Which size fire pit is best – 5 hot tips

When nights get chilly, which we all know in the UK is far too common even in summer, spending time outdoors with our family and friends can be a lot more fun and comfortable with a fire pit to warm us all and keep our toes and noses cosy. Deciding which fire pit is best for you can be fun too – but it can also be confusing and complicated.

They come in all shapes and sizes, they’re made from a wide variety of different materials, and they can vary hugely in quality depending which manufacturer you choose. Worst of all, unlike a lot of other things, price is not always an indication of quality, so one thing we get asked a lot at Ravens’ Way Metalworks is “What is the best type?”

Of course there’s no simple answer, but to help you choose your next fire pit and to celebrate Bonfire Night (hooray!) we’ve decided to write a mini series of articles (this is article no. 1!) to share our hot tips on some of the questions we get asked.  We’re also going to include hot tips and secrets that we’ve learned from making and using all sorts of types of fire pits, so you can sit back and enjoy choosing your next one!

So the first question in the spotlight is…

“Q1: Should I get a smaller portable fire pit, a movable larger one, or a fixed, permanent one?”

Which type you should get depends on what you want to use it for, where you want to use it, and how much space you have.

Tip 1: When to get a smaller, portable fire pit

The “TetraFlame” pack away fire pit

A lighter, more portable fire pit that you can move around easily will be great if you want complete freedom as to where you use it. Smaller fire pits are perfect for exploring and adventures as you can take them anywhere for popup outdoor fires. Think day trips to the beach, romantic nights sleeping out under the stars, hammock life, camping trips, luxury glamping, travel trucks, campervan or caravan holidays, or even just taking yours with you when you visit family and friends so you can wow them with your outdoor living skills!

Smaller, lighter more portable ones are also great if you have a small garden or not much storage space and don’t want to lose that precious space to a larger, heavier or, permanent one. There are plenty that can quickly pack away like our super cute and compact TetraFlame Packaway Fire Pit which cleverly packs inside itself (pictured), and some can be dismantled with everyday tools like you might have already for fixing your pedal bike or doing a bit of DIY. Smaller ones can be light enough to be put in a shed or under the stairs when you don’t need them and could even be popped in the back of your car or in a corner of your camper van, caravan or travel truck for outdoor living on the road.

Tip 2: When to get a larger but movable fire pit

Ravens’ Way Metalworks’ own fire pit, with the famous “Elemental Ravens” custom design

A solidly built larger fire pit will add the finishing touch to your garden, enhance your outdoor living space beautifully, and make an elegant architectural statement. It will look like a permanent feature just like a fixed, permanent one will but with two huge advantages. Those two advantages are that you can easily move it around your garden if you decide to change things up, plus you can take it with you when you move house. Both these advantages mean that you won’t have to spend money again on another one which is another added bonus. Ravens’ Way Metalworks’ own unique Five Elemental Ravens fire pit is a good example of a larger, solidly built statement design (pictured).

Larger ones are generally very stable as they are usually harder to knock over than smaller ones, but a well designed smaller one like the TetraFlame can be just as stable as a larger one, and large size is no guarantee of stability.  Look for a flat, wide base, sides that are not too tall compared to the base, and if it has legs they need to be well spaced and the right length in proportion to the bowl.

Tip 3: When to get a fixed permanent fire pit

Fixed types will be a permanent feature in your garden. By their nature they’re very stable if they’re built well from the right materials.  They might be suitable if you only want to use them at home and don’t plan on taking them with you if you move house.

If you have a large garden, having a fixed one could work well but if you would like to rearrange your garden or realise you’ve built it in the wrong place you will have to demolish it and rebuild it again. It will also permanently take up space that you might want for something else one day.

Tip 4: Who you can talk to about which one to get

I hope this article helps you start to choose the best fire pit for you but if you still have burning questions (see what I did there) both Jo and I would be more than happy to answer them. You can use the comments section below, or you can ring us here at Ravens’ Way Metalworks on 01286 882199, or you can send us a message via our web contact form. We’re always happy to chat, so get in touch and ask away – you never know, your question might be the star of our next article!

Tip 5: Where to find out even more

Why not sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear more hot tips in future articles such as what you should (and shouldn’t!) burn in your fire pit, how to cook to perfection on one, the best ways to easily light them, can they be used on decking, patios and grass, what should they be made of, how they work, what they can be used for, can they get wet, and how look after yours so it lasts.

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What are your experiences with using fire pits? What’s your current favourite? And what’s your dream design? Let me know in the comments below – let’s share that know-how!
See you soon, we’re looking forward to hearing from you with your questions – and happy fire pit hunting!

Nick

TetraFlame Fire Pit Barbecues and Accessories