Don’t make your pit too small or too big. Too small and the fire won’t get started; too big and it can get out of control. The average size is 0.9-1.2 metres wide. Chimineas are normally smaller in width compared with fire pits, but much taller. The surrounding walls offer more safety because they can contain the fire, while also retaining heat and funnelling the smoke upwards rather than outwards, which a fire pit does. 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.

Is a wood-burning stove bad for the environment, too? Our guide covers everything you need to know about stoves and pollution . How we selected prices and retailersNo outdoor heater is ‘good’ for the environment. Unfortunately, wrapping yourself up in a blanket or throwing on an extra jumper is the only real eco-friendly way to stay warm in your garden.

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.This steel bowl kadai-style fire pit from John Lewis features a 'contemporary, minimalist bowl design', and is made from steel which will oxidise over time to give it a more rustic look. We’ve scoured the market for the best portable fire pits out there, with a wide variety in terms of price, features and styles. Here are our favourites: You’ll also have the added expense of buying the gas and you’ll need to make sure it’s topped up before entertaining. A portable fire pit will typically be small- to medium-sized and might come with a grill to cook on. Always try to use a safety screen to prevent getting burnt by flying sparks. A fire pit is an open, lidless container in which a fire can be lit using wood or charcoal. Or, to put it another way, a fire pit is a no-nonsense version of a barbecue, with an extra touch of rugged, outdoorsy appeal. You can cook over a fire pit, or you can simply light it for the warmth.

No camping trip is truly complete until you’ve spent a long evening chilling with your friends around the campfire. Good banter, cold beers and sizzling steaks (or roasting marshmallows) under a starry sky – it’s a magical experience. Fancy it? Then you need a portable fire pit. Ideally, you'd get to see some fire pits in store before buying, but if this isn’t possible, find out as much information about it as possible before investing.The flames are powered through gas that you can easily switch on and off. You can get portable models, however most gas fire pits tend to be permanent –and they can be expensive. Portable / durable / low smoke / 360-degree Airflow Design / airflow holes at base and top / integrated ash pan / precision base plate / burns chunk wood / made from 304 stainless steel / lifetime guarantee / dimensions: 15” x 13”. 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