Gas or Wood Fire Pit: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing the right fire pit can be confusing, and the reason we say this is because when a person enters the market with the goal of buying an ideal fire pit for the backyard or patio, they often end up being more confused than ever before. This happens because today’s fire pit market is filled with an unlimited number of options in different types and sizes. Undoubtedly, having a large number of fire pits in various styles and sizes is wonderful as it provides people with more options, but most of the time, it leads to confusion.
One of the biggest confusions today when it comes to buying a fire pit is whether you should choose a gas fire pit or a wood-burning fire pit. These are two of the most popular types of fire pits, with over 80% of fire pit owners opting for one of these. However, this decision will remain confusing until you find a complete guide that informs you about the ideal choice between both options.
In this guide, we will outline the pros and cons of both types of fire pits. Additionally, we will provide guidance on when it’s best to choose a gas fire pit or a wood-burning one. Let’s dive in.
Top Five Differences Between a Gas and Wood Burning Fire Pit
1. Fuel Source
To start a gas fire pit, you must have easy access to natural gas or propane. Conversely, to make use of a wood-burning fire pit, you must have easy access to dry wood. If the fuel source for either option is not readily available, you should opt for the alternative. For example, if you choose a gas fire pit but natural gas or propane is unavailable while wood is easily accessible, you should opt for the wood-burning fire pit instead of the gas one.
2. Storage
In both cases, you must consider the space needed to store the fuel. For a wood-burning fire pit, ensure the storage is large and completely waterproof. If water enters the storage, it can dampen the wood and render it unusable. Conversely, for a gas fire pit, ensure that the storage complements the outdoor space aesthetically.
3. Time Needed
If you want the fire pit to be turned on in seconds without any extra effort, you should go with the gas fire pit. Lighting a gas fire pit is as simple as pressing a button. On the other hand, igniting a wood-burning fire pit requires stacking wood pieces and lighting them manually, which can be time-consuming and require effort. However, the wood-burning fire pit offers a great aesthetic appeal due to its vintage touch.
4. Installation
Both gas and wood-burning fire pits require time and effort in different ways. Let’s discuss the time-consuming aspects of each type.
For a gas fire pit, the initial setup involves installing gas lines, which requires the assistance of a professional and takes time to complete. However, once this setup process is done, operating the fire pit is as simple as pressing a button to ignite the flames.
On the other hand, if you opt for a wood-burning fire pit, there is no initial setup required. However, if you’re building a custom wood-burning fire pit in your backyard, it will involve hiring a professional and taking time to construct it from scratch.
5. Maintenance
Wood fire pits are indeed much harder and more challenging to maintain compared to gas fire pits. When wood burns, it turns into ash, which can be difficult to remove from the fire pit. You’ll need to shovel out the ash every time you use a wood-burning fire pit. Additionally, the smoke and gases produced by burning wood can be harmful to the health of people sitting around it.
On the other hand, the gas fire pit is very easy to clean and maintain. It doesn’t produce any ash that needs to be cleared out. The gas it burns doesn’t create any waste, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the warmth.
6. Safety
You have to be super careful with both types of fire pits because they both produce fire, which is inherently dangerous. However, the gas fire pit is considered more hazardous than the wood fire pit due to the potential for gas leaks. If you don’t inspect the fire pit regularly, a leak can occur, leading to a dangerous situation in a matter of seconds. Therefore, it is always recommended to have routine maintenance performed on the gas lines.
7. Environmental Concerns
If you care about the environment, a wood-burning fire pit shouldn’t be your choice. The smoke produced by wood-burning fire pits can be harmful to the environment and to the people sitting around them. On the other hand, gas fire pits are less harmful to the environment and to human health.
Pros and Cons of Gas and Wood fire pit
Pros of Gas Fire pit
- To turn off a gas fire pit, all you need to do is push a button, and the fire pit will turn off without any extra effort.
- Gas fire pits are super easy to clean, as they don’t produce any ash or waste, so you don’t have to clean them regularly.
- Since gas fire pits don’t burn wood, they are very safe for the environment.
- The time it takes to turn on a gas fire pit is literally just a few seconds.
- If you live in an area where gas is inexpensive, a gas fire pit can be a cost-effective option.
Cons of Gas Fire pit
- The storage that comes with a gas fire pit to keep the cylinder can create a mess and occupy space in your outdoor area.
- The initial setup of a gas fire pit can be time-consuming and expensive because it requires a professional for the gas lines.
- You have to be very careful with gas leaks.
Pros of Wood Burning Fire Pit
- A wood fire pit gives a traditional look to your outdoor space. So if you have older people in your house, a wood-burning fire pit can be a great option.
- Wood-burning fire pits produce stronger heat than gas fire pits.
- It can be a cheaper option if wood is easily available near your location.
- Wood-burning fire pits can be great for barbecue parties.
Cons of Wood Burning Fire Pit
- The smoke that emanates from a wood-burning fire pit can be extremely dangerous for the people sitting around it.
- Turning on a wood-burning fire pit can be challenging.
