When choosing which fire pit to purchase, start by deciding the best fuel type for your lifestyle.
There are four fuel types used in fire pits:
- Propane (LP)
- Natural gas
- Gel
- Wood
All fuels create a warm and cozy ambience and will burn safely when you follow the product instructions. The important thing to consider is which fuel type is available at your home and suits the needs of the space where your fire pit will be located, and how much effort you are willing to invest in maintaining the fire pit operation.
Propane
The propane fire pit is a popular and versatile option because it uses the same fuel tanks as your barbecue grill, which can be purchased and refilled at home improvement stores and retail outlets, and hooked up yourself. Or, if you have a large LP tank (underground or above ground) already at your home that you’re using for heat or cooking then a propane fire pit can be connected by a plumber with a permanent hard line, alleviating the need to regularly refill a smaller tank.
Pros of propane:
- Bright and controllable flame
- Efficient heat output (over twice as efficient as natural gas)
- Can be turned on and off quickly.
- Can be used in small areas
Cons of propane:
- Need to swap or refill your fuel tanks, or keep a spare.
- The price of LP fluctuates.
- You may want to conceal the tank.
Natural gas
These are the easiest types of fire pit to control, but they can be costlier to install because of the need to have a professional plumber connect the gas line. They require that you already have natural gas available from your local utility and if your house is not already connected to the local gas service, you will need to install a main line and a meter.
Pros of natural gas:
- Easily controllable (often operated with auto-ignition systems).
- Won’t run out of fuel.
- Most cost-efficient.
- More “natural” white flame than propane.
- Can be turned on and off quickly.
- Clean-burning with minimal residue or soot.
Cons of natural gas:
- Requires professional installation
- Not movable
Gel
Gel is an ethanol-based fuel, a highly combustible alcohol formulated as a gel in cans similar to the Sterno you use for camping or chafing dishes. Gel fuel shares some qualities with propane in that it is portable and clean-burning.
However, you’ll need a fire pit built with the right specifications to hold one or more gel fuel cans and you’ll need a supply of fuel cans since one can will be consumed in a few hours.
Pros of gel:
- Smokeless and odorless.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Easily lit with a match or lighter.
- Portable and more contained.
Cons of gel:
- Can be expensive.
- Fuel canisters rarely last more than four hours.
- Emits less heat and light.
Wood
The most traditional fuel creates the most natural looking fire but is also the messiest and least controllable. Wood-burning fire pits require care and maintenance, more open space for safety, and regular monitoring while they are burning.
Pros of wood:
- Uses same wood as for your indoor fireplace.
- Traditional ambience, aroma, and sound.
- Strong source of heat and light.
- Can be used for cooking.
Cons of wood:
- Labor-intensive (requires regular tending).
- Messier (ashes must be regularly cleaned out).
- Slower to get started – must be lit using kindling.
- Can be riskier and less controllable (sparks and flare-ups).
No matter which fuel you choose, it is important to read all the safety information that comes with your fire pit and use caution at all times.