By Tristan HollandUpdated November 2026
Shoppers looking for smokeless fire pit inserts usually want a backyard fire that burns cleanly, holds up to years of weather, and fits the pit they already have or plan to build. This guide compares six inserts on the criteria that matter most: inner diameter, outer diameter, material, whether the insert is designed for above-ground or in-ground installation, how well it suits DIY masonry surrounds, and what owners commonly report about fit and durability. The picks run from large steel rings for wide DIY pits to a stainless steel burner that works well inside block or stone surrounds.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallSmokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round SteelView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small backyardsSoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit RingView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickHeavy Duty Metal DIY Firepit Rim Liner 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring InsertView on Amazon - 4Best for mid-size pitsSoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit RingView on Amazon
- 5
Best for large gatheringsSoulMate Outdoor 46-Inch Outer/42-Inch Inner Fire Pit RingView on Amazon - 6
Best stainless optionBreeo Zentro Fire Pit Insert, Stainless Steel, Round 30 in with LidView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel | Overall DIY fire pits | Heavy duty steel, 30-inch inner ring |
| SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring | Small backyards | Solid metal steel, above or in-ground use |
| Heavy Duty Metal DIY Firepit Rim Liner 28 Inch | Budget-minded builds | 28-inch inner, 32-inch outer rim |
| SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring | Mid-size pits | 36-inch inner diameter |
| SoulMate Outdoor 46-Inch Outer/42-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring | Large gatherings | 42-inch inner diameter |
| Breeo Zentro Fire Pit Insert, Stainless Steel | Block and stone surrounds | Stainless steel, 30-inch round with lid |
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: Overall DIY fire pits that need a heavy, permanent liner.
This is a good fit for homeowners who want a sturdy steel ring that sits inside a built pit and stays put for years. It suits people planning a permanent backyard bonfire area rather than a portable setup.
Key specs
- Heavy duty steel construction
- 30-inch inner ring
- Round, designed as a pit liner insert
Pros
- Heavy-gauge steel suited to permanent installation
- Round shape simplifies layout and leveling
- Works as a liner inside a wider masonry or stone ring
Cons
- Heavy, so placement is best done before final setup
- Steel will develop surface rust over time without occasional coating
Bottom line: Best for owners who want a durable, all-around steel liner for a permanent in-ground or above-ground pit.
SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring
SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-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: Small backyards with a compact fire area.
A good match for patios and smaller yards where a 31-inch inner opening gives plenty of room for a cozy fire without taking over the space.
Key specs
- 35-inch outer diameter, 31-inch inner diameter
- Solid metal steel
- Designed for above-ground or in-ground DIY pits
Pros
- Compact footprint for smaller yards
- Works for both above-ground and in-ground builds
- Simple round design that is easy to set into masonry
Cons
- Smaller opening limits the size of logs you can burn
- Steel finish may need touch-up coating to resist rust
Bottom line: A practical choice for compact backyards where a manageable fire size is the priority.
Heavy Duty Metal DIY Firepit Rim Liner 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert
Heavy Duty Metal DIY Firepit Rim Liner Round Campfire Rings for Outside Wood Burning 28"Inner 32"Outer Above or In-Ground 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert Firepit Kit Outdoor, Black
Best for: Budget-minded builds and first-time DIY projects.
Suited to homeowners building their first pit who want a modest-sized black metal ring and do not need a large fire opening.
Key specs
- 28-inch inner diameter, 32-inch outer diameter
- Black metal finish
- Usable above-ground or in-ground
Pros
- Smaller, easy-to-handle size for a first build
- Black finish blends into most stone and block surrounds
- Good option for wood-burning fire pits of modest size
Cons
- Smaller inner opening means less room for larger fuel
- Thinner-feeling metal than heavier steel rings, so check gauge on delivery
Bottom line: Best for DIYers who want a simple, lower-commitment liner for a small pit.
SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring
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: Mid-size pits that need a balance of fire space and footprint.
A solid middle-ground choice for family backyards where a 36-inch opening is enough for regular evening fires and small group gatherings.
Key specs
- 40-inch outer diameter, 36-inch inner diameter
- Solid metal steel construction
- Designed for DIY above-ground or in-ground pits
Pros
- Generous fire opening without an oversized footprint
- Same product family as other sizes, easy to compare
- Works for both surface and sunken pit designs
Cons
- Requires a masonry or stone surround sized to match
- Steel will need periodic coating to resist weather wear
Bottom line: A versatile mid-size insert for most family backyards.
SoulMate Outdoor 46-Inch Outer/42-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring
SoulMate Outdoor 46-Inch Outer/42-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: Large gatherings and wide backyard fire features.
Best for owners building a large conversation-style fire pit who want room for bigger logs and a group sitting around the heat.
Key specs
- 46-inch outer diameter, 42-inch inner diameter
- Solid metal steel
- Suited to DIY above-ground or in-ground builds
Pros
- Large fire opening for bigger fuel loads
- Good visual anchor for a wide patio or lawn area
- Solid steel ring holds its shape under heat
Cons
- Heavy and large, so plan for two-person handling
- Needs a substantial base and surround to match its size
Bottom line: The right choice when the goal is a big, social fire area and the space allows it.
Breeo Zentro Fire Pit Insert, Stainless Steel, Round 30 in with Lid
Smokeless firepit ring insert for outside block, stone & concrete backyard surrounds Breeo Zentro Fire Pit Insert – Stainless Steel, Round 30 in with Lid
Best for: Block, stone and concrete backyard surrounds that need a stainless steel insert.
