8 Best Fire Pit Rings and Inserts (October 2026)
The best fire pit rings and inserts include the Iron Forge 36-Inch Smokeless Ring for fixed yards, the SoulMate 40-Inch Smokeless Ring for brick surrounds, and the Sunnydaze 33-Inch Steel Ring Insert for compact patios.
On this page (12 sections)
- How to choose a fire pit ring insert
- Compare fire pit rings by size and setup
- The best fire pit rings and inserts
- What should you plan before installing a fire pit ring?
- How do ventilation holes affect a fire pit ring?
- What mistakes should you avoid with a fire pit ring insert?
- How do you care for and use a fire pit ring?
- Are smokeless fire pit rings a better choice?
- How do you choose between a fire ring and a complete fire pit?
- Which fire pit ring insert should you choose?
- Frequently asked questions about fire pit ring inserts
- Check the maker's instructions before building.
The Iron Forge 36-Inch Smokeless Ring is the best fire pit ring insert here for a fixed backyard build, with airflow guidance for installation. For a simpler liner or a different opening size, compare the other seven picks by their inner diameter, shape and setup.
A fire pit ring insert is a metal wall for a wood-burning fire area. Some rings are designed for permanent installation, while others arrive in sections for a DIY build.
Measure the opening and the outside of your planned surround before you buy. For a broader overview of fire pit styles, see our plain guide to outdoor fire pits and fire pit versus fire ring comparison.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itSoulMate 46-Inch Smokeless Ring
Best for wide openings - 5
Best for square patiosCheck it - 6
Check itKoutemie 40-Inch Smokeless Ring
Best for vented builds - 7
Best for panel assemblyCheck it - 8
Check itZzuvjoy 36-Inch Smokeless Ring
Best for flexible placement
How to choose a fire pit ring insert
Choose by the opening you want, the ring's outside footprint, and whether the installation will be fixed or flexible. These three decisions narrow the field before you compare ventilation and assembly.
Start with a sketch of the finished fire area. Mark the fire opening, the ring's outer edge, the surround, and the seating or walking space around it.
The inner diameter is the usable opening inside the ring. The outer diameter tells you how much room the ring itself occupies and helps you plan masonry around it.
Allow for the thickness of the surround outside the ring's outer edge. A common mistake is to measure only the fire opening, then find that the completed structure crowds a path or leaves too little room for chairs.
Height matters where the ring meets the ground or masonry. A taller edge may sit differently in a shallow build than a lower ring, so compare the height with the depth and finish of your planned installation.
Choose the shape to match your layout. Round rings are easier to pair with circular surrounds, while a square ring can suit a patio planned around straight edges.
Decide how permanent the fire area should be. Iron Forge Tools describes its ring as a fixed installation and says it is not intended for transport, while Zzuvjoy describes its lightweight ring as movable.
Compare fire pit rings by size and setup
The inner diameter shows the opening available for the fire, while the outer diameter helps you plan the surround. All dimensions below are stated product measurements.
| Product | Best for | Outer diameter | Inner diameter | Height | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Forge 36-Inch Smokeless Ring | fixed yards | 36 in | 30 in | 10 in | 7.7 |
| SoulMate 40-Inch Smokeless Ring | brick surrounds | 40 in | 36 in | 8.5 in | 7.5 |
| Sunnydaze 33-Inch Steel Ring Insert | compact patios | 33 in | 27 in | 10 in | 7.4 |
| SoulMate 46-Inch Smokeless Ring | wide openings | 46 in | 42 in | 8.5 in | 7.3 |
| OutVue 42-Inch Square Ring | square patios | 10.3 in | 7.2 | ||
| Koutemie 40-Inch Smokeless Ring | vented builds | 40 in | 36 in | 8.5 in | 7.1 |
| BigXwell 36-Inch Ring Insert | panel assembly | 40 in | 36 in | 8.5 in | 7.0 |
| Zzuvjoy 36-Inch Smokeless Ring | flexible placement | 39 in | 36 in | 8.5 in | 6.9 |
The best fire pit rings and inserts
The best choice depends on whether you want a fixed feature, a simple liner, a wider opening or a particular shape. Start with the installation plan, then match the ring dimensions to it.
