Small Garden Fire Pit: Choosing The Right Fire Pit

Choosing The Right Fire Pit For A Small Garden

Choosing a small garden fire pit might feel like a daunting task.  But it doesn’t have to be!

Taking the plunge and getting a fire pit for your garden or outdoor space, no matter what size it is, is a wonderful thing.  We may be biased, but for us, a fire pit is an ideal centrepiece for any garden and one that brings a lot of joy.

We want to ensure you pick the right fire pit for your needs, so we’ve compiled our definitive guide.

So, without further ado, let’s look at everything you should consider when choosing your fire pit…

Size and Space: Choosing the Ideal Fire Pit for Your Garden

Of course, size is important; you need it to fit into your small garden!  We know it sounds obvious, but it’s a little more than just thinking about the size of your garden. It’s also about how you want to configure your garden layout.

Do you want a fire pit that can sit 360 degrees, or do you only have space for a smaller fire pit over to one side?

A classic fire pit bowl might be best if you want something to sit around like a campfire.  

If you don’t think you have the space for that, then a chimenea that sits off to one side might be better.

There are also several safety precautions you need to consider when considering your space which we will go into in more detail below.

Style of Small Garden Fire Pit

This leads us neatly to the style of fire pit you want for your small garden.

There are two primary styles to choose from, both of which have their own advantages:

The Classic Appeal of Wood-Burning Fire Pits for Small Gardens

The classic fire pit bowl is a top choice, especially with a small garden. Why, you ask? These fire pits are compact yet powerful, providing warmth without hogging all your precious outdoor space. They keep you snug on those cool nights and act as an attractive centrepiece, making your garden look enchanting.

The best part? They disperse heat in a 360-degree radius, inviting everyone to enjoy a cosy, campfire-like ambience, perfect for those intimate garden gatherings.

You'll also appreciate their versatility. Fire pit bowls come in various materials like cast iron, clay, corten steel or steel, allowing you to choose one that fits right in with your garden's decor. Even better, some models come with grill grates or plancha, turning your fire pit into a barbecue in a flash - a great space-saving feature for small gardens.

So, choosing a fire pit bowl means you're not just investing in a heat source. You're cleverly maximising your garden's potential, creating a spot perfect for relaxation, entertainment, and even some impromptu grilling!

Maximising Space and Charm: Chimeneas as Ideal Small Garden Fire Pits

With its enclosed fire bowl and chimney-top design, a chimenea is another brilliant choice for small gardens. These charming pieces, originally used for cooking and baking in Mexico, are more than just pretty faces.

What makes them a hit in a small garden is their smart design. They are compact and don't command much floor space, but they're mighty regarding warmth. Their design focuses heat outwards through the opening, making it great for huddling on those chillier evenings.

Not just a source of heat, a chimenea can also double as a cooking station – think of it as a tiny outdoor kitchen. Isn't that a smart use of space in a small garden?

Chimeneas come in various materials, too, such as clay or cast iron, allowing you to find one that complements your garden's style. They offer a rustic charm, transforming your small garden into a cosy outdoor haven. So, a chimenea in your small garden maximises warmth, functionality, and style in one go!

Small Garden Solutions: Flexible and Convenient Natural and Propane Gas Fire Pits

Gas fire pits are an excellent choice for small gardens due to their efficient, clean-burning nature.

They offer a safer fire experience with easy control, reducing the risk of unwanted sparks or embers in smaller spaces.

Propane fire pits, especially those with internal hidden tanks, are arguably the best solution for small gardens.

These designs provide portability and an uncluttered appearance, as they can be moved to different garden areas without a visible tank.

Natural gas fire pits are also a great choice and offer convenience and low maintenance by eliminating the need for tank refills. However, installing the natural gas pipe comes with an added expense.

Both types offer a smokeless fire experience, ideal for smaller, enclosed garden spaces where smoke can be intrusive, or you don't want the fuss.

Eco-Friendly Warmth: Bioethanol Fire Pits, a Sustainable Small Garden Fire Pit Option

Bioethanol fire pits are a perfect choice for small gardens, offering a stylish appearance, eco-friendly operation, and independence from wires, plumbing, or hoses.

Running on renewable ethanol, they produce no smoke or ash, making them clean and low-maintenance. Their compact and ventless designs are particularly suited to smaller spaces.

The flames are easily ignited and extinguished, offering high control and immediate enjoyment.

This ease of use, combined with their sleek design, makes bioethanol fire pits a great addition to any small garden.

Fuel Choices: Selecting the Best Option for Your Small Garden Fire Pit

All fuel types are suitable for a small garden; the better options are wood burning, gas or bioethanol. In general, a wood-burning fire pit might need a little more room to make sure it's far enough away from buildings or other structures that could catch fire.

