Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit Review: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Backyard Upgrade?

There’s a certain magic that happens around a crackling fire. It’s a primal comfort that turns a simple evening into a memorable event, filled with storytelling, laughter, and the irresistible allure of toasted marshmallows. For years, my backyard felt incomplete, missing that central hub for gathering. I dreamed of cool autumn nights with friends, cozying up to the warmth, but was constantly put off by the high cost and permanence of traditional stone fire pits. I wanted something simple, portable, and affordable—a way to bring that campfire experience home and even take it on the road, without a major investment or construction project. The challenge was finding a product that could deliver that authentic wood-burning ambiance without crumbling under the heat or rusting away after the first rain shower. This search for an accessible, no-fuss fire pit is what led me to test the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit.

What to Consider Before Buying a Wood Burning Fire Pit

A wood burning fire pit is more than just a metal bowl; it’s a key solution for creating an inviting outdoor living space. It serves as a natural focal point for social gatherings, provides warmth on chilly evenings, and offers a fun, interactive way to cook simple treats like s’mores and hot dogs. The benefits extend beyond simple utility; the crackle of burning wood and the rustic aroma create a deeply relaxing atmosphere that gas-powered alternatives can’t fully replicate. For many, it’s the most authentic way to enjoy a fire outdoors.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing space or budget constraints. This includes homeowners with small patios or backyards, renters who can’t install permanent fixtures, and avid campers or RVers looking for a portable heat and cooking source. It’s for the person who values simplicity and function over ornate design or advanced features. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who desire a permanent, large-scale landscape feature or require a smokeless experience due to local regulations or personal preference. If you’re looking for a maintenance-free, instant-on fire, a propane model might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The footprint of your fire pit is paramount. A 22-inch diameter, like that of the Gas One model, is perfect for smaller patios, decks, or designated campground spots. Always ensure you have adequate clearance from flammable materials, including your house, sheds, and overhanging tree branches—a minimum of 10-15 feet is a safe rule of thumb.
• Capacity/Performance: Consider the size of the fire you want to build. A shallower bowl, while safer and easier to manage, won’t accommodate large, roaring bonfires. It’s better suited for smaller logs and a more controlled flame, ideal for providing ambiance and warmth for a group of 4-6 people. Look for features like a mesh screen to control sparks and embers.
• Materials & Durability: Most budget-friendly fire pits are made from powder-coated or heat-painted steel. While lightweight, this material requires care. Alloy steel, as used in the Gas One pit, offers a decent balance of strength and weight, but it is susceptible to rust if the coating is scratched or it’s left exposed to moisture. Heavy-gauge steel or cast iron models will last longer but are significantly heavier and more expensive.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Assembly should be straightforward, but more importantly, consider long-term care. How easy is it to clean out the ash? Is it light enough to move and store? To maximize its lifespan, you’ll likely need to store it in a dry place or invest in a protective cover. Some users even drill a small drainage hole in the bottom to prevent water from pooling.

While the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit is an excellent choice for a specific user, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Simple, Sleek, and Ready for Fire

Unboxing the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit was a refreshingly simple affair. The box was surprisingly light, immediately confirming its portable nature. Inside, the components were neatly packed: the 21.5-inch fire bowl, three legs, a circular support ring, the mesh spark lid, a fire poker, and a small bag of hardware. The powder-coated black finish gave it a sleek, modern look that could blend into almost any outdoor decor. At a mere 5.35 kg (under 12 pounds), I could easily carry the entire unit with one hand before assembly.

Assembly, however, presented a minor hurdle that seems common with products in this price range. As some users have noted, the legs and support ring have stamped ribbing for strength, which can make the connection points too thick for the included screws and wingnuts. We found that a bit of firm pressure was needed, and for one connection, a gentle tap with a rubber mallet helped flatten the ribbing just enough for the wingnut to catch securely. While a minor inconvenience, it’s something to be aware of—a simple modification for a much sturdier final product. Once assembled, which took about 15 minutes, the pit stood at a comfortable 20 inches high with the lid on, feeling reasonably stable for its lightweight design. You can see the full specifications and dimensions here.

Performance Under Fire: A Deep Dive into the Gas One Fire Pit

A fire pit’s true worth is only revealed when it’s filled with crackling logs. We put the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit through its paces over several evenings, evaluating everything from the assembly quirks to its long-term durability prospects. This isn’t a high-end, indestructible hearth; it’s a functional, budget-friendly tool for creating ambiance, and it performs that job with a few important caveats.

Assembly and Setup: A Hands-On Approach

As mentioned, the initial setup process is where you first interact with the unit’s budget-conscious construction. The instructions are basic, but the assembly is intuitive: attach the three legs to the circular support ring, then attach that base to the fire bowl. The challenge, as we and other users discovered, lies with the hardware. The use of wingnuts is curious; while tool-free, they don’t inspire the same confidence as traditional nuts and bolts. The primary issue stems from the stamped metal ribs on the legs and ring. When you overlap them, the combined thickness can be just slightly too much for the screw’s length.

We confirmed the “hammer fix” mentioned by one user works wonders. By placing the connection point on a block of wood and giving it a few taps with a hammer to slightly flatten the ribs, the screw and wingnut fit perfectly and could be tightened down securely. This small, five-minute modification made a world of difference, transforming the pit from slightly wobbly to acceptably sturdy. While it’s an extra step, it’s a simple one that ensures a safer, more stable base. It’s a classic case of a small DIY tweak elevating a budget product’s performance, a trade-off many will find acceptable for the price. Once built, its light weight makes finding the perfect spot in the yard an effortless task.

