Propane or natural gas: which is better for an outdoor fire pit?

Both fuels produce a clean, smoke-free flame, so the best choice depends on your space. Natural gas is the better fit for permanent installations because it connects to your home's gas line, never needs refilling, and typically costs less to run. Propane is the better choice if you want a fire pit you can place almost anywhere or move later, since it runs on a portable tank and doesn't require a gas line to be installed. How much heat you get depends on the fire pit's BTU rating, not the fuel.

Do gas fire pits need electricity?

Most gas fire pits don't. Match light systems are lit by hand, and push-button systems run on batteries. Fire pits with hardwired electronic ignition need a 120V outlet or a low-voltage (24V) transformer to power the igniter, valve, and any remote or wall switch controls.

Are propane fire pits safe on a wood deck?

Many propane fire pits can be used on wood or composite decks, as long as the manufacturer approves deck use and you follow the required clearances. Gas fire pits don't throw sparks or embers the way wood-burning fire pits do, which makes them a safer choice for decks. Check the product's installation manual, and use a heat-resistant pad underneath if the manufacturer recommends one.

Can I convert a propane fire pit to natural gas?

Often, yes. Many gas fire pits are dual-fuel or offer a manufacturer conversion kit, which typically swaps the burner orifice and fittings for ones sized for natural gas. Conversions should be done by a qualified technician using the kit approved for your model. Check the product page or contact our team to confirm whether your fire pit can be converted.

How long does a 20 lb propane tank last in a fire pit?

It depends on the fire pit's BTU rating and how high you run the flame. A full 20 lb tank holds roughly 430,000 BTUs of fuel, so a fire pit running at 50,000 BTUs per hour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, while one running at 100,000 BTUs per hour lasts about 4 hours. Running the flame lower makes the tank last longer.

Do gas fire pits put out real heat?

Yes. A gas fire pit produces real, radiant heat, and the amount depends on its BTU rating. Higher-BTU fire pits put out more warmth and are better for cooler climates or larger seating areas. A gas fire pit won't feel quite as hot as a large wood fire, but it delivers steady, adjustable heat without the smoke, sparks, or cleanup.

How do you maintain a gas fire pit?

Keep the burner ports clear of debris, spider webs, and soot so gas flows evenly, and check that your fire media isn't packed over the ports. Inspect the gas connections and hose for leaks at the start of each season. Between uses, protect the fire pit with a metal burner cover or a breathable soft cover to keep out rain and debris, and let wet fire media dry completely before lighting.

Propane & Gas Fire Pits

A gas fire pit gives you instant, smoke-free warmth. Shop our full selection of fire pit tables, fire bowls, and ready-to-finish designs, available as a propane fire pit you can place almost anywhere or a natural gas fire pit connected to your home's gas line.

Propane vs. Natural Gas Fire Pits

Every gas fire pit runs on one of two fuels: propane or natural gas. Both produce a clean, smoke-free flame at the turn of a key or push of a button, so the right choice comes down to your space and how you plan to use it.

A propane fire pit runs on a portable tank, typically a standard 20 lb cylinder. There's no gas line to install, so you can place it almost anywhere on your patio and move it later if your layout changes. The trade-off is that the tank needs to be refilled or exchanged, and it has to be stored either inside the fire pit base or in a separate tank cover nearby.

A natural gas fire pit connects to your home's gas supply, so you never run out of fuel or swap a tank. Natural gas is also typically less expensive to run than propane. It does require a gas line to be installed by a licensed professional, which makes it the better fit for permanent outdoor living spaces.

Many of our outdoor gas fire pits are available in both propane and natural gas versions, and some can be converted from one fuel to the other with a manufacturer-approved kit.

Shop Gas Fire Pits by Style

Gas Fire Pit Tables

A gas fire pit table combines a burner with a wide, flat ledge, so it works as both a heat source and a place to set drinks and plates. Fire pit tables come in chat, counter, and dining heights to match your outdoor furniture.

Gas Fire Bowls

A gas fire bowl is an open, sculptural design that puts the flame front and center. Fire bowls make a striking focal point for modern patios, pool decks, and landscaped spaces.

Round Gas Fire Pits

A round fire pit puts everyone the same distance from the flame, which makes it the classic choice for conversation seating and curved or freestanding chairs.

Square Gas Fire Pits

A square fire pit has clean, modern lines and sits neatly alongside sectional sofas and straight-edged furniture.

Ready-to-Finish Gas Fire Pits

Ready-to-finish fire pits give you a complete structural frame that you finish with stone, stucco, or tile to match your patio and hardscape. They're the easiest way to get a custom built-in look.

