7 Best Wood-Burning Fire Pits for Backyards (October 2026)
The best wood-burning fire pits for backyards include the Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-Inch for larger gatherings, the Amazon Basics 27-Inch Lattice for a simple setup, and the Hykolity 35-Inch with Cooking Grates for backyard grilling.
On this page (5 sections)
The Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-Inch is our top pick for backyard gatherings because its 31 in bowl gives logs room, and it comes with a spark screen, poker and cover. For cooking, choose the Hykolity; for easier ash disposal, consider the 29 in Sunnydaze.
A backyard fire pit should fit your seating area, fuel preference and storage routine. These wood-burning models range from a compact steel bowl to a cooking setup and a low Corten steel design.
Start with our plain guide to outdoor fire pits if you are still deciding between steel, smokeless and gas. For more wood-burning options, see our steel wood-burning fire pit guide.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itSunnydaze 29-Inch Patio Fire Pit
Best for easier ash cleanup - 5
Check itPure Garden 32-Inch Cross Weave
Best for a crossweave look - 6
Check itKOL 35.5-Inch Oxidized Fire Bowl
Best for a low bowl profile - 7
Check itFire Sense Bessemer Rolling Fireplace
Best for moving around the yard
Which wood-burning fire pits stand out for backyards?
The best choice depends on whether you want gathering space, cooking features, easier cleanup or portability. We compared the dimensions, materials and included parts against those needs.
Our scores weigh specs and features against what backyard buyers are likely to need.
| Product | Best for | Outer diameter | Bowl diameter | Included | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-Inch | larger gatherings | 36 in | 31 in | Spark screen, poker and cover | 8.3 |
| Amazon Basics 27-Inch Lattice | a simple setup | 23 in | Spark screen and poker | 7.9 | |
| Hykolity 35-Inch with Cooking Grates | backyard grilling | Cover lid, poker, log rack and charcoal pan | 7.8 | ||
| Sunnydaze 29-Inch Patio Fire Pit | easier ash cleanup | Spark screen, poker and cover | 7.7 | ||
| Pure Garden 32-Inch Cross Weave | a crossweave look | Spark cover, log grate, poker and cover | 7.4 | ||
| KOL 35.5-Inch Oxidized Fire Bowl | a low bowl profile | 7.3 | |||
| Fire Sense Bessemer Rolling Fireplace | moving around the yard | Lid, fire screen, grate, wheels and handle | 6.9 |
Best wood-burning fire pits by use
These picks are listed from highest to lowest score. Check the bowl size and included safety parts, then match them to your planned location.
Sunnydaze Crossweave 36-Inch: Best for larger gatherings
- 36 in outer ring
- 31 in fire bowl
- Spark screen, poker and cover included
- Steel bowl with crossweave cutouts
A broad bowl and outer ring suit group fires, while the screen, poker and cover cover key day-to-day needs.
Pros
- Large 31 in bowl
- Spark screen, poker and cover included
- Outer ring makes it easier to move
Cons
- No drainage holes, so empty rainwater
- Needs a fire-safe surface
The Sunnydaze Crossweave suits a backyard where several people will gather around one fire. Its 31 in bowl sits within a 36 in outer ring, and Sunnydaze describes it as seating 6 to 8 people comfortably.
The steel bowl has crossweave cutouts and a built-in log grate. The set also includes a spark screen, poker and weather-resistant cover, so you have the basic parts for tending and storage.
This bowl has no drainage holes. Empty rainwater after a storm and cover it between uses, and place the pit on stone, brick, gravel or a fire-safe pad.
Choose it when a larger bowl and included cover matter more than a quick ash dump. For other large bowl options, compare our best large fire pits.
Amazon Basics 27-Inch Lattice: Best for a simple setup
- 27.4 in overall diameter
- 23 in fire bowl
- Steel construction
- Spark screen and poker included
This smaller round steel pit keeps the feature list simple, with a screen and poker included for tending the fire.
