Outdoor gas fire pits are a versatile addition to your yard that can bring years of enjoyment to you and your family. They are often made of a natural stone product, and typically will include imitation fire logs, lava rocks, and a storage cover. This describes the “typical” gas fire pit here at the fire pit outdoor site – however, they do come in many different shapes and sizes.

Some gas fire pits are extremely minimal looking. They may give the effect of flames spouting out of a slab of polished stone, or a simple metal bowl. Others look more like a traditional tabletop fire pit. They will include a base with metal legs, and a stone or ceramic top, with imitation fire logs and a grate of some sort in the middle. Other gas fire pits are made to look like a pile of natural fieldstones configured into a ring, while still others are more box-shaped, like an outdoor fireplace.

Many outdoor gas fire pits can use propane right out of the box, and some have the option of converting to natural gas. This can be especially helpful if you want to try out your outdoor gas fire pit in a variety locations in the yard, then hook up a gas line when you find a permanent location you like.

The better outdoor gas fire pits will include a stainless steel burner or burner plate, which resists corrosion. Some will include a longer hose and regulator for the gas hookup.

With the proper precautions, an outdoor gas fire pit is safe for use on decks, patios, and in yards. Be sure to read the directions carefully, especially when it comes to hooking up the propane or natural gas source. If you are not mechanically inclined, you may wish to have an outdoor gas fire pit professionally installed. If you are concerned about the ease of assembly, look around online and read reviews – other buyers will typically give good feedback about how easy or difficult it was to put their outdoor gas fire pit together.

The amount of heat a gas fire pit puts out is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. The range of BTUs in outdoor gas fire pits can vary widely. Make sure you read the BTU output of the unit you are considering when making your decision. The values typically range from 12,000 BTUs, for small tabletop or portable gas fire pits, to 100,000 BTUs or even more for large, heavy units. The average range for most outdoor gas fire pits seems to be around 40,000 to 80,000 BTUs.

If you are looking for a beautiful centerpiece for your backyard or patio, with a minimum of maintenance, you can’t go wrong with an outdoor gas fire pit. Their convenient on-off operation and lack of mess will leave you with more time to huddle around with family and friends and enjoy their warm glow and ambiance. For many, it is the best of both worlds – the enjoyment of a backyard fire without the mess, smoke, sparks, and ashes.