Key Takeaways

  • Choose wood, gas, or pellet fire pits based on the vibe and convenience you want
  • Smokeless fire pits use secondary combustion to burn hotter with far less smoke
  • Styles range from traditional pits and bowls to fire tables and portable options
  • Materials like cast aluminum and faux stone affect durability and weather resistance
  • Consider ignition type (spark, continuous, or match light) for ease of use

Fire Pit Fuel Types

Wood and gas are the standard and most popular choices for fire pits, though a few specialty options have surfaced in recent years.

Wood burning fire pit on the shore near a lake

Wood

The old-fashioned, smoky aroma and pleasant crackle of a wood fire creates an ambiance that can’t be beaten, and the benefits of quick installation and minimal maintenance make these a popular choice. Traditional log fire pits are the least expensive option and produce larger, hotter fires than their gas counterparts.

Gas burning fire pit next to a set of outdoor furniture

Gas

As opposed to wood, gas fire pits require less work. Since there’s no chopping wood and no matches, starting a fire can be as simple as turning on the gas valve and pushing a button. Propane models attach to a standard 20-pound propane tank that will need to be placed somewhere on your patio. Some units are built to house the tank within its structure while other brands carry a separate matching tank cover. Natural gas has the advantage of a cleaner installation since there is no tank to place, but it will require professional plumbing to run the natural gas line to your fire pit.

Small tabletop fire pit with people roasting marshmallows above

Pellet

Pellets give you that wood-fired experience without the hassle of logs. They light easily and burn more predictably than firewood, holding a steady flame with minimal mess, so you get the crackle and warmth of a real fire with less tending and cleanup. Most pellet models are compact and easy to move, making them a simple way to add fire to a patio, deck, or campsite.

Smokeless Fire Pits

Smokeless fire pits use double-walled construction to channel and preheat air as the fire burns. That heated air feeds back into the fire through vents near the top, igniting the smoke and gases an ordinary fire would simply release in a process called secondary combustion. The result is a hotter, more complete burn that turns wood or charcoal almost entirely to ash, with far less smoke drifting into your face or clinging to your clothes.

Minimal Smoke

Specially designed air flow technology helps logs burn completely and greatly minimizes smoke.

Easy to Clean

The absence of smoke and minimal ash left behind make this a breeze to clean.

Take It Anywhere

Lightweight and portable designs mean you can take it on the road or enjoy it at home.

Accessible Text Version for How a Smokeless Fire Pit Works

Text Version for How a Smokeless Fire Pit Works Infographic

How a Smokeless Fire Pit Works

  • Here's a visual showing a cut-out diagram of a smokeless fire pit, depicting the airflow path, and giving a step-by-step process how a smokeless fire pit operates.
  • First, cool air is drawn in through inlets at the fire pit base.
  • Second, the air heats as it rises through the double-wall channel.
  • Third, the heated air exits through vents around the rim.
  • Finally, the presurrized, heated oxygen mixes with smoke, causing secondary combustion.

Fire Pit Types, Sizes, and Styles

Each fire pit style lends a different aesthetic to your outdoor space, and some have the added benefit of being practical even when not in use.

Fire pit on a gravel clearing with chairs around it

Fire Pits

Standard outdoor fire pits are usually rectangular, though they’re available in many different shapes and sizes. This style also includes a variety of materials and fuel types. These fire pits bring a familiar, classic aesthetic.

Group of people around a half-sphere fire bowl, roasting marshmallows

Fire Bowls

With rounded bodies and beautiful contours, fire bowls are a trendy choice, and their streamlined design will make for a striking statement piece in any space.

Lit fire pit table surrounded by outdoor furniture

Fire Pit Tables

While these are the largest styles, they also are one of the most practical. Fire pit tables are tables with built-in fire pits and often come with a tabletop cover or tank storage for additional table space.

Person operating the hood lift on a fire pit grill, on the beach

Fire Pit Grills

With a wood-burning fire below and a cooking surface above, you can enjoy a cozy campfire, prepare a meal on the grates, or do both at the same time.

Flaming fire urn in an outdoor patio setting

Fire Urns

These luxury-styled urns are similar, taller versions of fire bowls. Most are propane-fueled and have a hidden access hatch to conceal your tank.

