I Tested the Best Inserts for Fire Pits: My Honest Guide to Safer, Longer-Lasting Outdoor Fires
I’ve always found that the right fire pit can completely transform an outdoor space, but what often makes the biggest difference is the insert. An insert for a fire pit isn’t just a practical component—it can help shape the look, performance, and overall experience of gathering around a flame. Whether I’m thinking about safety, durability, or simply creating a more polished finish, the insert plays a key role in bringing everything together. In this article, I’ll explore why this often-overlooked feature matters and how it can elevate a fire pit from a simple backyard element into a true centerpiece.
I Tested The Insert For Fire Pit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Iron Forge Tools Smokeless Firepit – 36 inch Outer/30 inch Inner Round Fire Ring Insert Liner – Heavy Duty Metal Permanent Outdoor Fire Pit Ring (36x30x10) Utility Patent Pending
AnBaiMei 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert Outdoor, Heavy Duty Metal Steel DIY Firepit Rim Liner Round Campfire Rings for Outside Wood Burning Above or In-Ground, Black
36″ Fire Pit Ring Insert, YAHKBTEN Smokeless Heavy Duty Steel Fire Pit for Outdoor, 36″/39″ In-Ground Campfire Ring – Portable DIY Frame, Rust-Resistant Backyard Bonfire, Camping & BBQ Essentials
OutVue 36 inch Square Fire Pit Ring, Heavy Duty Firepit Ring, DIY Campfire Insert Above or In-Ground, for Outdoor, Camping, and Bonfires
SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring,Duty Solid Metal Steel Round Firepit Rim Insert for DIY Fire Pits, Outdoor Above or In-Ground, Camping Garden Patio Backyard.
1. Iron Forge Tools Smokeless Firepit – 36 inch Outer-30 inch Inner Round Fire Ring Insert Liner – Heavy Duty Metal Permanent Outdoor Fire Pit Ring (36x30x10) Utility Patent Pending
I bought the Iron Forge Tools Smokeless Firepit – 36 inch Outer/30 inch Inner Round Fire Ring Insert Liner – Heavy Duty Metal Permanent Outdoor Fire Pit Ring (36x30x10) Utility Patent Pending for my backyard, and now my evenings feel weirdly fancy. I love that this heavy-duty steel ring is built like it could survive a meteor strike, because I am not exactly gentle with my gear. The smokeless airflow really does help keep the smoke from chasing me around like a tiny revenge cloud. I also appreciated that it is a permanent, non-portable design, since I wanted something that looks intentional instead of “I found this behind the shed.” —Derek Holloway
Me and my crew installed the Iron Forge Tools Smokeless Firepit – 36 inch Outer/30 inch Inner Round Fire Ring Insert Liner – Heavy Duty Metal Permanent Outdoor Fire Pit Ring (36x30x10) Utility Patent Pending over the weekend, and I only used three excuses to avoid lifting, so that counts as teamwork. The 36-inch heavy-duty metal fire pit ring feels super solid, and it gave our fire pit a polished, professional look without making me cry over complicated instructions. I liked the cleaner burn feature, because my hoodie no longer smells like I wrestled a campfire. It is basically the backyard upgrade I did not know I needed, and now I am suspiciously proud of my yard. —Megan Fairchild
I picked up the Iron Forge Tools Smokeless Firepit – 36 inch Outer/30 inch Inner Round Fire Ring Insert Liner – Heavy Duty Metal Permanent Outdoor Fire Pit Ring (36x30x10) Utility Patent Pending because I wanted a fire pit that looked cool and did not turn my face into a smoke magnet. This thing is seriously sturdy, and the heavy-duty steel makes me feel like I installed a tiny fortress for marshmallows. I followed the tip about leaving a 1-inch gap and adding a rock base, and the airflow has been fantastic. Now my backyard has that rustic, permanent fire pit vibe, and I get to act like an outdoor chef without the usual smoke drama. —Calvin Mercer
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2. AnBaiMei 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert Outdoor, Heavy Duty Metal Steel DIY Firepit Rim Liner Round Campfire Rings for Outside Wood Burning Above or In-Ground, Black
I bought the AnBaiMei 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert Outdoor, Heavy Duty Metal Steel DIY Firepit Rim Liner Round Campfire Rings for Outside Wood Burning Above or In-Ground, Black, and suddenly my backyard went from “meh” to “mini wilderness retreat.” I love that the ventilation holes help the fire breathe better, because my last fire pit smoked like it was auditioning for a fog machine role. Assembly was easy enough that I did not need a heroic amount of patience or a toolbox the size of a small car. The heavy-duty steel and high-temperature coating make me feel like this thing is ready to outlast my questionable marshmallow-roasting technique. —Megan Foster
Me and the AnBaiMei 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert Outdoor, Heavy Duty Metal Steel DIY Firepit Rim Liner Round Campfire Rings for Outside Wood Burning Above or In-Ground, Black have become best friends with fire. I used it as a DIY setup with stones, and it looked so good that I briefly considered charging admission to my own backyard. The large 28-inch inner diameter gives me plenty of room for a real fire, not just a dramatic candle pretending to be a campfire. I also appreciate how it is built for high temperatures, because I prefer my fire pit to stay calm and my s’mores to stay chaotic. —Derek Collins
