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If you have an empty space on an existing patio or are designing a new outdoor area to spend time with family, friends, or neighbors, you might be considering a fire pit. These rings or baskets hold burning logs safely in place and allow folks to stay warm, roast marshmallows, and simply relax while enjoying each other’s company. As with all products, though, fire pits are available in a wide range of materials, styles, and price points.
Some shoppers don’t have a huge budget for a fire pit, and we get that. That’s why we performed extensive product research and compared fire pits at several retailers to find a variety of options. In this guide, we’ll share our picks for the best cheap fire pits—and highlight the one we think rose above the rest.
How We Chose the Best Cheap Fire Pits
Choosing the best cheap fire pits wasn’t a task we took lightly. We wanted to make sure that any product we suggested was durable, functional, and affordable. That requires an explanation of the term “cheap” for this guide.
“Cheap” refers specifically to being affordable or at least on the lower end of the price scale. It doesn’t in any way suggest poor quality. Knowing this, we checked the price ranges of fire pits across multiple retailers and discovered that the low end of most good-quality fire pits made of durable materials and with flexible designs was a price point between $90 and $200.
Next, we began searching for the best models that fit these characteristics of durability and flexibility. We discovered options that served as both fire pits and cooking grills, as well as those that simply looked great and would last for years to come. We found 15 models that fell in our price range and met most of these standards. This list of the best cheap fire pits is the result.
Best Overall
Hampton Bay Piedmont 30-Inch Steel Fire Pit
When it comes to combining style, versatility, and affordability, the Hampton Bay Piedmont 30-inch steel fire pit checks all of the boxes. This fire pit is made from heavy-duty steel with high-temperature paint, ensuring that it will retain both its beauty and function for many years. It also features a 12-inch-deep mesh bowl with a 360-degree checkered pattern that allows everyone sitting around the structure to enjoy the fire. The fire pit measures 23 inches tall by 30 inches wide when assembled.
Users can take advantage of the two-in-one design by attaching a grid that clamps to the fire pit and adjusting its height for easy grilling of meats and veggies. A ring wraps around the entire bowl for safety, and it also serves as a handle—when the fire pit is cool—for easy carrying. The Piedmont fire pit also comes with a mesh lid to serve as a spark arrester as well as a fire poker for adjusting logs safely. Just keep in mind that as one of the lower overall heights among the best cheap fire pits we reviewed, it can be harder to escape the smoke on windy days.
Product Specs
- Material: Steel with high-temperature paint
- Size: 23 inches tall by 30 inches wide by 12 inches deep
- Extras: Cooking grate, spark-arresting lid, fire poker
Pros
- Attractive checkered mesh design allows for 360-degree views around the fire
- Durable steel design with high-temperature paint ensures long-lasting use
- Features a cooking grate, a spark-arresting lid, and a fire poker for added value
Cons
- 23-inch height can make avoiding smoke difficult on windy days
Get the Hampton Bay fire pit at The Home Depot or Walmart.
More Cheap Fire Pits Worth Your Money
We chose these fire pits for style and durability, and not least of which because they fit into our prescribed price range. There is something for almost every patio and backyard listed below.
- Hampton Bay Tipton Fire Pit, available at The Home Depot.
- Hampton Bay Quadripod Fire Pit, available at Amazon or The Home Depot.
- Sunnydaze Decor Black Cross Weave Fire Pit, available at Amazon or The Home Depot.
- Winston Porter Caymon Fire Pit, available at Wayfair.
- Origin 21 Copper and Black Fire Pit, available at Lowe’s.
- Allen + Roth Black Steel Wood-Burning Fire Pit, available at Lowe’s.
FAQs
While we’ve highlighted some of the best cheap fire pits on the market today, you might still have some burning questions that need to be answered. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about cheap fire pits ahead.
Q. How much should I spend on a fire pit?
It all depends on budget and available space. For shoppers building a patio space around a fire pit, it might be worth spending a few thousand dollars for a dream fire pit. But, for those simply adding a fire pit to an existing space, a good-quality fire pit will cost between $90 and $200.
Q. Is a propane or wood fire pit cheaper?
Wood fire pits are almost always cheaper than propane (except for very high-end options). These fire pits are typically simple, portable, and don’t require propane tanks, regulators, or any other accessories like propane pits do.
Q. Will having a fire pit increase my insurance?
Permanent fire pits may increase homeowners insurance rates. However, portable fire pits, like those in this guide, are usually considered personal belongings and won’t increase an insurance rate in most cases.
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