However, gas and bioethanol fire pits can be larger, and there are many more options when buying a small wood-burning fire pit.

Also, something to remember with wood-burning fire pits is the extra space you will need for a wood store.  It doesn’t have to be massive, but it should be remembered.

Materials Matter: Evaluating Options for Your Garden Fire Pit Construction

The material is paramount when choosing a fire pit for your small garden. It determines appearance, durability, and safety. Here are brief overviews of common choices:

• Clay or 'chimeneas' bring rustic charm and radiant heat, perfect for a cosy garden. However, exposure to harsh weather may cause cracks, making it unsuitable for exposed gardens.

• Steel: Durable, versatile fire pits can suit any small garden. Mind that without proper maintenance, they can rust over time.

• Cast Iron: Robust and excellent at retaining heat, cast iron fire pits are ideal if your garden is your main outdoor heating source. Regular care is needed to prevent rusting.

• Stainless Steel: Modern-looking and rust-resistant, stainless steel fire pits are ideal near plant life or water features, but they tend to be pricier.

• Corten Steel: Weathering steel, or 'Corten', forms a stable rust-like appearance over time, requiring minimal maintenance - a good choice for a relaxation-centric garden.

When choosing the material, consider local climate, maintenance willingness, and how the fire pit will blend into your garden.

Flexibility in Small Spaces: The Importance of Portable Fire Pits

For smaller spaces, you may want to look for fire pits that are more manoeuvrable and portable if, for example, you want to put your fire pit away to free up some space at any time.  

This is also great if you are looking for a fire pit to travel with you when appropriate.

If you need to move your fire pit occasionally, your best option is a fire pit bowl or stove.

Chimeneas are not portable! Traditional chimeneas are made from clay and usually have a lot of weight.  They are also made from two pieces (a fire bow and a stack or chimney) stuck together, which means they can be fragile, so moving them is not a good idea.

Prioritising Safety: Key Considerations for a Fire Pit in Your Small Garden

Safety should be one of your priorities when choosing a fire pit for your garden.  There are several factors to consider:

• Does your fire pit have enough space around it?

• Is your fire pit far enough away from buildings, trees, or other flammable materials?

• How windy is the location you want your fire pit?

• Can you move around the fire pit safely?

• Do you have a water source close?  Or space for a sand bucket?

You get the idea.  Making sure you choose a fire pit that leaves you plenty of space for all the necessary safety precautions is key.

Beyond Warmth: Accessorising Your Fire Pit for Maximum Functionality in Small Gardens

This might sound like an odd thing to think about, but looking at the accessories options available for fire pits and chimeneas can be an important factor when choosing the right fire pit for a small garden.  

After all, did you know you can easily turn your fire pit into a BBQ?  Or that you can get a stove pot that fits perfectly in the stack of your chimenea?

Adding functionality to your fire pit in this way can help save space elsewhere in your garden, which is essential for small gardens.

So, when choosing your fire pit, remember it's not just a cosy heat source. With the right accessories, it can become your own outdoor kitchen or even the centrepiece of your garden. And let's not forget that every bit of multi-functionality counts in a smaller garden.

Whether it's grill grates for a summer BBQ or a stylish stove pot, there are plenty of options. So go ahead, have fun exploring the possibilities and making your fire pit experience truly unique.

Final Thoughts: Unearthing the Perfect Fire Pit for Your Small Garden

Choosing the right fire pit for a small garden might seem difficult, but we hope we’ve shown you that while there are a few things you need to consider, there are many options for you.

Finding the right fire pit is incredibly satisfying, and we have no doubt that by following our guide, you will find just the right one for your garden to enjoy for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Portable Fire Pits Safe for Small Gardens?

Yes, portable fire pits can be safe for small gardens, provided they are used responsibly. Ensure that the fire pit is positioned away from flammable materials, is stable, and is of appropriate size for your garden. Always have a water source or fire extinguisher nearby, use a spark screen, and never leave the fire pit unattended.

What Type of Fuel Is Best for a Fire Pit in a Small Garden?

The best fuel type for a small garden fire pit will vary depending on your needs. Wood-burning pits offer more ambience but require more space and more attention. On the other hand, gas and bioethanol fire pits are cleaner and more controllable, making them often more suitable for smaller spaces.

Can a Fire Pit Also Function as a BBQ in a Small Garden?

Yes, many fire pits can also function as BBQs. Several models come with grill grates or have compatible accessories available. This dual functionality can be a great space-saver in a small garden. 

Post Code Checker

Using a wood burner outside is legal; being a nuisance with an outdoor fire can cause problems with the neighbours and the local council. Here is our local council checker for their guidelines.

Post Code Checker. 

This is currently for postcodes in England and Wales. It will soon expand to Scotland and Northern Ireland.