Gas fire pits make incredible focal points for any outdoor living space. They’re easy to use, clean-burning, and require much less maintenance than wood burning fire pits.  

Before you can shop for your outdoor fire pit, you’ll first need to decide what kind of fuel you want to use. Gas fire pits work with two different fuel types — Natural Gas and Propane. The best option largely depends on your space and lifestyle. For example, do you need your fire pit to be portable? Are you looking for massive flames and intense heat? 

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of both Natural Gas and Propane fire pits, so you can confidently choose the best option.  

Propane

Why Buy a Propane Fire Pit?

Propane fire pits are very easy to use and require minimal installation. You can simply hook up a Propane tank to the fire pit, check for gas leaks, then turn it on. 

Most Propane tanks are small and portable, meaning you can move your fire pit from place to place. 

If you have a large Propane tank on-site, you can run a gas line underground that connects to the fire pit, to make it a permanent part of your outdoor living space. 

If seeing the Propane tank is a concern for you, not to worry! There are many fire pit styles available that hide the tank from view, like fire pit tables. 

Our most popular style is the “hidden tank” fire pit. Hidden tank fire pits house the Propane tank in the base and often have a door on one side, known as an “access door”. This door allows you to easily swap the tank out when it's empty. 

Styles that can’t hide a Propane tank underneath require it to be stored outside of the fire pit, usually within 10 feet. In this instance, a matching tank enclosure may be available, such as a side table, to hide the Propane tank from view. 

Tank enclosures are a great way to add extra functionality to your space. Not only do they streamline the area and coordinate with your fire pit, but they also provide a place to set drinks and snacks while you relax around the fire.  

Natural Gas

Why Buy a Natural Gas Fire Pit?

Natural gas is a great option if you want to add a permanent fire pit to your backyard. However, you will need to have a gas line installed.  

If a gas line is not already available on your property, you’ll need to hire a professional to install the line and hook up your fire pit. 

This might sound time-consuming, but once the gas is connected, your fire pit will have a constant fuel source. You won't need to refill a Propane tank, saving you time and money. You can simply turn your fire feature on, relax, and never have to worry about the flames going out. 

A constant flow of gas also allows you to use more fuel at once. Natural Gas fire pits have higher BTU ratings than Propane models, allowing you to maximize the flames and heat output for next-level ambiance. 

Overall, gas fire pits require very little maintenance. You won't have to add kindling to the fire, monitor it while it burns, or make sure it's been properly put out at the end of the night. You also won't have to keep a stack of firewood on hand. 

Operating a gas fire pit is incredibly easy, too. With just the flip of a switch or turn of a knob, you can start and stop the fire whenever you'd like. Some gas fire pits also feature modern, remote-controlled ignition systems and the ability to control the fire from your smart device. 

You can learn more about your ignition system options here. 

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