What is the best material for a fire pit — steel or cast iron?

Steel is lightweight, heats up quickly, and cools down faster. Cast iron retains heat longer but is heavier. Steel Kadai bowls are best for most gardens.

How do I clean my Kadai fire pit?

Let the bowl cool, remove ash and debris, scrub with baking soda paste, rinse and dry, then apply a protective oil like Owatrol. Store under cover when not in use.

What are the best accessories for Kadai fire bowls?

Top accessories include a protective cover, warming rack, grill lifter, tripod and cooking bowl, and blow poker for safe fire handling.

How do I use a fire pit safely?

Place it on a stable, flat surface, away from flammables. Never leave it unattended. Don’t use petrol or spirits. Clean and oil regularly to maintain it.

Choosing the Right Kadai Fire Pit

Q: Why choose a fire pit?

A fire pit lets you enjoy your garden all year. It adds ambience with flickering flames and turns your outdoor space into a cosy retreat for relaxing or entertaining.

Q: Are fire pits legal in the UK?

Yes, fire pits are generally legal in the UK. Just make sure you use dry, clean wood or charcoal to avoid excessive smoke that could be considered a nuisance by your local council.

Q: How long do Kadai fire pits last?

With proper care, a Kadai fire pit made from 2–3mm thick steel can last over a decade. Regular cleaning, oiling, and storing under cover will extend its life.

Q: What size fire pit do I need for my garden?

That depends on your space and guest count. A 40cm fire bowl suits up to 4 people, while 60–90cm bowls suit 6–12 people. 120cm is ideal for larger gatherings up to 20 people.

Fire pits have become popular over the last few years and for good reason. But with so many types, materials and sizes, choosing the right fire pit can feel a bit overwhelming. This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know so you can find the perfect fire pit for your space and lifestyle.

Why Choose A Fire Pit?

A fire pit allows you to use your garden all year round. A fire pit extends your garden use well into the autumn and even winter. The ambience created by warm, flickering flames turns your garden into a cosy retreat and encourages outdoor living.
At Cast in Style, we believe in quality time, beautiful craftsmanship, and making the most of every corner of your home — inside and out. A fire pit is more than a garden accessory — it’s an invitation to sit back and relax.

How to Choose the Perfect Fire Pit for Your Outdoor Space

Friends gathered around a Kadai fire pit in the garden

We understand that purchasing a fire pit is a big investment, which is why it is so important to choose the right one for yourself.
A fire pit is a brilliant addition to any outdoor space, it adds a focal point to your garden. It could simply be that you are looking for a place to relax with friends and family or it might be that you are looking to showcase your culinary skills. Whatever the reason, we understand that purchasing a fire pit is a big investment, which is why it is so important to choose the right one for yourself.
All the team at Cast in Style have a Kadai fire pit and we have put our heads together to provide a simple, but informative guide, to help you choose the correct fire pit and accessories for you!

Choose the Right Type of Fire Pit

Most fire pits are made from steel or cast iron. We prefer steel as it is lightweight, compared to cast iron, it will heat up quickly but also, when not in use, will cool down quicker.
Regardless of which type you ultimately choose, to extend the longevity of your fire pit, make sure you cover it. Ideally store it away as much as possible, this will undoubtedly extend the life time of your fire pit.

What Size Fire Pit Do I Need For My Garden?

The first question you need to ask yourself is “How much space do I have?”
When choosing the size think about how it will look in your garden, will it overwhelm the space? Also is the fire pit large enough to allow all your guests to sit safely and comfortably around while ensuring there is enough room to safely move around the fire pit.

Below is a rough guide on sizing a kadai fire bowl:

40cm = Up to four people
60cm = Up to six people
70cm = Up to eight people
80cm = Up to ten people
90cm = Up to 12 people
120cm = Up to 20 people

What ss the Best Material for a Fire Pit — Steel or Cast Iron?

