Reading reviews of ALL the firepits, I decided I would accept the fact that the firepit will rust.  Purchasing it in June, we did not feel the need to use it on our hot summer nights.  We did finally use it and the rust was visible shortly after the fire and some rain!  I suspect the heat burns off the finish which exposes the metal to water.  It is rusting inside so I am still happy with how it looks.  It looks great on our patio.  I cannot bear to cover it regularly since it is so beautiful.