A fire pit adds warmth, atmosphere, and light to the outdoors. Getting a fire pit for your backyard doesn’t need to be expensive and complicated. In fact, this should be a cheaper option if you want heat during cooler nights instead of buying portable heaters that are way too expensive. In fact, there are a number of ways to come up with DIY fire pits if you want cheap fire pits.
Table of Contents
So what to look for in a cheap fire pit?
Style
Style is the first thing that I look at whenever shopping for accessories for my home. I’m pretty sure this is the priority for most people too. Most people prefer getting stylish accessories that would add value to their home. A fire pit can serve as a focal point in your yard aside from serving its original purpose of warming and adding light to your yard or garden during cool nights.
Dimensions
Take note of the dimensions and make sure that it would fit in your backyard or garden. Fire pits come in different styles and sizes and I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to find one that suits your yard or garden no matter how big or small it is.
Type of Fuel
You can choose between a wood-burning fire pit or one that uses propane or gas. Of course using a wood-burning one is more cost-efficient and the smell from the burning wood will also add to the mood and atmosphere. In addition, there are also fire pits that uses wood pellets as fuel. Wood pellets are also known for its efficiency and availability.
Material
Always go for something durable and that will last long and something that will match your environment. For example, if you live in a coastal area, instead of opting for a fire pit made of metal which we all know easily rusts, go for one that’s made of cast aluminum which is less likely to rust.
Price
Most fire pits are affordable and cost less than $300. Find something that fits your budget unless you really want a custom-built one which would cost thousands of dollars. If you opt for fire pits with more expensive materials, then it would definitely cost more.
Safety Precautions and Accessories
Always check the precautions of the fire pit. Some of the accessories included are for your safety and protection. Make sure that everyone in your household knows how to use the safety features of your fire pit.
35 Cheap Fire Pits You Can Buy for Under $100
Here are some fire pits that are value for money I can recommend!
Landmann 28345 Big Sky Stars and Moons Firepit
This fire pit is very creative and has a unique stars and moon design. It is affordable, lightweight, easy to assemble, and is durable. This fire pit can last for years if you take good care of it.
The only disadvantage of having this kind of fire pit made of metal is that it can rust easily especially in coastal areas where almost everything corrodes easily.
With proper care, you can make this fire pit last longer. Put some sand and bricks in the bottom and use a cover that will also cover the bottom part of the fire pit when not in use in order to avoid rusting.
Best Choice Products 22-inch Fire Pit Bowl
This fire pit bowl is very basic and simple. It is lightweight, durable, easy to assemble, and small in size which is perfect for a small group but it is too small for a fire pit setup for a family or for a big group. Its small size though is perfect if you want to bring it to the park or to the beach for a small gathering.
The common problem for this fire pit is its tendency to rust. To avoid this, cover the fire pit when not in use.
Yaheetech 32″ Outdoor Metal Firepit
This square shaped fire pit is very stylish and serves many purposes that you can put it in other parts of your home aside from the yard or garden. Aside from using it for barbecue or for heating outdoors during cold nights, you can also use it to cool food and drinks in your yard, garden, or patio.
It is affordable and lightweight but it takes time to assemble it. It is also quite durable although it rusts easily if left out open in the rain. You can use the cover that’s included in the package to protect it from rusting. The fire pit is not that deep but the wide ledge makes up for it. You can actually put small plates and glasses on the ledge.
Best Choice Products SKY2414 Fire Pit
The SKY 2414 fire pit has a rustic design and it is designed in such a way that fewer ashes would be emitted when using it. It is extremely cheap which also says something about the quality of the product. It is quite flimsy and the material used is thin metal which makes it rust easily.
Despite its flaws, this fire pit is nice if you want something portable and stylish that you can move around in your home.
Landmann 23172 Patio Lights Firewave Firepit
This Landmann fire pit has a good price, is very durable, and is easy to setup. The quality of this fire pit is at par with those fire pits that cost more than $300. Its design is unique and stylish too.
It is made of sturdy steel and it has a safety ring that you can use to rest your foot. It also comes with a handle that stays cool which makes it easier to move around especially when it suddenly rains or it suddenly gets chilly and you want to transfer it to another area.
Sunnydaze Portable Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl
The Sunnydaze portable fire pit is very basic and simple that it doesn’t need much setting up. One disadvantage though is that you need to tighten the screws on this product. This is great for small fires as the fire pit is quite shallow that the screen almost touches the pit.
You can easily fold it and put it in its carrying case and take it anywhere you want to.
LEMY 32″ Outdoor Square Metal Firepit
The LEMY 32 inch fire pit has a good size, is lightweight, and is easy to assemble. It comes with different accessories too such as the poker, a cover, a mesh cover, and grills. The fire pit is quite shallow though but you can also use it to cool food or drinks.
30-inch Round Star and Moon Firepit by Pure Garden
This round fire pit will surely look attractive on your yard especially at night because of its star and moon design. It is quite easy to assemble, is lightweight, and it fits in a small yard too. Just like any other fire pit made of metal, it also rusts easily that’s why you need to keep it from rain or snow and cover it using the cover included in the package when not in use.