Fire Performance and Heat Management

Once assembled, we loaded the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit with kindling and a few small, seasoned logs. The bowl’s 21.5-inch diameter is generous enough for a pleasant fire, but its shallow depth is a key characteristic to understand. This isn’t designed for a towering bonfire. It’s best suited for 3-4 standard-sized logs, which is plenty for generating significant warmth and a beautiful flame. We found it perfect for a group of four to sit around comfortably. The shallow design actually helps radiate heat outwards more effectively than a deep pit would.

During our tests, we noted what other users have experienced with the mesh lid. Under the heat of a healthy fire, the thin metal of the lid can begin to glow red and show signs of warping. This is largely cosmetic and the lid still functions, but it’s a clear indicator of the material’s limitations. The lid is crucial for safety, doing an excellent job of containing stray sparks and embers, especially on a breezy night. The included fire poker is basic but perfectly functional for lifting the hot lid by its handle and nudging logs around. We also took the advice of one user and plan to drill a small 1/4-inch hole in the center of the bowl’s bottom. This will serve as a drain to prevent rainwater from pooling and accelerating rust, a simple but brilliant modification for longevity.

Durability and Longevity: Managing Expectations

This is arguably the most critical aspect of the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit review. Constructed from powder-coated alloy steel, it’s built to a price point, and its lifespan will be directly proportional to the care it receives. We can confirm, as multiple users have stated, that it will rust if left exposed to the elements. The high-temperature coating does a decent job protecting the steel from the fire itself, but any scratch, dent, or prolonged exposure to moisture will allow oxidation to begin.

After just one night left out in heavy dew, we noticed the very first signs of surface rust on a few of the screws. This isn’t a defect; it’s the nature of this type of steel. To get multiple seasons of use from this fire pit, a proactive approach is essential. Our expert recommendation is twofold: first, buy a waterproof cover. A simple, inexpensive cover will be the single best investment you can make to protect it. Second, after the fire is completely out and the pit has cooled, tip it over to dump out the ash and store it in a garage, shed, or covered porch. Its light weight makes this incredibly easy to do. If you treat it as a portable appliance rather than a permanent fixture, you can dramatically extend its life and keep it looking great.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the user consensus on the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit aligns perfectly with our findings. There’s a strong appreciation for its value proposition. One user summed it up well, calling it a “Great little firebowl at decent price. Made well.” Many, like the family who used it for “s’mores and roasting hotdogs,” praise it for being the perfect tool for creating family memories. Its portability is another frequently lauded feature, with one camper noting it “Looks great at the campgrounds and easy to move around.”

However, the feedback is also candid about the product’s limitations. The most common complaint is its susceptibility to rust. As one reviewer stated bluntly, “if it gets wet it WILL RUST honestly my only downfall of this little fire pit.” Others point to the thinness of the metal, with comments about the lid warping and turning red under high heat, which can be “kinda scary.” The wobbly nature before assembly modifications is also a recurring theme. These critiques aren’t deal-breakers for most, but they paint a clear picture: this is a budget-friendly pit that performs its core function well, as long as you manage your expectations regarding its long-term durability against the elements.

How Does the Gas One Fire Pit Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand if the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit is right for you, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other popular options that serve different needs.

1. CITYBONFIRES Portable Table Top Fire Pit 2-Pack

The CITYBONFIRES option represents the ultimate in portability and convenience, but it’s a completely different experience. This is a mini, self-contained “fire in a can” made from non-toxic soy wax. It’s perfect for someone with a small apartment balcony or who wants a tiny, food-safe flame for roasting marshmallows on a tabletop without any smoke, ash, or setup. It’s a single-use (though it can be re-lit) product that offers a few hours of burn time. Choose this if you prioritize ease of use and a small footprint above all else and don’t need the heat or scale of a real wood fire.

2. Outland Living 21-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit

The Outland Living fire pit is a direct competitor in size but uses propane instead of wood. This is the ideal choice for those who want a fire at the flip of a switch, with no smoke, sparks, or cleanup. Its 58,000 BTU output provides significant, adjustable heat. Crucially, propane fire pits are often permitted in areas with active fire bans where wood fires are not. The trade-off is the need to carry a propane tank, the lack of a natural wood crackle, and a significantly higher initial cost. If convenience and smokeless operation are your top priorities, the Outland Living is a superior choice.

3. Mystical Fire Color Changing Packets 12 Pack

This isn’t a fire pit, but an essential accessory that enhances the experience of any wood-burning fire, including the Gas One pit. Tossing one of these unopened packets into the flames creates a brilliant display of vibrant blue, green, purple, and red colors that dance in the fire for up to an hour. It’s pure novelty and fun, perfect for delighting kids and adults alike. This is an inexpensive add-on for anyone who already has a wood fire pit and wants to add a touch of magic to their evening gatherings. It’s a great way to elevate the simple, classic fire you get from the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit.

The Final Verdict: A Worthy Investment for the Budget-Conscious Buyer

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Gas One 22 in Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit is clear: it offers exceptional value for a specific type of user. This is not a forever fire pit. It is not designed to withstand years of neglect out in the rain. Instead, it is a wonderfully affordable, incredibly lightweight, and highly portable tool for bringing the joy of a real wood fire to your backyard, campsite, or patio. Its performance is solid, providing ample warmth and ambiance for small gatherings. The included spark screen and poker are welcome accessories that add to its value.

We wholeheartedly recommend it to first-time fire pit owners, renters, campers, or anyone on a tight budget who understands the trade-offs. You are trading long-term, all-weather durability for a low price and supreme portability. If you are willing to perform a minor assembly tweak and commit to covering it or storing it in a dry place, this fire pit will reward you with many seasons of cozy, memorable nights. For those looking to dip their toes into the world of outdoor fires without a major financial commitment, this is one of the smartest purchases you can make. If you’re ready to add that perfect focal point to your outdoor space, you can check the latest price and secure one for your next gathering.