Anatomy of a Gas Fire Pit

By: Jeff O'Keefe, NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional

Last Updated: April 2, 2025

While some gas fire pits may appear more complicated than others, they all have the same basic components, including:

Enclosure
Burner and pan
Burning media
Ignition system
Gas/fire controls

In this article, we'll explain why each of these gas fire pit parts are important, how they work, and what kind of upgrades are available.

An illustration of disassembled gas fire pit showing its parts

Gas Fire Pit Components

Media

Media is essential for both Natural Gas and Propane fire pits. It helps distribute the gas and create a more natural flame pattern.

Fire pit media is placed on top of the burner and takes the place of traditional wood logs.

There’s a variety of media styles available to match the vibe of your outdoor living space, including:

Fire glass: Create a contemporary and eye-catching burning display with small, medium, or large fire glass pieces in the color of your choice.

Lava rock: Achieve a classic, timeless burning display that’s easy to take care of.

Rolled lava stones: Upgrade from traditional lava rock to modern rolled lava stones for a more modern touch.

Outdoor log sets: Replicate the look of a real wood burning fire pit, without the hassle of chopping wood, stoking the fire, or adding logs all evening.

Fireballs & decorative metal shapes: Turn your fire pit into a work of art that sparks conversation.

To take a closer look at all the media options we have on our site, check out our Fire Pit Media Buying Guide.

Burner

The burner sits under your fire pit media and burns your fuel (Liquid Propane or Natural Gas).

Available in an array of shapes and materials, gas fire pit burners dictate how your flame display looks and how much heat your fire pit puts out.

You’ll want to research different types of burners and the amount of gas they can burn at once (BTU rating).

Pan

The pan sits directly under the burner and media, separating them from the open cavity below.

Pans come in many shapes and sizes, and either sit on the top of the fire pit or are recessed into the fire pit.

Common Pan Shapes

Fire Pit Enclosure

The enclosure is the body of the fire pit. Enclosures come in various shapes (round, square, rectangular, etc.) and heights (chat height, bar height, dining height, etc.).

Connectors and Fittings

Connectors and fittings are small parts inside the base of your fire pit that are used to route gas from your Propane tank or gas line to the burner.

These pieces can include things like a gas connection hose with fittings, a gas regulator, valve, and orifice. The connector hose is a small flexible pipe that attaches the gas valve to the burner.

Vents

Built-in vents allow for air flow and water drainage. They prevent excess gas and heat from building up inside the enclosure and provide the fresh air necessary for the ignition system to function properly.

Control Types

Key Valve

A shut off valve is usually mounted on the base of a gas fire pit and is used to control the gas flow to the burner.

Some fire pits come with a removable key, which activates the valve, turning the gas on or off.

Control Knob

A control knob opens and closes the gas valve, turning the gas on or off and the push button igniter creates a spark to ignite the gas, lighting the fire.

Remotes and Switches

Remotes and switches are available with automatic ignition fire pits. Just like a TV remote, a fire pit remote allows you to turn the fire on and off without having to get up to do it manually. Most remotes are on/off only, but some do allow you to change the flame height.

You can also have a gas fire pit wired to a simple wall switch in your outdoor room, enabling you to turn the fire pit on and off with ease.

Ignition Types

Match-Lit

A match-lit ignition is just that, lit with a match. You manually turn on the valve to release a flow of gas and use a match to start the fire.

This is the simplest and most affordable ignition type available.

Push-Button

A push-button generates a spark to light the gas and start the fire. You push the button, turn on the gas valve letting the fuel flow out, and the spark ignites the fire.

Automatic Ignition

An electronic ignition (automatic ignition) operates by pressing a button or flipping a switch to turn the fire pit on and off. It uses a valve system that typically requires an electrical connection and can be controlled with a remote or wall switch.

It’s the safest and most user-friendly option available, but also the most expensive.

Read our comprehensive guide to ignition systems here, so you can confidently choose the best option for your project.

Optional Accessories for Your Fire Pit

Glass Wind Guard

A glass wind guard sits around the media and burner, protecting the flame and allowing the fire pit to stay lit on blustery days.

Wind guards are not required but are a very practical addition if you live in a windy area.

Protective Covers

Protective covers are used to keep fire pits safe when they’re not in use. They protect against unnecessary damage from tough weather conditions and help to prevent rust and deterioration from occurring.

Materials range from weather-proof vinyl to stainless steel and can cover just the burner component or the entire fire pit.

The ReForm Stack Gas Fire Pit by FlameCraft

Gas Fire Pit FAQs

Can I convert my Propane fire pit to Natural Gas?

It depends on the fire pit you purchase. Some fire pits offer conversion kits, allowing you to change your gas supply.

For homeowners who don’t already have a gas line, it’s best to hire a licensed and certified professional to hook up fire pit. Having a pro handle your gas appliances ensures there are no dangerous gas leaks.

What’s the best location to install my gas fire pit?

Ideally, your fire pit should be installed on a flat, level surface, like a stone patio, deck, or flat yard. For installations on decks, you’ll need a non-combustible base underneath your fire pit to prevent radiant heat from transferring to the surface below. For grass installations, you don’t need a non-combustible base, but you will need to ensure your fire pit is installed on a surface that can support its weight without shifting.

What kind of burner should I get?

It depends on what shape your fire pit, what you want your flames to look like, and how much heat you need. Make sure the burner system you purchase is compatible with type of fuel you want to use.

Burners from HPC Fire are perfect for every outdoor setting. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, they’re made of high-quality, weather-resistant materials, like stainless steel, and come with a variety of easy-to-use controls. Some HPC burners even allow you to pair a smart phone to your fire pit and control it with an app.

What are the benefits of a gas fire pit over wood burning models?

Gas fire pits are convenient, easy to ignite, produce less smoke, and require less maintenance. They are also more environmentally friendly due to lower emissions.

More Resources

Not sure what fuel source to use? Learn the key differences between Natural Gas and Propane fire pits to make the right decision.

Check out our top burner kits for custom-made and DIY gas fire pits.

If want a permanent, Natural Gas fire pit but don’t have a gas line on your property, you’ll need an NFI Certified pro to do the job.

Jeff O'Keefe is a skilled Technical Sales Representative with a decade of experience at Woodland Direct. As an NFI-Certified Master Hearth Professional, Jeff has helped clients complete a variety of projects, from selecting a fire pit to customizing an indoor fireplace. When he's not working, Jeff escapes to The Great Outdoors. He enjoys exploring new hiking trails, fishing, hunting, and dirt biking. His love for adventure and the outdoors is reflected in his passion for creating warm, inviting spaces that bring people together. Call Jeff or one of our experts in fire at 800.919.1904.

Learn the how the components of a gas fire pit work together & what options are available to ignite and control the fire