> Editorial Note: I’m Lauren Ro, and I write furniture buying guides. The picks here are judged on the specs that predict how a piece ages — frame joinery, foam density, and load ratings — checked against BIFMA and FSC certifications plus aggregated owner reports.
A drop-in ring turns a smoky masonry pit into a secondary-burn setup for under $100. Before you buy, skim our related guides on the smokeless fire pit, the classic fire pit, picking a fire pit table, how to clean a fire pit, and what size fire pit do i need? a sizing guide. Below are five steel inserts ranked by gauge, airflow design, and how they hold up to freeze-thaw. This one wins. Here’s why.
How We Evaluated
We assessed each insert on steel gauge, vent-hole geometry, inner-to-outer diameter, and corrosion behavior under repeated wet-dry cycles referenced to ASTM G154 weathering guidance. Fit and airflow mattered most.
1. Iron Forge Tools Smokeless Fire Pit Ring — the reliable 36-inch all-rounder
The Iron Forge Tools ring is a 36-inch round steel insert built for standard masonry pits. Double-wall airflow pulls cool air up the sidewall and reignites smoke at the rim, which cuts the eye-stinging haze that plagues open pits. At 36 inches it seats cleanly inside most block rings without a custom cut. Steel is thick enough to resist warping through a full burn season, and the plain finish weathers to a stable patina rather than flaking. For the widest fit at a fair price, this is the pick.
2. SoulMate 40-Inch Outer/36-Inch Inner Fire Pit Ring — for oversized brick pits
The SoulMate uses a 40-inch outer and 36-inch inner diameter, so it drops into wider brick or paver rings where a flat 36-inch insert would rattle loose. That 4-inch gap between walls is where the secondary combustion happens, feeding preheated air to the top row of vents. Solid metal steel construction keeps it from oil-canning under high heat. If your existing pit runs large and you’ve struggled to find a snug insert, the dual-diameter spec solves the fit problem directly.
3. Fruyyzl 60-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert — the party-sized liner
At 60 inches, the Fruyyzl liner is the largest here and suits big backyard gathering pits. The airflow design routes intake through lower ports to feed a taller flame, so you can burn full-length splits without choking the fire. Durable steel handles the extra thermal load across that span. The trade-off is honest. A ring this wide needs a genuinely large masonry base, and it burns fuel faster than a 36-inch model. Right sizing matters here more than anywhere.
4. Fruyyzl 48-Inch Fire Pit Ring Insert — the middle-ground airflow pick
The 48-inch Fruyyzl splits the difference between the compact 36-inch rings and the 60-inch monster. Same airflow geometry, same durable steel, but a diameter that fits mid-size patio pits without dwarfing a small yard. It moves enough air for clean secondary burn while staying reasonable on wood consumption. If you find 36 inches cramped for a family fire but don’t need stadium seating, this is the sensible middle. Confirm your inner pit clears 48 inches before ordering.
5. Zzuvjoy 36 Inch Fire Pit Ring — the vented budget option
The Zzuvjoy is a 36-inch steel ring with an air-vent pattern aimed at patio, backyard, and garden use. It covers the same footprint as the Iron Forge pick and works as a straightforward campfire liner. Vent placement drives the smoke reduction, though the steel runs on the lighter side, so expect more visible weathering over multiple seasons. As a low-cost entry into secondary-burn rings for a standard-size pit, it earns its spot.
Comparison Table
| Insert | Diameter | Material | Airflow | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Forge Tools | 36 in | Round steel | Double-wall rim | Standard pits |
| SoulMate | 40/36 in | Solid steel | Dual-wall gap | Oversized brick |
| Fruyyzl 60″ | 60 in | Durable steel | Lower ports | Large gatherings |
| Fruyyzl 48″ | 48 in | Durable steel | Lower ports | Mid-size patios |
| Zzuvjoy | 36 in | Vented steel | Side vents | Budget builds |
Buying Guide: Fit, Gauge, and Airflow
Measure the inner diameter of your masonry pit first, then buy an insert 1 to 2 inches smaller so it seats without binding as steel expands. The SoulMate’s 40/36 spec and the Fruyyzl 48-inch and 60-inch options cover the larger ranges. Steel gauge decides lifespan. Thicker walls resist the warping that opens gaps and kills the secondary burn. Vent geometry does the real work, drawing cool air up between walls to reignite smoke near the rim. A stainless steel fire pit resists rust longest, but coated carbon steel at a lower price still clears several seasons with a cover.
How Inserts Compare to a Full Pit
A ring insert is the cheapest path to cleaner flames if you already own a masonry pit. It costs a fraction of a new unit and installs in seconds. A dedicated stainless steel fire pit gives you a portable, self-contained bowl with matched airflow from the factory, which suits decks and paver patios. Wood burners weighing this against gas should read our gas vs wood burning fire pit breakdown before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smokeless fire pit inserts actually reduce smoke?
Yes, when sized right and burning dry wood. The double-wall design preheats air and reignites smoke particles at the rim. Wirecutter notes secondary-burn rings cut visible smoke sharply, though wet or green wood still smokes regardless of the insert.
What size insert fits my pit?
Measure the inner diameter, then choose a ring 1 to 2 inches smaller. A 36-inch pit takes the Iron Forge or Zzuvjoy. Larger brick pits fit the SoulMate 40/36, Fruyyzl 48-inch, or 60-inch models.
Will a steel insert rust?
Carbon steel develops surface rust over seasons, especially through freeze-thaw. A cover and dry storage slow it. Stainless resists longest. ASTM weathering references confirm coated steel outlasts bare steel in wet-dry cycling by a wide margin.
Can I use one on a wood deck?
Not directly. These are inserts for masonry or metal pits that already sit on a fire-rated base. Keep any open flame well clear of combustible decking and follow local clearance codes.
How long do these inserts last?
Expect several burn seasons from thicker-gauge rings like the Iron Forge and SoulMate. Lighter steel, as on the budget Zzuvjoy, weathers faster. Storage and covering drive lifespan more than brand.
Do I still need to clean the pit?
Yes. Ash buildup blocks the lower vent ports and starves the secondary burn. Clear ash between fires and rinse the ring occasionally. Our full walkthrough covers the routine step by step.
Bottom Line
The Iron Forge Tools 36-inch ring wins for most buyers. Its double-wall airflow, standard fit, and durable steel handle a full season without warping, and it drops into the widest range of masonry pits. If your existing pit runs oversized, step up to the SoulMate 40/36 for a snug seat instead. One caveat holds across every pick. No insert clears smoke from wet or green wood, so burn seasoned splits and cover the ring between fires.
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