Gathering around a fire pit can turn any evening into a special moment, be it for warmth, cooking, or simply enjoying the ambiance. But when choosing a fire pit for your backyard or patio, you might wonder: should you go for a gas or wood fire pit?
A gas fire pit offers convenience and cleanliness. You can start it with a switch and don’t have to worry about smoke or ash. It’s perfect if you want a hassle-free experience or have smoke sensitivities. However, for some, nothing beats the charm and traditional feel of a wood fire pit. However, wood fire pits require more effort in terms of setup and cleaning.
Read the complete post to find out what’s best for you.
Gas Fire Pits
Pros
- Easy to light and turn off, providing instant heat without the need to gather kindling or wood.
- No ash, soot, or smoke, making for a cleaner environment and easier clean-up.
- Ability to adjust the flame height and temperature for desired warmth and ambiance.
- Less risk of flying sparks and embers compared to wood fire pits, reducing fire hazards.
- Eliminates the need for storing and seasoning firewood.
- With a connected natural gas line or propane tank, you have a consistent fuel supply without interruptions.
Cons
- Can be expensive to install, especially if you need to run a natural gas line to the fire pit.
- Some people may miss the crackling sounds and smell of burning wood that comes with traditional fire pits.
- If you run out of propane or there is an issue with the natural gas line, you can’t use the fire pit until it’s resolved.
- Generally produce less heat than traditional wood fire pits, which may be a drawback in colder settings.
Wood Fire Pits
Pros
- You get the real feel of fire, with crackling sounds and the smell of burning wood.
- Usually, wood fires give off more warmth, nice for colder nights.
- You don’t need gas or power, just wood, which can be cheaper or even free if you have it around.
- You can cook over a wood fire, perfect for things like marshmallows or hot dogs.
- Wood fires give you that classic campfire feel, great for stories and songs.
- Often easier to set up with no need for gas lines or technical parts.
Cons
- Smoke can be a bother, getting in your eyes and smelling up your clothes.
- You’ll have ashes and bits of unburned wood to clean after the fire dies down.
- Takes more time and effort to get a wood fire going compared to turning on a gas pit.
- You have to look after the fire pit more, keeping it safe and in good shape.
Design
Gas fire pit designs lean towards modern and sophisticated. They come in various shapes, like round, square, or rectangular, and you often get to choose what’s inside, like fancy glass rocks or ceramic logs. These touches are not just about style; they turn the fire pit into a part of your outdoor décor. Plus, with a gas fire pit, your space stays neat because there’s no wood or ashes to deal with.
Wood fire pits, on the other hand, offer a classic, rustic feel. You might see them built with stones, metal, or brick, and they can really be the main point of your backyard. You can gather around a wood fire pit just like in the old days, feeling the warmth that comes from real firewood. People often pick wood fire pits because they give a cozy and traditional campfire vibe that’s hard to beat even with the fanciest design.
Safety
Gas fire pits are in general seen as safer. This is because you can control the fire easily – just turn a knob to make the flame bigger or smaller. Also, with gas, you don’t have to worry about wind sending sparks flying or hot embers that might start a fire where you don’t want one.
Wood fire pits need more care. Since you’re dealing with real flames that can be unpredictable, there’s always some risk. You need a good space around the pit free from anything that could catch fire. And, always keep a close eye on the fire, especially on windy days, and have something ready to put out the fire if you have to.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a gas fire pit can be more work because if you want one that uses natural gas, you’ll need a gas line put in. This might mean getting a professional to help. Once it’s set up, keeping a gas fire pit in good shape is usually easy – just keep it clean and check connections so they stay safe.
For wood fire pits, setting up is often just finding the right spot and putting the pit together if it’s the kind you build. But maintaining a wood fire pit takes more time. You clean out ashes after each use and make sure the pit itself doesn’t have any damage that needs fixing to stay safe.
Pricing
The price of your fire pit will depend on what kind you pick. Gas fire pits can start around $150 for a basic portable model and can go beyond $1,000 for high-end versions, especially those built-in with a natural gas line, and that have designs that make a statement. Don’t forget, you’ll also be paying for the gas itself – if it’s propane, you’ll be getting tanks; if it’s natural gas, it’ll add to your monthly bill. So, while the starting price can be higher for gas fire pits, the costs continue as you use it.
For those who like the crackling of wood, wood fire pits can be an affordable option. You can pick up a simple metal bowl for burning wood for around $50 to $100. If you’re thinking about something more permanent, like a stone fire pit, then you could spend from $300 to even $600, depending on materials and design. And the wood – if you don’t have it free around you – might cost around $5 for a bundle. If you find yourself firing it up often, those bundles will start to add up. It’s worth thinking about how much you’ll use it and if you have easy, low-cost access to firewood in your area.
Final Verdict
If you want something easy and clean, with no fuss, then a gas fire pit might be your best bet. You can start a fire fast, with no smoke to bother you or ash to clean up after. I love the convenience of being able to turn it on and off just like that. It’s great for relaxing evenings when I just want to enjoy the fire without extra work.
Now, if you crave that authentic fire experience, the sort that brings back memories of campouts and starry nights, a wood fire pit could be the one for you.