There’s a certain magic to the flicker of an open flame under a starry sky. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of gathering friends and family in the backyard, sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, and soaking in the primal comfort of a crackling fire. For years, however, the thought was just that—a thought. The prospect of a permanent, built-in stone fire pit felt like a massive commitment in both cost and yard space. We wanted the experience, not the construction project. The challenge was finding a solution that was simple, affordable, and perfectly scaled for our cozy patio, a space where every square foot counts. We needed something that could be the heart of our evening and then discreetly tucked away, not a permanent monolith. This search for an accessible, no-fuss bonfire experience is what led us to investigate the world of portable steel fire pits.
- RURABLE & RUST RESISTANT: Crafted with a heavy-duty steel frame and treated with high-heat paint, this fire pit ensures long-lasting durability and resistance against rust. It is built to withstand...
- PERFECT SIZE FOR SMALL GROUPS: With an overall size of 22 inches in diameter and 20 inches in height, this fire pit is ideal for gatherings of 3-5 people. It provides a comfortable and intimate...
- ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES: Comes with a fire poker and a mesh spark screen. The fire poker enables you to move wood and lift the lid safely, while the spark screen prevents potentially dangerous fly...
What to Consider Before Buying a Wood-Burning Fire Pit
A Fire Pits is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a focal point for outdoor entertainment and extending the usability of your patio, deck, or backyard into cooler seasons. It transforms an empty space into a warm, inviting hub for social interaction. The primary benefit is the ambiance it creates—the light, warmth, and sound of a real wood fire are deeply comforting and can elevate a simple evening into a memorable event. Without one, cool nights can quickly send guests indoors, cutting short valuable time spent together. A good fire pit solves this by providing a comfortable heat source that encourages people to linger and connect.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized outdoor space who values flexibility and affordability. They are homeowners, renters, or even campers who want the classic bonfire experience without the permanence or expense of a custom installation. It’s perfect for those who host intimate gatherings of 3-5 people. Conversely, this type of compact fire pit might not be suitable for those who regularly host large parties, as the heat output and size won’t accommodate a big crowd. It’s also not for the individual seeking a “set it and forget it” appliance; wood-burning pits require active tending, cleaning, and proper storage to maintain their condition. Those who prioritize convenience over ambiance might consider a propane fire table instead.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your intended area carefully. A 22-inch diameter fire pit is ideal for smaller patios or defined seating areas, ensuring there’s enough clearance from flammable materials and ample room for chairs. Consider not only the footprint of the pit itself but also the “social circle” space around it. You’ll want at least 3-4 feet of comfortable seating room around the entire circumference.
- Capacity/Performance: Think about the size of the fire you want. A smaller bowl like this one is perfect for creating a cozy ambiance with a few logs, generating enough heat for a small group. It won’t produce a massive, roaring bonfire, which is often a benefit in suburban or smaller backyard settings. The included log grate is a key performance feature, as it elevates the wood to improve airflow, resulting in a more efficient, less smoky burn.
- Materials & Durability: Most fire pits in this price range are made from alloy steel with a high-heat paint finish. While this construction is sturdy enough for regular use, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Steel, when exposed to intense heat and outdoor elements, will inevitably rust over time. The high-heat paint offers initial protection, but proper care, such as storing it indoors or under a cover when not in use, is paramount to extending its lifespan.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly should be straightforward, ideally taking less than 30 minutes. Look for models that include essential accessories like a spark screen for safety and a poker for managing the fire. Long-term care involves regularly emptying the ashes and cleaning the bowl to prevent moisture buildup, which accelerates rusting. Its lightweight nature (around 11 pounds) is a huge plus for maintenance, making it easy to move and store.
Keeping these factors in mind, the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with Spark Screen stands out in several areas, particularly for its balance of size, portability, and value. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with Spark Screen is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including those with advanced features, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Definitive Ranking of the Best Smokeless Fire Pits for a Clearer Backyard Experience
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not make fire and cover...
