Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit Review: The Ultimate Budget Backyard Upgrade?

There’s a certain magic to a backyard fire. It’s a primal comfort, a gathering point that transforms a simple patch of grass into an outdoor living room. For years, I envisioned crisp autumn evenings with friends, the crackle of burning logs punctuating laughter, and the hypnotic dance of flames holding everyone’s attention. The problem? High-end fire pits often come with shockingly high-end price tags. I wanted the experience—the s’mores, the stories, the warmth—without committing to a landscape-altering, four-figure investment. The challenge was navigating the sea of budget-friendly options, trying to find that sweet spot between affordability and something that wouldn’t rust into a pile of orange dust after one season. This search for an accessible, attractive, and functional fire pit is what led us to put the Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit to the test.

What to Consider Before Igniting Your Fire Pit Purchase

A Fire Pits is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a social hub in your outdoor space. It provides warmth on chilly nights, a focal point for gatherings, a fun way to cook simple treats like marshmallows and hot dogs, and an unparalleled ambiance that string lights and speakers alone can’t replicate. The right fire pit can fundamentally change how you use your backyard, turning it from a transitional space into a destination for relaxation and connection. It’s an investment in experiences and memories.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the desire for an enhanced outdoor lifestyle on a practical budget. This includes first-time homeowners looking to furnish a patio, families wanting a safe and contained way to introduce kids to campfires, or anyone with a smaller yard or deck where a massive, permanent structure would be overwhelming. It’s for the person who plans to use it for weekend gatherings or quiet evenings, not necessarily for nightly bonfires. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who need a very large heat source for big crowds or for someone who wants a permanent, maintenance-free landscape feature that can withstand the harshest elements year-round without any upkeep. For those users, a heavier-duty cast iron model or a professionally installed stone pit might be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The overall footprint of a fire pit determines where it can be safely placed. A 27-inch diameter is relatively compact, making it suitable for smaller patios and backyards. You must always ensure you have at least 10-15 feet of clearance from your house, trees, and any other flammable structures. Consider not just the diameter, but the height as well, as this affects seating arrangements and heat distribution.
• Capacity/Performance: The size of the fire bowl itself (in this case, 23 inches) dictates how much wood you can burn and, consequently, the size and intensity of your fire. A 23-inch bowl is perfect for standard 16-18 inch logs and can produce a pleasant, moderately sized fire ideal for a group of 4-6 people. If you dream of roaring bonfires, you’ll need to look for a pit with a bowl diameter of 30 inches or more.
• Materials & Durability: The vast majority of fire pits in this price range are made from painted alloy steel. While steel is strong and relatively lightweight, it is susceptible to rust, especially once the high heat of the fire burns away the protective paint inside the bowl. To maximize its lifespan, it is critical to protect it from moisture with a cover and, ideally, store it in a dry place during the off-season.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good fire pit should be simple to set up, use, and clean. Look for features like a removable bowl for easy ash disposal. Maintenance is key for longevity; this involves regular cleaning, checking for rust, and potentially touching up the paint with a high-temperature resistant spray paint every few seasons to keep it looking its best.

While the Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit is an excellent choice for many, 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: Unboxing and Assembling the Amazon Basics Fire Pit

Our experience with the unboxing mirrored that of many users: the cardboard box had clearly seen better days. It was banged up, and we held our breath, hoping the contents were intact. Thankfully, despite the rough journey, all the pieces were present and undamaged—a lucky roll of the dice, as some buyers have reported receiving warped or dented parts. Inside, we found the main fire bowl, the four legs, the decorative lattice ring, a spark screen, and a simple fire poker. The instructions were minimal, more of a diagram than a step-by-step guide, but the assembly concept is straightforward enough that we could figure it out within about 20 minutes.

Once assembled, the Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit looks quite handsome. The black painted finish is uniform, and the lattice cutouts provide a classic, appealing aesthetic that allows for a 360-degree view of the flames. It feels surprisingly lightweight at just under 18 pounds, making it easy for one person to move around the yard. This is a double-edged sword: it’s great for portability but hints that the steel is on the thinner side. It certainly doesn’t have the heft of a premium cast iron model, but for its price point, the initial look and feel exceeded our expectations.

A Deep Dive into Performance and Durability

A fire pit can look great out of the box, but its true value is revealed over time, through assembly frustrations, the quality of its blaze, and how it holds up to the combined assault of fire and weather. We spent several weeks testing the Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit, evaluating every aspect from the initial setup to its long-term viability.

Assembly and Build Quality: A Game of Chance?

The assembly process for this fire pit is where the “budget” aspect first becomes truly apparent. In a perfect world, the four legs attach to the main bowl, and the decorative ring secures them. For us, the process was mostly smooth, taking about 20 minutes with a basic wrench. However, we’ve seen widespread user feedback that corroborates a potential for frustration. One user noted they had to “buff out the bumps” on a caved-in bottom just to get the legs to align. Another reported that the tack welds holding the adjustable feet were crooked, causing a significant wobble on a flat concrete slab that required shims to correct.

This highlights the biggest gamble with this product: quality control is inconsistent. While our unit went together without a fight, it’s clear that others are not so lucky, facing warped basins, misaligned screw holes, and even missing parts. The steel itself is noticeably thin, which contributes to its low weight but also its vulnerability to shipping damage and, eventually, rust. The legs, while stable enough once tightened, don’t inspire the same confidence as a heavier, fully-welded unit. The included poker is a two-piece screw-together rod that, as one user aptly noted, “bent on my first time trying to maneuver a large log.” It’s best reserved for lifting the hot spark screen, not for serious fire tending. You can see the full list of included accessories and components on the product page.

