Gas fire pits are extremely popular among homeowners who love to entertain and businesses looking for a safe way to keep their outdoor venues comfortable for guests year-round.  

Unlike wood burning fire pits, you can ignite and extinguish your gas fire pit instantly with the push of a button, turn of a knob, or even through an app on your smart phone. You’ll also have complete control over the heat output, allowing you to lower the temperature on warm summer nights and turn it up on chilly fall evenings. 

Available in an array of designs, sizes, and materials, gas fire pits are equipped with modern safety features and won’t produce any smoke when they burn, making them an excellent option for those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. They also don’t produce soot or ashes, so you’ll spend minimal time cleaning your gas fire pit and more time relaxing around the fire.  

With so many designs available, narrowing down the best gas fire pit for your outdoor space can be a challenge. To make your search easier, we’ve put together an in-depth guide that breaks down each gas fire pit style, the features they offer, and which accessories will enhance your experience! 

THE BENEFITS OF BUYING A GAS FIRE PIT

Gas fire pits make great additions to any outdoor area, from residential backyards to upscale commercial venues. The most significant benefits of buying a gas fire pit include: 

• Quick and easy operation 
• Low-to-high flame settings 
• Built-in safety features 
• No smoke, soot, or ashes 
• Custom designs and finishes 
• Minimal maintenance  

GAS FIRE PIT FUEL TYPES 

You can operate your gas fire pit with two different fuel options, Natural Gas and Propane. 

Propane Fire Pits

Propane gas fire pits are very easy to use, offer portability, and require minimal installation.  

You can hook a standard, 20-lb. Propane tank up to your fire pit, or if you have a large Propane tank on site, you can run a gas line underground that connects to your fire pit, making it a permanent part of your outdoor space.  

Many gas fire pits feature "hidden tank" designs that house your Propane tank. Styles that don’t offer tank storage require it to be placed outside of your gas fire pit. In this case, a separate tank enclosure may be available, which doubles as an outdoor side table that matches your fire pit. 

Natural Gas Fire Pits 

Natural Gas fire pits are a great option if you want to add a permanent fire feature to your outdoor space. 

Your fire pit will need to be hooked up to a Natural Gas line. If you don't have a gas line in your space already, you'll need to hire a gas professional to install one and hook up your fire pit for you. 

 Once your fire pit is connected to the Natural Gas line, it'll receive a constant flow of fuel, so you won’t have to swap out a Propane tank or worry about the fire going out during your gatherings. A consistent fuel source also allows you to use more gas at once to create bigger, warmer fires. 

GAS FIRE PIT STYLES 

Gas fire pits are available in a wide range of styles, from functional fire tables that hold your refreshments to poolside fire bowls and torches that illuminate your late-night swims.  

Whether you're searching for a show-stopping centerpiece to complete a large, open patio or a compact fire feature to warm up your evenings on the deck, it's easy to find a design that extends the use of your outdoor retreat. 

Gas Fire Pit Tables 

Gas fire pit tables are an excellent solution for customers who love to entertain and dine outside. They feature functional table-style bases with spacious outer ledges, so you can set your snacks and drinks down as you relax around the fire.  

Some gas fire pit tables have hollow bases to store your Propane tank out of view, offering a more streamlined look that won't interrupt the flow of your space. 

OUR MOST POPULAR GAS FIRE PIT TABLES  

Gas Fire Bowls 

Perfect for outdoor areas with limited space, gas fire bowls feature shallow, bowl-style shells that showcase the flames and create a comfortable spot for fireside conversations. 

OUR MOST POPULAR GAS FIRE BOWLS 

Fire and Water Features 

Imagine taking a dip in the evenings, surrounded by the soothing glow of natural, flickering flames and flowing water. It's possible with a fire and water feature! These unique models combine the opposing elements for an artistic focal point that will take your poolscape to the next level. 

Fire and water features consist of bowl-style bases that hold your fire media and burner system, and scuppers that the water flows from, creating a tranquil waterfall effect.  

OUR MOST POPULAR FIRE AND WATER FEATURES 

Gas Fire Columns and Tiki Torches  

Bring the luau to your backyard with gas fire columns and tiki torches! 

Great for compact spaces, fire columns and torches are an affordable and efficient way to turn your backyard into a tropical paradise.  

Use multiple fire columns to illuminate your walkway or enhance your outdoor gatherings while keeping bugs away from your guests and refreshments by installing tiki torches throughout your yard. 

OUR MOST POPULAR FIRE COLUMNS, LANTERNS, AND TORCHES 

GAS FIRE PIT SIZES  

Gas Fire Pit Widths 

Small Gas Fire Pits 

Small gas fire pits measure 36-inches wide or less. Typically referred to as "fire bowls" or "fire urns," small gas fire pits are used more for decoration and ambiance than warmth. 

Medium Gas Fire Pits 

Medium gas fire pits are about 36-45-inches wide and fit on most patios. They're large enough to accommodate up to 10 people, so you can set up sectional seating or chairs around the fire. 

