Even at a greater distance, we could still feel it, even though it wasn't as strong. Overall, we found the heat to be evenly distributed and to have a nice feel. Fire pits and chimineas aren’t great either. In fact, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), while UK air quality has improved significantly over the past few decades, the burning of solid fuels (such as coal and wood) in our homes is the largest contributor of harmful particulate-matter (PM) emissions.You may want to consider certain types of wood that are less likely to spit sparks or smoke too much when lit. Bowl fire pits: these are the most basic fire pits – a bowl that holds a fire for sitting around. While they’re usually portable and can be used for cooking, they emit a lot of smoke nearly at ground level, meaning that you’re sometimes running for cover to avoid breathing it in. A patio heater won’t give the same experience as a fire pit or a chiminea, though, and you won’t be able to cook on it, either. Chimineas are front-loading, freestanding fireplaces with a round bottom and a vertical chimney. Typically they're made of clay, cast iron or steel and come in a variety of sizes – opt for a model that you can cook on, too.

Built with convenience and aesthetics in mind, gas fire pits are normally impressively designed around pebbles, faux wood or glass.A good mixture of wood can also help get your fire started. Fast-burning woods such as birch and hazel are excellent choices for lighting your fire and can usually be bought in kindling or bark form. Hazel is also unlikely to spit sparks. If you've still not decided what type of fire pit would suit your garden, head over to our guide on choosing the best fire pit.