Buying Guide
Our Guide to the Best Fire Pits Under $100
Five wood-burning fire pits under $100 compared on size, steel build, spark screens and portability, so you can pick one for a patio or campsite.
By Gardening Is Ezee Editors
11 min read5 products evaluated
A fire pit under $100 is almost always a thin steel bowl, and the details decide whether it lasts one summer or five. Bowl diameter sets how much wood you can burn, steel thickness sets how long it resists warping, and a spark screen decides whether you can use it near a deck rail.
These five run from a 20 inch stainless smokeless burner to a 32 inch square table with a cooking surface. They suit a first fire pit and light use: a few evenings a month, wood only, no gas line, no installation.
Check two things before you buy anything. Your city or HOA may ban open wood fires, and a pit needs several feet of clear space on every side. After that, size and portability pick the winner.
Gardening Is Ezee field notes
The Garden Fit Check
A quick way to connect the shortlist to the space, workload and ownership details that matter after the box arrives.
- Start with the job
- HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand leads this shortlist for a small patio where smoke matters. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
- Specs that separate the picks
- The first details to compare are 20 in stainless steel, 28 in round bowl, 32 in square table. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Twenty inches holds only a small fire
The Practical Shortlist
A garden-first look at 5 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Smokeless
HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand
a small patio where smoke matters
Our take Check price for HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand (opens in a new tab)
Best Large Bowl
IBGUC 28 Inch Steel Fire Bowl
backyard gatherings
Our take Check price for IBGUC 28 Inch Steel Fire Bowl (opens in a new tab)
Best 3-in-1
Panovue 32 Inch Square Fire Pit Table
patios where the pit is also a cooker
Our take Check price for Panovue 32 Inch Square Fire Pit Table (opens in a new tab)
Best Portable
Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit
camping and storing away
Our take Check price for Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit (opens in a new tab)
Cheapest Real Pit
Gas One 22 Inch Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid
a first pit on a tight budget
Our take Check price for Gas One 22 Inch Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| a small patio where smoke matters | 20 in stainless steel | Check price for HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand (opens in a new tab) |
| backyard gatherings | 28 in round bowl | Check price for IBGUC 28 Inch Steel Fire Bowl (opens in a new tab) |
| patios where the pit is also a cooker | 32 in square table | Check price for Panovue 32 Inch Square Fire Pit Table (opens in a new tab) |
| camping and storing away | 22.5 in hexagon | Check price for Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit (opens in a new tab) |
| a first pit on a tight budget | 22 in alloy steel | Check price for Gas One 22 Inch Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid (opens in a new tab) |
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Smokeless1 of 5
HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The only smokeless design under $100: a double-wall stainless bowl with a stand, removable ash pan and 360 degree airflow.
Best for
- a small patio where smoke matters
Our take
A 20 inch double-wall stainless steel burner with 360 degree airflow and a secondary combustion system that the maker says cuts up to 90 percent of smoke. An elevated stand protects the surface below, and a removable ash pan with a burning plate means no flipping the unit to clean it.
Against the IBGUC and Gas One steel bowls, you get a smaller fire but far less smoke in your face. The 20 inch size holds less wood than the 28 inch IBGUC, and it costs twice what the Gas One does. It is the only pick here built for low smoke.
Buy it for a small patio where smoke drifts toward neighbors or seating. If you want a big bonfire, choose the IBGUC.
Key dimensions & specs
- 20 in stainless steel
- Double-wall airflow
- Removable ash pan
Pros
- Double-wall design burns off much of the smoke
- 304-style stainless steel resists rust better than painted steel
- Removable ash pan makes cleanup easy
- Included stand protects the surface below
Cons
- Twenty inches holds only a small fire
- Costs about twice the cheapest steel bowl
Best Large Bowl2 of 5
IBGUC 28 Inch Steel Fire Bowl on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A 28 inch deep steel bowl with a tight spark screen and 20.5 inch poker for the biggest fire in this group.
Best for
- backyard gatherings
Our take
A 28 inch round steel bowl with multi-layer rust-inhibiting black finish, a tight-mesh spark screen and an integrated 20.5 inch poker with a hook for lifting the screen. The deep bowl takes real logs and the screen contains flying embers.
It has the largest diameter here, bigger than the 22 inch Gas One and 22.5 inch Waaliji. Against the Panovue it is simpler: no cooking surface, no legs table, just a bowl. It is also the second most expensive pick, so you pay for size.
Buy it for backyard gatherings of four to six people. Choose the Waaliji if you need to carry it to a campsite.