Small fire bowls on columns, next to a pool

Fire and Water Bowls

For a truly spectacular focal point, fire and water bowls provide the warmth of a fire pit and the ambiance of a waterfall, so you get the best of both worlds.

Portable fire pit on a deck with a family surrounding it

Portable Fire Pits

Portable fire pits go where you go! Their small, lightweight design and pellet or wood-burning fuel types make them excellent travel companions.

Small polygonal tabletop fire pit next to a matching succulent planter

Tabletop Fire Pits

These smaller models are designed to be centerpieces for outdoor dining tables, or anywhere else that you might like a bit of light, warmth, and ambiance.

Fire Pit Materials

The material of your fire pit will make a big difference in terms of longevity, maintenance, and overall cost. BBQGuys® offers more than 20 different types of materials to choose from, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular choices available.

Powder-coated steel framed fire pit with spark guard

Powder-Coated Steel

Powder-coated steel is steel that has been coated with a layer of powdered paint. It's a popular method for adding color and protection to metal surfaces, providing durability and resistance to corrosion. It's a budget-friendly option, though it may have a shorter lifespan compared to more robust materials.

Lit cast aluminum fire table

Cast Aluminum

Cast aluminum stands up to any weather without rusting. While it’s not as light as regular aluminum, it’s still easily portable enough to move around your patio.

Rectangular faux stone fire pit, on fire

Faux Stone & Concrete

While these are heavier than other materials, they are the most durable options on the market, meaning it will last you season after season in any weather.

Fire pit table with GFRC base

GFRC

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete is composed of specially formulated cement, glass fibers, aggregates, and polymers, and uses special alkaline resistant glass fibers and polymers instead of steel for reinforcement. This creates a final product that is thin and hollow in construction, so it weighs a fraction of a traditional pre-cast concrete fire pit.

Ignition Type

The ignition type is what is used to light the burner on a gas fire pit. Different methods are more popular than others, so it’s important to know the difference when making your choice.

GFRC single-spark-lit fire bowl

Single Spark

These ignitions feature an electrode which creates a spark when the ignition button or knob is activated, igniting the fuel mixture. Some fire pits come with Push Button Spark Ignition.

Fire pit table, lit by continuous spark ignition

Continuous Spark

In this two-part system, a spark is created with an electrode that is connected to an ignition rod. This ignition rod is placed next to the gas flow at the burner and the sparks are repeatedly emitted while the ignition is activated.

GFRC match-lit fire urn

Match Light

Match light ignitions are lit manually with a long match placed next to the burner while the fuel source is on.

Fire Pit Safety

A fire pit is only relaxing when it’s set up safely. Always read the owner’s manual for your specific model, set the pit on a non-combustible surface with proper clearance to nearby structures, and never burn under a covered space. For the full rundown of gas, wood, and general protocols, see our Fire Pit Safety Guide.

Fire Pit Warranties

Fire pits can last an exceptionally long time when properly cared for, but even the best fire pits have the occasional issue. Check out our Fire Pit Warranty Comparison Chart for more information on what warranties our fire pit brands offer.

Gas Fire Pit Decor

Don’t forget the finishing touches! Fire pit décor refers to anything you can put inside the pit, as well as ornamentation usually placed on top of or used with filler. It’s a great way to add some extra pizzazz to your gas fire pit. Choose one or mix and match for a truly unique look. Types of décors include fire glass, geometric shapes, stone branches, or shaped glass to help you create beautiful and diverse firescapes. Check out our Fire Glass Buying Guide for more information.

DIY Fire Pits

For a fire pit that’s truly unique to your taste and your space, getting a DIY fire pit kit is a great option. You have the advantage of making it any size you want, and you can customize your materials to match your patio. Our article on How to Build a Gas Fire Pit will go into more detail about what you’ll need for your journey.

Whether you're roasting marshmallows over a wood-burning fire, or simply enjoying each other's company, any fire pit you choose will serve as a welcoming gathering place for your backyard. For more information about adding a fire pit to your space, give our experts a call at 1-877-743-2269. We have over 20 years of experience in outdoor heating to answer all your questions.