Types of Gas Firepits
Gas burning fire pits are a great choice for many reasons. Most are easier to start, less messy, and emit less ozone-depleting emissions than wood burning fire pits. In addition, there are no hot embers and no ash is created with gas fire pits, so operation is somewhat safer, and screened spark guards, fire tools and ash receivers are unnecessary. Also, no smoke is created with a gas fire pit, so you also won't need to reposition yourself around the fire due to smoke drift.
The two types of gas fire pits are LP - Liquid Propane and NG - Natural Gas. They are separate and distinct fuels that cannot be combined or be replaced by one another. LP is actually a mixture of propane and butane that burns very clean, with no sulfur or soot emissions, and is used in a wide variety of systems including heating, cooling, cooking and automobile engines. LP gas runs at high pressure, so
propane fire pits have small orifice jets and are equipped with a pressure regulator to adjust the flow/flame size. Most gas fire pits run on LP gas, though with some fire pits you have the option to choose LP or NG.
NG, or Natural Gas, is a substance found naturally in either surface bogs or deep underground, created by the decomposition of organic matter. Natural gas is processed to remove most materials except for methane, and is used as a major source for generating electricity, heating, cooling and transportation.
NG fire pits are characterized by low pressure flow and a large orifice jet, with controls to adjust the air intake. Sometimes when the air/gas mixture is unbalanced, the flame of the
natural gas fire pit can turn a yellow color.
Though most gas fire pits have push-button starters, the best way to light your flame is with a match while you turn on the gas. Electronic ignitions are usually battery-operated and need frequent replacement. However, one of the best things about gas fire pits is that they start right up with minimal work for you. Plus, the flames will continue long into the night until your tank is empty or you turn it off. Most gas fire pits accommodate a 5 gallon/20 Lb standard "barbecue" propane tank. Some
outdoor fire pits hold the tank in an underneath enclosure. For those fire pits that do not conceal the tank, an attractive glass-top table is available as a
propane tank cover.