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 also researched customer reviews for other user insights from online retailers. We consulted Patrick Schatz, who is a mechanical engineer with Hearth Products Controls, a provider of high-end gas fire pits, and relied on his advice for material and safety considerations. To select these pits, we took into account a range of styles and functions to accommodate as many needs and preferences as possible. “That should be made from stainless steel, which is going to be more durable than other materials,” Schatz says. Pay attention to the materials the fire pit is built with, particularly the burner mechanism, which houses the fire. You can also look for propane fire pits that adhere to CSA, ANSI, or UL safety standards. Any permanent natural gas fire pit you choose should have features like flame detection sensors and automatic gas shutoff valves. Schatz says safety should be a top concern when shopping for a gas fire pit. Permanent gas fire pit installations often employ a push-button ignition system that’s powered by a permanent electric supply. Typically, these buttons are powered by a battery, which you’ll occasionally have to replace. Push-button systems create a spark next to the gas outlet to ignite the flame. They’re typically less expensive and more reliable than push-button systems, though holding a lit match over flammable gas does make some people nervous. Match-lit systems require you to turn on the gas and then hover a lit match over the gas output. There are two kinds of ignition systems: match-lit and push-button. Although some smaller options aren’t as warm, they can create a cozy atmosphere for one or two people. If you’re hoping to provide warmth, choose a large fire pit with a BTU output of 50,000 or higher. Heating CapacityĬonsider the space you’re looking to fill as gas fire pits come in a range of sizes and designs, and you have a range between tiny tabletop flames and massive concrete installations meant to anchor an expansive backyard. In our experience, the process is typically less complicated than putting together a grill. Propane fire pits might also require some light assembly. 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. Factor that installation into your budget, though-running a gas line to a fire pit costs around $25 per linear foot. It’s also significantly cheaper than propane once the line is installed. “Natural gas is typically a better choice if you have access to it, but you’ll need a plumbing professional to install it,” Patrick Schatz of Hearth Products Controls says, adding that natural gas is the top choice because there are no tanks to hide or refill. Natural gas is a great option if you can swing it, but we mostly recommend propane fire pits because of their easy accessibility and installation. Many fire pits today run on 20-pound propane tanks, but some require natural gas, delivered via a connection to your home line. Best Portable: Outland Living Mega Fire Pit.Most Stylish: Ebern Designs Ettinger Outdoor Fire Pit.Most Durable: Outland Living Robson Fire Table.Best Budget: Bali Outdoors Square Fire Pit Table.Best Overall: Bali Outdoors Rectangular Tabletop Fire Pit.Between ease of use and flexibility of installation, we recommend installing one of these gas fire pits for simple, elegant ambiance and genuine warmth. Moreover, they’re considered appliances, so you can install them closer to your house than wood fire pits, which safety regulations say should sit at least 25 feet away from homes or decks. They provide nice heat without the annoyance of gathering wood or cleaning out ash-just make sure you’re stocked up on propane or natural gas before the weekend. Gas fire pits don’t require attention like a burning fire, maintaining a cozy, consistent flame with the click of a button. Now is the time to get your outdoor space dialed in for fall, whether that includes cleaning up leaves or hosing off patio furniture-but a homey year-round touch you may not have considered is a gas fire pit.
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