Gas or Wood: The Core Decision for Every Fire Pit Buyer
A fire pit transforms a backyard into a gathering space — but the fuel type you choose will shape how you use it every time. Here is an honest breakdown of gas versus wood.
Gas Fire Pits: Convenience, Consistency, and Clean Burning
Gas fire pits — running on natural gas or liquid propane — are the most popular choice for residential patios, and for good reason. You turn them on with a switch or a push of a button, adjust the flame height instantly, and turn them off completely when you are done. No ash, no embers, no cleanup. Most gas fire pits use electronic ignition with a flame-sense safety valve that automatically cuts the gas if the flame goes out.
Heat output ranges from 40,000 to 90,000 BTUs on the models we carry from brands like The Outdoor Plus, Grand Canyon, and Cal Flame. Gas fire pits are also generally allowed in more municipalities than wood-burning units, which face open-burn restrictions in many areas.
Tradeoff: gas fire pits require a propane tank hookup or a natural gas line. There is no crackling sound, no wood smell, and no campfire experience.
Best for: most residential patios, entertaining areas, buyers who want zero cleanup and reliable flame every time.
Wood Fire Pits: The Authentic Campfire Experience
If you want the smell of burning wood, the sound of crackling logs, and the visual of a real campfire, only a wood-burning fire pit delivers it. There is a reason this experience is primal — it is genuinely different from gas, and for many buyers it is the entire point.
Wood fire pits are also typically less expensive upfront since they require no gas hookup. The tradeoffs are significant though: you need a supply of dry firewood, cleanup after every use, more attention to safety (stray embers, wind direction), and compliance with local burn regulations.
Best for: buyers who prioritize the authentic campfire experience and are willing to manage the extra effort and maintenance.
Which Should You Choose?
For most homeowners with a patio or outdoor entertaining area, gas wins on convenience and practicality. For lake houses, cabins, and buyers who genuinely want a campfire experience, wood is worth the extra effort. Browse our full fire pit collection at Fireplace Bros — free shipping on orders over $299.
