What Gas Type Is Best for Your Fire Pit?
Natural Gas vs Propane Explained
Still deciding between natural gas and propane for your fire pit?
This one choice impacts everything—flame height, burner compatibility, installation logistics, and how often you'll be swapping tanks or calling a contractor.
At American Fire Products, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners, builders, and retailers make the right call. This guide lays out the facts, clears the confusion, and gives you expert-backed answers so you can build smarter.
Why Gas Type Matters
Before you choose a burner, pan, or ignition system, you need to lock in your fuel source. Why? Because it determines:
- • Your fire pit’s heat output and flame effect
- • Which ignition systems and burners are compatible
- • How it will be installed and maintained
- • How much you’ll spend over time
Pick the wrong one and you risk:
- • Weak or uneven flames
- • Premature wear
- • Compatibility issues
- • Safety hazards and failed inspections
Let’s compare your options.
| Feature | Natural Gas | Propane |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Utility line | Tank |
| Flame Strength | Consistent | Higher per unit |
| Cost Per Use | Lower | Higher |
| Setup Flexibility | Fixed | Portable |
| Installation | Pro required | DIY friendly |
| Media Compatibility | Excellent | Good (more soot buildup) |
| Emissions | Cleaner | Slightly dirtier |
Natural Gas Fire Pits
What Is It?
Natural gas is delivered via underground pipelines. If your property already has natural gas (for heating or a BBQ line), it may be the simplest and cleanest choice.
Pros of Natural Gas
- • Unlimited fuel supply – no tanks to refill
- • Lower cost per BTU than propane
- • Burns cleaner with minimal soot
- • Great for built-in and commercial installs
Cons of Natural Gas
- • Must be installed professional
- • Fixed location—no flexibility
- • Upfront cost for permits and hookup
Best for: New builds, commercial spaces, or homeowners looking for a permanent, low-maintenance solution.
Propane Fire Pits
What Is It?
Propane is stored in refillable tanks (commonly 20 lb. cylinders) and burned through a pressurized delivery system.
Pros of Propane
- • Easy setup—ideal for retrofits and DIY
- • Portable—move your fire feature if needed
- • Burns hotter per unit
- • Readily available fuel across the U.S.
Cons of Propane
- • Tanks require regular refills
- • Slightly more carbon buildup than natural gas
- • Higher long-term fuel cost
Best For: Projects without gas line access, weekend DIYers, and spaces where flexibility matters.
Burner and Ignition Compatibility Tips
Whichever fuel you choose, your burner and ignition system must match. Here’s what to know
- • Natural Gas Burners use larger orifices and run at ~7" WC pressure
- • Propane Burners use smaller orifices and need ~11" WC pressure
- • AWEIS Electronic Ignition works with both—just order the correct configuration
- • Match-Lit and Push-Button Kits are fuel-specific. Be sure to select the correct version
Never cross-match components. It affects safety, performance, and warranty coverage.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Mistake 1: Buying parts before choosing a fuel type
✔ Fix: Decide your fuel source first. It drives every other choice.
❌ Mistake 2: Thinking you can easily switch later
✔ Fix: Converting between gas types requires swapping orifices, valves, and sometimes ignition. Get it right the first time.
❌ Mistake 3: Concealing propane tanks without ventilation
✔ Fix: Use a vented enclosure to allow proper airflow and comply with safety codes.
❌ Mistake 4: Using propane for high-output commercial setups
✔ Fix: Go with natural gas for anything large, permanent, or high-BTU.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
Ask yourself:
- • Is this a permanent installation or a portable feature?
- • Do I already have a gas line?
- • Will I use it occasionally or every week?
- • Do I plan to DIY or hire a pro?
Your answers shape the fuel that's right for you.
Final Take: Which Gas Type Is Best?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Only the right choice for your setup.
But here’s how it plays out in the real world:
Case 1: The Set-It-and-Forget-It Homeowner
Lisa and her husband just finished building their dream patio with a stone-clad fire pit at the center. Since their home already had a natural gas line for the grill, their contractor tied the fire feature right into it. No tanks to change, no interruptions… just reliable flames every night.
✅ Natural gas gave them the convenience they wanted and long-term cost savings.
Case 2: The Weekend Warrior
Jake lives in a rental and built a fire pit using one of our propane kits. He wanted something he could set up quickly, use often, and take with him when he moved. His propane tank hides neatly in a vented enclosure, and it fires up with the flip of a switch.
✅ Propane gave him flexibility, portability, and freedom to install it himself.
So which one fits you?
Choose natural gas if:
- • You want a permanent, built-in fire pit
- • You have access to a gas line
- • You prefer a “set it and forget it” installation
Choose propane gas if:
- • You don’t have natural gas access
- • You want a movable or temporary solution
- • You’re handling the build yourself
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The best fuel is the one that fits your space, your usage, and your installation plan.
Get the Right Kit for Your Fuel Type
No guesswork. No mismatched parts. Our fire pit kits come pre-configured for natural gas or propane with:
✔ Fuel-optimized burners and orifices
✔ Compatible ignition systems
✔ Pre-sized pans, flex lines, and ball valves
✔ Expert support if you need help
