Having owned and used the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit for years, we’re finally reviewing this incredible patio accessory. Simply put, the Big Sky Fire Pit looks stunning, is extremely sturdy, and damn near impervious to the elements. It’s made from thick, durable steel and has remarkably robust hardware. Add onto that the included accessories and very reasonable price and you’ve got yourself one of the best fire pits around.
What makes it great
- Wildlife shapes look incredible in the firelight
- Superior quality steel construction
- Included spark screen, fire poker and grill
- Built in 360-degree safety bar
- Puts out a ton of heat
- 23-1/2” Diameter fire ring is great for larger fires
- Very low maintenance design
What could be better
- Can accumulate surface rust
- Spark screen can be dented if not careful
- No pre-drilled drain hole
Table of Contents
Build Quality
Over 6 years and hundreds of fire, the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit has held up exceptionally well. Aside from a bit of surface rust it’s as durable as the day we bought it. We love the thick, durable steel body and the extremely robust hardware. Everything is very resilient to outdoor environments and will last for years with proper care and maintenance.
The unit comes coated in a heat resistant black finish that is great for preventing rust. It also help to easily mask any scratches or dings the unit may get during use. If you’re looking to really make your fire pit last, apply a coating of Rust-Oleum 241169 High Heat Ultra Enamel Spray as described in the Assembly and Maintenance section below.
The 23-½” fire bowl is surrounded by a full circle handle and safety ring. This is perfect for preventing accidental burns during use. It doesn’t get nearly as hot as the main fire pit and a quick touch won’t leave a large blister on your hand. We also were impressed with the sheer durability of the ring. We’ve rested feet, hung tools and can easily lift the entire fire pit up by the ring with absolutely no ill effect. It’s a great feature and goes a long way to helping make the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit a safe and enjoyable backyard addition.
Moving down the unit you can see the gorgeous wildlife cutouts. These precision cutouts are created using detailed laser cutters and are not sharp to the touch. They are also covered with a durable steel mesh which allows for enhanced airflow and prevents any errant sparks from escaping. The mesh extends above and below the cutouts to ensure full coverage and enhanced durability. Furthermore the screen is welded securely to the fire bowl and even after years of hot fires, is showing no signs of damage.
The entire unit is supported by three very stable legs. These are made from robust steel pipe and provide an excellent base. They are perfect for use on grass, gravel and cement. The legs help to elevate the unit above the ground and create a pocket of cool air below the fire bowl. This goes a long way to reducing scorching and any inherent fire risk.
Having used the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit for years in a super windy backyard. We can tell you that it performs great in even heavy winds. The fire bowl is deep enough that it completely shields the fire and it won’t blow ashes or sparks around. Plus the lid is heavy enough that a strong wind gust is unable to blow it off. We do however move it closer to the wall if we have a big storm rolling in for some mental security.
Assuming you have dry wood, this fire pit produces a hot and smokeless fire. The vented design is perfect for burning at maximum efficiency with little residual ash. We actually use the fire pit year round as the heat is great for the winter while the stunning looks are perfect for a summer night under the stars. Whenever you choose to use it, the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit is an excellent addition to your backyard and if you cover it, will last for many seasons to come.
Design and Included Extras
When you first light the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit up, you’re met with a classic campfire glow. However, once the flames start to build up, the wildlife cutouts provide a unique nighttime ambience that is simply stunning. The animals seem to flicker and move in the firelight, projecting the dancing light all across your back patio. We love how they seem to be alive and honestly have spent many hours just staring into those orange flames.
Design wise, this is one of the best fire pits around. It has a great neutral black coating which easily covers any soot or stain marks. Also, the fire bowl is perfectly sized to fit upwards of 8 adults around it. This fire pit is capable of producing very large flames, so you won’t need to sit very close if you’re looking to enjoy the warmth on a chilly fall evening.
If you’re in a dry area, the included spark screen will definitely come in handy. It does a great job of preventing floating embers from escaping and landing on your deck or grass. Furthermore, it is fairly lightweight and sits perfectly on the provided support bolts. While it may seem flimsy at first, it is more than capable of surviving hundreds of fires with little damage to show for it. The mesh is just the right thickness to stop sparks, but not so thick that it’ll obstruct the firelight. It also comes with a nice wide handle so it’s easy to lift off with the included poker or a thick glove.
Another great benefit of the spark screen is the ability to have use the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit under patio awnings, gazebos and more. We love to sit out on rainy nights with a flickering fire while raindrops patter down above us.
Also included with this fire pit is a large 22” diameter cooking grill. Similar to the spark screen, it rests on the included support bolts and fits securely inside the fire pit. It’s perfect for making some fire side steaks or even cooking up some early morning bacon and coffee. We found it to be very stable and was great for grilling. We also loved the included handles which make it super easy to lift out and clean once the grate cools. Even after years of use it looks as good as new, minus a bit of soot of course.
