I've seen one person comment that implies the wood handles on the firepits deteriorate faster than those on a regular grill, because of the heat, & that you should just replace them with some of the plastic ones.
I thought the firepits tend to be less likely to have a cover & also that they are less likely to be pulled inside a garage, under a back porch, under a roof soffit, or other structure that partially shelters them from the elements, so that might be a bigger factor.
Wondered if anyone treated their wood handles on a firepit with spar varnish, or something else, & how they held up to the heat. I like the look of wood handles, but figure they'd be better used elsewhere if the firepits really do chew them up & spit them out.
I was debating on whether to use plastic on my firepit & save it's wood handles for a grill (they will need some sanding & refinishing with either way) or leave them on. I plan on keeping it covered, but you never know.
Also, I'm assuming there is nothing you can really do to prolong the life of the steel ring. I'm guessing even high heat paint gets eaten away & if you put oil on the rust, it will just burn off.