Bonnlo 32” Fire Pit Outdoor Wood Burning Table Backyard
The quality of this Bonnlo fire pit is worth its price. It is easy to assemble even without reading the instructions that come with it. You can easily move it around the house because of how small it is.
It works great and is also great for parties but some parts may easily bend so be careful with it. Make sure that you are setting it up in a flat surface.
It is lightweight and durable and you can bring it around especially if you love camping or if you are driving an RV and need a fire pit for your exploration.
Regal Flame Ouray Outdoor Backyard Garden Home Light Fire Pit
The design of this Regal Flame fire pit makes it look like a laundry basket but it makes for a nice pit because of how deep it is compared to other fire pits. It is easy to setup and move around because it is lightweight. It comes with a long poker that you can use to move logs or wood inside and also to take the top off.
The mesh on the top rusts easily despite the cover especially if you live in humid areas so I recommend that you paint it with high-heat paint to prevent it from rusting and always cover the fire pit when you’re not using it.
Bear Wood Burning Fire Pit
This bear wood burning fire pit is stylish and cute and it would make for a perfect accent in your yard or in your garden. It is very durable because it is made of stainless steel. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble this because the parts go together and come apart easily.
It easily rusts just like anything made out of metal but the rust adds to the beauty of it and the rusting is expected and is even explained in the product description.
Landmann USA Bromley Fire Pit
The diamond cutout design on the fire pit creates a nice ambience when it is lit. It is easy to assemble even without reading the manual and it is also sturdy and lightweight.
There’s just a slight problem with the lid that comes with it because it doesn’t fit well with the fire pit but the lid has a handle that makes it easy to take it on and off the fire pit.
Outsunny 32″ Steel Square Outdoor Patio Wood Burning Fire Pit
The Outsunny fire pit is a good buy. It has a simple design yet it is solid and sturdy because of its material. It can be easily put together and it can be easily transported because of its light weight.
It is also to clean it up and the sides stay cool. It doesn’t burn the grass nor heat the ground below it which makes it perfect to use on grass or on patio without having any issues. You can spray it with rustole to prevent it from rusting.
Fire Sense Barzelonia Round Copper Look Fire Pit
The Fire Sense Barzelonia fire pit looks like it is made of copper. It looks elegant because of its color and style. It is quick to assemble. The design and color of this fire pit is one of a kind!
F2C Outdoor Heavy Steel Hex Shape 24″ Fire Pit
This fire pit is made of steel which make it long-lasting and durable. It’s hexagon in shape and its style would definitely add to the ambience of your yard or garden. Its bowl is wide and deep which can keep the fire burning for hours.
It’s easy to move this fire pit around your house because of its size and its light weight.
KINGSO Outdoor Fire Pit
The quality of this fire pit suits its price. The style is very simple and basic which can match any style and design of a patio, yard, or garden. Given that the style is very simple, it is also easy to set up.
It is lightweight and is easy to move around. Remember, however that you must not store this fire pit outdoors.
EasyGoProducts EGP-GARD-021 Outdoor Fire Pit
This outdoor fire pit has a unique design which is in the shape of a small drum. It is sturdy and strong because it is made of stainless steel. The design of its mesh plus the narrow opening on the top allows the warm air to flow through the sides.
Landmann 26364 23-1/2-Inch Savannah Garden Light Fire Pit
This fire pit has pretty good reviews because of its quality and sturdiness that makes it last for years. It doesn’t provide the type of steel used for this fire pit but it definitely doesn’t show signs of rusting easily which is a common problem for most fire pits made of metal or steel.
The Sandman Savannah Garden Light fire pit is easy to setup because you only have to connect the legs. It’s recommended to put sand on the bottom part of the fire pit to protect and prevent it from rusting.
ZENY 32″ Outdoor Fire Pit Square Metal Firepit
The design and style of this fire pit is similar to other brands. The depth of the fire pit is shallow so it can be quite challenging to look for firewood to put in it. It is quite flimsy too so it’s not recommended to rest your feet on the ledge.
femor 32” Fire Pit Table
Although the style, design, and color is similar to other brands of fire pits, this brand is of good quality. It is easy to assemble and is lightweight making it easy to move around the house. You can use charcoal for grilling food and it still works fine compared to other fire pits that require the exclusive use of firewood.
Fire Sense Roman Fire Pit
The Fire Sense Roman fire pit is made of thin metal which makes it less durable and easily rust just after a couple of uses. It has a shorter lifespan compared to other fire pits but nevertheless performs its function. It is affordable, lightweight, and easy to setup which make up its flaws.
Despite it rusting easily, the effect of the rust makes it look more antique and is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.
Sunnydaze Raised Portable Fire Pit Bowl
The Sunnydaze Raised Portable fire pit bowl stands low and is very basic and simple even compared to other fire pit bowls. It doesn’t have any stylish design. It is small and lightweight and doesn’t need to be assembled.
It easily rusts especially when exposed to rain because it is made of thin cast iron with a steel finish so it’s important to avoid letting it be exposed to outside forces.
