Best Gas Fire Pits: Which One to Buy

For most backyards, a propane fire pit table from a brand like Outland Living is the practical gas choice, a portable propane bowl suits camping and small patios, and a natural-gas model on a permanent line suits owners who want a fixed, low-maintenance feature. Gas fire pits give instant on-and-off flames without smoke or embers, but they demand correct clearances, ventilation and a properly connected fuel supply, so follow the manual and local code before anything else.

Our top picks

Top pickCiays 28 Inch Propane Fire Pit CSA-Listed

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Also greatCiays 43-Inch Rectangular Propane Fire Pit with

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Also greatOutVue 32 inch Propane Fire Pit Table

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Also greatCiays 43-Inch Rectangular Propane Fire Pit with

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Gas fire pits at a glance

How gas fire pits differ from wood

Gas models light with a switch or push-button, stop with a turn of a valve, and produce little smoke. Many local burn bans restrict wood fires but permit gas appliances, though rules vary and it is worth confirming locally. The trade-off is that flames are decorative and heat output is lower than a big wood fire. Wood-burning pumps like the Solo Stove Bonfire top many roundups for overall fire pits, but that is a different category from gas.

Propane versus natural gas

Propane

Propane models use a standard 20 pound tank, often hidden inside a table base. They are portable and need no plumbing, but tanks need refilling or swapping. Burn time depends on the model’s BTU output and flame setting, so check the maker’s stated figure.

Natural gas

Natural gas fire pits connect to a house line and never run out. They require a licensed professional to run and test the line and must be installed to local code. The pit becomes a fixed feature, and some models can be converted between fuels with an official kit, but only if the maker states that conversion is supported.

Features to weigh

• BTU output: higher figures mean more heat and faster fuel use. Makers state these differently, so use the number as a rough guide only.
• Ignition: push-button or electronic ignition is convenient. Reviewers note some popular bowls lack it and need a match or lighter.
• Safety controls: look for a flame-failure device or thermocouple if the maker offers it, and a certification mark such as CSA or UL listing where stated.
• Materials: coated steel, powder-coated aluminum, stone-look concrete and glass-fiber reinforced concrete each trade weight, looks and weather resistance.
• Fill media: lava rock, fire glass or ceramic logs hide the burner and spread flame; use the type the maker approves.
• Cover: a fitted cover protects the burner from rain and debris when idle.

Placement and safety

Place a gas fire pit outdoors only, on a level non-combustible surface, away from the house, overhanging branches, fences and furniture. Follow the minimum clearances in the manual. Never use one in a garage, under a covered porch unless the maker states it is allowed, or in a space with restricted airflow. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, keep children and pets away, and never leave a lit pit unattended. Check hoses and connections for damage, and test for leaks according to the maker’s instructions. If you smell gas, turn off the supply and call your gas utility or emergency number. Natural gas hookups and any permanent installation belong with a licensed professional, and your local code or home insurance may have its own requirements.

Budget tiers

• Budget: small portable propane bowls and tabletop units. Good for casual use, but with basic ignition and lighter materials.
• Mid-range: fire pit tables from Outland Living and similar brands, with built-in tank storage and decent finishes.
• Premium: concrete or custom natural-gas installations with electronic ignition and safety controls.

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Alternatives

• Smokeless wood-burning pits such as the Solo Stove Bonfire, which top many roundups if you prefer real fire and your area allows it.
• Bioethanol or tabletop burners for very small spaces.
• Patio heaters if heat matters more than flames.

Fuel supply and connections

Propane fire pits typically use a standard 20 pound cylinder connected through a regulator and hose supplied with the unit. Use only the regulator and hose the maker specifies, tighten fittings by hand or with the tools called for in the manual, and follow the maker’s leak-test method, which commonly involves a soapy water solution applied to connections. Never use a flame to look for a leak. Store cylinders upright outdoors in a shaded, ventilated spot, away from ignition sources and never inside a garage or home.

Natural gas models tie into a house line through a shut-off valve and a flexible connector or hard pipe. The size of the supply line and the pressure rating must match the burner, and this is where local code matters. A licensed plumber or gas fitter should handle the installation, test for leaks and, where required, obtain a permit.

Heat, flame and the experience

Gas fire pit heat is gentler than a wood fire. Tabletop and fire-table styles are better for ambience than for warming a group on a cold evening. Larger bowls with high BTU ratings produce more warmth, but reviewers note the heat is mostly felt close to the burner. If warmth is the priority, add a patio heater or pick a bowl with a higher stated output, and place seating at the clearance distance the manual allows rather than closer.

Flame color and height depend on the burner and media. Lava rock and fire glass both spread flame well, while ceramic logs mimic a wood fire. Use only media the maker approves, avoid river rocks or other porous stones that can trap moisture and crack under heat, and keep media at the depth specified.

Weather, wind and maintenance

Wind can blow out flames or disturb the pilot or igniter, so a sheltered spot helps. Cover the pit when not in use to protect the burner from rain, spiders and debris, which can block gas ports. Inspect the burner periodically, clean ports gently as the manual describes, and replace damaged hoses. In freezing climates, follow the maker’s winterizing instructions, and store portable propane units and cylinders properly.

Common mistakes buyers make

• Assuming any gas fire pit can sit on a wooden deck or under a roof.
• Buying a table-style unit and expecting it to heat like a campfire.
• Skipping a cover and letting debris clog the burner.
• Using unapproved stones or fill that can crack when heated.
• Letting an unlicensed installer connect a natural-gas line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a propane tank last?

It depends on BTU output and flame height. A pit rated for tens of thousands of BTU can run through a 20 pound tank in several hours at full flame, so check the maker’s stated figure and keep a spare.

Can I use a gas fire pit on a wooden deck?

Only if the manual allows it and the maker states the required clearances or heat shield. Many makers advise a non-combustible surface, so read the instructions carefully.

Do gas fire pits give off carbon monoxide?

Combustion produces carbon monoxide, which is why they are for outdoor use with good airflow only. Never use one in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space.

Does a gas fire pit need a permit?

Portable propane units usually do not, but permanent natural-gas installations often do. Ask your local building department and use a licensed installer.

Can I convert propane to natural gas?

Only if the maker offers an approved conversion kit for your model. Do not modify orifices or fittings yourself.

How do I store it in winter?

Use a fitted cover, disconnect and store tanks upright outdoors according to the manual, and keep media dry. Do not store propane tanks indoors.