Create an instant bonfire with these versatile fire pits, perfect for the campsite, 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 $1,345 at Unica Home.
A Revolver Solid-Base Fire Pit is made of powder-coated steel with a black finish and has a hardwood tabletop; $147.46 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 on sale for $955 (marked down from $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.
Above: Cowboy Cauldron founder Mike Bertelsen grew up in the high desert of the American West, where campfires were a part of life. When he began spending time in Virginia, Bertelsen became enchanted with colonial crafts and cooking, as well as the art of the blacksmith. With Cowboy Cauldron, Bertelsen's goal was to develop a fire pit that would not only function as a fire feature but could be used as a portable cooking device. To learn more about the company, go to Cowboy Cauldron.
N.B.: This is an update of a post published on July 4, 2012.