When reader Darryl emailed Pam looking for good sources for a wok-like fire bowl — the search was on. There are plenty of modern retro looking fire bowls in a variety of shapes and sizes out there — but they don’t always come cheap.
Hi Pam,
Big fan here…thank you for all you do! I’m looking for “wok-like” planters and fire bowls that are on posts elevating them from the ground. (Very George Jetson). I’m hoping that you would know a source.
Thanks,
Darryl
Palm Springs, CA
Ok Darryl — after extensive internet research I’ve been able to find 14 “wok-like” fire bowls with George Jetson appeal — listed below from most to least expensive. Hopefully one of these is just the fire pit you’ve been searching for.
Unica Home Extremis Fire Bowl — $2,279
Stardust Modern Gandia Balasco Brasero Modern Outdoor Firepit — $1,120
Etsy — The Fire Pit Gallery, Sand Dune Outdoor Modern Fire Pit — $1,060
Outdoor Living Showroom, Asia Fire Pit — $790
Backyard Firepits, Monterey Fire Pit — $649
Design Within Reach Fire Bowl — $495
All Modern, Skagerak Denmark Olympia Fire Pit — $415
Etsy, Fire Pits Atlanta 42 inch Fire Pit Industrial Duty — $400
Etsy, DeFelice Engineering Outdoor Firepit — $343
Amazon, Fire Bowl with spark screen Orion — $323.12
Amazon, Esschert Design Fire Bowl Extra Large — $279.99
All Modern, Real Flame Four Can Outdoor Fire Pit — $139.65
All Modern Halo Fire Pit — $61.36
Another great retro mod option for the backyard fire pit is tracking down a vintage malm, preeway or other cone style fireplace for use on your patio as shown in the photo above from Pam’s story — 10 happy and affordable outdoor spaces. In fact, that’s exactly what I did this fall — see my vintage fireplace that will be living on my back patio this coming summer.
So there you have it — proof that you can find an appropriate retro inspired fire bowl for your backyard patio in any price range. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled at yard sales, estate sales and on Craigslist too — you could find just what you’ve been searching for at a reasonable price without having to fork over money for shipping.
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Alternately, if you have a good Asian grocery store in your area (or can order online, though shipping can be spendy) you can find 24 or 30 inch woks for around 50 bucks, although you’d still have to make a base, or find someone who can.
Thanks for this! As with all retro-modern things, most of them seem pretty pricey, but that All Modern version for $62 fits the bill perfectly. Might have to pick one up.
We are currently having a local steel fabricator construct a custom design fire pit for our own. I worked with the fabricator to come up with the design… based on the works of Richard Serra and forms borrowed from origami bowls. The custom fire pit will cost around $450-$600. Not a bad price considering given the quality and fact that it will be a one of a kind. I’m super excited to see the completed piece in my yard. Should be just a couple of weeks now til it’s done! Having a custom design from a local artisan is something to consider. You will have a super unique item, support local business and likely save money over high-end designer alternatives.
FYI, please be careful about placement of any firepit. Some friends of my family had a house fire caused from a firepit placed on a wooden deck. That being said, these are very cool.
I would love to find one of those cone fire pits. I think they’re super cool. However, when my husband tore down the pidgeon coop that was rotting in the backyard, he found a big pile of red brick. I guess we’re going to have a red brick fire pit this summer.
We made ours out of brick that was “found” in the lot we just bought. The lot was a neighborhood dumping ground for 30+ years – we had fun finding stuff that the housebuilders had thrown there (extra slate tiles, red bricks, concrete bricks, liquor bottles 🙂 )
I really like the Preway’s but I am not in harmony with my other half. Boo.
An FYI to anyone considering the Design Within Reach or Skagerak models – they are one in the same. We purchased the Skagerak several years ago (it was not as costly then!) and have enjoyed it very much. It is constructed of natural cast iron, which does eventually take on some patina/rust and might be something to consider. Otherwise, it’s a great size, nicely designed, and the built in handles make for easy moving and cleaning.
Once again you’ve come through for your readers Pam! Thanks for such a great article. I really like the Stardust models. I’ll keep you posted on my progress and send you photos when the landscaping is complete. Darryl
Just when I am looking for a firepit to put on a cement slab where a shed formerly blocked my view of the Indian River! What timing!
before you invest in a firepit make sure they are permitted in your town. where i live you cannot have any firepit, even with a screen due to air pollution regulations. just because the stores in your town sell them does not make them legal.
Thanks for that tip, Willow!
I think you will LOVE
http://www.modfire.com
I love their stuff and use them whenever I can put them in a mid century modern home design.
i recently found this one on etsy – we ordered one and really like it. https://www.etsy.com/listing/157173364/the-parsons-table-fire-pit
I really want one but have to do some major lobbying.
These are great! Has anyone installed a deck in their backyard? We have a very modest 1959 ranch house with 8 ft ceilings inside and a very low pitch roof. Our house probably isn’t any taller than 12-13 ft at the roof peak. It seems that if we were to install a deck, our guests would be staring at the roof shingles!
How about a stone, brick or gravel patio at ground level. That is likely even more authentic mid-century that a wood deck…
I’m also looking for a wok shaped firebowl idea. Saw one that was a metal wok shape and sitting on a small rock but now I can’t find it. Need this be gas to sit on my deck. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Ooops–Paul, I meant to reply to your comment, but I think I posted it was a new comment! I think the VESTA from BOXHILL may be what you’re looking for, in a firepit.
Thanks Carrie! This is pretty close to what I’m looking for. I’d like it to be a little more artistic. The one we saw had a single rock as a base with the wok type pan sitting on top. Thanks for your help.
Paul, how about the VESTA firepit from BOXHILL? Wok-shaped, available in two finishes, and can be modified for gas/propane.
http://www.shopboxhill.com/vesta-fire-pit-boxhills-glow-collection/