Best: Overall

Rating: 10/10

• Dimensions: H 40cm x W 56cm x D 56cm

With its dramatic chalice bowl shape and oxidised finish, which gives the fire pit an attractive gilded look, this is one striking patio piece. Crafted from cast iron with a steel stand, the pit comes in two, easily put together pieces and is designed to withstand the elements, due to its already wonderfully weathered surfaces. The fasa boasts in-built log storage, which is handy if you want to keep the fire consistently lit. And, thanks to its shaping and materials, this one gives off some serious heat.

Best: For versatility

Rating: 9/10

• Dimensions: H 30cm x W 80cm x D 80cm

Contemporary in design, this functional fire pit is made from steel. Its trio of tubular legs supports its straight-sided bowl. Unlike most curved fire pits, this one is designed to be protected from the wind. It’s also low-sitting but very generous in diameter, which allows for more people to gather around and keep warm when the sun goes down. But what we loved best was its versatility. Optional add-ons comprise a grill plate with grate, a mesh screen, and a lid with rings, taking it from basic fire pit to modern barbecue in minutes.

Best: Square fire pit

Rating: 8/10

• Dimensions: H 36cm x W 50cm x D 50cm

We loved this fire pit for its pleasing juxtaposition of contemporary design and its raw and rustic finish. Crafted from a frost-resistant and UV stabilised metal, the piece boasts an integrated cubic stand and attractively curved edges, despite its overall boxy shaping. It is also nice and deep, which allowed us to load it up with extra logs without any danger of them spilling over. This is a product that looks much more expensive than it is, and it promises to age well, too, thanks to its already weather-worn rust iron colourway.

Best: Stylish centrepiece

Rating: 8/10

• Dimensions: H 62cm x W 50cm x D 50cm

Designed to take centre stage at the garden party is this sculptural, spherical fire pit from La Hacienda. Fashioned from steel with a natural rust oxidised finish, the piece features an intricately laser-cut leaf design, which has the ability to enclose the flames and draw our attention to them at the same time. We loved the way the fire glows through the cut-outs, while the opening allows for easy access to the pit itself. So much more than purely decorative, this one gives off a nice even heat, and of course it can be appreciated from any angle.

Best: Functional design

Rating: 8/10

• Dimensions: H 55cm x W 49.5cm x D 49.5cm

This unusual basket-shaped fire pit allows for a deep, roaring fire, while its slatted design emits heat outwards as well as up. The barrington is crafted from raw metal and, despite its slender legs and detachable body, feels reliably strong and sturdy with no wobbles. While it arrives in an original dark metal shade, it is designed to turn an attractive rusty hue over time, especially if left out in the elements. The fire pit is also available in a large size for those who boast a bigger patio space to heat up.

Best: Crafty fire pit

Rating: 8/10

• Dimensions: H 59.9cm x W 86.1cm x D 86.1cm

There’s nothing basic about this well-designed patio piece from Amazon Basics. Functional and decorative in equal measure, it features a mosaic outer ring with natural stone and copper diamond-shaped accents, while its central fire bowl is made from durable black steel. We loved the neat, dome-shaped fire screen which fits perfectly over the bowl without compromising the mosaic pattern, while the curved metal legs are finished with stabilising feet for extra support.

Best: Decorative fire pit

Rating: 9/10

• Dimensions: H 66cm x W 58cm x D 58cm

This is another spherical fire pit which, once lit, transforms into an enchanting centrepiece on the patio. It’s crafted from iron with a weather-worn rusty finish and boasts a theatrical woodland scene, which has been delicately laser cut to allow the glowing flames to peep through. This one comes in two sections: the bowl-shaped fire pit itself, and the decorative top, which securely twists onto the bowl. One advantage of this is easy access for cleaning. It feels sufficiently sturdy and can be used as a portable patio heater but comes with pre-drilled screw holes if you do want to secure it further.

Best: For sculptural interest

Rating: 9/10

• Dimensions: H 39cm x W 79cm x D 79cm

Bringing the wow factor to the garden party is this contemporary fire pit from Arpe Studio. There’s so much to love about this product: its sculptural, angular base, which securely cradles the fire bowl; its generous width, which allows for an ample roaring fire; and its attractive mix of finishes. The smooth, silver coloured base contrasts beautifully with the raw bowl. Hand-crafted from solid steel, this is one artfully designed.

Best: Value for money

Rating: 8/10

• Dimensions: H 150cm x W 80cm x D 80cm

Made from 100 per cent steel, this modern firepit and barbecue setup offers excellent bang for your buck, without scrimping on either style or safety. Comprising a simple, shallow but generously wide fire bowl and a tall tripod frame, it’s designed so you can hang the adjustable grill at whichever height you need. Of course, once the outdoor feast is over, this one works perfectly as a standalone firepit, with its sleek modern design and its trio of angled legs.