Everyone loves a backyard bonfire! And a fire pit ring insert can keep those home fires burning brightly, and in the right place, for years to come.
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What Is a Fire Pit Ring Insert?
A fire pit ring insert (also called a liner) is a steel inner layer placed into a stone or brick fire pit surround. It differs from a fire pit ring, a fireproof framework set directly on the ground to contain flames.
The insert’s metal sheathing creates a heat and flame barrier that protects masonry walls from exposure to high temperatures and direct contact with the fire. Without one, the fire and heat can slowly damage and weaken the mortar and adhesives that hold the fire pit blocks together. If you want your fire pit to last a long time, installing a fire pit ring insert is the way to go.
Inserts come in various sizes, shapes and qualities. When choosing a fire pit ring insert, focus on these the features:
Material: Carbon steel, stainless steel, iron.
Durability: 10-gauge (thick) to 20-gauge (thin) metal.
Size: Outer and inner diameters.
Depth: Average is around 10 inches deep.
Shape: Round, square, octagon.
Price: $50 to $1,500+.
Here are seven top fire pit ring inserts for you to consider..
Best Large-Capacity Fire Pit Ring Insert
If the “great outdoors” describes your backyard, then the Arlmont & Co. Natalia steel wood burning fire ring insert is a great choice. Measuring a generous 45 inches (outer) and 39 inches (inner) in diameter, this insert ring is larger than what you’ll typically find at a home center. Go ahead and invite the whole gang over to your next marshmallow or weenie roast with confidence.
Best Multi-Purpose Fire Pit Ring Insert
The versatile Arlmont & Co. outdoor fire pit ring/liner can be used several ways. You can build a permanent stone, brick or block ring around it, or set it into the ground encircled by a bed of gravel or a pretty slate patio. And because it doesn’t have a bottom, it makes an excellent portable campfire ring for folks on the go.
Best Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert
If you have the space and budget, give your backyard an upgrade with the Breeo X30 smokeless fire pit insert bundle smokeless fire pit insert. Featuring a trademarked SearPlate rim, the bundle lets you construct and enjoy a fire pit surround that won’t get smoke in your eyes. Or hair. Or clothes.
How? A patent-pending X Airflow system and double-wall convection produces more flame and less smoke (and tears). You can add the insert to an existing fire pit as well; check available diameters for proper fit. If they don’t have your size, custom orders are welcome. Grate accessories for cooking are also available.
Best Square Fire Pit Ring Insert
In a world where most fire pits are round, dare to go against the grain with the Arlmont & Co. square fire pit liner. The (ahem) “ring” features solid steel construction in a sleek black finish.
It’s available in a 30-inch and a 36-inch, side to side, version and is 10 inches deep — plenty of room to accommodate a hefty stack of logs. Best of all, assembly is easy.
Best Extra-Deep Fire Pit Ring Insert
Made of thick unpainted carbon steel, the HigleyMetals extra-deep 18-inch x 30-inch fire pit liner is almost twice as deep as most other inserts on the market.
Enjoy big, big bonfires safely — the insert can be lowered partially into the ground, leaving two feet above the surface to surround with walls. This lets you enjoy a raging fire without potentially dangerous tall flames reaching too high into the air. It’s shipped in two pieces. If you want a fire pit insert wider than this one, other diameters are available by special order.
Best Fire Pit Ring Insert With Grill for Cooking
Besides meeting U.S. Park Service campfire safety standards, two things make this insert for a wood-burning fire pit such a standout. It’s made from premium quality, heavy-duty 10-gauge steel. And the cooking grate rotates. Swivel it over the fire to roast hot dogs or steaks, then swing it away from the flames when it’s time to eat. It turns your fire pit into an instant outdoor barbecue grill.
Best Fire Pit Ring Insert Set With Lid
A complete fire pit system, the Walden Legacy series fire pit insert set comes with everything but the proverbial kitchen sink (and the blocks). This seven-piece kit sets up in as little as 30 minutes. It includes the fire pit insert and brim ring, a snuffer lid, an ash catching basket with disposable ashtray liner, a hinged fire grate and a funnel.
Once you’ve completed the DIY fire pit surround, just drop in the insert. No special tools are required.
