An insert drops into a block, stone or masonry surround and does the actual work of holding the fire. The options range from a simple steel ring that protects the blocks, to a double-wall smokeless insert, to a gas drop-in pan that turns the pit into a propane fire feature.
Measure the opening of your surround before ordering, and follow each maker’s fit and depth guidance. For finished fire pits instead, see Best Fire Pits and Best Smokeless Fire Pits, or browse the Fire Pits category.
Our Top Picks
| Pick | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Breeo Zentro 24-Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Insert |
| Best for Ring Insert | Iron Forge Tools 36-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert |
| Best Value | HAIMINA 30-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert |
| Best for Gas Insert | GRISUN 36 x 12 Inch Drop-In Fire Pit Burner Kit |
Pros
- Heavy stainless build
- Long warranty
- Lid included
Cons
- Very short rating history
- Smaller fire than the rings
- Needs a surround of the right depth
Breeo's Zentro is a 24-inch round smokeless insert built in the USA from over 100 lbs of 304 stainless steel. It drops into a block, stone or masonry surround with no assembly, uses Breeo's X Airflow design with spacer brackets under the flange, and comes with a lid. The warranty is a lifetime limited warranty plus 3-year coverage against burn-through and rust-through. Its rating history is very short; one owner notes it reduces smoke once the fire is hot but still smokes while getting going.
The premium way to upgrade a masonry fire pit.
Amazon rating: 5 stars from 5 ratings (100% 5-star, 0% 1-star).
Use any wood or charcoal fire pit outdoors only, in open air, on a level, noncombustible surface such as stone, brick, concrete or gravel, and keep the clearances listed in its manual from the house, fences, overhangs, trees and anything that can burn. Do not use it under a roof, awning, pergola or gazebo, in a garage or in any enclosed or covered space: burning fuel gives off smoke and carbon monoxide that need open-air ventilation. Keep children and pets back, never leave a fire unattended, keep water, a hose or an extinguisher within reach, and let ashes cool completely before emptying them into a metal container. Burn bans, fire codes and HOA rules vary, so check what applies where you live.
Pros
- Heavy steel
- Low 1-star share
- Veteran-owned seller (maker)
Cons
- Not fully smokeless (owners)
- Two-person assembly
- No bottom
Iron Forge Tools' 4-piece ring insert is thick-gauge steel with high-temperature black paint, 36 inches outside, 30 inches inside and 10 inches tall, at 27.5 pounds. It shares its rating pool with the brand's other 36-inch ring, with only 2% of ratings at 1 star. Owners describe thick, sturdy steel and say it is not fully smokeless; one found a missing nut.
A solid steel liner for a big pit.
Amazon rating: 4.6 stars from more than 330 ratings (78% 5-star, 2% 1-star).
Use any wood or charcoal fire pit outdoors only, in open air, on a level, noncombustible surface such as stone, brick, concrete or gravel, and keep the clearances listed in its manual from the house, fences, overhangs, trees and anything that can burn. Do not use it under a roof, awning, pergola or gazebo, in a garage or in any enclosed or covered space: burning fuel gives off smoke and carbon monoxide that need open-air ventilation. Keep children and pets back, never leave a fire unattended, keep water, a hose or an extinguisher within reach, and let ashes cool completely before emptying them into a metal container. Burn bans, fire codes and HOA rules vary, so check what applies where you live.
Pros
- Simple install
- Warranty stated
- Common 30-inch inner size
Cons
- Short rating history
- No owner excerpts available
- Smokeless claim unproven
HAIMINA's ring insert is powder-coated carbon steel with a 30-inch inner and 36-inch outer diameter, 10 inches tall, and a 1-year warranty. It installs in minutes without tools. Its rating history is short, with 5% of ratings at 1 star and no owner excerpts available.
A basic ring insert at a lower cost.
Amazon rating: 4.4 stars from 68 ratings (68% 5-star, 5% 1-star).
Use any wood or charcoal fire pit outdoors only, in open air, on a level, noncombustible surface such as stone, brick, concrete or gravel, and keep the clearances listed in its manual from the house, fences, overhangs, trees and anything that can burn. Do not use it under a roof, awning, pergola or gazebo, in a garage or in any enclosed or covered space: burning fuel gives off smoke and carbon monoxide that need open-air ventilation. Keep children and pets back, never leave a fire unattended, keep water, a hose or an extinguisher within reach, and let ashes cool completely before emptying them into a metal container. Burn bans, fire codes and HOA rules vary, so check what applies where you live.
