Editors’ Note: We reviewed this article in February 2023, and still stand behind these expert recommendations. We’ll continue to evaluate this list on a monthly basis to make sure the models below represent the best gas fire pits available now.

The act of sitting around a fire has been an important part of our society since, well, the harnessing of fire. But unlike our ancestors, today’s flames aren’t dependent upon wood. Gas fire pits, which use either propane or natural gas, have become a hot commodity in recent years.

Best Gas Fire Pits

The Experts: James Fitzgerald is a home improvement freelance writer with over a decade of experience in a variety of trades. During his time as a maintenance technician, he installed gas fire pits to add ambiance and warmth on chilly Pacific Northwest nights at multiple facilities. As a lover of all things outdoors, he has personally enjoyed the alluring atmosphere that gas fire pits contribute to practically any outdoor space, especially as wood-burning fire pits become increasingly less common due to their inherent fire risk. We also consulted Patrick Schatz, who is a mechanical engineer with Hearth Products Controls, a provider of high-end gas fire pits.

Why You Should Choose a Gas Fire Pit

Patrick Schatz of Hearth Products Controls thinks people are turning to gas fire pits over wood because of the ease of use. “You don’t have to gather wood,” he says. “You don’t have to clean out the ash. And gas fires burn clean, so there’s no smoke, which can be the most annoying part of a fire.”

Gas fire pits are also considered an appliance so they can be placed closer to existing structures, whereas wood fire pits often have to be 25 feet away from homes or decks. But that ease of use comes with a price—literally. Gas fire pits are often much more expensive than their wood counterparts. And even the most robust gas flames are not as warm as a wood fire. But if you’re looking for a no-hassle fire to provide ambiance and some warmth in your backyard or on your patio, gas might be your best option.

Key Factors to Consider

Size

The first factor to consider when choosing a gas fire pit is the space you’re looking to fill. There are fire pits in many shapes and sizes, including tiny tabletop flames and massive concrete installations meant to anchor a backyard. If you’re hoping to provide warmth, choose a large fire pit with a BTU output of 50,000 or higher. Although some smaller options aren’t as warm, they can create a cozy atmosphere for one or two people.

Fuel Type

Many fire pits today run on 20-pound propane tanks, but some require natural gas, delivered via a connection to your home line. A few can be configured for either gas source. “Natural gas is typically a better choice if you have access to it, but you’ll need a plumbing professional to install it,” Schatz says, adding that natural gas is the top choice because there are no tanks to hide or refill. It’s also significantly cheaper than propane once the line is installed. Factor that installation into your budget, though; running a gas line to a fire pit costs around $25 per linear foot. On the other hand, hooking up a fire pit to a 20-pound propane tank is no different than attaching a tank to your gas grill, and propane burns more efficiently than natural gas. Propane fire pits might also require some light assembly. In our experience, the process is typically less complicated than putting together a grill.

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Ignition Type

The ignition system of your fire pit is also worth considering. There are basically two kinds of ignition systems: match-lit and push-button. A match-lit system requires you to turn on the gas and then hover a lit match over the gas output. It is typically less expensive and more reliable than a push-button system, though holding a lit match over flammable gas does make some people nervous. A push-button system creates a spark next to the gas outlet to ignite the flame. Typically, these buttons are powered by a battery, which you’ll occasionally have to replace. Permanent gas fire pit installations often use a push-button ignition system that’s powered by a permanent electric supply.

Safety Features

Schatz says safety should also be a top concern and that any permanent natural gas fire pit you choose should have features like flame detection sensors and automatic gas shutoff valves. You can also look for propane fire pits that adhere to CSA (Canadian Standards Association), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), or UL (Underwriters Laboratory) safety standards. And finally, pay attention to the materials the fire pit is built with, particularly the burner mechanism that houses and produces the flame. “That should be made from stainless steel, which is going to be more durable than other materials,” Schatz says.

How We Evaluated

When evaluating gas fire pits, we took into account a range of styles and functions to accommodate as many needs and preferences as possible. So whether you desire a certain appearance (such as a wood, stone, or bronze finish), prefer a certain type of fire pit (a table, column, or bowl, for example), or want to heat a large or small space, you can find the ideal solution for your outdoor living area among our recommendations. We relied on Schatz’s advice for material and safety considerations and researched other articles on gas fire pits from credible websites such as The Family Handyman and Bob Villa. Finally, we took into account customer reviews from online retailers like Amazon and Home Depot.

Bali Outdoors

amazon.com

$339.99

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Long and narrow, this Bali Outdoors fire pit the perfect size to double as a coffee table in front of a couch. The burner is stainless steel, and the table is made from an alloy steel made to look like a cabinet, which hides a 20-pound propane tank (sold separately). The tabletop is slate and includes an insert that covers the burner if you’d like to use the table without the flames. Customers report the flame is surprisingly warm, thanks to the 60,000 BTU output. Surrounding the burner is 15 pounds of fire glass beads, and you can add an optional glass wind guard around the flame if your patio is windy or you have small children with wandering hands.