Steel is lightweight, heats up quickly, and cools down faster, making it easier to handle. Cast iron retains heat longer but is heavier. We recommend steel Kadai fire bowls for most gardens.

Can you Cook on a Kadai Fire Bowl?

Yes! Many Kadai fire bowls come with removable grills and are perfect for outdoor cooking — from burgers and kebabs to curries and stews.

Grilled meat and vegetables on a Kadai bowl

Are Fire Pits Legal in the UK?

Generally fire pits are legal in the UK, however, there are certain considerations you will need to take into account. It is always best to use dry, clean wood or charcoal, don’t use wet, treated or painted wood. Bu using kiln dried wood you will adhere to local council guidelines preventing any excessive smoke which may be judged a nuisance.

How Long do Kadai Fire Pits Last?

This depends on many factors and if well-maintained a Kadai fire pit can last easily over a decade. Our fire pits are thick steel , 2-3mm, so will last longer than most fire pits but we have some handy tips to increase the longevity of your Kadai.
Invest in a cover and wherever possible move your firepit under shelter and put it away when not in use. Clean your firepit regularly, once the fire is out and cool, remove the ash. Also lightly oil periodically, we recommend using something like Owatrol oil.
With all our fire pits you will receive beads which not only help distribute the heat evenly but also protect the base of the bowl.

Think About Functionality of a Fire Pit

The beauty of many fire pits is that they not only provide a warm focal point but they offer lots of cooking options. If you are looking for a fire pit which doubles as a BBQ then look for one with removable grills.

Match Your Garden Aesthetic to your Fire Bowl

Choose a fire pit that complements your garden’s personality. Rustic, hand-forged styles look beautiful in cottage gardens or traditional homes, while sleek, minimal designs pair well with modern landscaping.
A fire pit from Cast in Style isn’t just a functional object — it’s a design feature in its own right.

How to Use Your Fire Pit

For woodburning fire pits such as Kadai Fire Bowls we would recommend starting a fire with kindling and then add wood. To minimise smoke we advise using kiln dried logs as they have a minimal water content. For cooking use a mix of wood and charcoal. Once the charcoal has turned white you are ready to cook.

Don’t Forget Accessories for Kadai Fire Bowls

Here are the top 5 accessories according to the Cast in Style team

Cover/Shield – helps to protect your fire bowl from the elements.
Warming rack - this allows you to keep food warm once cooked and provides the perfect place for meat to rest.
Grill Lifter – allows you to remove the centre out of the Holi Grill to enable you to refuel your fire.
Tripod and cooking bowl – the versatility of this pair knows no bounds. This pairing is great for many dishes, from curries, chillies and slow cooked stews to mulled wine.
Blow poker – great to start or reinvigorate a fire.

Last But Not Least - Safety using a Fire Bowl

Safety first – make sure that your fire pit is on a stable level surface. Also avoid siting your fire pit near any low hanging branches or near a shed or fence. Never leave a lit fire pit unattended. Do not use spirits or petrol for lighting or re-lighting.

Maintenance – a reminder to keep your fire pit in tip top condition by either covering/storing it in a dry place and periodical regular cleaning and oiling.

How to Clean a Kadai Fire Bowl

Keeping your fire bowl clean will extend its life and ensure safe, enjoyable use. Follow this simple guide inspired by our cleaning video to care for your Kadai fire pit:

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Let the bowl cool completely.
Never attempt to clean your fire bowl until it's fully cold.
Remove ash and debris.
Use a metal scraper or brush to clear out soot, ash, and any rust buildup.
Make a gentle cleaning paste.
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water. Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive pad to scrub the inside of the bowl.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Wash off the residue with clean water, then dry the bowl completely to prevent rust.
Apply a protective oil layer.
Once dry, use a paper towel to apply a light coat of Owatrol oil or vegetable oil. This seals and protects the steel surface.
Store or cover when not in use.
Always cover your fire bowl with a breathable shield or store it in a dry place to protect it from the elements.