Looking for some tasty fire pit food? Check out 5 Exotic Fire Pit Recipes
The last items that ships with the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit is a super useful fire poker. This simple tool is great for shifting around logs and taking off the spark screen without burning yourself. It’s made from durable coated carbon steel and is clearly built to last. Personally, we’ve replaced it with the Epica Fireplace Tongs, 26″ Long, Log Grabber, but the included poker does the job just fine.
Dimensions
Measuring in at 29.25” in overall diameter with the safety ring installed. The Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit is perfect for medium and large sized outdoor spaces. Including the legs and spark screen, the unit stands right at 2 feet tall. This is the perfect height for roasting s’mores yet doesn’t block your view of guests sitting on the other side.
The fire bowl itself is 23-½” in diameter and 12-½” deep. Due to its large size you can easily fit bigger logs and really get a sizable fire going in no time. Plus the larger size is great for ventilation and adds a lot of necessary airflow for a smokeless fire. Overall though, the unit weighs in at a manageable 32.9 pounds and is easy to reposition at a moment’s notice.
Assembly and Maintenance
Overall you can expect to spend between 15 and 20 minutes to fully assemble the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit. Assembly is also fairly easy as all the included components are in the box and clearly labeled. Simply attach all the bolts and secure the safety ring around the outer edge and you’re good to go.
You also might want to consider putting in a 3-4” layer of sand in the bottom of the pit. This stops the bottom from getting hot and help to reduce any accidental scorching. It is also supposed to help protect the metal from the high heat of the fire. We’ve had ours sand free for years and have no issues whatsoever, but it still might be worth the few bucks for peace of mind.
During assembly we also highly recommend you give the entire unit a coat of Rust-Oleum 241169 High Heat Ultra Enamel Spray. This will go a long way to prevent rust and is especially important in humid environments. We gave it a single even coat and after years we’ve only just now began to see some surface rust on our unit. A quick cleaning with a steel brush and another coat will have it looking like new in no time.
One other thing we’d like to point out is this is a perfect time to drill a few ⅜” drain holes around the bottom of your fire pit. It won’t compromise the structural integrity at all. Plus, in case you don’t want to buy a cover or water somehow seeps in it’ll prevent internal rust damage that can sometimes be hard to spot.
Recommended Accessories
As with any fire pit, you’ll want to pick up a few extra items to really get the full outdoor experience. We’ve put together the below list so you can quickly see some of our top choices.
Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit Cover
The Landmann USA 29300 Big Sky Fire Pit Cover, 30-Inch Diameter is a great accessory and if you only had to buy one thing on the list, this should be it. This heavy duty, water resistant cover is perfect for keeping your fire pit high and dry. It has an elastic cinch at the bottom to keep it from blowing off and the black color is a perfect match for the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit. It fits standard round fire pits up to 30” in diameter for an absolutely perfect fit and something that should definitely be purchased right away.
Fire Pit Deck Protector
If you’re planning on using your fire pit on a wooden deck, you’ll need a fire pit deck protector. These insulated surfaces stop the transfer of heat to the wood and help to prevent any unwanted fire. The Deck Defender & Grass Guard – Fire Pit Heat Shield is an excellent choice as it provides superior protection and is extremely durable. Plus, it doesn’t require any assembly and has a nice 26” x 26” surface area for a large footprint and excellent heat protection. With the Deck Defender, you won’t have to worry about wood or grass ever burning again.
Fire Tongs
As we mentioned earlier in the article, the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit comes with a standard fire poker. However, the Epica Fireplace Tongs, 26″ Long, Log Grabber is a much better choice overall. It offers greater flexibility and usability than the included poker. You can easily lift the spark screen off and add or shift around wood in a snap. Plus, the long 26” reach keeps your hands well away from the flames and makes the process much simpler.
Fatwood Fire Starter
Even the best laid fire can often fail to ignite right when your guests show up. That’s where some quality fatwood comes into play. Fatwood is resin infused pine wood and is excellent at holding a flame and burns in even wet conditions. Our top choice is the Wood Products 9910 Fatwood Box, 10 Pounds. Simply light it up and place it under your existing wood. It’ll burn for quite a few minutes and should catch even the most stubborn kindling on fire. Plus, there is enough in the box for many, many fires, you’ll only need one box every few years even under heavy use.
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Every fire pit owner needs a good set of marshmallow roasting sticks and none are better than the MalloMe Marshmallow Roasting Sticks. These were our number one choice in our Best Marshmallow roasting stick article and offered a lot of great features. Coming in a set of 8 they are more than enough for friends and family to have a great time making s’mores over the fire. Plus, they will last for years and years for fun memories and tasty chocolate marshmallow creations.
Summary – Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit
In short, the Landmann Big Sky Fire Pit makes for an incredible outdoor experience. From the beautiful wildlife cutouts to the sturdy steel construction, this is an excellent outdoor fire pit. We loved the large fire bowl and the included safety rings is a great feature. Add onto that the include spark screen, fire poker, and grill and you’ve simply got a wonderful product on your hands. After all, there is a reason we’ve been using this exact fire pit in our yard for years. It’s just that good.
If you’re interested in looking at some of the other best fire pits on the market, click here to check out our comprehensive list
Do you know what mm size the support pins are??