Gas Fire Pits vs. Wood-Burning Fire Pits | Yardzen (2024)

FAQs

Gas Fire Pits vs. Wood-Burning Fire Pits | Yardzen? ›

Propane and gas fire pits burn cleaner than wood, with little to no smoke or sparks. They can be more energy-efficient because they provide direct radiant heat without the need for a warm-up period.

Energy Efficiency: Gas fire pits are more energy-efficient than wood burning fires, as they use less fuel to produce the same heat. But natural gas is not a renewable resource while wood is a renewable resource.

Wood fire pits usually generate more heat than gas fire pits, making them perfect for cooking up some hot dogs or making s'mores with the family. Firewood is typically a cheaper and a more readily available fuel source compared to natural gas or propane.

Cons: Higher initial cost: Gas fire pits are typically more expensive to install. Limited ambiance: Some people miss the rustic charm and aroma of a wood-burning fire. Dependency on fuel source: You'll need a gas line run from the house to the firepit for a steady supply of natural gas.

A wood-burning fire pit gives off the most heat. Adequately seasoned wood is easy to burn and produces a large, bright fire that gives off a lot of heat, even in a small fire pit designed to save precious outdoor space.

Gas is a fossil fuel, whereas wood is a more sustainable option, as it is a renewable resource. It is important to note, however, that burning wood also releases pollutants into the air in the form of particulates, which can have negative health impacts.

Material. Most fire pits are made with steel—and generally, steel is the best pick. It's incredibly heat-resistant, weather-resistant, strong, and durable.

To start, it's important to realize that virtually any fire pit design can be adapted for use with either type of fuel. In fact, nearly any wood burning fire pit can be easily converted to a gas one by installing an insert, commercially available for about $100-$400, depending on size.

Clearly, a gas fireplace is the way to go if ease of use, low maintenance, and safety are your top priorities.

So the question is not so much which one emits more heat; it's which one prevents the loss of more heat. In this regard, the gas fireplace clearly comes out on top. However, we cannot deny the greater pleasure people get from the crackling sound and wonderful aromas of a wood fireplace.

Are backyard fire pits worth it? ›

Are fire pits worth the money? In short - yes, absolutely. The main reason they're worth the investment is that they've got multiple uses and they make your patio a multi-season space.

Gas Usage with Propane Fire Pits

For small areas like patios, decks, or balconies, 20-pound cylinders are usually more than enough for your needs. Depending on the size of your tank, you can expect it to last anywhere from 10 to 15 hours on low heat settings up to 2 to 3 hours on high heat settings.

Fuel Type: The type of fuel a fire pit uses can affect its cost. Modern gas fire pits, for example, might be more expensive than wood-burning ones due to the added complexity of the gas components and certification.

The answer, in short, is yes; gas fire pits generate a considerable amount of warmth, making them a brilliant source of heat for outdoor settings.

Because gas fire pits give off less heat and have a controlled, clean-burning flame, they can be used in many settings, as long as there is plenty of ventilation and the fire pit is placed on an even surface. Gas fire pits can be used on decks, patios, balconies, and porches, unlike wood-burning fire pits.

Can you roast marshmallows over your propane or natural gas fire pit? Of course! However, gas fire pit tables are UL listed as a decorative gas appliance (not a cooking appliance), so make sure to clean off the burner and fire media (what is fire media?) to ensure the burner ports stay clean.

Safer: Gas fireplaces are safer than wood because they don't produce smoke, backdrafts or soot, or require matches or sparks to light them. Some gas fireplaces feature a glass panel that separates the firebox from the room.

Hardwood. High-quality seasoned hardwood is another classic material to burn in a fire pit as it burns steadily and well. Additionally, like charcoal, it produces a lot of heat without releasing poisonous toxins. And high-quality hardwoods will result in a cleaner burn, meaning even less smoke.

For the Fire Pit, a 20# propane tank will last approximately 4 to 4 ½ hours at a continuous burn at the maximum output. The tank will last approximately 8-9 hours at a moderate gas output. For the Fire Table, a 20# propane tank will last approximately 4 to 4 ½ hours at a continuous burn at the maximum output.

Although in some cases propane can be a more costly fuel than wood, it burns hotter, more efficiently and more evenly, so the space you're supplementing your heat in won't fluctuate the same way it might with a wood burning fireplace. One consideration to note when weighing the benefits of wood vs.