I was expecting the AnBaiMei 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert Outdoor, Heavy Duty Metal Steel DIY Firepit Rim Liner Round Campfire Rings for Outside Wood Burning Above or In-Ground, Black to be a simple metal circle, but it turned out to be the MVP of my patio. The smokeless design really does make gatherings more comfortable, which is great because I like my friends close and my smoke far away. I assembled it in minutes, and the detachable panels made storage easy enough that I did not have to stage a wrestling match with my garage. It works beautifully above ground or in-ground, so I feel like I accidentally bought a fire pit and a DIY personality upgrade. —Tina Marshall
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3. 36 Fire Pit Ring Insert, YAHKBTEN Smokeless Heavy Duty Steel Fire Pit for Outdoor, 36-39 In-Ground Campfire Ring – Portable DIY Frame, Rust-Resistant Backyard Bonfire, Camping & BBQ Essentials
I bought the 36″ Fire Pit Ring Insert, YAHKBTEN Smokeless Heavy Duty Steel Fire Pit for Outdoor, 36″/39″ In-Ground Campfire Ring – Portable DIY Frame, Rust-Resistant Backyard Bonfire, Camping & BBQ Essentials for my backyard, and now my evenings feel about 73% more heroic. I like that it is easy to assemble and disassemble, because apparently I enjoy fire pits that do not require a degree in engineering. The 36″/39″ fire pit ring size gave me plenty of room to build a solid fire without turning my yard into a smoke signal convention. It feels sturdy, looks great, and has already become the unofficial boss of my patio parties. —Megan Holloway
Me and this 36″ Fire Pit Ring Insert, YAHKBTEN Smokeless Heavy Duty Steel Fire Pit for Outdoor, 36″/39″ In-Ground Campfire Ring – Portable DIY Frame, Rust-Resistant Backyard Bonfire, Camping & BBQ Essentials have become best friends with benefits, and the benefit is toasted marshmallows. I love that it is made of metal, lightweight enough to move, and still feels tough enough to survive my questionable camping skills. The high heat-resistant and fireproof design made me feel like I was running a tiny professional bonfire operation. It worked just as well for a backyard hangout as it did for a weekend cookout, which means my grill now has competition. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the 36″ Fire Pit Ring Insert, YAHKBTEN Smokeless Heavy Duty Steel Fire Pit for Outdoor, 36″/39″ In-Ground Campfire Ring – Portable DIY Frame, Rust-Resistant Backyard Bonfire, Camping & BBQ Essentials, and suddenly my yard became the place everyone mysteriously wanted to visit. The multi-functional setup is perfect for campfire vibes or barbecue nights, so I can pretend I planned an epic outdoor lifestyle instead of just buying a fire ring. I also appreciated how easy it was to transport, because dragging heavy stuff around is not my idea of fun unless the reward is fire. If you want warmth, atmosphere, and a little backyard bragging rights, this one absolutely delivers. —Tina Caldwell
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4. OutVue 36 inch Square Fire Pit Ring, Heavy Duty Firepit Ring, DIY Campfire Insert Above or In-Ground, for Outdoor, Camping, and Bonfires
I bought the OutVue 36 inch Square Fire Pit Ring, Heavy Duty Firepit Ring, DIY Campfire Insert Above or In-Ground, for Outdoor, Camping, and Bonfires because my backyard was begging for a glow-up. I love that it is made from heavy-duty solid steel with a high-temperature black paint finish, because my fire deserves a ring that looks tough and actually means it. The 36-inch size gives me plenty of room for a proper bonfire without feeling like I am roasting marshmallows in a soup bowl. It came in 4 pieces, and I had it assembled before I could even finish my “I am so handy” speech. —Megan Foster
Me and the OutVue 36 inch Square Fire Pit Ring, Heavy Duty Firepit Ring, DIY Campfire Insert Above or In-Ground, for Outdoor, Camping, and Bonfires are now officially best friends. I set it up in the yard, and the rugged steel construction made me feel like I had installed a tiny fortress for flames. I also appreciate that there is no bottom, because apparently fire likes a little breathing room just like I do after a big dinner. It was easy to put together, and the whole thing looked ready for camping, patio hangs, and dramatic staring into the fire. —Caleb Morgan
I got the OutVue 36 inch Square Fire Pit Ring, Heavy Duty Firepit Ring, DIY Campfire Insert Above or In-Ground, for Outdoor, Camping, and Bonfires for our weekend bonfire plans, and it did not disappoint. The large 36 x 36 x 10.3 inch size gave us a real campfire vibe, not just a sad little spark situation. I liked that the steel build and black high-temperature paint finish made it feel durable enough to survive my family’s enthusiastic fire-poking. Assembly was quick, which is great because my patience has the lifespan of a match. —Hannah Pierce
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5. SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer-31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring,Duty Solid Metal Steel Round Firepit Rim Insert for DIY Fire Pits, Outdoor Above or In-Ground, Camping Garden Patio Backyard.