Bond

amazon.com

$280.02

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Fire bowls offer the highest level of freedom in selecting a location for your fire pit. Along with being able to place them on the ground like fire pit tables and columns, you can also place fire bowls on a table, ledge, or other elevated surface. At 28 inches in diameter and weighing 43 pounds, this fire bowl capitalizes on versatility by allowing you to easily move it practically anywhere you want in your yard. Its attractive faux concrete finish is constructed with a rugged sand-based material called Envirostone, and the ProCoat coating provides an additional layer of protection from the elements. The stainless-steel burner creates a flame that emits 50,000 BTUs and is filled with lava rocks that brilliantly accompany the concrete-style finish.

Outland Living

amazon.com

$601.74

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Outland Living builds this square accent table’s aluminum frame with polyethelene “wicker” sides that can withstand the elements while hiding a 20-pound tank inside. Meanwhile, a stainless-steel burner churns out a maximum of 42,500 BTUs. Black tempered glass surrounds the flame, giving you enough room to set a drink or small plate, and 15 pounds of decorative glass pebbles decorate the burner area. This is one of the most popular table fire pits on the market, thanks to the reliable build and solid heat output, but keep in mind that an insert to cover the burner and make a solid table is extra.

Outland Living

amazon.com

$199.99

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Sometimes, you just want to sit next to a classic campfire, and Outland Living’s Mega gives you a close approximation in a portable gas setup. This is actually one of the larger portable gas fire pits on the market. It’s big enough to serve as your daily backyard fire pit, but at 34 pounds, it’s easy enough to load up and take to the campsite or beach, too. It has a stainless-steel burner with a durable powder-coated steel bowl, lava rocks, adjustable flame height, and best of all, a 10-foot hose that makes it easy to hide the propane tank.

Bond

amazon.com

$259.94

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Stone decor can compliment a wide range of design styles or make for a lovely accent piece. This fire pit’s 16-inch square Envirostone column houses and conceals a 20-pound propane tank, and a ProCoat coating helps preserve its beauty and integrity for years to come. The stainless-steel burner rests on top of the column and produces a 40,000-BTU flame that you can adjust with a built-in control knob.

Terra Flame

amazon.com

$99.00

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There are less expensive tabletop fire pits out there, but the Geo Fire Bowl is a more substantial option, thanks to the solid concrete bowl that is filled with pebbles. There’s some heft to this bowl (15 pounds, to be exact), but the flame is more for looks than function. The Geo Fire Bowl uses replaceable gel packs (it comes with three cans) as fuel. Just slide the gel pack into the center of the bowl and light with a match or lighter. It produces a 7-inch-tall flame that you can use for roasting marshmallows, but it doesn’t provide significant heat. Think of it more as instant ambiance.

Hampton Bay

homedepot.com

$1299.00

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It can be challenging to find a fire pit that matches your existing patio furniture or vice versa. Fortunately, Hampton Bay includes four rocking chairs that beautifully coordinate with this fire pit table. The fire pit features a hardy and weather-resistant faux stone tabletop that’s powder-coated to match the color of the chair cushions. While you’re relaxing on the chair’s 4-inch foam cushions, enjoy the toasty warmth of the burner’s 50,000-BTU flame. The dual-fuel fire pit runs on propane or natural gas, if you prefer a permanent fuel supply.

Hiland

amazon.com

$179.29

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Hiland’s bronze-finish fire pit offers an element of old-world charm and sophistication, and its solid steel construction ensures that its striking appearance stands the test of time. It includes a removable stainless-steel cover to protect the burner when it’s not in use and also allows you to use the full surface area of the table. For added safety, it has an anti-tilt feature that shuts off the 40,000-BTU flame if the unit gets knocked over.

Sunsitt

amazon.com

$149.99

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With a realistic wood grain pattern and a lava rock–filled fire bowl, this fire pit is an excellent way to add a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor living space. Roughly 2 feet tall, weighing 58 pounds, and equipped with convenient side handles, it’s easy to transport to wherever you want to experience the ambiance of its 30,000-BTU flame. Although that might not be warm enough to heat a large space, the fire pit’s compact dimensions make it an ideal solution for adding moderate warmth to smaller spaces. No assembly is required, so it’s ready to use as soon you hook it up to a 20-pound propane tank.

PM: How far away should someone install a gas fire pit from their house?
JF: As a general rule, you should install your gas fire pit at least 10 feet away from anything flammable, such as your house, wooden fence, and overhead branches. However, the recommended distance can vary by manufacturer, and local fire codes can vary by region.

PM: How long will a 20-pound propane tank that’s powering a gas fire pit last?
JF: A 20-pound propane tank will last between 3.5 to 9 hours depending on a fire pit’s BTU rating and how high you set the flame. The average 20-pound propane tank contains 430,000 BTUs, so you can roughly determine how long it will power your fire pit by dividing 430,000 by your fire pit’s BTU output. For example, a 50,000 BTU fire pit can run for approximately 8.6 hours.

PM: Is it safe to roast marshmallows over a gas fire pit?
JF: It’s perfectly safe to roast marshmallows over a gas fire pit. In fact, it’s one of the only food products that you should cook on your fire pit. Avoid cooking other items, like meat and vegetables, because the grease and juices they release can clog the burner ports. Marshmallows don’t release moisture while they’re cooking but might still cause problems if you accidentally drop one or it falls into the pit.