A fire pit can be a fantastic feature in any landscape design. It not only looks great, but can allow you to gather around a fire with family and friends. Unfortunately, fire can produce sparks that can be dangerous. So, you’ll need a fire pit spark screen. But, not all top rated fire pit spark screens are as good as their marketing hype. While there may not appear to be much to a fire pit spark screen, don’t be fooled.
In our quest to discover the best fire pit spark screen, we assessed the size and shape. This not only impacts the aesthetics of the screen, but the stability and functionality. We also evaluated the materials and how these affect durability. We also looked at the weight. Screens need to be light enough to move, yet heavy enough not to shift in windy conditions. Finally, we checked the manufacturer warranties that support these products. Based on all these aspects, the Sunnydaze 36-Inch Outdoor Fire Pit Spark Screen became the Editor’s Choice.
More features: 0.7 mm frame, one-piece design, metal easy-lift handle on top
The Sunnydaze 36-Inch Outdoor Fire Pit Spark Screen is a simple and reliable screen. This is our editor’s choice because it’s a stainless steel fire pit spark screen which will keep your family safe as you enjoy your fire. It lacks some of the extra features that you might find on other products but it’s extremely effective. Any stray hot embers are easily caught by the steel mesh before they can cause any problems.
The dimensions are 36-inch wide and 7.5-inch tall with plenty of room for the flames. Because the construction is heavy-duty steel this fire pit will not move from over the pit even with higher gusts of wind. Unlike some fire pit spark screens this Sunnydaze product requires no assembly and it’s ready to use directly from the box. Simply place it on the fire pit and you’re ready to go.
The quality of the steel mesh is very high and this fire pit screen feels heavy and durable. This should ensure that you get years of service before you need to consider a replacement. For extra peace of mind Sunnydaze have backed this fire pit screen with a 1-year manufacturer warranty which demonstrates their confidence in this product.
More features: round shape, heat-resistant paint, 20-gauge steel frame, spark screen lifter
This spark screen features four steel bands that make the product durable and sturdy. The cover is made with 20-gauge steel mesh and coated with heat resistant black paint. To a certain extent this makes the spark screen able to handle higher temperatures and rust free. Despite the steel bands this fire pit is light and easy to use. The dome shape makes this an ideal fit for fire grills and rings.
The size of the Good Directions 789 Spark Screen is 40-inches in diameter with a height of 8.5-inches. A centrally located handle makes the screen easy to lift with a weight of only 10 lbs and a spark screen lifter is included. The mesh screen is dense enough to keep the hot embers at bay and this product is supplied with a 3-year guarantee! This would seem to be an ideal fire pit cover for a larger fire pit but the durability could be better.
More features: easy access lid, metal easy-lift handle
The Sunnydaze 30-inch Fire Pit Spark Screen is a stainless steel product that is resilient and durable. The surface is covered with a protective black coating that makes the screen corrosion and weather resistant. This should prolong the lifespan significantly when this fire pit is compared to other fire pit screens at a similar price. Some assembly is required but there are only four pieces to put together. The fixing holes are on the smaller side and good light is needed when you assemble the screen.
This fire pit screen has a hinge that allows you to lift it easily when you need to add more fuel or stoke the flames. If you need to remove the screen entirely you can use the top handle and it only weighs 8 lbs. The diameter of the screen is 30-inches and the height is a generous 15-inches. The shape of the dome is sleek and ergonomic which certainly adds to the appeal for your backyard fire pit. Other sizes are available to suit smaller and extra-large fire pits.
More features: removable upper section, grooved rim
As the name may suggest the Solo Stove Ranger Fire Pit Spark Screen is a minimalist solution for smaller fire pits. The screen is constructed with 304 stainless steel, there are two pieces and it weighs only 4 lbs. This makes the screen a portable solution and the upper section can be removed to add more fuel to the fire. Despite the light weight of this screen, it’s durable and designed to last for many seasons if protected. Like any stainless steel product this screen could be prone to corrosion if left out in the rain.
Another great feature of this fire pit is the grooves that are embedded into the top of the unit. These allow the users to rest their roasting sticks there as they sit around the circumference of the fire pit. As a smaller screen this is one of the more affordable products on our list. However, this is not a great choice if you have a larger or custom-built fire pit in your yard.
