There’s something about a flame on a cold evening. A rattan fire pit table set puts one right in the middle of your seating, so instead of heading indoors when the sun drops, you pull on a jumper, flick the ignition and stay out a little longer. In a British autumn, that can add weeks to the season.
They’re not cheap, though, and they’re not for every garden. Here’s an honest look at how they work, what to check before you buy, and whether one is worth it for you.
How do fire pit table sets work?
It’s a garden furniture set where the table has a gas fire pit built into the centre. The burner sits under a bed of lava rocks or glass beads, usually surrounded by a glass wind guard. The gas bottle hides inside the table base behind a door, so from the outside it looks like normal rattan garden furniture.
Most come in one of two styles:
- Fire pit dining sets. A dining-height table, often square or rectangular, with four to eight dining chairs. Ideal if you like long dinners outside.
- Fire pit corner sofa sets. A lower coffee-height table with an L-shaped corner sofa. Better for lounging, drinks and toasting marshmallows.
You can also buy a standalone fire pit table to pair with seating you already own. That’s a good route if you love your current sofa and just want the flame.
The pros and cons
Before you add one to the basket, it’s worth weighing up both sides.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extends evenings into autumn and spring | Costs more than the same set without a fire pit |
| Creates a natural focal point for the seating | Gas bottles need buying, refilling and storing |
| Doubles as a normal table with the lid on | Takes up part of the tabletop on dining sets |
| Cleaner and easier than a wood-burning outdoor fire | Warmth is gentle and mainly reaches nearby seats |
| No smoke, ash or sparks on your cushions | Can’t be used under a gazebo, low canopy or parasol |
The biggest surprise for many people is the heat. A firepit gives a cosy glow and warms hands and knees, but it won’t heat a whole patio like a tall heater. If you mainly want warmth, a patio heater may do the job better, or work alongside the fire pit.
Fire pit dining set or corner sofa?
This comes down to how you use the garden.
Choose a fire pit dining set if…
You eat outside a lot and want a proper dining table. A rattan dining set with a fire pit works best when the burner is small enough to leave room for plates and glasses around the edges. A square rattan 4 seater keeps everyone close to the flame, and a round table works in much the same way. Rectangular tables for six or eight look impressive, but the people at the ends feel less of the heat. Our guide to choosing a rattan dining set covers sizes and chair styles in more detail.
Choose a rattan corner sofa with a fire pit if…
You’d rather sink into deep cushions with a drink. A lower table sits closer to knee height, so the warmth reaches you more easily. Look for a set with a rising table if you want the option to eat there too. Our corner sofa buying guide walks through layouts and sizes.
Goods Emporium 8/9-Seater Corner Set with Fire Pit
A large corner sofa with a fire pit table for long evenings outside.
Check price on Amazon
Acorn Living 8-Seater Corner Set with Fire Pit Table
A big sociable corner set with a gas fire pit table and a stool.
Check price on Amazon
What to check before you buy
The product listings can look very similar, so these are the details that separate a good set from a disappointing one.
Heat output
Fire pits are rated in kilowatts (kW) or BTU. Around 10 to 13kW is common for a table burner and gives a pleasant glow around a four to six seater. Higher outputs feel warmer but use gas faster. A dial that lets you turn the flame up and down is more useful than a big number on its own.
Gas type and bottle size
Most UK models run on propane or butane bottles. Propane works better in cold weather, which matters if you plan to use it in winter. Check which regulator is included, whether the gas bottle is supplied (it usually isn’t), and what size fits inside the table. Measure the cabinet against the bottle you plan to buy before ordering.
Lid and wind guard
A lid turns the burner into a flat tabletop when it’s off, which is handy on a dining set. A tempered glass wind guard keeps the flame steady in a breeze and stops napkins blowing in. Make sure both are easy to remove and store.
Frame and weave
As with any rattan set, look for a powder-coated aluminium frame and UV-stable PE rattan weave. Aluminium won’t rust, which matters for a table that sits outside all year. Check the weave on the table itself matches the chairs, especially if you’re adding a standalone table to an existing set.
