By Colin FosterUpdated November 2026
Choosing an in the ground fire pit is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to a backyard, because a fire pit set into the earth feels more like a built-in feature than a freestanding accessory. Most shoppers looking for an in ground fire pit want a steel liner or ring that sets the fire bowl at the right depth, keeps embers contained, and holds up to years of weather. The picks below were chosen by comparing listed specifications, brand reputation and common owner feedback patterns, with attention to diameter, material thickness, airflow design and suitability for both above-ground and buried installs.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallFire Pit Ring for Outside Wood Burning, 60in Outdoor Fire Pit, Heavy DView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small yards36 Inch Fire Pit Ring, Large Outdoor Campfire Pit with Air Vent, Black SteelView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for permanent installsSmokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round SteelView on Amazon - 4
Best for DIY buildersSoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring Smokeless Solid Metal SteelView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pick12" Raised Heavy Duty Frie Pit Heat Resistant Campfire Ring with Spark Guard, 60 InchView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Pit Ring for Outside Wood Burning, 60in | Large backyards and gatherings | 60-inch heavy duty steel ring |
| 36 Inch Fire Pit Ring, Smokeless with Air Vent | Small yards and patios | Air vent for efficient burning |
| Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch | Permanent in-ground installs | Heavy duty round steel insert |
| SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Ring | DIY fire pit builds | Dual-diameter outer and inner ring |
| 12″ Raised Heavy Duty Campfire Ring, 60 Inch | Budget-minded buyers | Raised design with spark guard |
Fire Pit Ring for Outside Wood Burning, 60in Outdoor Fire Pit, Heavy Duty Steel Burn Pit for Backyard
Fire Pit Ring for Outside Wood Burning, 60in Outdoor Fire Pit, Heavy Duty Steel Burn Pit for Backyard, Camping, Bonfire, Modern Style Large Metal Fire Pit Ring
Best for: Large backyards and group gatherings
This is a good fit for homeowners who want a generous fire circle and plan to set the ring into a shallow excavation or pair it with a paver base. Its 60-inch diameter suits larger seating areas where guests sit at a comfortable distance from the flames.
Key specs
- Diameter: 60 inches
- Material: heavy duty steel
- Designed for wood burning
Pros
- Generous diameter for groups
- Steel construction suited to wood fires
- Simple ring format that works in-ground or above-ground
Cons
- Large footprint needs a sizable excavation or open space
- Heavier to move once set in place
Bottom line: A strong choice if you have space and want a big, central fire circle for entertaining.
36 Inch Fire Pit Ring, Large Outdoor Campfire Pit with Air Vent, Black Steel
36 Inch Fire Pit Ring, Large Outdoor Campfire Pit for Patio Backyard Garden, Smokeless Steel Firepit with Air Vent for Efficient Burning & Anti-Rust Coating, Black Steel
Best for: Small yards and patios
Owners with compact spaces often want a fire feature that does not dominate the lawn. A 36-inch ring offers enough room for a fire without overwhelming a small patio, and the listed air vent design helps with draft.
Key specs
- Diameter: 36 inches
- Material: black steel with anti-rust coating
- Includes air vent for airflow
Pros
- Compact footprint for smaller yards
- Air vent supports cleaner burning
- Anti-rust coating helps with outdoor exposure
Cons
- Smaller circle may feel tight for large groups
- Coating can wear over time with heavy use and weather
Bottom line: Best for buyers who want a manageable, airflow-friendly ring for a patio or modest backyard.
Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel
heavy duty steel, permanent fire pit rings, backyard bonfire, smokeless firepit, 30 inch inner ring, pit liner insert Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel
Best for: Permanent in-ground installations
This insert style is aimed at people who want a long-term liner set into a buried or partly buried pit. The round steel form makes it straightforward to level and anchor in a dug hole.
Key specs
- Diameter: 36 inches
- Material: heavy duty round steel
- Designed as a permanent pit liner insert
Pros
- Suited to permanent, in-ground use
- Round steel form is easy to level
- Heavy duty build for repeated fires
Cons
- Requires digging and proper drainage for a clean install
- Less portable than tabletop or freestanding options
Bottom line: A good match for homeowners ready to commit to a fixed, buried fire feature.
SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring Smokeless Solid Metal Steel
SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring Smokeless,Duty Solid Metal Steel Round Firepit Rim Insert for DIY Fire Pits, Outdoor Above or In-Ground, Camping Garden Patio Backyard.
Best for: DIY fire pit builds
The dual-diameter design suits people who want to build a stone or brick surround with a defined inner firebox. Builders often appreciate having both an outer and inner dimension to plan around.
Key specs
- Outer diameter: 40 inches
- Inner diameter: 36 inches
- Solid metal steel construction
Pros
- Outer and inner dimensions help with planning a surround
- Suitable for above-ground or in-ground DIY projects
- Solid steel build for durability
Cons
- DIY surround adds labor and material planning
- Requires careful leveling for even burning
Bottom line: Ideal if you enjoy building and want a defined inner firebox inside a custom surround.