Iron Forge 36-Inch Smokeless Ring: Best for fixed yards
- 36 in outer and 30 in inner diameter
- Fixed installation
- Airflow guidance includes a 1 in gap
A fixed steel ring designed for above-ground or in-ground installation. Its airflow guidance makes it a fit for a planned, built-in setup.
Pros
- Designed for permanent use
- Can be installed above or in ground
- Airflow tips include a rock base and wall gap
Cons
- Not intended for portable use
- Needs careful installation planning
Iron Forge Tools describes this 36 in round steel ring as a permanent installation for a yard or patio. It can be set above ground or sunk into a pit, so it suits a project where the location is already decided.
The ring has a 30 in inner diameter and stands 10 in high. Iron Forge Tools recommends a rock base, a 1 in gap between the ring and wall, and air vents at the base to support airflow.
Choose this for a built-in backyard fire area where portability isn't a priority. Skip it if you expect to move the ring between locations or take it camping.
SoulMate 40-Inch Smokeless Ring: Best for brick surrounds
- 40 in outer and 36 in inner diameter
- 8-piece assembly
- Top ventilation holes
This steel ring gives a DIY brick or stone surround a 36 in opening. It has no bottom, and the maker recommends stones or sand underneath.
Pros
- 8-piece kit uses screws for assembly
- Above-ground or in-ground setup
- Top ventilation holes
Cons
- No bottom
- Ground layer is recommended
The SoulMate 40-Inch ring gives a DIY surround a 36 in inner opening and arrives as an 8-piece kit. Its sections fasten with screws, and assembly takes a few minutes.
Top ventilation holes are intended to improve airflow and support more complete wood combustion. The ring has no bottom, so SoulMate recommends placing stones or sand beneath it to protect the ground.
Choose it for a mid-size round surround that you can build above ground or in ground. Skip it if you want a closed-bottom fire bowl or don't want to plan a ground layer.
Sunnydaze 33-Inch Steel Ring Insert: Best for compact patios
- 33 in outer and 27 in inner diameter
- 4-piece assembly
- Above-ground or in-ground use
A smaller opening and 4-piece assembly suit a DIY build where a classic steel liner is enough. It has no bottom.
Pros
- Compact dimensions among these picks
- Four-piece assembly
- Can be used above or in ground
Cons
- No bottom
- Landscape blocks and rocks are not included
Sunnydaze offers a smaller 27 in inner opening within a 33 in outer diameter. Its 4-piece steel liner can be used above ground or in ground and is designed for a DIY or pre-built surround.
At 10 in high, it is taller than several other round inserts here. The product has no bottom, so include a suitable base in the site plan; landscape blocks and rocks aren't included.
Choose this for a compact build with a classic liner. Skip it if the 27 in opening feels restrictive for the firewood you plan to burn or the gathering area you have in mind.
SoulMate 46-Inch Smokeless Ring: Best for wide openings
- 46 in outer and 42 in inner diameter
- 7-piece assembly
- Top ventilation holes
The 42 in inner diameter creates the widest opening here. Measure the planned surround and seating area before choosing this larger ring.
Pros
- Largest inner diameter in this group
- Seven-piece assembly
- Above-ground or in-ground use
Cons
- No bottom
- Needs more room than smaller rings
The SoulMate 46-Inch ring makes the widest opening in this group, with a 42 in inner diameter and 46 in outside diameter. It comes in 7 pieces and uses screws to hold the assembly together.
Top ventilation holes are intended to increase airflow. The ring has no bottom, and SoulMate recommends sand or stones underneath to protect the ground.
Choose this when you want a broad fire opening and have enough room for the surround and seating. Skip it for a compact patio where the 46 in outer diameter would dominate the layout.