More features: round shape, black heat-resistant handle
The Dagan Industries 21-inch Black Mesh Cover is a no-nonsense fire pit cover. This product has a heavy-duty mesh construction with a handle on top to remove the screen when adding fuel. The diameter of 21-inches is sufficient for most smaller to medium size fire pits and it only weighs 2 lbs. Because this is a lightweight solution this is a great option if you want to store your fire pit screen from the weather. The surface of the screen is susceptible to corrosion and it will not last for long if left outdoors for extended periods of time.
This is an affordable fire pit cover for those that enjoy an occasional fire in their yard. Because it’s light compared to the other screens on our list it can be prone to lateral movement in high winds. Dagan Industries have included a 1-year warranty with this product which demonstrates that they have some confidence in this product.
More features: metal easy-lift handle, metal X-Shaped bands on top
The Sunnydaze 24-inch Fire Pît Spark Screen is a sleek and durable solution which is ready to use right out of the box. This one of only two square fire pit spark screens on our list and it’s a basic screen with a no-frills approach. There is no hinged lid and if you want to add more fuel it must be lifted clear first. There are different sizes available for users with smaller or extra-large square fire pits.
Because this is a more affordable screen the construction materials could be better. Some buyers have complained that this screen is very susceptible to corrosion and it can warp from heat over time. However, it’s important to realize that this is a common complaint amongst buyers of fire pit screens at this price point. This screen is a good solution for occasional users of square fire pits but protection is recommended from the weather.
More features: heat-resistant black paint, spark screen lifter
The Good Directions 782 Spark Screen is the second square model on our list. It measures 30-inches along each side with a height of 8-inches to accommodate a good size fire. The construction is 20-gauge steel with a covering of black heat resistant paint. This screen required no assembly, it’s ready to use right out of the box and the design is simple. There is no hinge to lift the screen, a handle is fitted to the top and a spark screen lifter is included.
The intricate woven mesh screen does a great job at preventing the escape of embers and spark into your yard. Although the screen is powder coated it may be susceptible to corrosion if left out over time. This fire pit screen weighs a little under 10 lbs making it easy to move, remove and store as required.
More features: round shape, four pieces, high temperature paint
The Hampton’s Buzaar 36-Inch Round Fire Pit Spark Screen is a very high quality and durable product which makes it a natural fit as our premium pick. This spark screen is a heavy-duty model that offers plenty of protection for your family against spark flares from your outdoor fires. One of the best things about this product is the size, at 36-inch the diameter is ideal for larger fire pits. This fire pit screen is made with black coated steel that is designed to handle high temperatures without spoiling your enjoyment.
Most users will choose this fire pit cover for an extra-large or custom fire pit. The operation is simple thanks to the sturdy lift ring system that allows you to open the spark screen easily when you need to add more fuel. Although some assembly is required before you can use this product it’s simple to put together and there are only 4 parts. It’s clear to see that the company has plenty of confidence in this fire pit spark screen because it comes with a 2-year warranty.
With so many fire pit spark screens on the market, it can be tricky to choose the right one. So, here we’ve compiled a buying guide with features to consider and answers to frequently asked questions to help you.
Many people enjoy using a fire pit in their yard or taking one on a camping trip. There is something comforting about sitting around a fire and maybe cooking a snack at the same time. But, over the years there have been some significant injuries and dealing with fire should always be approached cautiously. Using a fire pit spark screen may not mitigate every risk but it will help to prevent the spread of sparks and embers. A fire pit screen such as the Sunnydaze 36-Inch Outdoor Fire Pit Spark Screen on our list fits over your fire grill, rings, pit or campfire. These devices are designed to prevent sparks, flames and embers from leaving the fire pit to promote safety. This allows the user to access the fire to add fuel without removing a layer of protection and it will prevent fires in nearby areas.
Every fire pit spark screen is different. So, here are some of the features you should consider when making your purchase decision.
Measure your fire pit before you make a purchase to ensure that you get one to suit your needs. Measure the diameter carefully because you want a fire that burns in a controlled and efficient manner. If you get a screen that’s too small or too large it may not prevent the spread of sparks and embers making it useless.
Measure from the furthest point across the entire pit to the far side and measure it again at another point to make sure. This will help you to make an accurate sizing and then you can add an inch to find the minimum size of the fire pit screen to fit your pit. Don’t choose a screen that’s the same diameter as your fire pit because it could fall in and be dangerous to use.
Aside from the dimensions which are determined by the size of your fire pit there is another key choice to make. There are two general sizes of fire pìts screen available, they are: round and square. Although a square fire pit screen may fit over a round fire pit it’s a better idea to get a round screen such as the Hampton’s Buzaar 36-Inch Round Fire Pit Spark Screen instead.