12″ Raised Heavy Duty Frie Pit Heat Resistant Campfire Ring with Spark Guard, 60 Inch
12" Raised Heavy Duty Frie Pit Heat Resistant Campfire Ring with Spark Guard, for Outdoor Backyard, Patio & Camping Use 60 Inch Fire Pit Ring 5FT Galvanized Steel, Wood Burning&Outdoor Fireplace
Best for: Budget-minded buyers
This raised ring is for shoppers who want an affordable, sturdy campfire ring with a spark guard and a 60-inch footprint. The raised height keeps the fire above grade, which can simplify installation in some yards.
Key specs
- Diameter: 60 inches
- Raised height: 12 inches
- Galvanized steel with spark guard
Pros
- Budget-friendly option for a large ring
- Spark guard helps contain embers
- Raised design suits sloped or uneven ground
Cons
- Raised profile is less of an in-ground look
- Galvanized finish may show wear over time
Bottom line: A practical choice for buyers who want a large, low-cost ring and do not need a flush, buried look.
Buying Guide
Diameter and Fit
Measure the area before you buy. A common rule is to leave at least 3 feet of clear space around the fire circle for safe movement, and to keep seating a comfortable distance from the flames. For in-ground installs, the outer diameter of the ring determines your excavation size, so plan for a few extra inches for leveling and drainage gravel.
Good picks for this: 36 Inch Fire Pit Ring, Smokeless Steel Firepit with Air Vent; Fire Pit Ring for Outside Wood Burning, 60in
Material and Thickness
Heavy duty steel is the standard for fire rings because it tolerates high heat. Look for listings that specify steel gauge or thickness, and check whether the finish is a powder coat, galvanized or anti-rust treatment. Thicker walls generally resist warping better after repeated fires.
Good picks for this: Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel; SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring
In-Ground Versus Raised Installation
A fully in-ground ring sits flush with the surrounding ground, while a raised ring stands above grade. In-ground installs look more built-in and suit permanent setups, but they require digging, drainage and careful leveling. Raised rings are easier to place and fit sloped yards. Decide which look and effort level you want before you buy.
Good picks for this: Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel; 12″ Raised Heavy Duty Campfire Ring
Airflow and Smoke Control
Rings with air vents or a smokeless design can improve draft and reduce smoke, which helps comfort on calm evenings. Airflow also influences how cleanly wood burns, so check whether the listing mentions vents or openings in the base or walls.
Good picks for this: 36 Inch Fire Pit Ring with Air Vent; Fire Pit Ring for Outside Wood Burning, 60in
Spark Protection and Safety
A spark guard or raised lip helps keep embers from drifting onto decking, lawn or nearby structures. Always keep the fire away from overhanging branches, fences and siding, and keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby. Check local burn regulations, as some areas restrict open fires.
Good picks for this: 12″ Raised Heavy Duty Campfire Ring with Spark Guard; SoulMate Outdoor Fire Pit Ring
Drainage and Base Preparation
For an in-ground pit, a gravel base of several inches helps water drain away from the steel and reduces rust. Dig the hole slightly wider than the ring so you can level it and backfill evenly. Avoid placing the pit where water pools after rain.
Good picks for this: Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel; SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring
Care and Longevity
Wipe out ash after each fire, keep the ring dry when not in use and inspect for rust or coating loss each season. A cover reduces moisture buildup. Owners often report that regular cleaning extends the life of coated steel more than any other single step.
Good picks for this: 36 Inch Fire Pit Ring with Anti-Rust Coating; Fire Pit Ring for Outside Wood Burning, 60in
FAQ
What size in the ground fire pit ring should I buy?
For a small patio, a 36-inch ring is usually enough. For a larger backyard with seating for several people, 40 to 60 inches gives more room. Measure your space and keep at least 3 feet of clear area around the fire.
Can I install a fire pit ring flush with the ground?
Yes. Dig a hole slightly larger than the ring, add a few inches of gravel for drainage, set the ring level and backfill around it. Check local rules before you dig and call utility locators if you are unsure what runs underground.
Do I need a gravel base under the ring?
A gravel base helps water drain and reduces rust at the bottom of the steel. Many installers recommend several inches of compacted gravel. Confirm the exact depth based on your soil and local conditions.
Is a smokeless fire pit ring really smokeless?
Smokeless designs use airflow to burn wood more completely, which can reduce smoke. Results depend on wood dryness, wind and how the fire is built, so treat “smokeless” as a reduction rather than a guarantee.
Are raised rings a good option for sloped yards?
Raised rings can be easier on uneven ground because they do not require deep excavation. They do not sit flush with the lawn, though, so the look is different from a true in-ground pit.
How do I keep a steel fire pit ring from rusting?
Remove ash regularly, keep the ring dry, use a cover when it is not in use and check for coating damage each season. Good drainage under an in-ground ring also slows rust.
Conclusion
For most backyards, the 60-inch steel ring is the strongest all-around choice when you have the space, while the 36-inch air-vent ring suits smaller patios. If you plan a permanent buried pit, the round steel insert fits that goal, and the SoulMate dual-diameter ring works well for DIY surrounds. The raised 60-inch ring is the practical pick for budget-minded buyers who do not need a flush look. Match the diameter, installation style and airflow design to how you plan to use the space.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on outdoor fire use and product hazards (cpsc.gov)
- Fire safety standards and guidance for outdoor cooking and open-flame equipment (nfpa.org)
- Information on wildfire prevention and safe outdoor burning practices (usda.gov)
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About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our backyard living & play guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
