Natural gas fire pits have become increasingly popular backyard features in recent years. They provide the ambiance of a wood-burning fire pit without the mess and labor of dealing with wood. But are they really worth the investment? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of natural gas fire pits to help you decide.
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Pros of Natural Gas Fire Pits
Convenience
The number one advantage of a natural gas fire pit is convenience. With just the flip of a switch or press of a button, you can turn your fire pit on and off with ease. No more having to stock up on firewood, stoke the flames, or clean up ashes. Natural gas fire pits provide instant ambiance at the push of a button.
Most natural gas fire pits are fairly easy to install as well. They connect directly to your home’s existing natural gas supply line. This means no tank refills or messy starter fluids to deal with. Overall, natural gas fire pits provide the joy of a real fire with very little fuss or maintenance.
Control
Natural gas fire pits allow you to precisely control the height and intensity of your flames. Turn it up high for maximum heat output or dial it down low for more ambient lighting. This level of control is difficult to achieve with wood burning fire pits.
You can also control natural gas fire pits using timers, thermostats, and remote controls. Set it to automatically turn on at dusk or crank up the heat right from your smartphone. This functionality makes it easy to customize your fire pit experience.
Cleanliness
Wood burning fire pits generate a lot of smoke, soot, and ash. This dirty byproduct ends up all over your patio furniture, landscaping, and clothing. Constant cleaning is required to keep things looking neat.
Natural gas fire pits burn clean without generating messy ash or smoke. This keeps your patio area looking pristine without constant maintenance. No more ash cleanup or smoky smells lingering on your furniture and clothes.
Safety
Natural gas is a relatively safe fuel source. It is lighter than air, meaning any leaks or accidents dissipate quickly. Gas fire pits are designed with safety features like automatic shut-offs. Many models have lava rocks or fire glass to disperse the flames in a controlled manner.
In general, natural gas fire pits do not pose the same safety risks as open wood-burning fires. There is less risk of embers catching nearby items on fire. The flames are also safely contained within the fire pit itself.
Cost Efficiency
Once installed, natural gas fire pits provide an inexpensive way to enjoy firelight. The fuel source flows directly from your home’s existing gas line. It requires no additional energy costs like wood or propane.
Natural gas prices are also typically more stable than other fuel options. This allows you to better budget for your fire pit operating costs long-term.
While the upfront installation cost is significant, natural gas fire pits can provide very economical ambiance for years to come.
Cons of Natural Gas Fire Pits
Upfront Cost
The main downside of natural gas fire pits is the high upfront cost. Prices for installed units range from $2,000 to $5,000 on average. This is significantly more than a basic wood-burning fire pit.
You may also need to pay for gas line installation or extension to hook it up. These extra costs can add $500 – $1,500+ to your total price tag.
While cheaper propane fire pits are available, they still require frequent tank refills. The upfront investment for a permanent natural gas fire pit is quite steep.
Lack of Wood Smoke
While some view smoke as a drawback of wood-fired pits, others feel it enhances the overall ambiance. The smell and crackling sounds of an open wood fire simply can’t be replicated with gas.
If you are looking to recreate the nostalgic campfire experience, a natural gas fire pit may leave something to be desired. The flames also lack the mesmerizing chaos of a classic wood fire.
Gas Availability
To install a natural gas fire pit, you must have ready access to a gas supply line. Homes in rural areas without existing gas hookups will likely need expensive line installation.
This severely limits placement options and may rule out natural gas entirely for some homeowners. Be sure to consult your local utility company before purchasing a gas fire pit.
Fire Restrictions
Some municipalities have restrictions on open flames, particularly in drought-prone areas. While less risky than wood fires, gas fire pits may still fall under fire ban restrictions.
Be sure to check local ordinances before installing a permanent fire feature. Nothing is worse than investing in an expensive fire pit you can’t fully enjoy due to fire codes.
Limited Customization
Gas fire pits generally offer less customization options compared to wood-burning fire pits. You are limited to the shapes, sizes, and materials offered by the manufacturer.
It is also hard to achieve a totally unique look since the flames emanate from a fixed burner system. If you want a highly customizable fire pit, natural gas may not suffice.
