Fire pits: Atmosphere and function

The fire pit has become the totemic accessory of the luxury outdoor space — the element that, more than any other, transforms a terrace from a daytime dining area into an evening destination. A well-chosen fire pit does several things simultaneously: it provides genuine warmth, creates a focal point for conversation, and generates the kind of elemental, flickering light that artificial lighting cannot replicate.

Material Options

Corten steel (weathering steel) has become the dominant material in the premium fire pit market for very good reasons. Its self-forming rust patina is weather-resistant rather than destructive, developing into a stable oxide layer that protects the steel beneath. Aesthetically, its warm orange-brown tones complement both contemporary and naturalistic garden styles. Brands such as Höfats, Harrie Leenders, and Garden Trading produce corten fire pits across a wide range of price points.

Cast iron fire pits offer greater mass, which retains and radiates heat more effectively than thinner steel. They are heavier and less portable but perform exceptionally as fixed terrace features. Stainless steel fire pits offer a more contemporary aesthetic and are impervious to rust, though their mirror or brushed finishes require regular maintenance to remain presentable.

Wood-Burning vs Gas

This is the primary decision in fire pit specification and each option has genuine advantages.

Wood-burning fire pits offer unmatched atmosphere — the crackle, the scent, the unpredictability of a real fire. They are independent of gas infrastructure, portable, and provide cooking capability (grill grates can be fitted to most quality fire pits). Their practical limitations are real: they require dry wood storage, produce ash that needs clearing, and are subject to burning restrictions in some smoke control areas.

Gas fire pits offer immediate ignition, consistent output, cleanliness, and adjustable flame height. In smoke control areas (covering most UK cities), they are the only compliant option. The best gas fire pits use either natural gas (requiring professional installation and a permanent supply) or LPG from a concealed bottle. The aesthetic quality of gas fire pits has improved enormously — many now incorporate ceramic logs, lava rock, or fire glass for a convincing naturalistic appearance.

In London and other designated smoke control areas, only Defra-exempt appliances or gas/bioethanol fires may be used outdoors. Always verify local restrictions before specifying a wood-burning fire pit.

Premium Fire Pit Brands

Höfats (German, corten steel, exceptional design), Harrie Leenders (Dutch, architect-grade fire bowls and installations), Röshults (Swedish, architectural fire tables), and Koll Design (UK, bespoke corten) represent the apex of the fire pit market. For gas, Focus Fires and EcoSmart Fire produce some of the most architecturally considered burners available.

Outdoor Heaters: The Practical Workhorses

While fire pits provide atmosphere, overhead or freestanding radiant heaters are the workhorses of outdoor warmth — providing consistent, directional heat that can extend the usability of a covered terrace to near year-round in most UK locations.

Infrared Electric Heaters

Infrared electric heaters have transformed the outdoor heating market over the past decade. Unlike traditional convection heaters that warm air (which is then immediately displaced by the wind), infrared heaters emit electromagnetic radiation that warms objects and people directly — in the same way the sun warms you on a cold day. The result is genuine warmth even in a breeze.

The best infrared heaters for permanent installation are IP65-rated (waterproof), designed for ceiling or wall mounting within a covered pergola or terrace, and controlled via a smart thermostat or dimmer that allows output to be precisely managed. Herschel, Burda, and Redwell produce commercial-grade units widely specified by garden designers and hospitality projects.

Power output of 1,500 to 3,000 watts per unit is typical; most covered terraces of 20-30 square metres will require two to four units for comfortable warmth at ambient temperatures of 5-10°C. Installation requires a dedicated electrical circuit and should be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Gas Patio Heaters

The freestanding mushroom-head gas patio heater is ubiquitous in UK hospitality and residential gardens. Their appeal is portability and the substantial heat output available from LPG (typically 11-13kW at full output). Their limitations are equally well known: the heat plume rises rather than radiating outward; the visual aesthetic is difficult to integrate into a refined outdoor space; and the running cost of LPG is significant at full output.

For the premium market, the choice has shifted decisively toward ceiling-mounted infrared electric heaters for covered spaces, with gas fire pits or designer gas fire tables for open areas. If a freestanding gas heater is required, the Patio Sense and Athena Flame ranges offer better aesthetics than the standard mushroom head.

Bio-Ethanol Fires

Bio-ethanol fires burn a clean, odourless, ash-free flame using denatured alcohol. They require no flue, no gas connection, and no electrical supply — making them exceptionally flexible for permanent installation in garden rooms, covered terraces, or as freestanding features. The flame is real and atmospheric; the heat output is modest (typically 1.5-3kW); and the running cost of premium bio-ethanol fuel is relatively high.

EcoSmart Fire produces the most widely specified bio-ethanol burners in the luxury market, available in sizes from small table units to large architectural installations. They are ideal where a real flame effect is desired without the infrastructure requirements of gas or the maintenance of wood.