When browsing online for a fire pit, there are dozens of possibilities to choose between. This year-round accessory provides warmth, atmosphere, and even a means of cooking. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink in the morning or evening, transforming the drabbest of spaces into a cozy sanctuary. There’s nothing more comforting than crackling logs and that distinct smell of a fire. Still, before you start your search, be sure to check your local codes to make sure that you can have a wood-burning fire pit outside your home.
Unlike gas and propane fire pits, with a wood-burning alternative, the location of your burn pit won’t matter, since you don’t need to hook it up to anything. While these affordable pits come in all materials and styles, metal fire pits are sought-after for their durable and elegant nature. Pro tip: line yours with sand, which is a fantastic heat shield to protect the metal material, soaking up the heat and distributing evenly. Additionally, make sure to keep a stack of wood nearby, since wood-burning pits can be harder to start and maintain.
From steel to cast-iron metal fire pits, add a contemporary touch and turn your patio into a multi-season space.
1. Solo Stove Stainless Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit
BEST LOW SMOKE PICK
One of the issues with wood-burning fire pits is the amount of smoke they give off. That’s why it’s sensible to invest in a model that minimizes the smoke as much as possible. This metal fire pit features an innovative double-wall structure that draws in air from the bottom, feeding the heated oxygen to the top for an incomparable secondary burn that results in nearly no smoke. You also don’t need to deal with the hassle of embers blowing out.
Buy: Solo Stove Stainless Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit $349.98
2. Hexagon Steel Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid
BEST HEXAGON PICK
Round and square options are viable, but a hexagon shape adds some flair that makes this metal fire pit worthy of being a centerpiece. This pit, complete with stylish lattice detail, comes with a steel mesh lid that prevents flames from spitting and acts as a family-friendly safety measure. For just over $100, this metal model offers a superior bang for your buck. One reviewer attests that it’s easy to put together, so no installation is required.
3. Yaheetech Multifunctional Fire Pit Table
MOST MULTIFUNCTIONAL
This metal fire pit complete with a mesh lid doubles as a table, working overtime even when you’re not burning logs. If you buy a top grate, this pit can be used for grilling. Additionally, if it’s filled with ice, this fireplace can be used to keep all your beverages cold on hot summer days. You can even rest drinks on the ledge while a fire is burning We love how versatile this multifunctional pit is — it can heat up or cool down your food, removing the need for a cooler or BBQ.
Buy: Yaheetech Multifunctional Fire Pit Table $89.99
4. KINGSO Fire Pit
BEST BUDGET PICK
At just under $50, this black 22” metal fire pit is a total steal. It even comes complete with a fire poker for moving the wood or charcoal and is the ideal size to keep as either a portable camping buddy or a permanent fixture in a smaller outdoor space. With rust-proof features and a heat-resistant coating, buyers love this pit for the fact that you can easily control the amount of fire, and the outer ring, which is a useful place to rest your marshmallow skewers.
Buy: KINGSO Fire Pit $49.99
5. Flanigan Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit
BEST ROUND PICK
Round fire pits are always eye-catching, but we especially appreciate the faded metallic finish on this large, cauldron-inspired model. It has a stylish vintage look that’s sure to earn compliments. Made from weathered steel, this metal fire pit is actually designed to fade from this starting color, providing a rustic and lived-in look that’s enhanced by gold details. A poker, grate, and spark screen are included, although it doesn’t come with a cover.
6. Delshire Metal & Polyresin Wood Burning Fire Pit
BEST CENTERPIECE
Usually, dramatic centerpieces are reserved for gas fireplaces, but this faux stone pit adds a modern and utilitarian sensibility that will elevate any space. The black metal fire bowl can be removed for easy cleaning, and while this pit can’t be used for food preparation, it will create an undeniable atmosphere. This offering has a small footprint, but the one downside is that you can’t use regularly sized logs — instead, they must be chopped smaller than usual.
7. Esschert Design FF90 Fire Bowl
BEST BOWL PICK
A bowl is similar to a pit, but lower to the ground and more portable with an understated appearance. The added mobility is a perk since you can move it around if necessary. This one is made of sturdy and industrial-looking cast iron, with a stable base. Gather around this heavy-duty choice, which will develop a beautiful patina over time. The walls are thick, and one consumer says it does take a bit of time to heat up into a roaring flame, but once it does, it sustains the fire well.
Buy: Esschert Design FF90 Fire Bowl $246.73
8. Ball of Fire Steel Wood Burning Fire Pit
MOST UNIQUE DESIGN
Commonly known as a “Ball of Fire” pit, this creative and spherical design comes with its own cover and spark screen. While it does contain more working pieces than your usual metal fire pit and takes more time to put together, buyers seem to agree that the effort of the assembly process was thoroughly worth it due to the stunning result. For anyone worried about keeping an eye on kids, this protective product holds in the flame effectively.
9. BALI OUTDOORS Chimenea Fire Pit
BEST CHIMINEA PICK
This kind of outdoor fire pits is called a chiminea and it adds a rustic look, with a wide vase bottom and a skinnier vertical chimney which smoke escapes through. While chimineas are classically made from clay or terracotta, a steel version adds less of a bohemian look and more of a streamlined, antique aesthetic that blends into any landscape. Bali Outdoors offers this brown and black cast iron model, with all-around mesh screening and a sliding door. Forget about messes thanks to the ashtray, which lets you clean up without difficulty.
Buy: BALI OUTDOORS Chimenea Fire Pit $159.99
10. Global Outdoors Genuine Copper Fire Pit
BEST COPPER PICK
If a cast-iron pit sounds too witchy for you, lighten things up with a copper fire pit, like this one from Global Outdoors. It comes with a safety screen, and the head-hammered copper offered is handsome without being too loud. One shopper says “the copper is beautiful and imperfections give it a real artisan look.” You won’t have to use a fire pit mat thanks to the steel legs with decorative banding. Another plus? The bolts are pre-inserted into the required locations, making assembly way easier than IKEA instructions. If you’re looking for a unique metal fire pit, this is the option for you.
Buy: Global Outdoors Genuine Copper Fire Pit $198.00