Best Budget Fire Pits Under $100 (2026)

A fire pit turns any backyard into the best spot on the block. We tested the best budget fire pits under $100 for build quality, heat output, and whether they actually survive a full season.

There's something primal about a fire pit. You light it and suddenly everyone wants to be outside. S'mores happen. Conversations get better. The dog falls asleep next to it. It's the single backyard upgrade that changes how you use your outdoor space.

And you don't need to spend $300+ on a fancy gas fire table. The best budget fire pits under $100 are simple steel bowls and rings that do exactly what they're supposed to: hold fire safely, radiate heat, and last more than one season. Some even include spark screens, cooking grates, and poker tools.

Quick Comparison

Fire Pit	Diameter	Weight	Spark Screen	Best For
Outland Living 401	21 in	24 lbs	Yes	Overall best
BALI OUTDOORS 22in	22 in	26 lbs	Yes	Patios
Landmann Big Sky	26 in	38 lbs	Yes	Large groups
Amazon Basics 26in	26 in	28 lbs	Yes	Best value

1. Outland Living 401 Cypress — Best Overall

Outland Living 401 Cypress Fire Pit on Amazon →

The Outland Living 401 is the complete package for under $100. The 21-inch steel fire bowl comes with a spark screen, poker, cooking grate, and a weather-resistant cover. That's everything you need in one box — most competitors charge extra for the cover and cooking grate.

The square steel base is more stable than round legs and the design looks nicer on a patio than a basic bowl. Heat output is excellent for its size — a 21-inch bowl holds enough wood for 4-6 people to sit comfortably around it. The chrome cooking grate lets you cook burgers and hot dogs right over the fire. For the all-included feature set and solid build, this is the fire pit most people should buy.

The Good & The Bad

✅ Spark screen, poker, cooking grate, and cover included
✅ Stable square base design
✅ Good heat output for size
✅ Weather-resistant cover
❌ 21-inch bowl is small for 6+ people
❌ Paint can chip after heavy use

2. BALI OUTDOORS 22in Deep Bowl — Best for Patios

BALI OUTDOORS 22-Inch Fire Pit on Amazon →

The BALI OUTDOORS fire pit has a deeper bowl than most budget options, which means it holds more wood and contains sparks better — making it the safest pick for use on or near a patio. The 22-inch diameter is the sweet spot between compact and functional, and the decorative cutouts in the steel ring add visual interest when the fire is going.

It comes with a spark screen, poker, and a cooking grate. The circular legs with decorative scrollwork give it a more finished look than basic straight legs. The deep bowl design also means less ash blowing around on windy evenings. It's the best-looking fire pit under $100 and the safest for close-quarters patio use.

The Good & The Bad

✅ Deep bowl contains sparks better
✅ Decorative cutouts look great at night
✅ Spark screen, poker, and grate included
✅ Best-looking budget option
❌ Slightly heavier at 26 lbs
❌ Scrollwork can collect ash

3. Landmann 26in Big Sky — Best for Large Groups

Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit on Amazon →

The Landmann Big Sky is the biggest fire pit on this list at 26 inches in diameter. That extra size means more wood, more heat, and more people gathered around it. If you regularly host 6+ people for backyard fires, this is the one — the larger bowl radiates heat further and the full 360-degree fire view means nobody gets stuck on the "cold side."

The Big Sky features nature-themed cutouts (moose, bear, trees) around the ring that create fun shadow patterns when the fire is going. It includes a full-size spark screen, poker, and a chrome cooking grate. At 38 pounds it's the heaviest here, which makes it very stable but less portable. The heavy-gauge steel holds up season after season.

The Good & The Bad

✅ Largest bowl at 26 inches
✅ Nature cutout shadow patterns
✅ Heavy-gauge steel — very durable
✅ Great for 6+ people
❌ Heaviest at 38 lbs
❌ Takes up more patio space

4. Amazon Basics 26in Portable — Best Value

Amazon Basics 26-Inch Portable Fire Pit on Amazon →

If you want a big fire pit for the lowest price, the Amazon Basics 26-inch is the value pick. Same diameter as the Landmann Big Sky, spark screen and poker included, at a lower price. The steel construction is straightforward — no decorative cutouts, no frills. Just a big bowl that holds fire.

The simple design is actually an advantage for some people — it's easier to clean (no cutout grooves for ash to collect in) and the plain steel bowl heats evenly. At 28 pounds it's lighter than the Landmann while offering the same fire capacity. If you want maximum fire pit for minimum money, this is it.

The Good & The Bad

✅ Lowest price for a 26-inch fire pit
✅ Simple design = easy to clean
✅ Spark screen and poker included
✅ Good heat output
❌ No cooking grate
❌ No decorative elements

Which One Should You Buy?

Most people: Get the Outland Living 401 Cypress. All accessories included, stable design, and a cover — the complete package under $100.

Patio use: Get the BALI OUTDOORS 22in. Deep bowl contains sparks best — the safest choice near structures.

Big groups: Get the Landmann Big Sky 26in. Largest bowl, most heat, and the nature cutouts are a crowd-pleaser.

Best value: Get the Amazon Basics 26in. Same size as the Landmann at a lower price — no frills, all function.

FAQ

Can I use a fire pit on a wood deck?

No — never use a wood-burning fire pit directly on a wood deck. Sparks and radiant heat can ignite the wood. If you must use a fire pit on a deck, use a gas-powered model with a heat shield underneath, and keep at least 3 feet of clearance from railings and furniture.

What should I put under my fire pit?

On grass or dirt, use a fire pit pad or pavers to protect the ground from heat damage and prevent grass fires. On concrete or stone patios, a fire pit mat adds an extra layer of protection against heat transfer and sparks.

How far should a fire pit be from my house?

At least 10 feet from any structure, and 25 feet is recommended. Check your local fire code — many municipalities require 25+ feet. Also keep it away from overhanging branches, fences, and combustible materials.

What wood is best for a fire pit?

Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple burn longest and hottest with the least smoke. Avoid softwoods (pine, cedar) — they spark more and create creosote buildup. Never use pressure-treated wood — it releases toxic chemicals when burned.