Cost Comparison
To better understand the cost difference, here is a table comparing estimates for installing a mid-range natural gas fire pit versus an equivalent wood-burning model:
| Cost Factor | Natural Gas Fire Pit | Wood-Burning Fire Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Unit cost | $3,000 | $500 |
| Gas/wood for 1 year | $0 (uses existing gas line) | $800 |
| Annual maintenance | $0 | $250 |
| Total upfront cost | $4,000 (includes gas hookup) | $500 |
| Estimated 5 year cost | $4,000 | $3,750 |
Over the first 5 years, the natural gas fire pit averages around $800 more in total cost. However, this comparison can vary dramatically based on factors like:
- Gas line installation costs
- Local fuel prices
- Amount of usage
- Fire pit selection
This table demonstrates the high upfront investment required for a natural gas fire pit. But the long term operating costs are quite low once installed.
Ideal Usage Cases
Here are some of the best scenarios for choosing a natural gas fire pit:
- Frequent fire pit users – The high initial cost is easiest to justify if you plan to use your fire pit routinely.
- Backyards with minimal space – Natural gas units take up less storage room than wood.
- Urban and suburban settings – Avoid smoke and neighbor complaints.
- Colder climates – Enjoy reliable flame ambiance year-round.
- Entertaining areas – Impress your guests with fire at the push of a button.
Occasional users or those looking for maximum customization may want to consider a basic wood-burning unit or chiminea. But for low maintenance ambiance, natural gas fire pits shine.
Key Considerations Before Buying
Keep the following factors in mind when assessing natural gas fire pits:
- Type of installation – Will you need professional gas line work? Opt for an insert or portable model if want something simpler.
- Placement – Pick a location with adequate ventilation and clearance from structures.
- Safety features – Prioritize units with automatic shut-off valves, emergency stops, and heat guards.
- Materials – Durability and style varies. Common options include steel, copper, concrete, and composite stone.
- Extras – Consider conveniences like electronic ignition, WiFi controls, burners, cooking grates, and fire glass.
- Size – Make sure to pick an appropriately scaled fire pit for the space.
- Fuel efficiency – Check BTU ratings to understand expected running costs.
Taking time to evaluate these factors will ensure you select the ideal natural gas fire pit for your needs and budget.
Top Rated Products
Based on customer reviews and industry acclaim, here are 5 of the best natural gas fire pits on the market today:
Endless Summer Outdoor Fire Table
- Steel construction with tile mantel
- 50,000 BTU burner
- Tank insert or natural gas hookup
- Push button ignition
- Lava rock fuel bed
Bond Manufacturing Corinthian Fire Column
- Stone construction with fiberglass column
- 60,000 BTU burner
- Natural gas or propane fuel
- Electronic ignition system
- LED illumination
Outdoor Greatroom Sierra Fire Pit
- Ceramic tile construction
- 50,000 BTU burner
- Natural gas or liquid propane
- Manual or remote ignition
- Realistic log set
Blue Rhino Endless Summer Fire Pit
- Decorative steel housing
- 30,000 BTU burner
- Tank insert or natural gas hookup
- Push button ignition
- Fire glass fuel bed
Landmann Big Sky Stars & Moons Firepit
- Steel construction with cutout designs
- 50,000 BTU burner
- Natural gas or liquid propane
- Manual ignition
- Fire glass fuel bed
This selection provides top-rated fire pits across a range of styles, features, and budgets. Be sure to fully consider your needs before investing in a natural gas fire pit.
Conclusion
Natural gas fire pits require a significant upfront investment but provide years of low-maintenance enjoyment. They are convenient, clean-burning, and safe. No more struggling with wood or compromising ambiance due to fire bans.
However, natural gas fire pits may not be practical or affordable for all homeowners. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before making this commitment. Make sure to evaluate your usage, space restrictions, gas availability, and budget.
If convenience and ease are your top priorities, a natural gas fire pit is difficult to beat. Just be ready for the considerable installation costs. With their instant ambiance and minimal maintenance, natural gas fire pits offer an upscale backyard upgrade.