Pros
- Complete drop-in kit
- Wind guard and lid included
- Clean linear flame
Cons
- Rating pool shared with other kits
- 201 stainless, not 304
- Enclosure must be vented
GRISUN's 36 x 12 inch drop-in kit is a complete propane insert for DIY fire tables: a 201 stainless pan and linear burner, spark ignition, a tempered glass wind guard and a stainless lid, at 16.4 pounds. Its rating pool is shared with other GRISUN kit listings, with 7% of ratings at 1 star. Any enclosure needs proper ventilation, and gas connections should be checked for leaks.
The quickest route to a gas insert.
Amazon rating: 4.4 stars from more than 580 ratings (70% 5-star, 7% 1-star).
Propane fire pits and fire tables are for outdoor use only. Never run one indoors, in a garage, tent or vehicle, or under a roof, awning or other enclosed or covered space, where carbon monoxide can build up without ventilation. Assemble, connect, leak-check and light it exactly as the manual describes, keep the clearances it lists from walls, overhead structures and anything that can burn, keep the hose away from the flame and close the tank valve after each use. Keep children and pets away from the flame and hot surfaces. Fire codes, campground rules, HOA rules and burn restrictions can cover gas fire features too, so check what applies before you light it.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Size (maker) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeo Zentro 24-Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Insert | Best Smokeless Insert | 24 in | Smokeless, wood |
| Iron Forge Tools 36-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert | Best Ring Insert | 36 in outer, 30 in inner | Steel ring, wood |
| HAIMINA 30-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert | Best Value Ring | 30 in inner, 36 in outer | Steel ring, wood |
| GRISUN 36 x 12 Inch Drop-In Fire Pit Burner Kit | Best Gas Insert | 36 x 12 in | Propane drop-in |
Top 4 Fire Pit Inserts Reviewed
#1 Breeo Zentro 24-Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Insert: Best Smokeless Insert
Why We Picked It
Breeo's Zentro is a 24-inch round smokeless insert built in the USA from over 100 lbs of 304 stainless steel. It drops into a block, stone or masonry surround with no assembly, uses Breeo's X Airflow design with spacer brackets under the flange, and comes with a lid. The warranty is a lifetime limited warranty plus 3-year coverage against burn-through and rust-through. Its rating history is very short; one owner notes it reduces smoke once the fire is hot but still smokes while getting going.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: 5 stars from 5 ratings (100% 5-star, 0% 1-star)
- Size: 24 inches round
- Material: 304 stainless steel, over 100 lbs (maker)
- No assembly; drops into a surround
- Included: lid
- Warranty: lifetime limited, plus 3 years against burn-through and rust-through
- Made in the USA (maker)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy stainless build | Very short rating history |
| Long warranty | Smaller fire than the rings |
| Lid included | Needs a surround of the right depth |
Best For
Owners of block or stone pits who want less smoke and a buy-once insert.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone on a tight budget or with a large opening to fill.
Verdict
The premium way to upgrade a masonry fire pit.
Breeo Zentro 24-Inch Smokeless Fire Pit Insert
#2 Iron Forge Tools 36-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert: Best Ring Insert
Why We Picked It
Iron Forge Tools' 4-piece ring insert is thick-gauge steel with high-temperature black paint, 36 inches outside, 30 inches inside and 10 inches tall, at 27.5 pounds. It shares its rating pool with the brand's other 36-inch ring, with only 2% of ratings at 1 star. Owners describe thick, sturdy steel and say it is not fully smokeless; one found a missing nut.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: 4.6 stars from more than 330 ratings (78% 5-star, 2% 1-star)
- Size: 36 inches outside, 30 inches inside, 10 inches high
- Material: thick-gauge steel, high-temperature paint
- Weight: 27.5 pounds
- 4 pieces; no bottom
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heavy steel | Not fully smokeless (owners) |
| Low 1-star share | Two-person assembly |
| Veteran-owned seller (maker) | No bottom |
Best For
Large DIY block or stone fire pits.
Who Should Skip It
Small surrounds.
Verdict
A solid steel liner for a big pit.