- 3-in-1 Fire Pit: Panovue outdoor fire pit can provide inviting warmth for your patio, yard, or garden, also be used as an outdoor BBQ to cook food or as an ice bucket to keep beverages cold. When you...
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop[No waterproof cover]. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not...
First Impressions: Simple, Lightweight, and Ready for Action
Unboxing the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with Spark Screen was a refreshingly simple affair. The package arrived in a compact box, and its 11-pound weight immediately signaled one of its greatest strengths: portability. Inside, all the components were neatly packaged, and we found no signs of the shipping damage some users have reported. The parts list is minimal: the main fire bowl, four legs, an outer support ring, the log grate, the spark screen, a poker, and a small bag of hardware. The finish, a matte black high-heat paint, looked sleek and modern, giving it a more premium appearance than its price tag might suggest. One user noted it “looks even better in person,” and we’d have to agree. The assembly instructions were clear enough, though largely pictorial. As another owner wisely advised, we set aside the included stamped-metal tools and used our own socket wrench and screwdriver, which made the process much smoother. Within 10-15 minutes, the fire pit was fully assembled and standing sturdy on our patio, ready for its inaugural burn.
What We Like
- Excellent portability due to its lightweight (11 lbs) design
- Very quick and straightforward assembly, often under 15 minutes
- Perfectly sized for small patios, decks, and intimate gatherings
- Includes all essential accessories: spark screen, log grate, and poker
What We Didn’t Like
- The high-heat paint finish is prone to chipping and rusting after use
- Quality control can be inconsistent, with some reports of misaligned parts
A Deep Dive into the SINGLYFIRE Fire Pit’s Real-World Performance
A fire pit’s true worth is only revealed through the smoke, flame, and heat of repeated use. We spent several weeks putting the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with Spark Screen through its paces on our patio, evaluating everything from its setup and burn quality to its resilience against the elements. Our goal was to see if this budget-friendly model could truly deliver the coveted backyard bonfire experience.
Assembly and Setup: A 15-Minute Task with a Small Caveat
Our experience with assembly was overwhelmingly positive, confirming what many users have found: it’s a quick, intuitive build. The design is simple, and the instructions, while sparse on text, are visually clear. Attaching the four legs to the outer ring and then securing the bowl was a process that took us just over 10 minutes. This ease of setup is a significant advantage for anyone who isn’t particularly handy or simply wants to get their fire started without a hassle. We found the included hardware to be sufficient, and SINGLYFIRE even thoughtfully included extra screws and bolts, a small touch that we appreciated. However, we must echo the sentiment of one savvy user who advised using your own professional tools. The included wrench is thin and can be frustrating to use. Using a proper ratchet or wrench makes tightening the bolts much more efficient and ensures a sturdier final product.
While our unit went together perfectly, it’s important to acknowledge the minority of user reports mentioning quality control issues, such as misaligned screw holes or wobbly legs. One frustrated user noted their parts “don’t come close to lining up flush.” This seems to be a lottery of manufacturing consistency, which is not uncommon in products at this price point. For the vast majority, like us, the assembly is a breeze. The final assembled product felt stable on a flat patio surface, ready for use whether on its legs for a camping trip or, as one creative user did, placing the bowl directly into a larger stone fire pit surround.
Performance and Ambiance: The Heart of the Backyard Gathering
This is where the SINGLYFIRE truly shines for its intended purpose. The 22-inch diameter bowl is the perfect size for an intimate gathering. We comfortably seated four people around it, and everyone felt the warmth. It holds a surprising amount of wood for its size; we could easily fit 3-4 standard-sized logs inside without issue. The included log grate is not just an accessory; it’s essential for a good fire. By elevating the wood, it allows for crucial airflow from underneath, which results in a more robust flame, more complete combustion, and significantly less smoke than if the logs were sitting flat on the bottom of the bowl. We got a beautiful, crackling fire going within minutes.
