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6 Sep 2026Purchased the retreat outdoor umbrella, had no isuues the quality is nothing but awesome would definitely recommend this product and my Acare was very easy to work with
What are the different types of outdoor fire pits?
The different types of outdoor fire pits fall into two groups: what they burn (wood, gas, propane or bioethanol) and how they're built (freestanding, built-in or tabletop). Here's how each type compares, plus the rules worth checking before you buy.
Fuel options for your backyard
Fuel is the biggest decision. It shapes the running cost, the amount of cleaning and where you're allowed to use the fire.
| Fuel type | Best for | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | The traditional campfire feel | High - ash, smoke and firewood to manage |
| Natural gas | Permanent entertaining areas | Low, but needs a licensed gasfitter |
| Propane (LPG) | Flexible placement | Low, with bottles to store and swap |
| Bioethanol | Courtyards, decks and balconies | Low, no smoke or ash |
Wood-burning models
A wood fire gives you the real campfire experience, right down to the crackle and the smell of woodsmoke. Most models also cost less up front than gas alternatives, and you can cook over the coals.
The trade-off is upkeep. You'll need to store and season firewood, clear the ash after each burn and tend the fire while it's going. Burn dry seasoned wood only, never treated or painted timber.
Traditional open fire bowls
The open fire bowl is the classic backyard fire pit: a steel, cast iron or concrete bowl on legs, open on every side. Everyone around it gets warmth and a clear view of the flames.
Open bowls can throw embers, so they need clear space around them and a calm night. A spark screen is a worthwhile add-on if yours didn't come with one.
Is a chiminea better than a fire pit?
Neither is better outright. A chiminea encloses the fire and sends smoke up through its chimney, which suits small spaces and keeps embers contained. A fire pit is open all round, so it warms more people at once. Pick a chiminea for one or two, a fire pit for a crowd.
Gas, propane and bioethanol alternatives
Gas fire pits light with a button or switch, and you can adjust the flame to suit. Natural gas models suit permanent setups, but the connection must be run by a licensed gasfitter. Propane (LPG) versions skip the fixed line, so you can move them around, though you'll need somewhere to store the bottles.
Bioethanol fire pits burn a clean liquid fuel with no smoke or ash, and no flue needed. That makes them the practical pick for courtyards, decks, balconies and strata living, where a wood fire was never going to fly. They put out less heat than wood or gas, so think ambience first.
Gas and bioethanol have one more advantage: as controlled fuels, they're generally still permitted on total fire ban days, when solid fuel fires are prohibited. If smoke is your main concern, our guide to smokeless fire pits digs into the options.
Popular structural designs
Once the fuel is settled, the build style decides how the fire pit fits your space and your budget.
Freestanding versus built-in varieties
Freestanding pits, bowls and fire tables sit on the ground and can be repositioned as your furniture or planting changes. Built-in pits are fixed into paving or masonry and become a permanent anchor for a seating zone.
Freestanding wins on flexibility and cost. Built-in wins on presence, and it can lift the look of a whole entertaining area. If you're still deciding on the layout of your yard, start freestanding.
Portable fire bowls and tables
Portable bowls and tabletop units suit compact patios, balconies and renters. They vary a lot in weight, fuel storage and heat output, so check the product instructions before using one near any combustible surface.
Fire tables pair a burner with a usable tabletop, so they earn their place as furniture even when unlit. If you're weighing one against a pit, read our guide to the difference between a fire pit and a fire table, or browse the fire tables range.
Custom masonry pits
A masonry pit built from brick, stone or block gives you a permanent result matched to your landscaping. It takes proper planning: stable footings, safe clearances and compliance with local requirements.
If you want the built-in look without the bricklaying, a fire pit kit gets you most of the way there in a weekend.
Safety and planning
Whatever type you choose, the same habits keep it safe. Position the fire well away from structures, overhanging branches and furniture. Check gas hoses, connections and valves before lighting. Supervise the fire the whole time it's burning, then extinguish it fully and let everything cool before you cover or move it.
Local regulations to check
Fire pit rules vary by council and state, so check yours before you buy and get the answer in writing. Councils commonly have rules on smoke nuisance, what you can burn and where a fire can sit. Solid fuel heater installation is governed by AS/NZS 2918, and any gas connection must be done by a licensed gasfitter.
Are fire pits allowed in backyards?
In most areas, yes, with conditions. Your council may limit what you burn, restrict use on poor air quality days and require sensible clearances. On total fire ban days, solid fuel fires are prohibited, while gas and bioethanol models are generally still permitted because the fuel is controlled.
How big can a fire be without a permit?
There's no single national answer. Size limits and permit thresholds are set by each council and state fire authority, and they tighten during declared fire danger periods. A contained backyard fire pit usually sits under those thresholds, but confirm with your council and local fire service in writing.
Choosing the right model from our collection
Browse the My Acre range of fire pits to compare bioethanol models that need no flue, no gas line and no approval to install. Each EcoSmart Fire design burns clean, so the same unit works on acreage entertaining areas and strata balconies alike. If you're torn between two, measure your space first and let that decide.
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