Cast Iron vs Steel Fire Pit: Which One Should You Buy?

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22 October 2026

The picks: cast iron vs steel fire pit

How we scored them

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.

We scored each pit on performance, build, value, safety and warranty. The steel pits lead on completeness: the Crossweave and Cosmic include the spark screen, poker and cover, while the cast iron bowls ship as the bowl alone. The cast iron side scores on build solidity and the rustic finish.

Cast iron vs steel: what the listings show

Weight and feel

The cast iron examples weigh 18.2 and 26.2 pounds for 24- and 30-inch bowls; the steel examples weigh 28.4 and 29 pounds for larger 36- and 42-inch overall sizes. Per pound of pit, the cast iron is denser, which is why the listings describe a substantial, sturdy feel. The steel pits spread their weight over a larger footprint with the outer ring. The listings give practical moving advice too. The Crossweave listing says one person can carry the 29-pound pit across the yard by the outer ring, while the Cosmic listing calls its 28.4 pounds a two-person move. On the cast iron side, the listings warn that the side handles become hot during use: wear heat-resistant gloves, and move the pit only after the fire is completely out and the bowl has fully cooled.

What comes in the box

This is the clearest split in the listings. The steel Crossweave includes a spark screen, poker, wood grate and cover; the steel Cosmic includes a spark screen, grate and poker. The cast iron bowls include the bowl, legs and handles only: no screen, no poker, no cover. If you want to burn the night you buy it, the steel side is ready; the cast iron side needs accessories. Beyond screens and covers, the gap matters for cooking and setup. The cast iron listings say a compatible cooking grate can be added but is not included, and they warn against cooking directly on the oxidized bowl. Assembly is short on both sides: the cast iron listings describe about 10 minutes with the included hardware and minimal tools, while the Cosmic lists about ten minutes and the Crossweave assembles in four steps. All four listings place the pit on stone, brick, gravel or a fire-safe pad to shield decks and patios from heat.

Finish and care

The cast iron bowls have an oxidized rustic finish that the listings say will keep changing color as the iron is exposed to water and oxygen; cover between uses. The steel pits have high-temperature paint in bronze; the listings say to cover them too and store dry to prevent rust. None of the four has drainage holes, so all need rainwater emptied by hand. The care routines in the listings double as buying advice. Remove ash after each fire, let the pit cool completely, and clean the bowl before covering. The cast iron bowls have no drainage holes, so rainwater gets emptied by tilting with the built-in handles; the steel listings say the same and add slipping the cover on after each use. The Crossweave steel is 24-gauge (0.6 mm) with bronze high-temperature paint stated to resist heat and weather, and the Cosmic listing adds storing in a dry, covered location in the off-season to slow rust and weathering.

Size and seating

The cast iron 24-inch seats 3 to 4 people; the cast iron 30-inch, the steel Crossweave and the steel Cosmic each seat 6 to 8. The steel pits’ outer rings add gathering space beyond the bowl. For a crowd, the steel side offers the bigger footprints; for a small patio, the 24-inch cast iron fits. Height and bowl depth shape the fire itself. The Crossweave bowl is 31 inches across and 11 inches deep, standing 16 inches high without the screen and 24 inches with it. The Cosmic bowl runs 34 inches across and 10 inches deep, with the bowl sitting 5.5 inches above the ground to lift the fire off the surface, and the listing says it takes full-size logs. The cast iron bowls are shallower, at 5 and 6 inches deep, which suits shorter, wide-spread fires for a smaller circle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cast iron or steel better for a fire pit?

The listings do not declare a winner. Cast iron gives a solid, rustic bowl; steel ships with screens and covers in the box. Pick by the look you want and whether you value the included accessories.

Do these fire pits include a spark screen?

The two steel pits do: the Crossweave and the Cosmic each include a spark screen. The two cast iron bowls do not list one. A screen matters where embers are a concern.

Can you cook on these fire pits?

The cast iron listings say a compatible cooking grate (not included) can be added, but do not cook directly on the oxidized cast iron bowl. The steel listings do not mention cooking. Use a grate, not the bowl surface.

How do you keep a fire pit from rusting?

All four listings say the same thing: cover when not in use, empty standing water, store dry. The cast iron will still change color over time; that is the nature of the oxidized finish.

What size fire pit for 6 to 8 people?

Three of the four list 6 to 8 people: the cast iron 30-inch, the steel Crossweave 36-inch and the steel Cosmic 42-inch. The cast iron 24-inch lists 3 to 4.

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