Cast iron fire pits are durable, reliable, easy to use, and maintain. Most importantly, they look great!
Cast iron is fantastic for all things fire and cooking because it is heavy-duty. It can withstand a beating and will hold up well in high temperatures.
Of course, this metal is also heavy, and it can cost a little more than alternative fire pit construction materials, but for those who love cast iron, there’s nothing better.
These are all wood-burning fire pits, which tend to be the only option for cast iron—you won’t find any cast iron propane fire pits!
Best cast iron fire pits
We like this Sunnydaze Fire Pit, which we own and use ourselves because it is so simple.
It’s reasonably large so that many people can fit around it. The fire bowl is shallow, so the heat can travel out to the sides rather than all going up into the air.
This fire pit is made of thick cast iron and weighs 25 pounds, so it’s pretty light compared to others. The handles mean you can carefully move it with two people even after it’s been lit.
Let’s look at more alternatives. Many of these come with spark screens, but if you like one that doesn’t, check out our best fire pit spark screen round-up.
1. Sunnydaze Cast Iron Fire Pit Bowl
The Sunnydaze cast iron fire pit bowl is available in rust or steel and in 24, 30, or 34″ diameters.
The fire bowl sits on tripod-style legs that keep it stable regardless of the terrain, and we’ve found this to be completely fine for the backyard.
We’ve had years of use out of this fire pit, and while it has now rusted and doesn’t look as nice and shiny as it once did, it still performs perfectly. They’re a durable and rugged fire pit.
Pros
- Little to no assembly required—place the bowl on the legs
- The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty
- Lasts well even when left in all weather in the garden
- Different sizes and colors
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a spark screen or fire poker
- Some people complain about receiving the product damaged or worn
2. Amagabeli Large Cast Iron Firepit
Cast iron fire bowls are great because they’re so simple, and this one from Amagabeli delivers.
It has sturdy legs to lift the pit off of the ground, and two handles so you can move it around your yard.
The bowl itself has a 30-inch diameter that gives plenty of room for a nice fire. It comes pre-treated with heat-resistant paint to ensure it lasts for a long time and looks good all the while.
There a reports of the paint flaking off after use, which is to be expected eventually. Cast iron does rust when left wet, but no everyone minds this – it’s part of the joy of cast iron.
To prevent rust, keep it under cover and dry when not in use.
It has a nice deep bowl that you can fit a lot of wood into when you want a large raging fire. This will help to keep a large group of people warm when cold!
Pros
- 30-inch diameter ensures the bowl holds a large fire
- Handles let you move the pit without a struggle
- Easy to assemble by adding three legs
- East to stabilize on the ground
- Durable design will last for many years
Cons
- Doesn’t include a spark screen or fire poker
- Reviewers say the paint flakes off and leaves rust
3. Hampton Bay Cast Iron Fire Bowl
This option is one of the most affordable cast iron fire pits you can find, but that doesn’t mean you have to expect lower quality.
Hampton Bay has designed an attractive fire pit with a bronze finish, giving it a stylish antique look.
The bowl has a 26-inch diameter and comes with a fitted spark screen. There are four short legs to elevate this pit from the ground. A decorative element on the legs adds to the interest of this cast iron fire pit.
Four legs sometimes make it a bit harder to stabilize than 3 legs, but just chuck some wood under the areas that are uneven.
Pros
- A bronze finish gives it a unique look
- Strong, durable bowl with a 26-inch diameter
- Includes a spark screen and fire poker
Cons
- Legs might be uneven on certain terrain
- Mesh spark screen burns away with the use
4. Esschert Low Metal Fire Pit
The bowl of this cast iron fire pit is large, with a 30.5-inch diameter.
This Esschert model is what you’d call a cast iron cauldron fire pit, and the way it’s designed is optimal for large gatherings.
Because the sides are low and it’s situated close to the ground, the heat disperses more broadly. This means your guests can pull up chairs around the cauldron fire pit and be comfortable without having to get too close to the fire.
