re: Fire pits

I actually saw one at Sam's Club the other day that had a reasonably heavy fire box on it. Much thicker metal than most of the ones I've seen in retail stores. I don't remember the price. It wasn't very decorative, had a black iron ring around the outer edge for propping your feet on, and it had the cooking grate that you're looking for.
I'm sure a homemade one would be stronger, but ....