The heat output is pleasant and inviting. On a cool 55°F (13°C) evening, it provided enough warmth to keep us comfortable without jackets. It won’t replicate the intense heat of a giant bonfire, but that’s not its purpose. It’s designed for ambiance and close-quarters warmth, and it excels at that. The mesh spark screen is another critical feature. It fits securely over the bowl and does an excellent job of containing stray sparks and embers, a crucial safety measure especially on a wooden deck or near dry grass. The poker, while basic, is perfectly functional for its two main jobs: stoking the logs and safely lifting the hot mesh screen using the built-in ring handle. As one happy customer put it, “This portable fireplace is a wonderful addition to our patio. We find ourselves going out to spend time out there more frequently because we have it there to use!” That perfectly encapsulates the value of this fire pit.
Durability and Longevity: Managing the Inevitable Battle Against Rust
Let’s be direct: if you buy a budget-friendly steel fire pit, you will eventually deal with rust. This is the most consistent point of feedback from long-term users, and our observations align with it. The high-heat paint is designed to withstand the fire itself, but the combination of intense heat cycles and exposure to outdoor humidity and rain will eventually compromise any coating. After our very first use and subsequent cleaning, we noticed minor chipping on the interior of the bowl, just as one user described. This is normal and expected; it’s where the fire is hottest. The real test is how you care for it between uses.
One owner provided an invaluable long-term perspective, sharing photos after 18 months and 3 years of use. After 18 months, there was visible rust but the fire pit was still perfectly functional. By the 3-year mark, rust had eaten a couple of small holes in the bowl, and the log grate had a broken weld. Yet, they felt they could still get another season out of it, concluding, “I got my money’s worth.” This is the key takeaway. To maximize the lifespan of the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with Spark Screen, you must be proactive. As another user wisely stated, “if you store this in shelter when not in use, you will minimize it.” We strongly recommend storing it in a garage or shed, or at the very least, purchasing a waterproof cover. Allowing it to sit out in the rain is a surefire way to accelerate its decline. For those willing to put in a little extra effort, one user suggested coating the bowl with a high-heat shield spray before the first use, which could provide an additional layer of protection. With proper care, you can reasonably expect to get several years of enjoyable evenings from this fire pit, making it a fantastic value.
What Other Users Are Saying
After diving deep into the collective experience of dozens of owners, a clear and consistent picture of the SINGLYFIRE fire pit emerges. The overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, centering on its exceptional value and suitability for specific needs. Users frequently praise its “easy assembly,” with many, like one first-time buyer, noting it took “like 5-10mins max!” Its compact and lightweight nature is another celebrated feature. “I wanted something small to not take up too much room where I could hide it in a corner when not using it,” one reviewer shared, perfectly capturing its appeal for those with limited space.
However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms, which are just as consistent. The most common issue, by far, is rust. “Great product for the price. Easy to assemble but it did rust after the very first use,” is a sentiment repeated in many reviews. This highlights the trade-off between affordability and material longevity. The other notable negative point revolves around manufacturing quality control. While many receive perfect units, a smaller group reports issues like receiving a “rusted and damaged” product or encountering misaligned parts that make assembly difficult. One user with a background in metal fabrication pointed out that on his unit, “the two main round rings that form it where they join together don’t come close to lining up flush.” This feedback is crucial for setting realistic expectations: while it’s a functional and effective fire pit, it may lack the polished finish and perfect uniformity of a premium model.
How Does the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Fire Pit Compare to the Alternatives?
The SINGLYFIRE fire pit occupies a specific niche—compact, affordable, and simple. To understand its place in the market, it’s helpful to compare it against other options that potential buyers might be considering.
1. Solo Stove 2-Piece Fire Pit Tool Set
- 2 PIECE SET - Solo Stove Fire Pit Tools include an angled stainless steel Fire Poker & stainless steel Firewood Tongs. Adjust your firewood with the heavy duty fire pit poker tool featuring a claw...
- ANGLED LOG POKER - The Stainless Steel Log Poker Iron is 36.5 inches long and has a 165° bend to safely reach any fire pit wood while keeping you safe. Designed for use with your Solo Stove fire pit....
- ANGLED LOG GRABBER - The log grabber has a 172° directional bend at the hinge. This lessens the resistance working against you, making it easier to gently add wood while maintaining a safe distance...
