Fire pit or pellet heater? An honest comparison for your patio
Last updated: 20 October 2026
A fire makes an evening outside. The crackle, everyone pulling their chair a little closer. But which suits you better: a fire pit or an outdoor pellet heater? This guide explains honestly how they differ in warmth, use and effort, what to check before you light up, and which Flamesa model fits your garden or patio.
In short
- A fire pit gives you an open fire, low down in the middle of the group. The Flamesa Flame burns logs or wood pellets.
- An outdoor pellet heater gives warmth at seat height and can also be used under a well ventilated covered patio.
- Neither needs electricity or gas. Always check your local council's rules.
In this guide: differences · warmth · the rules · covered patio · Flamesa Flame · pellet heaters · FAQ
Fire pit or pellet heater: the short answer
Want an open fire in the middle of the group, in an open garden? A fire pit like the Flamesa Flame is a lovely choice. Want to sit warm at the table on your patio or under a cover, with a real flame burning calmly in a glass tube? Then an outdoor pellet heater is the better fit.
The differences side by side
| Flamesa Flame fire pit | Flamesa outdoor pellet heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Logs or wood pellets | 6 mm wood pellets |
| Burn | Even, thanks to vents all round, with dry wood or pellets | Calm, with hardly any smoke when using dry, clean pellets |
| Fire | Open fire, low in the middle of the group | Real flame in a glass tube, visible from every side |
| Warmth | All round, mostly when you sit close | Radiant heat for the people around it, at seat height |
| Under a cover | Not suitable, use it in the open air | Possible under a well ventilated covered patio, with clearance |
| Topping up | Add logs or pellets | Burns for about 2 to 2.5 hours on one fill (conditions vary) |
| Electricity or gas | Not needed | Not needed |
| Afterwards | Let the ash cool, then empty it | Hardly any ash; clean the burn chamber before the next use |
Logs or pellets: what do you burn?
A classic fire pit burns logs. Always use dry, untreated wood: it burns more beautifully and more evenly. In the Flamesa Flame you can also burn wood pellets. That is handy, because pellets are always dry, easy to store and give a calm, full fire. You can combine them too, for example a few logs on a bed of pellets.
A pellet heater runs on pellets only. They burn in a chamber with a fixed air supply, and the glass tube above creates the draught. You may see a little smoke while lighting, after that the heater burns calmly.
For the Flame and our heaters we recommend 6 mm wood pellets with the ENplus A1 certification. Read more in our guide on which pellets to use.
Which keeps you warmer on the patio?
A fire pit sits low. You mainly feel the warmth on your legs and face when you sit close, and on the windward side you feel little. A pellet heater stands upright and gives radiant heat at seat height, all round. You feel it nearby, at the table or in the lounge corner.
Let's be realistic: neither heats your whole garden. An outdoor pellet heater warms the people sitting around it, just like a stove in the living room. That is exactly why evenings around it feel so cosy.
Can you use a fire pit in your garden or on a balcony?
In the UK there is no general ban on a fire in your own garden, but you must not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. The GOV.UK guidance on garden fires explains how councils deal with smoke complaints. Rules differ elsewhere, so always check with your local council.
- Neighbours: think about wind direction and timing, for example avoid lighting up when washing is out.
- Smoke control areas: many towns have smoke control areas. Check the GOV.UK smoke control rules and your council's website if you are unsure what applies to you.
- Fuel: burn only dry, untreated wood or pellets, never household waste.
- Balcony: in flats, your lease, landlord or building management often has its own rules. Open fire on a balcony is frequently not allowed.
The same goes for a pellet heater or the Flame: check what is allowed where you live.
Can a fire pit go under a covered patio?
We advise against an open fire pit under a cover. Sparks and heat have nowhere to go and the roof takes the heat. A pellet heater can go there, provided that:
- the space is well ventilated: at least 25% of it is open;
- there are at least 40 cm between the top of the heater and the roof;
- there are at least 40 cm of clearance all round to walls, fences and other objects.
These are minimum distances. Also check whether the material above and beside the heater can handle warmth, as wood or fabric behaves differently from stone. A rule of thumb for ceiling height: the height of the heater plus 40 cm. Read more in our guide to a pellet heater on a covered patio or veranda.