Concrete & GFRC Gas Fire Pits

Concrete and GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) fire pits offer a handcrafted, architectural look in a range of colors and textures. GFRC is lighter than solid concrete while staying strong and weather resistant.

How to Choose an Outdoor Gas Fire Pit

Size & BTU Output

Start with the space you have and how many people you want to seat. Smaller fire pits suit balconies and intimate patios, while larger models work best for bigger gatherings. Leave about three to four feet between the fire pit and your seating. BTU rating measures heat output: a higher BTU produces a bigger flame and more warmth but also uses fuel faster, so match the BTU to your space and climate.

Ignition: Match Light, Battery or Electronic

Match light ignition is the simplest option: you open the key valve and light the burner by hand, with no power required. Battery-powered ignition lets you start the flame with the push of a button. Electronic ignition is hardwired and is often paired with a remote, wall switch, or smart controls for the most convenient experience.

Materials: Concrete, Steel, Aluminum

Concrete and GFRC fire pits are heavy, durable, and come in natural, textured finishes. Stainless steel resists rust and has a clean, modern look. Powder-coated aluminum is lightweight and weather resistant, which makes it easier to move and a good choice for decks. Choose a material that suits your style, climate, and where the fire pit will sit.

Propane Fire Pit Safety & Placement

Always follow the manufacturer's clearance requirements for your specific fire pit, including the minimum distance from walls, railings, furniture, and anything overhead, like pergolas, umbrellas, and covered patio ceilings. Place your fire pit on a stable, level surface, and check that it's approved for your surface before using it on a wood or composite deck.

If your propane tank is stored inside an enclosure, the enclosure must be ventilated. Propane is heavier than air, so leaked gas can collect at the bottom of a closed space. Fire pit vents allow that gas to escape and keep your fire pit operating safely. If you'd rather keep the tank outside the fire pit, a propane tank cover hides it while doubling as a side table.

For Contractors, Designers, and Hospitality Buyers

From backyard installs to hotel courtyards, trade professionals use Spotix to source propane and natural gas fire pits for their projects. A SpotixPRO account gives contractors, landscapers, designers, and hospitality buyers trade pricing with no minimums, plus access to our NFI-certified team for help with fuel selection, BTU sizing, and clearance requirements on every job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Propane or natural gas: which is better for an outdoor fire pit?
Both fuels produce a clean, smoke-free flame, so the best choice depends on your space. Natural gas is the better fit for permanent installations because it connects to your home's gas line, never needs refilling, and typically costs less to run. Propane is the better choice if you want a fire pit you can place almost anywhere or move later, since it runs on a portable tank and doesn't require a gas line to be installed. How much heat you get depends on the fire pit's BTU rating, not the fuel.
Do gas fire pits need electricity?
Most gas fire pits don't. Match light systems are lit by hand, and push-button systems run on batteries. Fire pits with hardwired electronic ignition need a 120V outlet or a low-voltage (24V) transformer to power the igniter, valve, and any remote or wall switch controls.
Are propane fire pits safe on a wood deck?
Many propane fire pits can be used on wood or composite decks, as long as the manufacturer approves deck use and you follow the required clearances. Gas fire pits don't throw sparks or embers the way wood-burning fire pits do, which makes them a safer choice for decks. Check the product's installation manual, and use a heat-resistant pad underneath if the manufacturer recommends one.
Can I convert a propane fire pit to natural gas?
Often, yes. Many gas fire pits are dual-fuel or offer a manufacturer conversion kit, which typically swaps the burner orifice and fittings for ones sized for natural gas. Conversions should be done by a qualified technician using the kit approved for your model. Check the product page or contact our team to confirm whether your fire pit can be converted.
How long does a 20 lb propane tank last in a fire pit?
It depends on the fire pit's BTU rating and how high you run the flame. A full 20 lb tank holds roughly 430,000 BTUs of fuel, so a fire pit running at 50,000 BTUs per hour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, while one running at 100,000 BTUs per hour lasts about 4 hours. Running the flame lower makes the tank last longer.
Do gas fire pits put out real heat?
Yes. A gas fire pit produces real, radiant heat, and the amount depends on its BTU rating. Higher-BTU fire pits put out more warmth and are better for cooler climates or larger seating areas. A gas fire pit won't feel quite as hot as a large wood fire, but it delivers steady, adjustable heat without the smoke, sparks, or cleanup.
How do you maintain a gas fire pit?
Keep the burner ports clear of debris, spider webs, and soot so gas flows evenly, and check that your fire media isn't packed over the ports. Inspect the gas connections and hose for leaks at the start of each season. Between uses, protect the fire pit with a metal burner cover or a breathable soft cover to keep out rain and debris, and let wet fire media dry completely before lighting.