OutVue 42-Inch Square Ring: Best for square patios
- 42 x 42 in square shape
- 10.3 in height
- 4-piece assembly
A square outline can suit a geometric patio or yard plan. The steel ring arrives in 4 pieces and has an open bottom.
Pros
- Square footprint
- Four-piece assembly
- High-temperature black paint finish
Cons
- No bottom
- Large footprint needs advance measuring
OutVue's square ring suits a layout where straight sides fit the patio better than a round outline. It measures 42 x 42 in and stands 10.3 in high, with a high-temperature black paint finish.
The ring assembles from 4 pieces and has no bottom. Check the corner clearances as well as the width, and include the surface beneath the fire in your site planning.
Choose it for a square fire area with enough room for its footprint and a suitable base. Skip it if your surround is circular or its corners would crowd nearby seating.
Koutemie 40-Inch Smokeless Ring: Best for vented builds
- 40 in outer and 36 in inner diameter
- Top ventilation holes
- Above-ground or in-ground use
This ring has a 36 in inner diameter and top ventilation holes. It has no bottom, and the maker recommends sand or stones at the base.
Pros
- 36 in inner diameter
- Top ventilation holes
- Can be surrounded with blocks or bricks
Cons
- No bottom
- Base layer recommended
Koutemie combines a 36 in inner diameter with a 40 in outside diameter, matching the key opening dimensions of the SoulMate 40-Inch ring. Its top ventilation holes are intended to support airflow.
The ring can be surrounded with blocks or bricks, or set up in ground. It has no bottom, and Koutemie recommends sand or stones at the base to protect the ground surface.
Choose it for a vented 36 in opening and a DIY build where the base is part of your plan. Skip it if you're looking for a ready-to-use fire bowl with a bottom.
BigXwell 36-Inch Ring Insert: Best for panel assembly
- 36 in inner and 40 in outer diameter
- 8-panel assembly
- Dual ventilation holes
An 8-panel kit with dual ventilation holes suits buyers who want a vented ring they can assemble into a DIY surround. It can also be buried.
Pros
- Eight-panel assembly
- Dual ventilation holes
- Powder-coated steel
Cons
- Its inner and outer diameters differ by 4 in
- Bottom details aren't specified
BigXwell's ring uses an 8-panel assembly and states a 36 in inner diameter with a 40 in outer diameter. Dual ventilation holes are intended to improve airflow, and the ring can be used with bricks or stones or buried.
The product information doesn't specify whether the ring has a bottom. Plan to confirm that detail before building, especially if the surface below needs protection.
Choose this for an 8-panel kit with dual vents and a 36 in fire opening. Skip it if you need a clearly specified base design before you can plan the installation.
Zzuvjoy 36-Inch Smokeless Ring: Best for flexible placement
- 36 in inner and 39 in outer diameter
- Top and bottom ventilation holes
- Lightweight design
This steel ring has ventilation holes at the top and bottom, and the maker describes it as movable. Its dimensions may suit a build that doesn't need a fixed installation.
Pros
- Top and bottom ventilation holes
- Lightweight design
- Sand or stones recommended underneath
Cons
- Weight capacity and assembly details aren't specified
- Ground protection still needs planning
Zzuvjoy is described as movable and has a 36 in inner diameter, 39 in outer diameter, and vents at the top and bottom. Its height is 8.5 in.
The maker recommends sand or stones underneath for ground protection. Its lightweight design may suit a fire area that isn't intended to stay fixed in one place.
Choose this for flexible placement and a vented 36 in opening. Skip it if you want the fixed-installation design and specific airflow gap guidance offered by Iron Forge Tools.
What should you plan before installing a fire pit ring?
Plan the base, surround, clearances and access before assembling the ring. Most inserts in this group are open at the bottom, so the site and materials below the fire are part of the project.
