What Gas Does a Fire Pit Use?

Ever stared at your fire table wondering, “What gas does this thing even use?” Short answer: usually propane or natural gas. But which is best for you—and what about butane or bioethanol? Stick around to find out which fuel keeps the flames dancing and the marshmallows perfectly toasted.

🔥 Propane Gas Fire Pits

If there were a “starter fuel” for fire pits, propane would take the crown. It’s the most popular option for a reason—easy to set up, no gas line required, and it works straight out of a tank.

Think of it as the plug-in-and-play option for instant backyard ambience.

✅ Advantages:

🔄 Portability and flexibility

Let’s say you’ve got mates coming round and you fancy moving the fire pit closer to the action. No problem. With propane, you're not tied to one spot. The tank sits neatly underneath or beside the pit, ready to go wherever you go.

It’s a solid choice for renters, spontaneous outdoor gatherings, or even a last-minute camping trip.

🛠️ Easy to set up

One of propane's biggest draws? Simplicity.

There’s no need to mess about with complicated pipework. Just attach the hose, double-check for leaks with a splash of soapy water, and hit the ignition. It’s basically the gas BBQ of the fire pit world.

❌ Disadvantages:

💸 Higher fuel costs (propane tanks)

Here’s where the convenience comes at a cost. Propane tends to be pricier per unit compared to natural gas. If your fire pit becomes a regular weekend tradition, those tank refills can sneak up on your wallet.

🔁 Requires tank refills

Nothing quite kills the vibe like a flame that fizzles out mid-story. Propane tanks do run out—and it always seems to happen at the worst time. You’ll need to stay on top of refills or keep a spare tank handy, just in case.

🔥 Natural Gas Fire Pits

If propane is the “ready when you are” option, natural gas is more of a “set it and forget it” solution. Once it’s installed, it delivers a steady supply of fuel without the fuss.

It’s a popular choice for homeowners looking to create a dedicated fire pit area that’s there year-round.

✅ Advantages:

💷 Lower fuel costs (generally)

If you're a regular fire pit user, this is where natural gas shines. It’s usually cheaper than propane, especially if you’re using it often. Over time, those savings can really add up—more money for marshmallows, right?

🔄 Continuous supply from gas line

Imagine never running out of fuel halfway through a chilly evening. That’s the luxury of natural gas. It taps straight into your home’s gas line, meaning the fire's always ready when you are—no tanks, no runs to the garage.

❌ Disadvantages:

🧰 Requires gas line installation

If your outdoor space doesn’t already have a gas line, you’ll need to have one professionally installed. That’s not a quick job and it isn’t cheap, either. But once it's done, it’s done—and maintenance is minimal.

🪵 Less portable

Natural gas fire pits are in it for the long haul. Once they’re connected, they’re not going anywhere. That’s perfect if you want a permanent focal point, but not ideal if you like to rearrange your garden layout every summer.

🔥 Other Fuel Options (Less Common)

Not everyone needs a roaring flame or a permanent setup. There are a few alternative fuel options that may suit smaller spaces or more decorative use.

They’re less common, but they have their place.

🔹 Butane Gas:

🔋 High energy density

Butane’s great for small, portable fire pits. It’s the kind of fuel you’d pack for a weekend glamping trip or a tiny table-top fire feature. Despite its small size, it stores a fair bit of energy, giving you a decent flame from a compact canister.

🥶 Performance issues in cold weather

Here’s the downside: butane doesn’t do well in the cold. If the temperature drops too low, it struggles to vaporise, which can seriously affect performance. Not ideal for late autumn evenings or frosty winter nights.

🔥 Choosing the Right Gas for Your Fire Pit

So, how do you know which gas is right for your setup? It really comes down to how and where you’ll be using your fire pit.

Let’s walk through a few key factors to help narrow it down.

📍 Space and Usage:

🏠 Indoor vs. outdoor use

Most gas fire pits are built for outdoor use, but that doesn’t mean every space is the same. Got a large open garden? A permanent natural gas pit might be perfect. Prefer a small balcony setup or need to move things around? Propane (or even butane) is likely your best bet.

For small decorative indoor fire features, bioethanol is a clean-burning alternative—though it’s not ideal for heating.

📆 Frequency of use

If your fire pit’s the heart of your garden gatherings, go for a fuel that matches that rhythm. Frequent users will benefit from natural gas—it’s reliable and cost-effective in the long run. If it’s more of a once-a-month treat, propane gives you the flexibility without committing to permanent changes.

💰 Fuel Availability and Costs:

⛽ Gas line access, propane costs, butane availability

• Got a gas line already? Natural gas is a no-brainer.

• No gas line and want flexibility? Propane is widely available and easy to manage.

• Need something ultra-compact? Butane can do the job, but check the weather forecast first.

Your local availability and prices can vary, so it’s worth comparing what's most accessible in your area.

🔥 Conclusion

So, what gas does a fire pit use? Most commonly, it’s either propane or natural gas—and your choice depends on your lifestyle, setup, and how often you use it.

• Go propane if you value portability, quick setup, and the ability to move your fire pit around.

• Opt for natural gas if you’ve got a gas line and want a steady, cost-effective flame that’s always ready to go.

• Consider butane for small, occasional use—just keep it out of the cold.

Whichever gas you choose, your fire pit can be more than just a heat source—it can become the heart of your outdoor space. From cosy chats around the fire table to toasting marshmallows with the kids, the right fuel brings it all to life.

Just don’t forget to stock up on biscuits and chocolate—because let’s be honest, no one ever says no to a s’more.

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