Iron Forge Tools 36-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert
#3 HAIMINA 30-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert: Best Value Ring
Why We Picked It
HAIMINA's ring insert is powder-coated carbon steel with a 30-inch inner and 36-inch outer diameter, 10 inches tall, and a 1-year warranty. It installs in minutes without tools. Its rating history is short, with 5% of ratings at 1 star and no owner excerpts available.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: 4.4 stars from 68 ratings (68% 5-star, 5% 1-star)
- Size: 30 inches inside, 36 inches outside, 10 inches high
- Material: carbon steel, powder coat
- Tool-free installation (maker)
- 1-year warranty
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple install | Short rating history |
| Warranty stated | No owner excerpts available |
| Common 30-inch inner size | Smokeless claim unproven |
Best For
Budget-minded DIY builders.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone who wants a proven product.
Verdict
A basic ring insert at a lower cost.
HAIMINA 30-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert
#4 GRISUN 36 x 12 Inch Drop-In Fire Pit Burner Kit: Best Gas Insert
Why We Picked It
GRISUN's 36 x 12 inch drop-in kit is a complete propane insert for DIY fire tables: a 201 stainless pan and linear burner, spark ignition, a tempered glass wind guard and a stainless lid, at 16.4 pounds. Its rating pool is shared with other GRISUN kit listings, with 7% of ratings at 1 star. Any enclosure needs proper ventilation, and gas connections should be checked for leaks.
Key Specifications
- Amazon rating: 4.4 stars from more than 580 ratings (70% 5-star, 7% 1-star)
- Size: 36 x 12 x 2 inches
- Fuel: propane
- Material: 201 stainless steel
- Included: spark ignition, glass wind guard, stainless lid
- Weight: 16.4 pounds
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete drop-in kit | Rating pool shared with other kits |
| Wind guard and lid included | 201 stainless, not 304 |
| Clean linear flame | Enclosure must be vented |
Best For
Builders turning a rectangular masonry pit or table into a propane feature.
Who Should Skip It
Round pits, or anyone not comfortable with gas connections.
Verdict
The quickest route to a gas insert.
GRISUN 36 x 12 Inch Drop-In Fire Pit Burner Kit
How to Choose a Fire Pit Insert
Measure the Opening
Measure the inside of your surround and its depth. Ring inserts list inner and outer diameters; drop-in inserts list the cutout or opening they need.
Wood or Gas
Ring and smokeless inserts burn wood. Gas inserts need a propane or natural gas supply, a vented enclosure and connections checked for leaks.
Smokeless Claims
Double-wall inserts cut smoke once the fire is hot. Simple rings with vent holes help airflow but do not remove smoke.
What Goes Underneath
Follow the maker's base guidance. Rings without a bottom usually sit on gravel, sand or stone.
Safety First
Use any wood or charcoal fire pit outdoors only, in open air, on a level, noncombustible surface such as stone, brick, concrete or gravel, and keep the clearances listed in its manual from the house, fences, overhangs, trees and anything that can burn. Do not use it under a roof, awning, pergola or gazebo, in a garage or in any enclosed or covered space: burning fuel gives off smoke and carbon monoxide that need open-air ventilation. Keep children and pets back, never leave a fire unattended, keep water, a hose or an extinguisher within reach, and let ashes cool completely before emptying them into a metal container. Burn bans, fire codes and HOA rules vary, so check what applies where you live.
How We Evaluate Fire Pit Products
For this guide we compared listings on fit and size, material and thickness, wood or gas design, included lids and accessories, warranty, the maker's installation instructions and rating history. We read each maker's specifications, safety notes and warranty terms, looked at the rating history and star spread, and read the supplied owner review excerpts for recurring build, fit or assembly problems. We did not handle or measure these products ourselves, every figure comes from the maker's listing, and we never repeat a safety, weather or burn-ban claim as our own.
Variants of one listing count as a single product, and we would rather list a few strong picks than pad the list. Our full process is on the How We Review page.
FAQ
What is the difference between a ring and an insert?
A ring is a simple steel liner. An insert can also be a double-wall smokeless body or a gas pan that drops into the surround.
Can I put a gas insert in my wood fire pit?
Only in a surround that suits it, with ventilation and proper gas connections. Follow the kit maker's instructions, and use a professional if unsure.
Do I need a lid for an insert?
A lid keeps rain and debris out. The Breeo and GRISUN inserts include one.
Final Verdict
The Breeo Zentro is the premium smokeless upgrade for a masonry pit. Choose the Iron Forge Tools ring for a heavy steel liner, the HAIMINA for a lower-cost ring, or the GRISUN kit to go gas.
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