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As summer approaches we all want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors and there’s no better way to draw an end to the day, than with the warm glow of a fire pit. But what do you do if you want a fire away from home?
You buy a Portable Fire Pit!
We all know that fire pits are commonplace within thousands of gardens throughout the UK but what about taking one with you when you venture a little further afield.
Whether you’ve spent a day at the beach, in the countryside, or are on a camping trip, the end of a perfect day just isn’t complete without the warmth of a fire. Friends and family sitting outside talking, drinking, and eating around an open fire is a magical experience so make sure you pick up a portable fire pit so you can get in on the act.
What is a Portable Fire Pit?
A portable fire pit is a smaller fire pit that can easily be packed away and transported to any location whether it be on the beach in the countryside or on a campsite.
Let’s face it the last thing you want to be doing is having to pack away and carry a large heavy fire pit before and after you use it. Fire pits can be quite heavy and so smaller portable versions have been made which can be easily carried, moved, and packed away.
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Fire Pit?
Before we show you the best fire pits on the market let’s first take a look at what you need to look for when buying a portable fire pit.
Size
One of the most important things to look at when buying a portable fire pit is the size.
If you’re just planning on having your fire pit sat in your car boot until you want to use it then this may not be as important but if you’re camping, hiking, or are having a day out when your car is not close at hand then you really need to think about the size.
If you are planning to walk any distance it’s surprising how uncomfortable a large fire pit is to carry so a smaller fire pit is likely to suit your needs better.
The majority of portable fire pits either fold up or come apart to make transporting them easier. As such you’ll need to pick carefully depending upon your intended use.
Although you need to look at the size for carrying and transporting your portable fire pit, you also still need to look at the number of people and also what you want from your fire pit.
If you have a large group or family to cater to you may even find that you’re better off having two smaller portable fire pits than one large one, especially if you are camping away from the car.
Portable fire pits are also great for cooking on, which makes them a great alternative to BBQs. With a portable fire pit, you can cook a few snacks before throwing on a few logs to keep you warm. Do away with the wooly jumpers and blankets, sit back, and enjoy yourselves long into the night.
Fire Pit Weight
The weight of a fire pit is often something that is overlooked when it comes to portable fire pits. We all know that large fire pits can be awkward to carry and you may assume that fire pits that fold up or pack away are lighter but this is not always the case.
Very similar to a fire pits size, the weight is something that is very important if you plan on carrying it long distances especially if you are camping or hiking.
REMEMBER – The weight of a collapsed portable fire pit is the same as when it’s put together.
The second thing to consider when it comes to the weight is the fuel. If you are going to burn driftwood or wood that you have found on the ground then you don’t necessarily need to worry but if you’re taking the fuel with you it will also have weight.
Portable Fire Pit Fuel
The two main fuels that are used for portable fire pits are wood and gas. Gas-powered fire pits are easy to set up and start as they generally connect to a small gas tank via a hose and you simply turn them on and off with the help of a match. Gas also saves you from having to take firewood with you or find it which can be a pain depending upon your location.
Wood portable fire pits however provide you with that warm glow and campfire feeling that simply cannot be replicated by any other source. However, if you are camping why use a portable fire pit rather than a traditional camping stove? Again it’s all about the feeling and the atmosphere that’s created by a real fire. The smell of the smoke, heat, and the beauty of watching the flames simply cannot be replaced.
You can find out more about the different types of wood to use in our best fuel for a fire pit article.
Ground Damage Caused by Portable Fire Pits
One of the main things to think about when buying a portable fire pit is the damage you may cause. Being portable means they will be used outside of your own property. Fires can easily cause damage to the grass and this can be a large safety concern during dry weather.
It is therefore essential, when using open fires on a campsite, in the countryside, and even at the beach that you take care of the environment and do not cause damage or start wildfires.
Although many portable fire pits have features built in to prevent this, we would always recommend getting a good quality heat-resistant mat to put down before you start your fire. You can find a selection of the best fire pits mats here.
8 Best Portable Fire Pits
We’ve looked around to find some of the best portable fire pits on the market. We’ll take a look at the prices and features to help you choose one that’s right for you. So read on to see our 8 best portable fire pits in 2022 (Updated)
UCO Grilliput Flatpack Grill – Best Buy Portable Fire Pit
Glow Warm 12kW Outdoor Portable Gas Fire Pit – Best Portable Gas Fire Pit
YYOJ Portable Outdoor Camping Fire Pit – Best for Weight
Fire Vida Large Folding Fire Pit – Best Traditional Fire Pit
Solo Stove Bonfire – Best Looking
WOLF GRIZZLY Fire Safe – Best for Size
FENNEK Hexagon – Best Flat Pack
FIRESIDE OUTDOOR Pop-Up Fire Pit – Best for Groups
BEST BUY: UCO Grilliput Flatpack Grill Fire Pit
Best Portable Fire Pit for Camping, beach, and day trips
Key features: Flatpack portable fire pit, stainless steel construction, 30 seconds set up and good for BBQs
Weight: 1.81kg
The UCO Grilliput Flatpack portable grill & fire pit wins our best buy top spot due to its relatively low price and the fact it can easily be used as a BBQ and fire pit.