Peach Tree Square 32″ Outdoor Backyard Patio Metal Fire Pit
The Peach Tree square fire pit has a similar design with the other square fire pits on this list but what sets it apart from other square shaped fire pits is the ceramic tiles that are attached to the edges of the tabletop. The bridge-like design connecting each of the legs is also quite unique.
Just like the other square fire pits, it also has a shallow bowl and it can also rust easily when left uncovered in the rain. It is definitely affordable and it serves its purpose according to its price.
Fire Sense 22-Inch Folding Fire Pit
The Fire Sense fire pit doesn’t require any tools for assembly. You can fold it and place it in the carrying bag that is included in the package which makes it very portable and easy to travel with.
The legs are a bit flimsy and could move when touched or bumped but they make the fire pit stable. The metal on the bottom part of the bowl is thin which gives it a shorter life span. The inner wood grate also tends to warp easily because of the heat and the weight of the firewood.
MagJo Rustic Cast Iron Wood-Burning Fire Pit Bowl
The MagJo fire pit bowl looks like a giant cooking pot that is made of cast iron. It has three legs which is quite different from other fire pit bowls that usually have either two or four legs. It rusts easily but it has a pre-drilled center drain hole which most fire pits lack.
There’s no problem with it rusting easily but when bolts and screws also rusts, it gives a problem to the user and the user has to purchase new bolt and screws in order to be able to use it again.
CobraCo Bravo Mesh Fire Pit
The CobraCo Bravo Mesh fire pit has screened side panels that allow the warm air to flow through it. It has a good price and is small in size yet is big enough to fit in a couple of logs. It looks classy and it looks great on most yards, patios, or garden whether they have a traditional or modern design.
Sorbus Fire Pit Large, 30″ Outdoor Fireplace
The Sorbus fire pit features an elegant design that would definitely add value and aesthetic beauty to any part of your home, wherever you decide to put it. It can be a great accent or accessory on its own because of its intricate design. The size is just right and not too small or not too big for any kind of yard, garden, or patio.
Its base is high enough which doesn’t cause burning grass issues but the bowl itself isn’t deep enough that some larger firewood won’t fit inside and are inches above the tinder.
ZENY 24″ Fire Pit Hex Shaped Home Garden
Zeny fire pit has a similar design compared to other brands like F2C and Best Choice. It is made of steel but is lightweight which makes it easier for you to move it around your house or your yard. It has a deep bowl compared to other fire pits which accommodates larger fires.
Endless Summer,WAD1377SP, Hex Shaped Outdoor Fire Bowl
The design of the hex-shaped Endless Summer fire bowl isn’t unique because many other brands have exactly the same design and style but it is a little bit smaller, heavier, and also a bit more expensive compared to the other brands.
It is very easy to assemble and is lightweight even if it is made of steel. It tends to rust easily that’s why it needs to be protected from different elements like rain and humidity.
HY-C FG-16 Flame Genie Smoke-Free Spark-Free Portable Wood Pellet Fire Pit
This fire pit looks like a giant camera lens. It has a unique design and uses wood pellets which are much smaller compared to firewood. It uses a gravitational afterburner system that produces maximum flame yet minimizes smoke.
It is small and lightweight which makes it very portable that you can take it anywhere with you especially when you go camping. There is a small problem in keeping the fire burning longer and you need to experiment on it to be keep the fire going for a longer period of time.
Outland Firebowl 823 Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
The Outland fire bowl looks like a big stove. It has a size ideal for traveling and is lightweight and portable. It gives a clean and smokeless flame and is ideal to use in places that have fire restrictions.
It comes with natural lava rocks to make it feel like you are actually burning real wood and also to enhance its flickering effect.
TACKLIFE Fire Pit, Auto-Ignition Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit
The Tackle fire pit has a unique and stylish design. It uses liquid propane fuel which is perfect in protecting the environment and in implementing clean and safe heating. It doesn’t require assembling and it is very portable.
Catalina Creations AD413-1 Portable Folding Square Fire Pit
The Catalina fire pit has a very simple design. It is portable that you can put it inside the storage bag that comes with it and bring it anywhere you want. It is also easy to setup.
The disadvantage of it is that it has a shallow pit which limits the use of firewood.
Esschert Design Rust Fire Bowl
The Esschert design rust fire bowl has the most unique design that I have seen so far in a fire pit. It gives a rustic look and is a great accent for your patio, yard, or garden. It is made of thin sheet metal and is very portable and lightweight.
The problem is that it rusts easily which can lessen its lifespan. Lengthen its lifespan by covering it and protecting it from various elements especially when not in use.
Camco Portable Propane Outdoor Campfire with Foldable Legs
The Camco Portable outdoor campfire has a cute and unique design which uses lava rocks in order to radiate heat. It is ideal to use in places that have fire restrictions. It is small in size that you can take it anywhere you go and you can store it in the carrying bag that comes with it.
The disadvantage of using this is that it’s more expensive compared to fire pits that use firewood because you would have to buy propane gas to fuel up this fire pit.
Final thoughts
So there you have it. I hope you liked some of the listed cheap fire pits. These fire pits are not crappy. Some of them rust but it is the nature of fire pits and rust can add sparkle to the fire.
