Create an instant bonfire with these versatile fire pits, perfect for the beach, the patio, the lawn (but not recommended for use on wood decks or surfaces).
Above: Sarah swears by the Cast-Iron Fire Bowl, which measures 23 inches in diameter and has two built-in handles for portability. The lower bowl collects ashes and elevates the fire to better dissipate heat; $465 at Design Within Reach (a grill-top accessory is also available).
Above: The sleek stainless steel Brasero Fire Pit from Italian company Gandia Blasco is 20 inches in diameter and costs $1,120 at Unica Home.Revolver Tubular Base Fire Pit can also be used as a table (the bamboo top creates a surface for drinks and dining). Made in the UK of black powder-coated steel; £154.99 at Green Fingers. In the US, the Revolver Solid-Base Fire Pit has the same features as the Revolver Tubular Base Fire Pit, the only difference being the base support; $249.99 at Amazon.
Above: Designed by Eric Pfeiffer, the Loll Modern Recycled Outdoor Fire RIng is made of unfinished US steel that will develop a patina over time. Available with a recycled poly top (in a choice of eight colors) to create a table surface when the grill is not in use; $590 for the base ($689 with the lid) at Loll Designs.
Above: Made from heat-resistant fiberglass and steel, the Lava Rock Propane Fire Bowl attaches to a standard propane tank (a coordinating tank cover is available). The fire bowl measures 43 inches in diameter and is currently $1,195 at Restoration Hardware.
Above: California FirePit offers the 24-inch Monterey Fire Pit and the 30-inch Tahoe Fire Pit; both can be used as for cooking or as an open pit fire. Crafted of cold-forged steel, they are $649 and $749, respectively, at Backyard Fire Pits.
Above: The Solus Firebowl Hemi 36 is available with a natural gas or propane burner; contact Solus Decor for pricing information.
Above: Concrete Creations fire bowls and pits are made by hand and can be used with wood, propane, gas or gel; for information on the Concrete Asian Wok Fire Bowl (shown), contact Concrete Creations directly.
The Big Bowl of Zen Firebowl is made of 100 percent recycled American-made steel and measures 37 inches in diameter; the bowl can be used for wood fires or can be converted to natural gas or propane through a small hole in the center of the bowl (which also provides drainage); $1,500 (including shipping) from John T. Unger Studio.
(N.B.: This is an update of a Remodelista post originally published on July 13, 2011.)