Red Ember Bronze Crossweave Firebowl Fire Pit

Bottom line

The Red Ember Bronze Crossweave Firebowl Fire Pit is the best bet for homeowners looking to fuel their fire with real wood. Like any fire pit, using it involves the effort of cutting wood and building the fire, and the open flame could be risky for those with small children.

Performance

A cozy and beautiful sight. One comment that pops up over and over in reviews is that the Red Ember Bronze Crossweave Firebowl Fire Pit is a pleasure to look at. Owners love the bronze finish and the way the firelight shows through the open-weave design. They also appreciate the fire pit's large capacity, which makes it possible to build up a roaring blaze. Most owners seem to enjoy the fire pit more for entertainment than for heat, making references to putting up their feet and toasting marshmallows. However, some users do note that the Crossweave Firebowl radiates plenty of heat and, unlike propane heaters, warms your feet as well.

Ease of use

Wood-burning means prep work. Reviews generally say the Crossweave Firebowl is easy to assemble: One owner notes that the job was done in 20 minutes, even with the "help" of three children. However, another reviewer claims the process really requires two people, and a third says aligning the screws can be a fiddly process. Like any wood-burning fire pit, using the Crossweave Firebowl does take some work, as you have to either buy or cut firewood and build the fire by hand. However, the included spark screen keeps safety risks to a minimum.

Ownership

Sturdy, but watch out for rust. Owners generally describe this fire pit as "solid." We did see a few comments about certain parts, like the legs or the cooking grate, being flimsy, but these concerns are rare. The only complaint that pops up often is that the finish rusts easily. However, the fire pit does come with a weatherproof cover, and the editors at Hayneedle.com say covering the pit between uses should prevent rust. A couple of users also recommend drilling holes in the bottom for water to drain. This fire pit is backed by a six-month warranty -- shorter than those for most propane heaters, but longer than warranties for other fire p