It packs away for easy transportation so whether you’re going camping, to the beach or out for a day hiking you’ll easily be able to fit it into a bag or rucksack.
The Grilliput can easily be put together in less than 30 seconds and you’ll be ready to relax or cook, whichever takes your fancy. All that’s needed to set this portable fire pit up is to unfold it and place the grates on top.
Its solid stainless steel construction means that it’s really durable and is easy to clean and maintain. Once it has cooled down, simply give it a quick wash and dry, and it is ready to be packed away and used again.
This portable fire pit has a stable base for safe grilling and the sides serve as windbreaks for grilling in windy conditions.
Whether you want to cook on it or not the UCO Grilliput is one of the best portable fire pits as far as reviews go with an average customer rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Main Features
- Folds to less than 1.5″ thick to pack in a backpack
- Quick 30-second setup
- Canvas Storage Bag Included (Hook & Loop closure)
- Safely contains a fire and keeps fire off the ground
- Constructed from durable stainless steel to provide high rust and corrosion resistance
- Sides of grill serve as a wind-break
- Weighs just 1.81kg
- Size: 34.3 x 25.4 x 27.9 centimetres
- Customer review rating of 4.6 out of 5
BEST GAS: Glow Warm 12 kw Outdoor Portable Gas Fire Pit
Best Portable Fire Pit for Home and camping
Key features: Operates on Propane Gas Bottles, easy ignition with rotary piezo ignition and 12kw heat output
Weight: 3.2kg
The Glow Warm 12 kW Outdoor Portable Gas Fire Pit is certainly one of the best gas fire pits on the market and is superb for those wanting an easy light option without the need for finding firewood.
This fire pit is very easy to use and can be up and running in a matter of seconds with its handy rotary piezo ignition. Unlike some other gas fire pits, it even comes complete with lava rocks included for that added touch of style.
The 12 kW heat output is perfect for taking the chill of summer evenings and its portability means you can easily use it at home, at the beach, or on a campsite.
If you’re looking for a gas portable fire pit then the Glow Warm is the one for you. It has a customer review rating of 4.8 stars out of 5.
Main Features
- Operates on Propane Gas Bottles
- Rotary Piezo Ignition for easy lighting
- No leftover ashes for easy cleaning
- Includes Lava Rocks
- Supplied with 2m gas hose and a propane regulator
- 12kw heat output
- Weighs just 1.81kg
- Dimensions: 47 x 25 centimetres
- Customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5
BEST FOR WEIGHT: YYOJ Portable Outdoor Camping Fire Pit
Best Portable Fire Pit for Camping, hiking and beach
Key features: Easy folding design, lightweight, small storage size, and fairly inexpensive.
Weight: 600g
The YYOJ Portable Outdoor Camping Fire Pit is a lightweight mesh and steel framed fire pit that is made of high-quality stainless steel materials. It has the capability to hold enough wood for fires of all sizes with a load weight of up to 5kgs. The netting is constructed out of eco-friendly stainless steel with an anti-heating material.
The fire pit benefits from quick and simple assembly with no tools required. When assembled the firepit is 41.5 x 41.5 x 34cm. When packed the fire pit simply rolls up which enables you to put it into your bag and enjoy your outdoor life!
This foldable fire pit is one of the most popular when camping, for picnics, at the beach, trekking, and any other outdoor activities and has an average customer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.
Main Features:
Lightweight and easy to carry
High-quality materials and stainless steel
Easy folding design
Up to 5kg load weight
Weighs just 600g
Easy to clean
Dimensions: 41.5 x 41.5 x 3 centimetres
Customer review rating of 4.6 out of 5
BEST TRADITIONAL: Fire Vida Large Folding Fire Pit
Price: £54.95
Weight: 3.5kg
Best for: Camping and at home
Key features: Traditionally styled fire pit with folding legs, solid construction, burns wood and charcoal for perfect BBQs.
The Fire Vida large folding fire pit boasts a modern stylish design that is perfect for any event. This beautifully crafted traditional steel fire pit is sure to be the perfect heating option for your garden patio, terrace, or when you’re camping.
The fire pit features a fire bowl, mesh cover, charcoal grate, cooking grill, poker, and foldable legs making this portable pit easy to carry and yet stable. Made from sturdy and durable steel, this pit can be used as a barbecue and is easy to clean and maintain.
This fantastic portable fire pit is also popular with other users and has an average customer rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.
Main Features:
Traditionally styled fire pit
Perfect for at home and also for camping
Folding legs help with transport
Burn charcoal and wood making it perfect for BBQs
Weighs just 3.5kg
Dimensions: 64 x 56 x 42 centimetres
Customer review rating of 4.5 out of 5
BEST LOOKING: Solo Stove Bonfire
Price: £379.99
Weight: 9.07kg
Best for: Camping and at home
Key features: Super Efficient fire pit, modern and very stylish, produces less smoke so clothes don’t smell, stainless steel quality materials.