A strong pick for owners who already have a masonry surround and want a stainless burner-style insert with a lid for controlled use.
Key specs
- Stainless steel construction
- 30-inch round
- Includes a lid
Pros
- Stainless steel resists rust better than plain steel
- Lid helps when the fire is not in use
- Fits a range of block and stone surrounds
Cons
- Higher-end material generally means a higher purchase cost
- Requires a properly sized masonry surround for the best fit
Bottom line: Best for owners who want a stainless, lid-equipped insert inside an existing block or stone pit.
Buying Guide
Inner and outer diameter
Measure the opening you plan to use before buying. Most ring inserts list both an inner and an outer diameter. The inner number is your fire opening; the outer number is what must fit into your masonry or the space you build around it. Leave a small gap for expansion and drainage.
Good picks for this: SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring, SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring
Material and corrosion resistance
Solid steel is common for DIY rings and performs well under heat, but it will rust without maintenance. Stainless steel resists rust more effectively and suits humid or coastal areas. Check whether the finish is a coating or raw metal.
Good picks for this: Breeo Zentro Fire Pit Insert, Stainless Steel, Round 30 in with Lid, Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel
Above-ground versus in-ground installation
Some inserts are designed to sit above grade in a surround, while others are set into a excavated pit. Confirm the manufacturer’s installation method and whether the insert needs a base, drainage gravel or a level bed.
Good picks for this: SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring, Heavy Duty Metal DIY Firepit Rim Liner 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert
Use case and fuel type
Smokeless designs are built to burn wood efficiently with airflow that reduces visible smoke, but results depend on fuel dryness and how the fire is built. Decide whether you will burn mostly split hardwood or a mix of fuels, and choose a size that matches your typical fire.
Good picks for this: SoulMate Outdoor 46-Inch Outer/42-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring, Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel
Durability and heat exposure
Look for thicker gauge metal and solid welds. Owners often report that thin metal warps after repeated heating cycles, so check the metal thickness in the specifications when available.
Good picks for this: Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Outdoor Insert 36 Inch Round Steel, Breeo Zentro Fire Pit Insert, Stainless Steel, Round 30 in with Lid
Size and handling
Large steel rings are heavy and awkward to move alone. Plan the placement before the masonry is finished, and consider a helper for lifting and leveling.
Good picks for this: Heavy Duty Metal DIY Firepit Rim Liner 28 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Ring Insert, SoulMate Outdoor 35-Inch Outer/31-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring
Care and maintenance
Wipe off ash regularly, keep the insert dry when not in use, and touch up any bare metal with a heat-resistant high-temperature paint to slow rust. Use a fire pit cover when the pit is idle.
Good picks for this: Breeo Zentro Fire Pit Insert, Stainless Steel, Round 30 in with Lid, SoulMate Outdoor 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring
FAQ
What is a smokeless fire pit insert?
A smokeless fire pit insert is a metal ring or burner-style liner designed to fit inside a fire pit or masonry surround. The design aims to reduce visible smoke by improving airflow around the fire. Results still depend on fuel dryness and how the fire is built.
Can I install a smokeless fire pit insert in a DIY pit?
Yes. Many inserts are sold as DIY liners that set into a block, stone or concrete ring. Measure the outer diameter carefully and confirm the manufacturer’s installation method. If the work involves excavation or gas lines, consult a professional.
Do smokeless inserts work with propane or gas?
Most inserts listed here are designed for wood burning. Do not convert a wood insert to gas without checking the manufacturer’s instructions and local code. Consult a licensed professional for any gas work.
Which size is right for my backyard?
A 28 to 31-inch inner opening suits compact patios. A 36-inch opening is a good middle ground for family yards. A 42-inch opening works best for larger gatherings with room for a seating circle.
How do I stop a steel insert from rusting?
Keep the insert dry when not in use, cover the pit, and reapply a high-temperature paint to any bare areas. Stainless steel resists rust better but still benefits from regular cleaning.
Is a smokeless fire pit safe to use near a house?
Fire pits should be placed away from structures, overhanging branches and combustible materials, following local rules and manufacturer clearance guidance. Check local fire codes before installing. Consult your local fire department for specific requirements.
How often should I clean the insert?
Remove ash after the pit has fully cooled, typically once per use or when ash builds up enough to restrict airflow. Inspect welds and metal condition at least once a season.
Conclusion
For a dependable all-around liner, the 36-inch steel ring from the top of this list is a strong starting point. Small patios suit the 31-inch SoulMate ring or the 28-inch black liner, mid-size family yards fit the 36-inch SoulMate insert, and large social fire areas call for the 42-inch model. If you already have a block or stone surround and want stainless steel with a lid, the Breeo Zentro is the most direct match. Always measure your opening first and confirm the installation method before you buy.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on outdoor fire and heating equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Fire safety codes and standards that apply to outdoor fires (nfpa.org)
- Recommendations for outdoor fire safety and fire prevention (usfa.fema.gov)
Related reading
- Tiki Smokeless Fire Pit Guide: Setup, Safety and Buying Tips
- Best Smokeless Fire Pits for the Backyard: 5 Compared
- 9 Best Breeze Block Fire Pit Inserts and Wind Guards for Backyards
- Top 8 Movable Gas Fire Pit Options for Patios and Backyards
- Top 7 Propane Fire Pit Tabletop Models for Patios and Camping in 2026
- Top 6 Propane Fire Pit Camp Picks for Camping and Backyard Use
About Tristan Holland
Tristan has been writing about backyard living & play for this site, with an eye on clear explanations, honest trade-offs and options for different needs and budgets.