Large Gas Fire Pits 

Large gas fire pits measure about 45-inches wide or more and provide reliable heat for a crowd. They're ideal centerpieces for spacious backyards and commercial settings, like restaurant patios and hotel courtyards.  

Gas Fire Pit Heights 

Coffee Table Height Gas Fire Pits 

Just like low-profile coffee tables, gas fire pits that stand 23-inches tall or less accent your space and provide a place to prop your feet up as you lounge next to the fire. 

Chat Height Gas Fire Pits 

Gas fire pits that are 24-29-inches tall create a comfortable place to catch up and swap stories, offering a clear view of your guests from across the fire. Most models are tall enough to store a Propane tank inside, allowing you to place your fire pit anywhere in your outdoor space. 

Dining Table Height Gas Fire Pits 

If you'd like to create the ultimate al fresco dining experience, look for a gas fire pit that stands 29-38-inches tall. With some models, you’ll be able to add an optional burner cover, which turns your fire pit into a functional outdoor table when it’s not in use. 

Counter Height Gas Fire Pits 

Counter height gas fire pits are 38-inches tall and above. They can serve the same purpose as a dining table or stylishly separate two different sections of a large patio. 

COMMON FIRE PIT MATERIALS 

Concrete Gas Fire Pits 

Concrete gas fire pits offer a clean, modern look that complements contemporary and minimalist spaces. However, concrete is very heavy, which means you'll need to recruit some help if you'd like to move your fire pit to a different location.  

Because of their weight, some concrete gas fire pits may not be suitable for decks. Be sure to check the weight restrictions outlined in your gas fire pit’s installation manual. For more inspiration, check out our guide on the Best Gas Fire Pits for Decks. 

Perfect for any climate, including humid and coastal areas, concrete fire pits are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and extreme heat without rusting, warping, or corroding. 

If you’re looking for a lightweight alternative to traditional concrete fire pits, opt for a model made of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC). This composite material is formed from cement, glass fibers, and a blend of other resins and polymer materials.  

While GFRC fire pits are low in weight, they’re very high in strength. The glass fibers help prevent cracks from developing on the shell, and since there is no steel or metal rebar used to reinforce the concrete, your fire pit won’t rust.  

Concrete and GFRC gas fire pits also require less maintenance than steel, copper, aluminum, or masonry stone models, making them an easy, long-lasting option for busy households and commercial venues. 

OUR MOST POPULAR CONCRETE GAS FIRE PITS 

Steel & Stainless Steel Gas Fire Pits 

Steel gas fire pits are portable, practical, cost-friendly, and available in a wide variety of stylish, powder-coated finishes to match your décor.

Since steel can rust quickly when exposed to the elements, steel fire pits are not ideal for humid or wet climates. If you live in a coastal area, you'll want to go with a stainless steel or concrete gas fire pit instead.  

While stainless steel fire pits cost more than natural steel models, they resist rust and corrosion in any environment. 

OUR MOST POPULAR STEEL & STAINLESS STEEL GAS FIRE PITS 

Aluminum Gas Fire Pits 

Aluminum gas fire pits are incredibly lightweight and naturally resistant to rust and corrosion.

They’re easy to transport, so you can relocate your fire pit whenever you’d like and easily move it into storage during the winter months. 

OUR MOST POPULAR ALUMINUM GAS FIRE PITS 

Copper Gas Fire Pits 

Copper gas fire pits are typically hand-crafted, offering a high-end, artisanal look.  

They also naturally develop a blue/green patina over time, especially if you live in an area with inclement weather conditions. The result is a rustic, aged-metal appearance that only gets better as the seasons pass. 

OUR MOST POPULAR COPPER GAS FIRE PITS 

Stone & Masonry Gas Fire Pits 

Stone and masonry gas fire pits are permanently built on-site using stones, bricks, or masonry blocks and a steel or aluminum powder-coated base.  

Both stone and masonry gas fire pits will require a protective sealant to ensure they won't crack or corrode, but once you've sealed it, your fire pit will be a breeze to clean. 

OUR MOST POPULAR STONE AND MASONRY GAS FIRE PITS 

GAS FIRE PIT IGNITION OPTIONS  

One of the most important decisions you'll make is how you want to light your gas fire pit.  

Whether you prefer the simplicity of a standard, match-lit ignition or want the user-friendly features offered by a remote-controlled, electronic system, there's an ignition type available that meets your needs.  

For a more in-depth look at each ignition type, please refer to this article, which breaks down how each ignition system operates to ensure you choose the best option for your gas fire pit. 

Match-Lit Ignitions  

The simplest way to light your gas fire pit is with a standard, match-lit ignition. These manual systems are affordable and don't have any moving parts, making them easy to install and virtually maintenance-free. 

Match-lit ignition systems include a pan, a burner, a flexible gas line, a gas shutoff valve, and an air mixer valve for Propane configurations.  