Although the Solo Stove Bonfire is heavier than most other portable fire pits the quality of the materials speaks for itself.
Stylish and modern this durable and portable fire pit is made from 304 stainless steel. It is perfect to take along on camping trips or to enjoy at home. Within minutes of lighting, you’ll have a roaring fire to sit next to and warm yourself or even toast marshmallows.
The patented technology pushes the limits of combustion air flow efficiency so that there is nearly no smoke at all and a minimal amount of ash left over after each burn for easy clean-up.
This beautiful fire pit, and yes it is beautiful! is also popular with other users and has an average customer rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.
Main Features:
Super Efficient fire pit
Modern and stylish design
The airflow means less smoke so clothes don’t smell
304 stainless steel quality materials
Dimensions: 49.53 x 49.53 x 35.56 centimetres
Customer review rating of 4.7 out of 5
BEST FOR SIZE: WOLF GRIZZLY Fire Safe Foldable Fire Pit
Price: £79.95
Weight: 998g
Best for: Camping, beach and days out.
Key features: Very portable, small in size and weight, 1-year replacement promise, efficient, complete with carrying case.
The WOLF GRIZZLY Fire Safe, Foldable Fire Pit is smaller than many of the other portable fire pits we’ve featured but don’t let that put you off. This small and stylish fire pit produces a great amount of heat at an amazingly efficient rate.
Every component of Fire Safe is made of 304 Stainless Steel. That means it has a high heat tolerance and will age beautifully over time.
Hidden in Fire Safe’s minimal design are innovative and award-winning features. The corrugated insert allows airflow for more efficient fires and the frame doubles as a built-in windshield.
Spend less time unpacking and more time relaxing around the campfire. Fire Safe is only two pieces that slip together instantly to form a solid base for your campfire.
Fire Safe fits perfectly under the Wolf Grizzly Grill for a complete campfire cooking experience. Click to find out more about the WOLF GRIZZLY GRILL so you can BBQ at any time.
The Fire Safe has an average customer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5.
Main Features:
Small in size and weight
Great heat output
304 stainless steel quality materials
1-year replacement promise
Dimensions: 28.6 x 27.8 x 10.5 centimetres
Customer review rating of 4.6 out of 5
BEST FLAT PACK: FENNEK Hexagon
Price: £68.90
Weight: 3.99kg
Best for: Camping, beach and days out.
Key features: Stores completely flat, unique design, very sturdy and perfect for leaving in the boot of a car.
If you struggle with heavy, unwieldy fire pits that rust and are really difficult to clean and store then take a look at the FENNEK Hexagon.
This truly portable fire pit is not only made with temperature-resistant stainless steel but is very compact, lightweight, and both visually unique and stylish.
The design is modern the fire pit is quick and easy to assemble and disassemble which is most unlike many other fire pits.
The 7 carefully crafted parts are perfectly tailored to each other and combine to form a sophisticated fire bowl. It can be stored away quickly and can be used put together very quickly at any time which is perfect for camping and travelling and days out at the beach.
The FENNEK Hexagon has an average customer rating of 4.8 stars out of 5.
Main Features:
Completely flat when disassembled
Great heat output
100% stainless steel
Unique and stylish design
Dimensions: 58.9 x 50 x 18.5 centimetres
Customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5
BEST FOR GROUPS: FIRESIDE OUTDOOR Pop-Up Fire Pit
Price: £125.45
Weight: 3.27kg
Best for: Camping and gardens.
Key features: Stores completely flat, unique design, very sturdy, and perfect for leaving in the boot of a car.
The FIRESIDE OUTDOOR Pop-Up Fire Pit is the first truly portable wood or charcoal-burning fire pit.
When collapsed and packed away the FIRESIDE OUTDOOR packs down to the size of a small camp chair and weighs just over 3kg which is pretty good for this size of the fire pit. One of the largest portable fire pits we’ve featured, the FIRESIDE OUTDOOR Pop-Up Fire Pit is a great size for those wanting a larger fire or for those groups of more people.
The added heat shield means you can have fires on any surface without the heat transferring to and damaging the ground which is a major benefit for those going camping.
One of the great things about the fire pit is that you can set it up in just under 60 seconds without the use of any tools. For safety, the 6061 Aluminum cools down in 90 seconds once your fire is extinguished. meaning that it’s perfect for camping where safety is important.
Burning on a fire-rated Stainless Steel Mesh (Fire Mesh) means the fire gets perfect airflow so you can enjoy brighter and hotter fires with almost no smoke. The Fire Mesh also holds up to an astonishing 125lbs of weight and doesn’t allow ash to fall through.
The FIRESIDE OUTDOOR Pop-Up Fire Pit has an average customer rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.
Main Features:
Large fire pit but still portable
Great heat output
Cools down quickly
The design prevents scorching of the ground
Dimensions: 60.96 x 60.96 x 38.1 centimetres
Customer review rating of 4.7 out of 5