Pros
- Smaller footprint than the 36 in pick
- Spark screen and poker included
- 360-degree fire viewing
Cons
- No cover is specified
- Less bowl width than larger picks
The Amazon Basics 27-Inch Lattice is a simpler fit for smaller gathering areas. Its 27.4 in overall diameter and 23 in bowl take less room than the top pick.
It has steel construction, a spark screen and a fire poker. The round design offers 360-degree viewing, which works well when seating surrounds the pit.
A cover is not among the specified included parts, so plan how you will keep rain and debris off the steel. Also measure clearance around the pit, not just the bowl, before setting it on a patio.
Choose this model for a basic wood fire and useful included tools. If your priority is a heavier-duty build, read our heavy-duty fire pit buying guide.
Hykolity 35-Inch with Cooking Grates: Best for backyard grilling
- Two cooking grates
- Charcoal pan and log rack
- Round lid converts to a table
- 35 in diameter
Two adjustable cooking grates and a charcoal pan make this a fit for buyers who want grilling alongside a wood fire.
Pros
- Two cooking grates
- Charcoal pan and log rack included
- Lid can serve as a table
Cons
- More parts to assemble and manage
- Cooking setup may be unnecessary for a fire-only user
Hykolity's 35-Inch with Cooking Grates suits buyers who want to grill as well as enjoy a fire. It comes with two cooking grates, an 18.5 in grate and a 15 in grate, plus a charcoal pan and log rack.
The grates swivel 360 degrees and adjust up and down. Its round lid can also sit on top as a table for drinks and snacks when the fire is out.
That added flexibility means more parts to store and assemble than a basic bowl requires. Pick it if you will use the cooking features, and check your surface and clearance before lighting a fire.
For a simpler wood-burning setup, see our guide to starting a fire in a fire pit.
Sunnydaze 29-Inch Patio Fire Pit: Best for easier ash cleanup
- 29 in round fire pit
- Removable fire bowl
- Spark screen, poker and cover included
- Dark bronze finish
The fire bowl lifts out of its support frame for ash disposal, making cleanup a key reason to consider this compact option.
Pros
- Removable bowl for ash disposal
- Spark screen, poker and cover included
- Smaller footprint for patios
Cons
- Smaller bowl than the larger gathering picks
- Needs a flat, non-combustible surface
This 29 in Sunnydaze is the cleanup-focused pick. Its removable fire bowl lifts out of the support frame, so you can empty cooled ashes without scooping them from a fixed bowl.
The set includes a spark screen, poker and protective cover. Its 9.5 in inner bowl depth gives split logs room, while the 29 in diameter is easier to fit on a smaller patio than the 35 to 36 in choices.
Use it on a flat, non-combustible surface such as concrete, stone or gravel. Let ashes cool fully before covering, and store the pit in a dry place when practical.
Choose it if ash handling and a smaller footprint matter more than a wide fire bowl. Our fire pit size guide can help you check the space around your seating.
Pure Garden 32-Inch Cross Weave: Best for a crossweave look
- 32 in round steel bowl
- Cross-weave cutouts
- Spark cover, log grate, poker and PVC cover included
- Powder-coated finish
Cross-weave cutouts and a matching included cover make this a straightforward decorative option for a patio or yard.
Pros
- Distinct cross-weave pattern
- Spark cover, log grate, poker and cover included
- Powder-coated steel
Cons
- Bowl is shallower than some larger picks
- Some assembly is required
The Pure Garden 32-Inch Cross Weave pairs a decorative pattern with a useful accessory set. It includes a spark cover, log grate, poker and weather-resistant PVC cover.
Its 32 in overall size surrounds a 26.5 in bowl that is 9.4 in high. The powder-coated steel design is a middle-sized choice between the smaller bowls and the 35 in-plus options.
The shallow bowl means you should consider the size of the firewood you plan to use. Keep the included cover off until the ashes have cooled, and clean the exterior with a slightly damp cloth.
Choose it when the cross-weave look and included cover suit your patio. To compare metal choices and care needs, see our fire pit materials guide.
KOL 35.5-Inch Oxidized Fire Bowl: Best for a low bowl profile
- 35.5 in Corten steel bowl
- 11.8 in overall height
- Oxidized finish
- Open bowl design
The wide, low bowl has an oxidized finish.