Burning Performance and Heat Output

Once assembled and positioned, we were eager to get a fire going. This is where the Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit truly shines. The 23-inch diameter bowl is a great size for a backyard fire. It comfortably holds 3-4 standard-sized logs, allowing you to build a fire that’s substantial enough to be a real centerpiece. The key to its excellent performance is the lattice design. The cutouts aren’t just for looks; they provide fantastic airflow to the base of the fire, helping the wood catch easily and burn more completely with less smoke than a solid-walled pit.

The result is a lively, beautiful fire that’s visible from all sides, creating the perfect atmosphere for a group to gather around. The heat output is solid for its size, providing comfortable warmth for people sitting within a 4-5 foot radius on a cool evening. The included spark screen fits securely on top, doing a commendable job of containing popping embers and adding a crucial layer of safety, especially if you have kids or pets. While one user felt it was only suitable for “very small fires with not much more than sticks,” we found it perfectly capable of handling a proper log fire, making it ideal for everything from roasting marshmallows to simply enjoying the ambiance.

Durability and Longevity: Managing Expectations

No one should purchase a sub-$100 steel fire pit expecting it to last a lifetime. The critical question is whether it offers enough longevity to justify its price. Based on our testing and extensive user feedback, the lifespan of the Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit is directly proportional to the care it receives. Left uncovered and exposed to rain, it will rust—quickly. The black paint inside the bowl will inevitably burn off after the first few uses, exposing the raw steel to moisture.

One long-term user provided the most realistic expectation: after three years of heavy use, their legs had “rotted out,” though the main bowl was still usable for another season. This is a predictable outcome for thin steel in contact with wet ground and ash. To dramatically extend its life, two user-suggested steps are non-negotiable. First, you MUST buy a waterproof cover and use it diligently. Second, consider drilling a small 1/4-inch drain hole in the center of the bowl to prevent rainwater from pooling and accelerating rust. Storing it in a garage or shed during wet months or the off-season will provide the ultimate protection. With these simple, proactive steps, you can reasonably expect to get several years of enjoyable use from this fire pit, making it a fantastic value.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring through hundreds of user experiences reveals a consistent story of a product that delights many and disappoints some, largely depending on expectations and luck of the draw with quality control. The positive reviews are filled with enthusiasm for the value proposition. One happy customer captured the essence of the product perfectly, saying, “Have used it several times so far this summer, works wonderfully many a s’more and singing and story telling has already been had around it.” This sentiment is common, with many praising its simple beauty and effectiveness for creating family memories.

Another interesting trend is its adoption by owners of smokeless fire pits. Several users reported buying it specifically as a decorative surround for their Solo Stove, noting that it fits perfectly and elevates the look. On the negative side, the feedback almost exclusively centers on quality control upon arrival. One frustrated buyer listed a litany of issues: “The basin arrived warped, making it impossible to tighten the leg screws… I only received three of the four little round dishes required anyway… I only received two of the three side handles.” These “dud” units are a real risk and a stark reminder that this is a mass-produced, budget-tier product.

How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?

The Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit occupies a competitive space. To understand its position in the market, it’s essential to see how it measures up against other popular models.

1. BALI OUTDOORS 32 inch Wood Burning Fire Pit

The BALI OUTDOORS fire pit offers a significant upgrade in size and functionality. At 32 inches, it provides a larger fire bowl for bigger, warmer fires. Its standout feature, however, is the included cooking grate that swivels and is height-adjustable. This transforms the unit from a simple fire pit into a functional wood-fired grill. It’s the ideal choice for someone who loves the idea of cooking over an open flame just as much as they love the ambiance. The trade-off is a higher price point and a heavier build, making it less portable than the Amazon Basics model.

2. Sunnydaze 36-Inch Outdoor Wood-Burning Fire Pit

The Sunnydaze Crossweave fire pit is for those who want to make a bigger statement. With its massive 36-inch diameter, this pit is a true backyard centerpiece, capable of hosting large, roaring fires for bigger gatherings. It’s generally constructed from thicker steel, giving it a more substantial and durable feel. This model often comes with a full-size vinyl cover included, acknowledging the importance of protection from the elements. Choose the Sunnydaze if you have ample space, frequently host larger groups, and are willing to invest a bit more for a more robust, commanding presence.

3. Pure Garden 32-Inch Wood Burning Fire Pit

The Pure Garden 32-Inch fire pit is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Amazon Basics model, operating in a similar budget-friendly sphere. It offers a slightly larger 32-inch diameter but often features a simpler, more utilitarian design. Like the Amazon Basics pit, it’s made of lightweight steel and includes a spark screen and poker. The choice between the two often comes down to aesthetic preference—the classic bowl shape of the Pure Garden versus the lattice design of the Amazon Basics—and which one happens to be on sale at the moment. It’s another solid entry-level option for those prioritizing price above all.

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

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Amazon Basics 27 inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit is an excellent entry-level fire pit that delivers fantastic value, provided you understand exactly what you’re buying. It is not a heavy-duty, heirloom-quality piece of hardware. It is an affordable, attractive, and highly functional accessory for creating the coveted backyard fire experience without a significant financial outlay. Its lightweight design is easy to manage, and its performance in creating a beautiful, well-ventilated fire is exceptional for its class.

We recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone with a smaller patio or yard, those new to fire pits, or anyone who wants the ambiance for occasional gatherings. The key to satisfaction is to manage expectations regarding build consistency and to commit to protecting it with a cover. If you can accept the possibility of minor imperfections and are willing to invest in a cover to protect it, you will be rewarded with years of cozy evenings and cherished memories. For its price, the experience it enables is hard to beat. If you’re ready to transform your backyard into a welcoming oasis, you can check the latest price and order yours today.