First, confirm the ring's full outside dimensions and decide how thick the surround will be. For a round ring, mark the outer circle; for a square ring, mark the corners as well as the sides.
Next, check the surface and the product's installation guidance. SoulMate and Koutemie recommend a layer of sand or stones under their open-bottom rings, while Iron Forge Tools gives specific airflow advice for its permanent design.
Don't assume a ring itself protects grass, decking or paving from heat. Read our guide to using a fire pit on grass and check local fire rules before selecting a site.
Dry-fit the pieces and surround before completing an in-ground installation. This makes it easier to spot a mismatch between the opening, ring height and masonry while adjustments are still simple.
If the ring uses multiple sections, follow its assembly directions and fasten the parts as instructed. The SoulMate and BigXwell kits use screws or panels, while Sunnydaze and OutVue use 4-piece assemblies.
Keep the area around the finished fire space clear for movement and seating. A ring that fits on paper can still leave an awkward path if the surround takes more room than expected.
How do ventilation holes affect a fire pit ring?
Ventilation features are designed to support airflow and combustion, which may help reduce smoke when the fire and site conditions are suitable. They don't guarantee a smoke-free fire.
Iron Forge Tools recommends a rock base, a 1 in gap between the ring and wall, and air vents at the base. SoulMate and Koutemie describe top ventilation holes, while BigXwell describes dual vents and Zzuvjoy has openings at the top and bottom.
Use dry, suitable firewood and avoid packing the fire so tightly that air cannot move through it. A large, smoldering fire or blocked airflow can produce smoke regardless of the ring design.
If smoke reduction is your main concern, compare the airflow design with your installation plan and read our guide on how to reduce smoke from a fire pit. For help choosing fuel, see what to burn in a fire pit.
What mistakes should you avoid with a fire pit ring insert?
The most common mistakes are sizing from the inner opening alone, ignoring the open bottom, and building a surround before checking assembly and airflow needs. A little measuring up front can prevent costly rework.
Don't confuse inner and outer diameter. The inner measurement describes the fire opening; the outside measurement is the ring's footprint before adding brick or stone.
Don't place an open-bottom insert on a surface without considering heat and ground protection. Follow the specific setup guidance and choose a base suited to the site.
Don't assume a vented ring will be smoke-free in every fire. Airflow holes can support combustion, but the wood, fire size and available air still matter.
Don't choose the largest opening simply because it holds more space for firewood. A wider ring needs room for its surround, seating and safe movement around it.
Don't treat a portable-style ring and a fixed liner as interchangeable. If you plan to move it often, skip a model intended for permanent installation; if you are building masonry around it, prioritize fit and site planning.
How do you care for and use a fire pit ring?
Let the fire burn down and cool fully before handling ash or cleaning the area. Follow the ring's own care instructions, since finishes and installation styles differ.
Remove ash after it is fully cool and keep the fire area clear before the next use. Our guide explains how to clean a fire pit and handle ashes.
Use a weatherproof cover where appropriate. Iron Forge Tools recommends a cover and high-heat paint for extended product life; avoid applying coatings unless they are suitable for the ring and its intended use.
Inspect the ring and its assembled joints before lighting a fire. Check that the sections remain secure and that vents or openings aren't blocked by ash, soil or surrounding materials.
Choose wood that fits comfortably within the opening and keep the fire at a manageable size. When the evening is over, follow safe fire-extinguishing guidance in our guide to putting out a fire pit.
Are smokeless fire pit rings a better choice?
A smokeless-style ring may suit you if its ventilation design and installation guidance fit your build. Vent holes are meant to support airflow and combustion, but they don't promise a smoke-free fire.
The Iron Forge ring has airflow recommendations for the base and wall gap. SoulMate and Koutemie describe top ventilation holes, while BigXwell and Zzuvjoy describe additional venting features.
Wood condition, fire size and airflow around the site still affect smoke. If smoke reduction is your main concern, read our guide on how to reduce smoke from a fire pit.