Pros
- Wide 35.5 in bowl
- Low 11.8 in profile
- Corten steel construction
Cons
- No included screen or cover is specified
- Open bowl needs careful placement
The KOL 35.5-Inch Oxidized Fire Bowl is a wide, low option for buyers who prefer an open bowl over a raised frame. It measures 35.5 in across and 11.8 in high, with Corten steel and an oxidized finish.
Its low profile places the bowl closer to ground level than the taller bowl designs here. KOL describes the finish as developing a patina over time, and the open bowl promotes airflow.
A spark screen and cover are not among its specified features, so account for those needs when planning placement and storage. The bowl is wide, which can make it a poor fit for a tight patio despite its low height.
Choose it for a broad, low fire bowl and an oxidized appearance. Our Corten steel fire pit guide explains the finish and what to consider before choosing it.
Fire Sense Bessemer Rolling Fireplace: Best for moving around the yard
- 28 in bowl
- Wheels and handle
- Porcelain enamel bowl and lid
- Steel fire screen and removable grate
Wheels and a handle help reposition this taller fireplace around the yard, while its screen and center door keep the fire enclosed.
Pros
- Wheels and handle for repositioning
- Lid and steel fire screen included
- Center door supports refueling
Cons
- Tallest and most enclosed design here
- More parts than a basic bowl
The Fire Sense Bessemer Rolling Fireplace suits buyers who want to reposition a taller, enclosed fire unit around the yard. Its wheels and handle support moving it, and the center door gives access for refueling.
The bowl and lid have a porcelain enamel finish. It also includes a steel fire screen and removable grate, with assembled dimensions of 33 x 28 x 46 in.
This design takes more vertical space than the open bowls above. Check overhead clearance and keep the unit on a stable, fire-safe surface before use.
Choose it when mobility around the yard matters more than a low, open bowl. If your patio is compact, compare the footprint with our small patio fire pit picks.
What should you check before buying a backyard fire pit?
Measure the full footprint, including the legs, ring or screen, and allow room for seating and safe clearance. A bowl that fits on paper may still crowd a walkway or sit too close to furniture.
Match the accessories to how you will use it. A spark screen and poker help with tending, a cover supports storage, and cooking grates only add value if you plan to grill.
How should you care for a wood-burning fire pit?
Let ashes cool completely before handling or covering the pit. Empty ashes regularly, keep rainwater from sitting in the bowl, and store the fire pit in a dry place when possible.
Follow the maker’s instructions and local fire rules for placement and use. Our guide to putting out a fire pit safely covers the steps after a burn.
Which wood-burning fire pit should you choose?
Pick the Sunnydaze Crossweave for larger gatherings and a bundled screen, poker and cover. Choose Hykolity if you will use its cooking grates, or the 29 in Sunnydaze if lifting out the bowl for ash disposal is your priority.
Before lighting any model, confirm the surface, clearances and local rules. For fuel guidance, read what you can burn in a fire pit.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What size wood-burning fire pit works for a backyard?
Choose a fire pit size that fits your seating area and leaves room for safe clearance. A 27 to 29 in model can suit a tighter patio, while 35 to 36 in bowls offer more room for a larger gathering.
Measure the space and check local fire rules before buying.
Do wood-burning fire pits need a spark screen?
A spark screen helps contain flying embers while keeping the fire visible. Several picks here include one, but the KOL bowl does not specify a screen, so plan for a compatible screen if you choose it.
Keep people and combustible materials at a safe distance.
Can you cook on a wood-burning fire pit?
Yes, if the fire pit includes cooking equipment designed for that use. The Hykolity has two cooking grates and a charcoal pan, while the other models here are primarily fire pits.
Use food-safe cookware and follow the maker's instructions for the cooking setup.
How do you protect a steel fire pit from rust?
Keep water off the metal when possible, empty standing rainwater, and cover the pit after the ashes have cooled. The Sunnydaze Crossweave has no drainage holes, so clearing rainwater matters.
Read our guide to slowing fire pit rust for more care steps.
