Can I put a fire pit in my backyard?

In most cases, yes – and Aussies have never needed much convincing. When the temperature drops, the fire pit becomes the backyard's most valuable outdoor heater. But councils set the guidelines on where and how you can use outdoor fire pits. Stay on the right side of the regs with these tips: – Check with your local council – rules can vary from suburb to suburb – Know the fire danger ratings and stay compliant on high-risk days – Never use your fire pit on a Total Fire Ban Day, even for cooking – Pick a low smoke or smokeless fire pit to keep neighbours happy – Set up on a stable, non-combustible surface like pavers or stone – Keep a hose or bucket on standby in case of any rogue embers. In a rental or strata property? Check with your landlord or body corporate or it could all go up in smoke.

What is the most durable material for a fire pit?

The right fire pit or brazier material is the difference between a glowing success and a rusty regret. Here's how to find your perfect match: – Steel Fire Pits: Equal parts practical and good looking, metal is light enough to move around the yard or double as a camping fire pit. A low-maintenance choice, with a natural, protective patina that deepens with every use. – Cast Iron Fire Pits: Rustic and hard-wearing with serious heat retention, perfect for long, lazy evenings around the fire and open-flame cooking. Keep it covered between use and it'll go the distance. – Stainless Steel Fire Pits: Sleek and modern, with a patina that develops over time. Lightweight and with low-smoke designs, they're ideal for coastal spots or keeping the peace in suburban garden settings.

What size fire pit do I need?

Choosing the wrong size backyard fire pit? That's the pits. Here's your hot ticket to getting it right: – Small Fire Pit (Up to 60cm): Sparks joy for patios, cosy corners and camping getaways, these lightweight, portable fire pits can go wherever the night takes you. – Medium Fire Pit (70-80cm): The most versatile size in the range, it's equally at home on a family weeknight or a backyard full of friends, but compact enough to fit most backyards. – Large Fire Pit (90cm+): For when you want to turn up the heat on entertaining. Designed for big groups and long nights, opt for a round fire pit to keep the warmth (and stories) flowing. Remember to leave at least 2 metres clearance from walls, fences and low-hanging branches, and give the outdoor furniture some breathing room too – you're there to roast marshmallows, not your knees.

Can you cook on a fire pit?

You bet. Many wood and charcoal fire pit tables are grill-ready out of the box, or you can add a swing-over plate, hotplate or tripod. The secret ingredient is to cook over the embers – not the flames – for steady, even heat and flavour that really sizzles. Now we're cooking! Why foodies are fired up about fire pit BBQs: – Flame-Kissed Flavour: Hardwood and charcoal bring a smoky depth no electric or gas BBQ can match. – Something for Every Appetite: Grill steaks over a grate, sear in a cast iron skillet, simmer soups in a Dutch oven, or wrap food in foil to trap flavour. – Less Mess: One pot, full stop. Fewer pans mean less time at the sink and more time by the fire. Grab long tongs, heatproof gloves and a meat thermometer, and your fire pit with grill is ready to serve up everything from snags to campfire cookies.

What's the best thing to burn in a fire pit?

Good wood is non-negotiable. Seasoned or kiln-dried hardwood burns hotter, lasts longer and keeps smoke and sparks to a minimum. For the best heating results, fuel your fire pit with: – Seasoned hardwood like red gum or ironbark from local firewood suppliers – Kiln-dried firewood, widely available at hardware stores – Quality charcoal for a clean, steady burn. Where there's smoke, there's usually someone burning the wrong wood! Steer clear of green or unseasoned wood, driftwood, softwoods, treated timber, painted wood, MDF and anything synthetic – they produce toxic fumes, excessive smoke and can torch the longevity of your brazier fire pit.