Colour and style
Grey is the most common colour across the range, from pale dove grey to charcoal, and suits modern stone patios. Brown and natural tones give a more traditional style. Flat weave looks crisp and modern, while round weave feels more classic. If you’re adding to existing rattan furniture, compare colours in daylight photos rather than trusting the name, as one brand’s grey can look quite different from another’s.
Delivery, assembly and warranty
These sets are bulky and heavy, so check the delivery terms carefully, including how many days it takes if the item isn’t in stock, and how much assembly is needed. Some arrive with the table already built, others need the burner fitting. Look at the warranty length for both the frame and the gas parts, as they’re often different, and read reviews for comments on how the burner holds up after a year.
Safety: the UK essentials
Gas burners are safe when they’re used properly. A few rules aren’t optional:
- Outdoor use only. Never use one in a conservatory, garage, shed or any enclosed space, even with the doors open.
- Good ventilation. Use it in an open outdoor area where air can move freely.
- Nothing overhead. Never light it under a low canopy, gazebo, pergola roof, awning or parasol.
- Check for leaks. Brush soapy water over the hose and connections when you fit a new bottle. Bubbles mean a leak, so turn it off and don’t use it until it’s fixed.
- Mind the textiles. Keep cushions, throws and blankets away from the flame and wind guard, which can get very hot.
- Supervise. Never leave it burning unattended, and keep children and pets at a safe distance.
- Turn off at the bottle. Always close the gas valve on the bottle after use, not just the control dial.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t use the fire pit as a barbecue unless it’s specifically designed for that.
Running costs and looking after it
Running costs depend on fuel prices and how high you run the flame. On a low to medium setting, a standard bottle lasts a good number of evenings, but you’ll get through it faster on full power in cold weather. It’s worth keeping a spare bottle in stock in the shed during the colder months, so you’re not caught out mid-evening.
Looking after one is simple:
- Pop the lid on when it’s cool to keep rain and leaves out of the burner.
- Disconnect the bottle and store it upright, outside, in a well-ventilated spot when it’s not in use for a while.
- Brush off and wipe down the frame and weave regularly.
- Use a fitted waterproof cover over winter. Our garden furniture covers guide explains how to pick one that fits. Never put a cover on until the table is completely cold.
So, is a fire pit set worth it?
If you love being outside in the evenings, entertain often or want your garden to feel like an outdoor living room year round, it’s one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. You’ll enjoy late summer barbecues that roll into autumn evenings, and a winter drink by the flame feels like a treat.
If you mostly use the garden on sunny afternoons, have a covered pergola over your seating, or want serious heat rather than ambience, the extra cost is harder to justify. In that case, a standard set and a separate heater might suit you better.
Prices for complete sets start from around £550 for a compact corner sofa or four seater, while large aluminium dining sets and modular sofas cost considerably more. Standalone fire pit tables start from around £120.
Rattan fire pit table set FAQs
Does a firepit table come with a gas bottle?
Usually not. Most include the hose and regulator but not the bottle. Check the listing, then buy the right size and gas type from a local supplier.
Can I pair a fire pit table with any garden sofa?
Yes, as long as the height works. Coffee-height tables suit lounge sets, while dining-height tables need dining chairs. Matching colour and weave makes it look like one set.
Can I leave a fire pit table outside all year?
The aluminium frame and PE rattan can stay out, but disconnect the gas bottle, keep the lid on and cover the table in winter to protect the burner.
How warm does a firepit get?
It gives a gentle, focused warmth around the table rather than heating a large area. The people sitting closest feel it most.
Does a fire pit set need assembly?
Usually some. Expect to fit legs or chair backs and connect the regulator. Allow an hour or two with two people, and check the burner instructions before first use.
Ready to view the full range? Browse our fire pit tables and corner sofa sets to compare sizes, finishes and burners side by side.
