Buying guide
A large fire pit becomes the centre of the garden: big enough for a crowd to sit round, and often big enough to cook for them too. With size comes weight and a bigger footprint, so it pays to plan the space, base and delivery. Here is what to know.
Who needs a large fire pit?
Firepits UK rates a 90cm bowl for up to twelve people and a 120cm bowl for up to twenty. If you regularly host family and friends, run holiday lets, or want to cook over the fire for a party, a large pit is worth the space. For a household of four to six, a 60cm or 70cm fire pit is easier to live with.
The large fire pits
| Fire pit | Size | Height | Weight | Cooking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Jane 90 | 90cm, 3mm steel | 50cm | About 42kg | Three swing arm racks |
| Plain Jane 120 | 120cm, 5mm steel | 65cm | About 91kg | Four swing arm racks |
| Ring of Logs 90 / 120 | 90cm (3mm) / 120cm (5mm) | 70cm | 100kg / 165kg | One / four swing arm racks |
| Flat Ring of Logs 120 | 120cm table, 60cm bowl, 5mm steel | 42cm | See listing | Swing arm rack |
| Classic 90 / 120 | 90cm (3mm) / 120cm (5mm) | 60cm | 28kg / 45kg | Racks sold separately |
| Gardeco Dakota XL | 100cm, black steel | 40cm | See listing | Not supplied |
The Ball Stand, Celeste, Saturn, Legs Eleven and Plain Jane with Swing Arm also come in a 90cm size.
Cook for a crowd
Plain Jane 120
Four removable swing arm racks on a 120cm bowl in 5mm steel.
Log store built in
Ring of Logs
The fire at 70cm with dry logs stacked in a ring underneath.
Space, base and delivery
- Footprint. A 90cm bowl with chairs round it needs a circle roughly 4m across; a 120cm pit needs more. Allow room for swing arm racks to swing clear and for people to sit back from the heat.
- Surface. Gravel, brick or paving slabs, level and firm. Never decking, and not straight on the lawn.
- Distance. Keep it well clear of fences, sheds, hedges and branches; we suggest at least 3 metres, more for a big fire.
- Delivery. Large fire pits are delivered free to England and Wales on a pallet at the kerbside. At up to 165kg, plan help and a route to the garden.
Fuel for a big fire
Large pits burn seasoned logs. Use kiln-dried or seasoned hardwood with 20% moisture or less (in England, firewood sold in volumes under 2 cubic metres must be certified Ready to Burn), and keep a good supply dry in a log store. Build the fire gradually and keep it to a size that suits the bowl. For cooking, let it burn down to embers: Firepits UK advises against leaving racks over intense flames for long periods.
Cooking for a crowd
With several swing arm racks you can run a whole menu at once: one rack over the hottest embers for steaks and burgers, another to the side for sausages and vegetables, and one swung out to keep cooked food warm. The 90cm Ring of Logs has a second lug for another accessory, such as a hanging arm with a pot or roaster. Keep a separate area of the fire burning for warmth while the cooking side settles to embers.
Lids and care
The Firepits UK flat table top lid comes in 90cm and 120cm sizes (about 101cm and 140cm across, 14kg and 18kg), keeping rain out, snuffing the fire and turning the pit into a large table. Empty ash once cold and let bare steel weather naturally: Firepits UK says the rusty patina does not affect use.
Common questions
How many people does a large fire pit seat?
Firepits UK rates a 90cm bowl for up to twelve people and a 120cm bowl for up to twenty.
How heavy is a 120cm fire pit?
The Plain Jane 120 weighs about 91kg and the Ring of Logs 120 about 165kg, so plan help for delivery and positioning.
Why are the 120cm pits made from 5mm steel?
Thicker steel suits a larger bowl and a bigger fire. Firepits UK uses 5mm on its 120cm pits and 3mm on most smaller ones.
Can I cook for a crowd on a large fire pit?
Yes. The Plain Jane 120 and Ring of Logs 120 come with four swing arm BBQ racks, and the Plain Jane 90 with three.
How much space does a 90cm fire pit need?
With chairs round it, a circle roughly 4m across, plus room for racks to swing clear.
Is there a lid for a 120cm fire pit?
Yes, the Firepits UK flat table top lid in the 120cm size, about 140cm across.
Can I put a large fire pit on a lawn?
Use gravel, brick or paving. Firepits UK notes that grass underneath may scorch.
How are large fire pits delivered?
On a pallet at the kerbside, free to England and Wales. The courier usually calls to book a day.
Add cooking kit
Hanging pots, roasters, half moon racks and more for large fire pits.