How do you choose between a fire ring and a complete fire pit?
Choose an insert if you want to build the surround or control the shape of a fire area. Choose a complete fire pit if you prefer a ready-made unit instead of planning masonry or an in-ground installation.
An insert can give you more control over surround materials and layout. That also means you must plan the base, fit and ground protection yourself.
A complete fire pit may be easier to place without a masonry project. Compare the trade-offs in our guide to fire pit versus fire ring and fire pit accessories worth buying.
Which fire pit ring insert should you choose?
Choose the Iron Forge 36-Inch Smokeless Ring for a fixed backyard build with airflow guidance. Pick the Sunnydaze for a compact classic liner, the SoulMate 46-Inch for a wide opening, or the OutVue if your design calls for a square shape.
Choose a vented 36 in opening from SoulMate, Koutemie, BigXwell or Zzuvjoy based on assembly and placement needs. Measure the full footprint, including the surround and seating area, and review fire pit size planning before you buy.
If you want a fire feature you can use without building around an insert, compare complete options in our plain guide to outdoor fire pits.
Frequently asked questions about fire pit ring inserts
What is a fire pit ring insert?
A fire pit ring insert is a metal liner that forms the inside edge of a wood-burning fire area. Many models have no bottom, so the ground or base below remains part of the setup.
You can build a brick or stone surround around some inserts, or install certain rings in the ground.
Check the dimensions and installation guidance before building.
How do I choose the right fire pit ring size?
Measure the planned opening, the outer surround and the space around the fire pit before choosing a diameter. The inner diameter describes the opening for the fire, while the outer diameter affects how the ring fits the surround.
Leave room for seating and follow local fire rules.
Are smokeless fire pit rings really smokeless?
No ring can promise a smoke-free fire in every condition. Ventilation holes and airflow designs are intended to support combustion, but wood condition, fire size and airflow around the installation affect smoke.
If reducing smoke is your main goal, compare the design and setup guidance, then review our guide to cutting down fire pit smoke.
Can a fire pit ring sit directly on the ground?
Check the ring's instructions and the surface below it before use. Several rings here have no bottom, and some makers recommend a layer of sand or stones under the fire area.
Heat can damage grass and nearby surfaces.
Our guide explains whether a fire pit can go on grass.
Do fire pit rings need a surround?
Some inserts are designed to sit within a DIY surround made from brick or stone, while others can be installed in the ground. A surround can help define the shape of the fire area, but it must fit the ring's outer dimensions and installation guidance.
Check the maker's instructions before building.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is a fire pit ring insert?
A fire pit ring insert is a metal liner that forms the inside edge of a wood-burning fire area. Many models have no bottom, so the ground or base below remains part of the setup.
You can build a brick or stone surround around some inserts, or install certain rings in the ground.
Check the dimensions and installation guidance before building.
How do I choose the right fire pit ring size?
Measure the planned opening, the outer surround and the space around the fire pit before choosing a diameter. The inner diameter describes the opening for the fire, while the outer diameter affects how the ring fits the surround.
Leave room for seating and follow local fire rules.
Are smokeless fire pit rings really smokeless?
No ring can promise a smoke-free fire in every condition. Ventilation holes and airflow designs are intended to support combustion, but wood condition, fire size and airflow around the installation affect smoke.
If reducing smoke is your main goal, compare the design and setup guidance, then review our guide to cutting down fire pit smoke.
Can a fire pit ring sit directly on the ground?
Check the ring's instructions and the surface below it before use. Several rings here have no bottom, and some makers recommend a layer of sand or stones under the fire area.
Heat can damage grass and nearby surfaces.
Our guide explains whether a fire pit can go on grass.
Do fire pit rings need a surround?
Some inserts are designed to sit within a DIY surround made from brick or stone, while others can be installed in the ground. A surround can help define the shape of the fire area, but it must fit the ring's outer dimensions and installation guidance.
Check the maker's instructions before building.