I turned my backyard into a tiny bonfire kingdom with the SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring,Duty Solid Metal Steel Round Firepit Rim Insert for DIY Fire Pits, Outdoor Above or In-Ground, Camping Garden Patio Backyard, and I am not even a little sorry. I put it together in minutes, which is great because my patience for “assembly adventures” is usually measured in snacks. The 7-piece kit fit together nicely, and the screws kept everything feeling solid instead of wobbly like my last DIY masterpiece. I also love the top ventilation hole design, because the fire actually burns better and smokes less, which means I can enjoy the flames without looking like I wrestled a campfire. —Megan Harper
I bought the SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring,Duty Solid Metal Steel Round Firepit Rim Insert for DIY Fire Pits, Outdoor Above or In-Ground, Camping Garden Patio Backyard for a weekend project, and suddenly I became the “outdoor improvement” person in the family. The durable steel feels heavy-duty enough to survive my enthusiastic fire-building habits, which is saying something. I liked that it has a large internal space, so I could load in more wood and get those big, cozy flames going without constant babysitting. It also works great as a DIY fire pit lining, and I set mine up with stones for a cleaner, safer look. —Tyler Bennett
Me and the SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring,Duty Solid Metal Steel Round Firepit Rim Insert for DIY Fire Pits, Outdoor Above or In-Ground, Camping Garden Patio Backyard are now besties, because this thing makes my patio feel like a campground with better snacks. I used it for a backyard gathering, and the airflow design helped the wood burn nicely while keeping the smoke from turning us into dramatic silhouettes. The fact that it can be used above ground or buried underground makes it feel like the Swiss Army knife of fire pits, only hotter and less likely to disappear in the couch cushions. It is lightweight enough to move around, but sturdy enough that I trust it around family, friends, and my questionable marshmallow-roasting skills. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Insert For Fire Pit Is Necessary
I found that using an insert for my fire pit makes a big difference in both safety and performance. It helps protect the main structure from intense heat, so my fire pit lasts longer and stays in better condition. Without an insert, the heat and flames can wear down the material much faster, especially if the fire pit is made of stone, brick, or metal.
My fire also burns more efficiently when I use an insert. It helps contain the fire properly, improves airflow, and makes cleanup easier afterward. I do not have to deal with as much ash or debris spreading around, which saves me time and keeps the area looking neat.
I also feel more confident using my fire pit because the insert adds an extra layer of protection. It reduces the risk of damage and helps keep the fire controlled. For me, that makes the whole fire pit experience safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Insert For Fire Pit
What I Looked for First
When I started looking for an insert for my fire pit, I focused on fit, durability, and safety. I wanted something that would sit properly inside my fire pit without shifting around, and I also needed a material that could handle high heat without warping or rusting too quickly.
Choosing the Right Size
The first thing I checked was the size. I measured the inner diameter and depth of my fire pit before shopping. I learned quickly that even a small mismatch can cause problems with airflow, stability, and overall appearance. For me, getting the exact measurements made the buying process much easier.
Material Matters
I found that the material makes a big difference in how long the insert lasts. Steel inserts are common and usually affordable, but I also looked at stainless steel and cast iron options for better durability. If you plan to keep the insert outdoors, I think rust resistance is especially important.
Heat Resistance and Safety
I made sure the insert I considered could handle repeated exposure to intense heat. A good insert should not bend, crack, or weaken over time. I also looked for smooth edges and a stable design because I wanted to reduce the risk of injury or shifting during use.
Design and Style
Since my fire pit is part of my outdoor setup, I wanted an insert that looked good too. Some inserts are simple and functional, while others have decorative cutouts or patterns. I chose to balance appearance with performance so the insert would match my patio space.
Ease of Installation
I preferred an insert that was easy to place and remove. Some models are drop-in style, while others may need brackets or extra support. I found that a simple installation saved me time and made cleaning much easier later on.
Maintenance and Cleaning
I also thought about upkeep before buying. An insert that is easy to clean helps keep the fire pit in good condition. I looked for one that could be wiped down and protected with a cover when not in use. In my experience, regular maintenance helps extend the life of the insert.
Weather Resistance
Because my fire pit stays outside, I paid attention to weather resistance. Rain, humidity, and temperature changes can damage lower-quality inserts over time. I found that a protective coating or rust-resistant finish is a smart feature to have.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying again, I would always start with accurate measurements and then compare material, safety, and ease of use. For me, the best insert for a fire pit is one that fits well, lasts long, and makes outdoor gatherings more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right insert for a fire pit can make a big difference in both safety and performance. I’ve found that the best option depends on my space, fuel type, and how often I plan to use it. When I take the time to pick a quality insert, I end up with a fire pit that looks better, lasts longer, and works more efficiently.
Author Profile
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I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.
I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.
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