Fuel Type Comparison Guide

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

Natural Gas vs Propane: Quick Comparison

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 with no tanks to refill
• Lower cost per BTU than propane
• Burns cleaner with minimal soot
• Excellent for built-in and commercial installs

Cons of Natural Gas

• Must be professionally installed
• Fixed location with less flexibility
• Higher upfront hookup costs

Propane Fire Pits

What Is It?

Propane is stored in refillable tanks and burned through a pressurized delivery system.

Pros of Propane

• Easy setup ideal for retrofits and DIY projects
• Portable and easy to relocate
• Burns hotter per unit
• Fuel available almost everywhere

Cons of Propane

• Tanks require regular refills
• More carbon buildup over time
• Higher long-term fuel cost

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 approximately 7" WC pressure
• Propane Burners use smaller orifices and require approximately 11" WC pressure
• AWEIS Electronic Ignition works with both when configured correctly
• Match-Lit and Push-Button Kits are fuel-specific

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Questions to Ask Before You Choose

Ask yourself:

• Is this a permanent installation or portable feature?
• Do I already have access to a gas line?
• Will I use the fire pit occasionally or every week?
• Do I plan to DIY or hire a professional?

Your answers shape the fuel type that makes the most sense for your project.

Final Take: Which Gas Type Is Best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Only the right choice for your setup.

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 directly into it.

No tanks to change. No interruptions. Just reliable flames every night.

Natural gas gave them the convenience and long-term savings they wanted.

Case 2: The Weekend Warrior

Jake lives in a rental and built a fire pit using one of our propane kits. He wanted something portable, flexible, and easy to install himself.

His propane tank hides neatly in a vented enclosure and fires up with the flip of a switch.

Propane gave him portability, flexibility, and DIY freedom.

So which one fits you?

Choose Natural Gas If:

• You want a permanent built-in fire pit
• You already have access to a gas line
• You prefer a set-it-and-forget-it solution

Choose Propane If:

• You don’t have natural gas access
• You want portability or flexibility
• You plan to handle the build yourself

The best fuel is the one that fits your space, your usage, and your installation plan.