Prefer a fire pit? Meet the Flamesa Flame
Love the open fire of a fire pit? The Flamesa Flame is made for you. Vents all round keep fresh air coming in, so the fire burns evenly and cleanly with a calm, full look. You may get a little smoke when lighting or with damp wood, but generally you will notice very little.
- Logs and pellets: burn logs, wood pellets or a mix of both. Pellets are always dry and easy to top up.
- Compact: 41 cm high and 48 cm wide, so it suits a smaller patio or town garden too.
- Sturdy: steel with a heat resistant powder coating, 12.3 kg, and stable thanks to its low build.
- Snacks too: the Flame comes with a grill grate.
Place the Flame on a flat, heat resistant surface, such as a heat resistant mat, and keep it away from walls and objects. After use, store it dry under the protective cover for the Flame. As with any fire pit, local rules apply.
A small fire for the table: the Vulcan
Fancy a little flame in the middle of the garden table? The Vulcan is a tabletop model that runs on pellets: 20 cm high, stainless steel and only 0.9 kg. One fill burns for around 80 minutes, depending on flame height and wind. It also comes in black. The Vulcan is mainly for atmosphere at the table; for real warmth, choose a pellet heater.
Our outdoor pellet heaters: which one suits you?
Looking for warmth for the whole group, on the patio or under a cover? Then one of our pellet heaters is your answer. They all work without electricity or gas, show a real flame visible from every side and are made from powder coated steel. Choose mainly by ceiling height and how you want to use it.
| Model | Height | Ideal if you |
|---|---|---|
| Avara | 122 cm | want a compact heater for a lower cover or smaller patio (14.8 kg) |
| Flare | 175 cm | want to move it easily: wheels and a handle (16.4 kg) |
| Lumina | 182 cm | want somewhere to put your glass: built in steel table (18.8 kg) |
| Solaro | 220 cm | have plenty of space and want a real eye catcher with a table |
Not sure yet? Compare our models to see which one suits your ceiling height, or browse all outdoor pellet heaters side by side.
Lighting and cleaning: how much effort is it?
With a fire pit you build a fire with kindling and keep adding logs all evening. A pellet heater is lit with firelighters or a gas torch through the ignition opening. After about 20 to 25 minutes it is burning properly. Top up while there is still a good flame. You use around 0.8 to 1.2 kg of pellets per hour.
Afterwards there is hardly any ash. Do clean the burn chamber and grate well before every use, so the pellets get enough air and the flame stays beautiful. Our step by step lighting guide walks you through it.
Fire pit and pellet heater FAQ
What wood should you burn in a fire pit?
Use dry, untreated wood. The drier it is, the better it burns. Wet, painted or treated wood and rubbish do not belong in a fire pit: they burn poorly, smell and are often not allowed. In the Flamesa Flame you can also burn wood pellets, which are always dry and give a calmer fire.
Can you burn pellets in a fire pit?
A standard fire pit is made for logs. The Flamesa Flame works with pellets, logs or a mix of both. Use 6 mm wood pellets with ENplus A1 certification.
Do fire pits smoke a lot?
That mostly depends on the wood and the airflow. Wet or treated wood smokes; dry wood and pellets burn much cleaner. The Flame has vents all round so the fire gets plenty of air. A little smoke while lighting is normal, after that it generally burns calmly.
Can I use a fire pit on a balcony?
That depends on your building's rules, your lease and your council. On many balconies open fire is not allowed because of fire risk and nuisance, so always check first. A small tabletop model like the Vulcan is more compact, but your building's rules still apply. Read more in our guide to a pellet heater on a balcony.
Can a pellet heater replace a fire pit?
Yes, if you mainly want to sit outside warm and cosy. You get a real flame and warmth at seat height. What you don't get is the low campfire in the middle. If you want that feeling too, a fire pit like the Flame makes a good addition.
How much space do you need around it?
For our pellet heaters, keep at least 40 cm all round and at least 40 cm to the roof, under a well ventilated cover. Always put a fire pit on a flat, heat resistant surface, away from walls, plants and garden furniture. See also where to place your outdoor pellet heater. Not sure about your spot? Get in touch and we'll help you decide.
Know what suits you now? Compare the Flamesa models and pick the heater or fire pit that keeps you outside for longer.
