Many folks prefer gas fire pits to a traditional wood-burning style. That’s because gas fire pits burn cleanly, require less maintenance, and are all-around an easier product to use. While gas fire pits may not have the novelty of a log-burner, their convenience is worth writing home about. For those who want the pick-up-and-play simplicity of a gas fire pit, there are two options available: propane and natural gas.

Propane – Simple, Low-Commitment

• Portable
• Easy Setup
• Warmer Heat  

You may not know what a propane tank looks like—but trust me, you’ve definitely seen one before.

That’s because propane is easily transportable, especially when used for a fire pit. All you need to do is hook up the propane to the fire pit, check for any leaks as a precaution, and let the gas flow.

This makes propane gas pits ideal for those who only use a fire pit sparingly, or don’t want a major, permanent installation. However, if you do have a large propane tank on-site, you could run a gas line underground to turn the fire pit into a more permanent fixture. You could have the best of both worlds, however, and find a propane tank enclosure that doubles as an accent piece with your installation.

Also, as a little bonus, a propane fire pit is a smokeless fire pit because propane is smoke-free. If you regularly use propane-fueled gas fire pits, however, be sure to store them in a safe place.

The biggest downside to propane is its finite supply. Depending on your gas pit, you might be able to get 4 ½ hours of continuous burn at the maximum rate, or 9 hours with a more moderate fire level. After that, you’ll have to swap out your propane tank or run to the store for a refill.

Natural Gas – Permanent Fixture, Bigger Fire

• Permanent Fixture
• Consistent Supply
• Bigger Fires

For those homeowners looking to adorn their yard with a high-value permanent fixture, a natural gas fire pit is for you.

Natural gas fire pits require a permanent gas line to be installed, which means you’ll never have your gas supply run out in the middle of a fire. A natural gas fire pit also keeps you from lugging out a hefty propane tank every time you want to start a fire. Nor will you have to ever run to the store to get gas refills, as you would with propane tanks.

Because natural gas pits have a stable supply of gas, they’re able to use more gas at once, which means bigger flames from your installation. Combine this with the stylish potential of a permanent installation, and you might find yourself choosing a natural gas fire pit for a backyard remodel.

Needless to say, natural gas fire pits are a bigger commitment with a bigger price tag, but they come with bigger peace of mind and ease of use. 

At the end of the day, one thing’s for sure: With either gas fire pit, there’s no more need for unsightly firewood! All you need to do is flick a switch or turn a knob, and you’ll have a toasty fire for your patio!

We’re Here To Help!

If you have any doubts about getting to achieve your fire pit dreams, feel free to call us at 866-848-3473 or send us an email. Our NFI-certified experts are here to answer any questions or schedule an inspection for your existing fireplace or your covered patio to let you know if it is suitable for a fire pit. Browse our section or check out our other Learning Center articles to expand your fireplace knowledge. 

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• Fire Pit Buyer’s Guide
• How to Build Your Own Gas Fire Pit