Key dimensions & specs
- 28 in round bowl
- Spark screen
- 20.5 in poker
Pros
- Twenty-eight inch bowl takes full-size logs
- Tight spark screen contains flying embers
- Poker with hook lifts the screen safely
- Multi-layer black finish resists rust on the bowl
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than the portable picks
- Painted steel will eventually rust at edges
Best 3-in-13 of 5
Panovue 32 Inch Square Fire Pit Table on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A 32 inch square table with a 23 inch bowl that works as fire pit, grill and cooking surface.
Best for
- patios where the pit is also a cooker
Our take
A 32 inch square steel table with a 23 inch wide, 4.8 inch deep fire bowl, reinforced legs, a spark guard and a poker. It doubles as a barbecue and a heater, so you can cook on it as well as sit around it.
Compared with the IBGUC, the bowl is smaller and shallower, so it holds less wood, but the table surface gives you somewhere to put things down. It costs about fifteen dollars less than the IBGUC and weighs more than the Waaliji. The shallow bowl burns through logs quicker.
Buy it for a patio where the fire pit also serves as a table or cooker. For a long, big bonfire, pick the IBGUC.
Key dimensions & specs
- 32 in square table
- 23 in, 4.8 in deep bowl
- Spark guard and poker
Pros
- Doubles as fire pit and barbecue surface
- Reinforced legs add stability on uneven patios
- Spark guard and poker are included
- Table rim gives you somewhere to rest things
Cons
- Shallow 4.8 inch bowl burns logs quickly
- Bulky and awkward to move or store
Best Portable4 of 5
Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A 15 pound hexagon fire pit with vents and a carry bag, built to break down for camping and RV trips.
Best for
- camping and storing away
Our take
A patented hexagon fire pit with many vents for airflow, weighing about 15 pounds and reaching 22.5 inches when assembled. It breaks down into a carry bag, and the alloy steel has a high-temperature coating.
Next to the Gas One, it is lighter and packs flatter, and the hexagon shape lets air feed the fire from more directions. It costs about thirteen dollars more than the Gas One. Against the IBGUC, it holds less wood but you can actually carry it.
Buy it for camping, RVs or a backyard pit that you store in the garage. If you never move it, the IBGUC gives more fire for the money.
Key dimensions & specs
- 22.5 in hexagon
- 15 lb with bag
- Many airflow vents
Pros
- Weighs about 15 pounds and packs into a bag
- Vented hexagon design feeds air to the fire
- Assembles to a 22.5 inch fire
- Alloy steel with a heat-resistant coating
Cons
- Smaller bowl than the 28 inch IBGUC
- Assembly and takedown add steps each trip
Cheapest Real Pit5 of 5
Gas One 22 Inch Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A 22 inch alloy steel pit with mesh lid and fire picker for the least money here.
Best for
- a first pit on a tight budget
Our take
A 22 inch wood-burning pit in rust-resistant alloy steel with a high-temperature finish, a special mesh lid that guards against sparks while letting air in and a fire picker. The compact size suits a small yard or camp.
It is the cheapest pick, and the mesh lid does the job of the spark screen on the IBGUC for roughly forty dollars less. Against the Waaliji, it is simpler and cheaper but heavier to carry. The 22 inch size limits the log length and total fire.
Buy it as a first fire pit for occasional use. Step up to the IBGUC for bigger fires.
Key dimensions & specs
- 22 in alloy steel
- Mesh spark lid
- Fire picker
Pros
- Mesh lid blocks sparks and lets air flow
- Fire picker included for moving logs
- Rust-resistant alloy steel with a heat finish
Cons
- Twenty-two inch bowl limits log length
- Thinner build than the stainless HGD
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Size and fire capacity
- Bowl diameter and depth were compared to see how much wood and how many people each pit suits.
- Build and finish
- Steel type, coating and leg design decide how long each lasts through heat cycles.
- Safety features
- Spark screens, lids and stands show how well each protects decks and lawns.
- Portability
- Weight and pack-down design set which ones work for camping.
What Matters Before You Choose a Fire Pit
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Bowl diameter and depth
Diameter sets how long a log you can burn and how many people can sit close, while depth decides how many logs it holds before embers spill. A 22 inch bowl suits two to four people, a 28 inch bowl suits six. Look for both numbers; a 4.8 inch deep bowl burns faster than a deep one.
Steel type and finish
Painted carbon steel is cheap and will rust at the edges within a couple of seasons, while stainless steel resists rust and warping. Heat cycling thins cheap steel over time. Look for 'stainless' or 'alloy steel with high-temperature finish' in the bullets, and keep it covered when not in use.
