The Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit typifies the ethos of Amazon's Basics line - a group of products that come cheap but don't miss out on quality.
If anything, it's also proof that landing itself in our guide to the best fire pits does not mean a good pit has to be expensive or stuffed with tech: sometimes what you need is a box in which you can put some fire, and this is precisely what that is. As we explain further into Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit review, it's an ideal starter choice for beginners, as well as for people on a tight budget.
It's certainly a good way to keep things on your patio warm (though if you'd prefer an electric option, you could always consider one of the best patio heaters instead) and there's little argument that it isn't an absolute bargain compared to the luxury end of the market. But can this 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit hold a flame to its more expensive competitors? Let's find out...
Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit review: Overview
The Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit is an antique-styled fire pit that Amazon says is suitable for placement basically anywhere you might need it. It's rustic, which means it might look a little out of place on a modern patio, but if your outside space is a little more rugged we'd say it'd fit right in.
Operating it couldn't be more simple, really: lift off the included spark screen, set afire, place the screen back on, and kickback. It isn't complex, fancy, or officially for cooking, although you can use a third-party grill grate if you want to pull off some rough-and-ready burgers if you don't yet own one of the best gas grills.
Overall, the Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit is a good option if your main aim is just to enjoy a pleasant fire in your backyard, and without draining your bank account to do so.
Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit review: Spec
- MSRP: $145
- Type: Wood burning
- Dimensions: 26" x 26" x 24"
- Weight: 29.3lbs
- Material: Alloy Steel
- What’s included: Spark screen, screen-lift tool, cover
Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit review: Design
Fire pits can have glorious architectural designs - we're looking at you, Solo Stove Yukon - but the fact is that fire is a tricky thing to contain without at least some of it hanging around. Over time, that fire will discolor any fire pit, leave carbon remnants, and bring virtually any fire pit to the same level of char as the others. So why go pretty? The brushed black-and-bronze styling here is basically pre-distressed. The Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit looks well-used out of the box, and won't change much over the years.
Others take a similar tack, of course - the black outer of the Tiki Brand Fire Pit isn't there by mistake. But other aspects of the rather basic design here hide little bonuses. For example, the square base of the Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit means that although this is compact you'll actually end up with a lot more room to build a solid fire than you would in the rounded burn chamber of some others. Its mesh panels make the fire visible from all sides, giving even the embers a chance to light up your patio with a satisfying glow. It's simple, but sometimes simple works.
Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit review: Features
Even given its relatively low price, Amazon hasn't cut any corners here in terms of extras. The company throws in everything you'll need beyond fire-stoking utensils and fuel: there's a relatively simple but effective waterproof cover included, along with a pyramid-shaped spark shield and the tool you'll need to remove it.
The main unit is, by all accounts, very easy to assemble, and the spark shield can be inverted and placed point-down into the main body of the Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit to make it more compact when covered.
A solid metal base with feet means this can theoretically go on any surface, though a welders mat or similar is recommended if you're placing it on anything flammable as its base does get hot.
There are four small raised lines on the inside of the burn surface that can (when used properly) raise lower logs up a little, giving them air underneath. But the basically open sides mean that while it is not fed quite as efficiently as a fire burning in the Solo Stoves Yukon, your fire won't be choked of oxygen. Expect smoke too, and lots of it, because there's no provision for after-burning any byproducts.
Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit review: How could it benefit you?
There are so many places the Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit would feel at home: on a patio, in a pre-dug fire pit, or even on a corner of your lawn that you don't mind getting a little scorched.
At just under 30lbs, it's also light enough that you could potentially move it wherever makes sense in your yard. There are plenty more benefits to this budget fire pit too:
- It's very cheap yet made of durable steel, so if you're after a large fire pit without the hefty investment, here it is.
- If a cozy ambiance is your goal, the open-sided design really puts on a glow show.
- A mesh surround should catch any sparks or errant embers, making this relatively safe.
- It may not be perfect for burning chips or pellets, but there's plenty of capacity for burning different types of wood for different aromas.
Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit review: User reviews
Our key source for user feedback here is (somewhat predictably) Amazon, where users score it 4.6 out of 5 stars. Some have had their grass singed by it, others have even seen a little patio damage, so make sure you sit it on a heat-resistant surface.
Less favorable reviews suggest that the Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit rusts quite easily, so using the included cover is a must. Others worry that the metal is a little thin.
The general consensus is very positive though, with user reviews touching on how sturdy it feels, and virtually everyone was satisfied with the experience of sitting around the pit. Do keep in mind that a large amount of this product's feedback comes from Amazon's Vine program, which supplies free items in exchange for reviews, so it's worth being skeptical.
Should you buy the Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit?
If you're cost-conscious and not looking for a design marvel, the Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit is amongst the best no-frills fire pits you can buy. It's straightforward, tough enough for the price, and it's not going to start looking filthy after a few fires.
The inclusion of a free cover and spark shield only adds to its value. If your outdoor space is large enough that you can get this going at some distance from your home, it'll be great for a little backyard warmth and coziness.
But would we buy the Amazon Basics 26" Geometric Square Fire Pit over, say, the top-rated Tiki Brand Fire Pit? Only if that budget was absolutely crucial. Tiki Brand's gorgeous offering is a centerpiece, but however practical this might be it's not really the kind of fire pit you'll want to put in the middle of a circle of friends, particularly as there's no smoke mitigation on offer.