This first “alternative” isn’t a fire pit at all, but rather a premium accessory upgrade. The Solo Stove toolset, featuring a 36.5-inch poker and 32-inch tongs, is crafted from stainless steel and represents a significant step up in quality from the basic poker included with the SINGLYFIRE. While the SINGLYFIRE’s poker is functional, these tools are built for longevity, comfort, and superior reach. A user who loves their SINGLYFIRE but plans to use it frequently might consider this set a worthwhile investment. It’s for the enthusiast who wants to enhance their fire-tending experience with tools that will last as long, or longer, than the fire pit itself.
2. EcoNook 36 inch Square Outdoor Fire Pit
- 3-in-1 Fire Pit: EcoNook outdoor fire pit can provide inviting warmth for your patio, yard, or garden, also be used as an outdoor BBQ to cook food or as an ice bucket to keep beverages cold. When you...
- Deeper & Bigger Fire Bowl : Equipped with a fire bowl which depth is 4.6'' and width is 24'', EcoNook outdoor fireplace can hold more wood and burn longer for lasting comfort. The firepit bowl is...
- Durable & Beautiful: EcoNook fire pit table frames are built with thicker iron. Each leg is reinforced with triangular metal plates on the top and bottom for maximum strength. This outdoor fire pit is...
The EcoNook represents a step up in both size and functionality. At 36 inches square, it’s a much larger unit designed to be a more permanent centerpiece for a patio. Its key advantage is its multipurpose design; it functions as a fire pit, a barbecue grill with an included grate, and an ice bucket for parties. This makes it a great choice for someone who hosts larger groups and wants a single piece of outdoor furniture that can do it all. The trade-off is that it’s significantly heavier and less portable than the SINGLYFIRE, making it unsuitable for camping or for those who need to store their fire pit after each use.
3. Devoko 32 Inch Outdoor Fire Pit with Cover
- [ Top-notch Material ]: Outdoor fire pit is made of heavy-duty steel frame treated with high-temperature coating, and comes with a waterproof cover to ensure long-lasting durability outdoors while...
- [ 3-in-1 Fire Pit ]: Multi-functional design concept which is in line with culture gives you enough freedom to get creative with it - whether you're using it as a fire pit, barbecue grill or ice...
- [ Reliable Security ]: Firepit table features square design with sturdy legs for stability, while the mesh spark screen and poker provided effectively prevent sparks from flying and safely move the...
The Devoko 32-inch model is perhaps the most direct competitor to the SINGLYFIRE, but on a larger scale. It shares a similar steel construction and aesthetic but offers a much larger 32-inch diameter bowl, making it better suited for bigger fires and larger gatherings. The most significant advantage the Devoko offers is the inclusion of a waterproof cover. This directly addresses the SINGLYFIRE’s primary weakness—vulnerability to rust from the elements. A buyer torn between the two should consider their space and group size. If you need more capacity and appreciate the value-add of an included cover for protection, the Devoko is a very compelling alternative.
Our Final Verdict on the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with Spark Screen
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with Spark Screen is an exceptional entry-level fire pit that delivers fantastic value for its price. Its strengths are undeniable: it’s incredibly lightweight, remarkably easy to assemble, and perfectly sized for creating a warm, inviting ambiance in small outdoor spaces like patios, decks, or campsites. It provides the quintessential bonfire experience—crackling flames, cozy warmth, and a perfect setup for s’mores—without the high cost or permanent footprint of larger installations.
However, it is crucial for potential buyers to have realistic expectations regarding its longevity. The steel construction, while sturdy enough for its purpose, will rust over time if not cared for properly. This is not a flaw in its design but a reality of the material at this price point. By storing it out of the elements between uses, you can significantly extend its life for many seasons of enjoyment. We wholeheartedly recommend this fire pit to anyone seeking an affordable, portable, and effective solution for adding the magic of a real wood fire to their intimate outdoor gatherings.
If you’ve decided the SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with Spark Screen is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API