Spark screen or lid
A spark screen is a mesh that catches flying embers, and it matters near decks, dry lawns and fences. It also lowers fire risk when wind picks up. Check that the pit lists a screen or mesh lid; the IBGUC and Gas One do, and a screen with a lifter hook is easier to handle hot.
Smokeless vs open design
Smokeless pits use a double wall and air holes to burn smoke a second time, so less reaches your face. They cost more and hold smaller fires. Look for 'double-wall' and '360 degree airflow' in the specs; they work best with dry, seasoned wood.
Weight and portability
A pit you can lift is a pit you will use at the campsite, while a heavy one stays on the patio. The Waaliji weighs about 15 pounds and packs into a bag. Look for the weight in the description; steel tables are far heavier.
Match a Fire Pit to Your Garden or Yard
By How You'll Use It
| Use | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small patio, less smoke | HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand | Double-wall airflow |
| Backyard bonfire for a group | IBGUC 28 Inch Steel Fire Bowl | Largest bowl |
| Fire pit that doubles as a table | Panovue 32 Inch Square Fire Pit Table | Flat surface and grill use |
| Camping or RV trips | Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit | 15 pounds and a bag |
| First pit, tiny budget | Gas One 22 Inch Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid | Cheapest full-size pit |
| Deck-adjacent patio | IBGUC 28 Inch Steel Fire Bowl | Tight spark screen |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
| Price range | Recommended pick | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50 | Gas One 22 Inch Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid | Mesh lid and fire picker |
| $60 to $65 | Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit | Portable hexagon with a bag |
| $70 to $75 | Panovue 32 Inch Square Fire Pit Table | Table and cooking use |
| $85 to $90 | IBGUC 28 Inch Steel Fire Bowl | Large bowl and spark screen |
| Near $100 | HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand | Smokeless stainless build |
| Tight budget, portable | Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit | Lightest pick |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Smokeless Stainless vs Open Steel Bowl
- Smokeless stainless
- Double-wall design burns smoke a second time, so less reaches you, and stainless resists rust. It holds a smaller fire and costs more. In this comparison: HGD 20 Inch.
- Open steel bowl
- A simple painted steel bowl holds more wood for less money, but smokes more and rusts at the edges over time. In this comparison: IBGUC, Panovue, Waaliji and Gas One.
Most buyers should choose an open bowl unless smoke drifting toward seating is a real problem.
By Size of Group
| Group | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One or two people | HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand | Compact fire |
| Two to four people | Gas One 22 Inch Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid | 22 inch bowl |
| Camping party | Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit | Portable 22.5 inch |
| Four to six people | Panovue 32 Inch Square Fire Pit Table | 32 inch footprint |
| Six or more | IBGUC 28 Inch Steel Fire Bowl | 28 inch bowl |
| Mixed fire and cooking | Panovue 32 Inch Square Fire Pit Table | Doubles as a cooker |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
For Camping and RV Trips Specifically
- Look for
- Low weight, a carry bag and a design that breaks down flat, plus enough airflow to burn small wood.
- In this comparison
- The Waaliji 22.5 Inch Portable Fire Pit weighs about 15 pounds, assembles to 22.5 inches and ships with a bag.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You want less smoke or a pit that lasts many seasons. The HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand is the strongest build under $100, and a Solo Stove class pit is the next step.
- Save if
- You burn a few times a year. The Gas One 22 Inch Wood Fire Pit with Mesh Lid covers that for under $50.
Before You Bring One Home
How far should a fire pit be from the house?
Plan on at least 10 feet from the house and any structure, and keep overhead branches clear. Check the instructions and your local code, since rules differ.
Are cheap steel fire pits worth it?
For a few fires a year, yes. Thin painted steel will rust at the edges and may warp after years of heat cycling, so cover it when not in use.
Do spark screens matter?
Yes near decks, dry grass or fences. The IBGUC and Gas One include them, and the HGD's double wall also keeps embers inside.
Can I use charcoal in these?
Most can burn charcoal as well as wood, but check the maker's notes. Lump charcoal runs hotter and can stress thin steel faster.
Is a smokeless fire pit really smokeless?
No. It reduces visible smoke once the fire is established and burning dry seasoned wood. Wet wood still smokes.
Will a wood fire pit be allowed in my area?
Not always. Some cities and HOAs ban open wood fires or restrict them during burn bans, so check local rules before you buy.
Bottom Line
Best overall: HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit with Stand — best smokeless pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all fire pits under $100 (2026) on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.