To operate your match-lit burner, simply open the valve on your fuel supply, hold a lighter or matchstick over the burner, and slowly turn the gas valve on.  

Push-Button Spark Ignitions  

With a push-button spark ignition system, you can light the fire with the touch of a button, without adding a power supply to your outdoor space.  

Similar to lighting a grill, push-button systems are operated with a battery-powered ignitor probe and a button module. 

Flame-Sensing Kits 

For extra safety, you can select a gas fire pit with a flame-sensing kit, which continuously monitors the flame using an automatic sensor. If the fire goes out for any reason, the fuel supply automatically closes, eliminating the risk of dangerous gas leaks or gas cloud build-ups.  

Flame-sensing kits feature a “plug-and-play" design for a hassle-free installation. You’ll be able to quickly light your fire pit with a control knob and ignitor button, just like a push-button spark ignition system. 

Electronic Ignitions  

Ideal for busy commercial spaces, gas fire pits with electronic ignition systems offer the highest level of safety.  

You can install a power line and route your electronic ignition system to your fire pit or buy a battery-operated system. Either way, you'll have the ability to operate your fire pit from somewhere private and prevent guests from tampering with the control settings.  

Electronic ignitions are also equipped with flame-sensing features that monitor the fire for you. If the flames go out, the system automatically shuts down to prevent gas leaks. 

You can operate your electronic ignition system with a hand-held remote or an on/off wall switch. Some systems even have the ability to pair with your smartphone or home automation system via Bluetooth, so you can control the fire using a designated app or voice commands through your smart device. 

GAS FIRE PIT MEDIA OPTIONS  

Fire media is a must-have for all gas fire pits. Used in place of wood logs, media hides your burner pan and components from view. It also ensures the gas flow in your fire pit is dispersed evenly, creating a natural-looking flame appearance. 

Check out our comprehensive Fire Pit Media Buying Guide for a closer look at each media type, so you can determine the best style for your fire feature. 

Fire Glass  

Available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and finishes, fire glass is made from color-infused tempered glass, which is tumbled and polished to remove sharp edges.  

It's designed to withstand extremely high temperatures without discoloring, burning, melting, or producing toxic fumes, ash, soot, or smoke.  

Fire glass retains and radiates more heat than lava rock and outdoor gas logs, helping your fire pit warm your space more efficiently. 

Lava Rock 

Lava rock is an organic, fire-safe material formed from volcanic magma. It's a naturally beautiful filler for fire pits on its own, or you can save money on your burning display by using a bed of lava rock as a base for more expensive fire pit media, like fire glass and fire stones.  

If you’d like a more modern look to complement your contemporary gas fire pit, you can opt for rolled lava stones, which feature the same porous, heat-retaining properties as standard lava rock with a cleaner, more consistent finish.  

Outdoor Gas Logs 

Outdoor gas logs bring a classic campfire ambiance to your backyard, without the hassle of chopping and hauling wood.  

They’re made of refractory ceramics, so they won't warp in harsh weather conditions and are available in a variety of detailed bark finishes, including Driftwood, Weathered Oak, Aspen, Juniper, and more. 

Fire Stones 

Designed to resemble authentic river rocks, fire stones are made from lightweight, heat-resistant ceramics, so they won't pop or warp under high temperatures.  

Great for modern, contemporary, or transitional spaces, fire stones are available in natural shades for an organic display and multi-colored assortments for more visual interest. 

Fire Balls 

Fire balls add an eclectic touch to your gas fire pit. They're made of heat-resistant, ceramic-bonded refractory cement and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  

Metal Fire Shapes 

Showcase hand-crafted artwork in your outdoor space with intricate metal fire shapes, like contemporary metal sticks and metal fire pit logs with precise cutouts.  

GAS FIRE PIT ACCESSORIES 

There are a few accessories available to enhance your gas fire pit, make it more efficient, and keep it in tip-top shape.  

Purchasing a fitted, weatherproof cover is an easy way to preserve your fire pit’s finish, burner system, and fire media when it’s not in use.  

You can also purchase a burner cover for your fire pit to shield your burner system from the elements and turn your fire pit into a convenient outdoor table during the day.  

Some gas fire pits offer matching burner covers as an additional upgrade, or you can have one custom-made to fit your fire feature. 

Additionally, you can install a tempered glass wind guard around the perimeter of your gas fire pit to maintain the flame presentation on blustery days.  

GAS FIRE PIT MAINTENANCE  

While gas fire pits require less maintenance than wood burning models, it's still important to clean and inspect the components for damage regularly.  

Follow this step-by-step maintenance guide to make sure your backyard focal point looks and performs the way it should for as long as possible. 

WE’RE HERE TO HELP  

Need help choosing the best gas fire pit for your outdoor space? We're here for you! Call our team of NFI Certified experts today at 800.919.1904. 

MORE RESOURCES:  

Discover one of Woodland’s most exclusive products, the Quadro Gas Fire Pit by FlameCraft. 

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