Pros
- Open design disperses heat for a large gathering
- 30.5-inch diameter allows for plenty of wood to burn at once
- Sits low to the ground so it won’t accidentally turn over
Cons
- One of the most expensive fire pits on the list
- You’ll have to buy a separate spark screen
5. WeCooper Heavy Duty Cast Iron Fire Pit
This option has a nice wrought iron fire pit look that is worth the cost if you want a showstopper.
It’s a heavy-duty cast iron fire pit that already has a heat-protectant coating applied.
Delicately curved legs hold the pit seven inches off the ground, but the total height of this model is 27 inches. The fire pit bowl’s diameter is 29 inches, so you’ll have plenty of room to get a good fire going.
Pros
- Beautiful design will make your outdoor area look elegant
- The 29-inch diameter will allow for a thriving fire
- Includes a spark screen and fire poker
- Stylish breathing holes cut into the pit
Cons
- One of the more expensive cast iron fire pits on the list
- Can be too heavy for one person to assemble
6. Sunnydaze Round Cast Iron Fire Pit Bowl
This option is a step up from the other cast iron fire bowls because it has a built-in log rack.
The extra cast iron for the rack makes it heavier and also makes it more expensive compared to other Sunnydaze models, but it’s worth it.
Store extra wood right below the fire pit so you can keep the fire going all night. The log rack lets wood dry out before use.
Pros
- Convenient storage keeps logs right below the pit
- Weighs only 40 pounds, so it’s not too cumbersome to move
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons
- One of the more expensive fire pits on the list
- Doesn’t come with a spark screen cover
7. TITAN Extra Large Cast Iron Fire Pit
The Titan is a fantastic 32″ fire bowl that also comes with a screen and poker.
It weighs 88 lbs, and is made of both steel and cast iron. This model ages well in the garden, and should only look better the older it gets.
Also, check out the other TITAN Great Outdoors Fire Pits as they have many good models for sale.
Pros
- A simple fire pit bowl keeps a large fire burning for hours
- Raw cast iron gives it a stylish, rustic look
- Includes a hole to drain water that accumulates
Cons
- Heavy, so it’s not too portable
Cast iron pros and cons
Cast iron is one of the best materials for fire pits because it is durable and radiates heat.
In fact, we like it so much that we just bought this popular fire pit on Amazon (also pictured above).
Cast Iron Fire Pit Pros:
- Cast iron heats up reasonably quickly
- It retains and radiates heat so you get more warmth from the fire
- It’s a durable material that can last for years
- You can find different design styles to suit your outdoor area
- Cast iron can be protected from rust
- You can cook on a cast iron fire pit grill
Cast Iron Fire Pit Cons:
- Cast iron is heavier than steel and other materials, so it’s harder to move and is not very portable
- It’s more expensive than fire pits made of other materials like steel, for example
- When exposed to moisture and rain, cast iron will rust and become discolored
Many choose to leave their cast iron fires out in the elements and live with rusty discoloration.
There’s nothing wrong with doing this if you’re just using it for a fire. However, if you want to cook over it, it’s better to protect it from the weather with a good cover.
You can find excellent fire pit covers here on Covers & All. Cast iron is heavy so it’s usually easiest to get a cover rather than shift your pit whenever you want to use it.
Cast iron wood-burning fire bowls
Cast iron is certainly a popular material for fire pits because it looks great and is hard-wearing.
If you are still unsure of what type of fire pit you want to get, let us confuse the matter further by mentioning copper fire pits. Copper is another wonderful material you can choose for your outdoor fire!
If you have any further questions, please leave them down below in the comment section and we’ll get back to you asap.
Hi do these cast iron fire pits tend to be really heavy and difficult to move around? I would like to store mine and only bring it out when I want to use it. Thank you.
Some of them are quite heavy – the chimineas and the large options, for example. The smaller models are lighter than you’d expect without being flimsy. I just picked up this Sunnydaze cast iron fire pit and it’s very portable.