Updated on Oct. 21, 2024
Who doesn't love a backyard bonfire? A fire pit ring insert keeps those home fires burning brightly—and in the right place—for years to come.
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There’s nothing like the crackle and warmth of an outdoor fire that will make anyone want to build a fire pit in their yard. Luckily, it’s not a hard task. Once you find the spot you want to make your fires, all you need is a fire pit ring insert to contain the flames.
Fire pit ring inserts (also called liners) are crucial elements to any outdoor brick or stone fire pit. Not to be confused with a fire pit ring, inserts are fireproof frameworks that contain your flames for a safe burn in their below-ground shallow hole.
Fire pit ring inserts are not just outdoor fireplace accessories, they’re stylish fire pit safety devices. Your top priority when buying a fire pit ring insert is to choose one that contains heat-resistant metal materials, which act as a barrier to keep the intense heat and flames from damaging your masonry walls. By not adding a fire pit ring insert, the mortar and adhesives responsible for keeping your fire pit blocks together can weaken over time due to consistent exposure to heat.
“A fire pit ring insert is a great accessory to have if you would like to extend the lifespan of your fire,” says Ashley Murphy, fire and pool merchant for Home Depot. “It also helps prevent damaging the materials or the pit in general as well as the area surrounding your fire pit from heat. If you have a stone or concrete fire pit, the metal liner will protect outside materials from damage.”
The next consideration is the metal thickness, which is responsible for the durability and protection of the masonry component against heat. Most fire pit ring inserts will include 10- to 20-gauge metal thickness. The thickness you need depends on whether you have a small or large fire pit ring.
The various types of fire pit ring inserts can be broken down into two categories: shape and bottom. “Fire pit ring inserts come in all different sizes and materials,” says Murphy. “Knowing the size of your fire pit and the material you want ensures you get the proper insert, saving you from multiple trips to the store. Knowing the size of the fires you plan on having will also help you determine the size of the ring that you need.”
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If you want your backyard to feel like the great outdoors, then you need the wood-burning fire ring insert. Measuring 45 inches (outer) and 39 inches (inner) in diameter, this insert offers a generous amount of space for comfort and heat that’s larger than what you’ll see in stores.
The heavy-duty construction and 10-inch depth make it a hit with reviewers who say it’s easy to put together and beautiful in person. Go ahead and call the whole gang over for a marshmallow or hot dog roast!
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Get a budget-friendly pick that doesn’t skimp on quality with the Arlmont & Co. outdoor fire pit liner. This pick offers exceptional value, thanks to the premium materials it includes at a bargain price. Place this insert in the center of a brick, permanent stone or block ring that’s surrounded by gravel for a gorgeous landscape design. Plus, since this insert is bottomless and lightweight, it can be used with your portable fire pit on a camping trip.
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Cook yourself an outdoor meal while you enjoy the heat, thanks to this fire ring from Titan Great Outdoors. Measuring a diameter of 32 inches, this fire ring insert provides a lot of area for comfort around the fire while you cook burgers or hot dogs on the 15.5-inch swivel cooking grate. Once you’re finished cooking, the two anchor pins allow you to tip back the insert for easy cleaning.
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Made of thick, unpainted carbon steel, the SunnyDaze fire pit ring is almost twice as deep as most other inserts on the market. The practical 36-inch exterior is just right for typical backyard fire pits, leaving a 30-inch interior diameter big enough to burn even robust, hand-split logs. The steel framing lets you enjoy a raging fire without potentially dangerous tall flames reaching too high into the air.
“We purchased the ring to go inside a cottage block ring that is three stones high,” writes verified purchaser, Mayra Olivas-Arreola. “It worked great. The lip on the outside helps stabilize the ring and keeps it sturdy for the rest of the construction. The width of the hole is perfect for a backyard fire pit, and we get six lawn chairs around the ring comfortably.”
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Spruce up your yard with not just any regular circle or square fire ring, but an octagon! The Sunnydaze octagon fire ring insert provides all the same features as standard fire ring inserts with a cool octagon shape. This large fire pit ring is made of alloy steel with a matte finish to provide a modern look to your landscaping that can sit above or in-ground. It sports an overall exterior diameter size of 38 inches, so you and your guests can enjoy the cozy heat from the fire all night long.
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Tired of smelling smoke all over your clothes and hair? We are, too. That’s why we recommend Breeo’s smokeless fire pit insert bundle for your backyard campsite. It’s a smokeless fire pit insert that takes just a few minutes to set up and enjoy. Featuring a trademarked SearPlate rim, the bundle lets you construct and enjoy a fire pit that won’t get smoke in your eyes. Or hair. Or clothes.
How? The patent-pending X-airflow system and double-wall convection produce more flame and less smoke, so you can save your tears for precious family moments. Add the insert to an existing fire pit or, if they don’t have your size, place a custom order. Read our review for the full scoop.
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Some fire pit rings are made with a metal bottom while others are bottomless. If your fire pit ring insert falls into the latter category, you can layer the bottom of your insert with brick or patio stone, or layer wood on the ground to burn inside the insert. If you choose the wood option, know that your landscape may take several years to recover from the heat and burning.
Fire pit rings made of metal materials, such as steel or iron, are best for a fire pit insert. They’re very strong and durable, and have a strong threshold to withstand the heat.