It is more aesthetically pleasing to match a square fire pit with a square screen such as the Good Directions 782 Spark Screen. However, there are practical considerations that will affect how you use the screen safely. When you lift or remove the wrong shape of screen from a fire pit it can easily tip into the fire. This could be dangerous because burning wood can be displaced and the screen could topple onto someone.
If you have a custom-built fire pit that’s unusually shaped it’s not likely that you will get an exact match with an off the shelf fire pit screen. In many cases, users of custom fire pits will need to source a screen or get one custom built to fit. This can be expensive, but the effect can be stunning if you have the space and budget.
Before you order a fire pit spark screen you need to think about the materials used in the construction. There are a few different options that are in use when it comes to making the frame and mesh of a fire pit screen. The most common construction materials include: stainless steel, copper and powder coated steel. The materials that you choose will affect how the fire pit screen looks and performs which can have a huge impact on the enjoyment of your fire.
Because a fire pit spark screen needs to resist heat you will find that they are almost exclusively constructed from some kind of metal. Most metals will corrode if left outdoors over time where they are exposed to harsh weather conditions. As a screen rusts the metal will become weaker and this will affect the efficiency of the screen. Many people only consider the aesthetic impact of rust because it makes a metal surface ugly. However, the formation of rust on the metal mesh or weave of the screen is more concerning. Eventually, the mesh will begin to fail and sparks or embers can get through the surface.
The best way to mitigate the effects of corrosion on your fire pit screen is to purchase a stainless steel model such as the Sunnydaze 30-inch Fire Pit Spark Screen. This will increase the resistance to corrosion but it will not eliminate the threat entirely. Another option would be to buy a powder coated screen such as the Good Directions 782 Spark Screen. Many users protect their screens when they are not in use with a cover or they store it when it’s not in regular use. Others add a layer of heat resistant paint or a corrosion protection product at the start of each outdoor heating season. If you adopt this approach take care with outdoor cooking and make sure any harmful chemicals are not used or burned away first.
Like many modern products the latest spark screens are now designed to be aesthetically pleasing and functional at the same time. This is particularly noticeable when it comes to accessing the fire pit to add fuel without needing to remove the screen entirely. Many fire pit spark screens have a hinge that allows the user to lift the screen easily without touching a handle on top. A top mounted handle is still useful but as you may imagine it will get hot and it cannot be touched safely when a fire is burning in the pit.
Many fire pit screens such as the Good Directions 789 Spark Screen come with a spark screen lifter included. This is a fork shaped tool that allows the user to lift the handle of the screen without touching it directly. This is a more cumbersome method than a hinged model but it’s a common feature on less expensive fire pit screens.
The length of the guarantee or warranty on any items that you purchase demonstrates the level of confidence that the manufacturer has in that particular product. This is equally true when you look at fire pit spark screens and having a longer warranty is always more desirable. The length of warrant will vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific fire pit screens they make and sell. The best warranty on our list is the 3-year guarantee offered on the Good Directions 789 Spark Screen. A shorter warranty of 1-year may seem like a good option but it doesn’t give you enough time to evaluate the screen over more than one heating season. That being said, the longer the warranty the more expensive the fire pit spark screen is likely to be due to pricing constraints. If you’re a casual user and you plan to store your screen or put it under cover when it’s not in use it will last longer anyway. A good example of this type of screen is the Dagan Industries 21-inch Black Mesh Cover on our list.
Let’s face it, price is a major consideration when it comes to making any kind of purchase. Choosing a high-end fire pit spark screen is an option if you have the budget but you can get excellent efficiency and utility on a tighter budget. The best route is to get the best fire pit spark screen that you can afford without breaking the bank. Cover the screen or store it when it’s not in use and a good screen can last for years. This will ensure that you get the maximum return on your investment no matter how much you spent. The best value pick on our list is the Dagan Industries 21-inch Black Mesh Cover which we believe offers a lot for a modest price.
As we have demonstrated, there are some fantastic fire pit spark screens on the market. From the Good Directions 789 Spark Screen that has an innovative hook and handle for easy movement to the Sunnydaze 30-Inch Fire Pit Spark Screen which has a practical clamshell design. However, the stand out pick for the best fire pit spark screen is our editor’s choice, the Sunnydaze 36-Inch Outdoor Fire Pit Spark Screen.
This impressive product is light enough to move, yet is sturdy enough to not move around even if it gets a little windy. The mesh is high quality and the height dimensions provide plenty of room to get a nice fire going. This will be ideal for your next outdoor gathering.
