The Complete Outdoor Fire Pit Buying Guide: Gas, Smokeless, and GFRC Concrete Options

Your backyard deserves more than a standard fire pit.

Whether you are building a luxury outdoor living space from scratch or upgrading a tired patio, the right outdoor fire pit changes everything. It extends your evenings. It creates the focal point your space has been missing. It turns ordinary gatherings into the kind of nights your guests talk about for weeks.

The challenge is choosing the right one. There are dozens of styles, materials, fuel types, and sizes to consider — and the differences matter more than most buyers realize.

This guide breaks everything down clearly so you can make a confident, informed decision. And when you are ready to shop, explore our full outdoor fire pit and fire table collection from The Outdoor Plus.

A gas fire pit is the most popular choice for premium outdoor spaces — and for good reason.

Unlike wood-burning options, a gas fire pit lights instantly, burns consistently, and leaves no ash or smoke residue. You control the flame with a simple valve or electronic ignition, and when the evening is over, the fire goes out in seconds.

For homeowners who invest in their outdoor living space, an outdoor gas fire pit delivers the atmosphere of a real fire without the maintenance of a traditional wood-burning model.

When evaluating a gas fire pit, the key factors to consider are:

• Material and construction — GFRC concrete, COR-TEN steel, powder-coated steel, and hammered copper each offer a distinct look and durability profile.
• Size and scale — the fire pit should match the scale of your seating area, not overpower or underwhelm it.
• Fuel type — natural gas connects to your home's existing line while liquid propane uses a tank for more flexible installation.
• Ignition system — options range from simple match-lit to fully automated electronic ignition with flame sensing technology.
• Shape and design — rectangular, square, round, and linear shapes each suit different layouts and aesthetics.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete — or GFRC concrete — has become the material of choice for luxury outdoor fire pits.

It offers the sculptural weight and presence of solid concrete with significantly reduced mass, meaning it is easier to install and less likely to crack under thermal stress or seasonal weather changes. Every GFRC fire pit from The Outdoor Plus is handcrafted in Southern California, individually formed, finished, and quality-checked.

The Del Mar GFRC Concrete Fire Pit is one of the most versatile options in the collection. Its clean rectangular silhouette works beautifully with modern, transitional, and contemporary outdoor spaces. At 48 inches, it anchors a standard patio seating area without overwhelming the layout.

For something with more organic character, the Coronado GFRC Wood Grain Fire Pit captures the warmth of natural timber in a reinforced concrete form. The 60-inch woodgrain finish creates a striking focal point that feels both rustic and refined — ideal for patios that lean toward a transitional or California-casual aesthetic.

Also inspired by the California coastline, the Big Sur Wood Grain Fire Pit takes a similar approach with a broader, more commanding profile. The woodgrain texture adds warmth to contemporary outdoor settings where plain concrete alone might feel too cold.

GFRC fire pits are also available in a wide range of finishes — from warm earthy tones like Chestnut and Coffee to contemporary neutrals like Smooth Gray and Natural Gray — so you can coordinate precisely with your existing outdoor materials.

Size is one of the most common mistakes buyers make when selecting an outdoor fire pit.

Too small and the fire pit looks like an afterthought. Too large and it dominates the space, making the seating arrangement feel cramped. Here is a simple framework for matching fire pit size to your outdoor layout.

Small patios and terraces (under 150 square feet)

For compact outdoor spaces, a fire pit between 36 and 48 inches works well. It creates presence without overwhelming the layout. The Cabo Square GFRC Concrete Fire Pit at 48 inches is an ideal choice — its symmetrical square shape anchors intimate seating areas cleanly and confidently, and the low 16-inch profile keeps the flame visible from every seat.

Mid-size patios (150 to 400 square feet)

For standard backyard patios and pool decks, fire pits in the 48 to 66 inch range tend to hit the right balance of scale and presence. Rectangular and linear shapes work particularly well here because they define the seating boundary naturally.

Large outdoor living spaces (400 square feet and above)

For expansive patios, estate courtyards, and large pool decks, fire pits 66 inches or larger make a proper statement. Round metal fire pits like the Unity Metal Collection Fire Pit at 48 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall bring a different kind of architectural presence — commanding attention from every angle without requiring a large footprint.

When in doubt, err slightly larger. A fire pit that feels too small is one of the most common buyer regrets in outdoor living design.

Choosing between natural gas, liquid propane, and wood burning is one of the first practical decisions you will make when buying an outdoor fire pit.

Natural Gas Fire Pits

A natural gas fire pit connects directly to your home's existing gas line. Once installed, you have an unlimited fuel supply — no tanks to refill, no running out mid-evening. This is the most convenient option for homeowners with an existing outdoor gas connection.

The main limitation is placement. Because natural gas fire pits connect to a fixed line, they are generally installed in permanent locations as part of an outdoor kitchen or landscape design.

Liquid Propane Fire Pits

A propane fire pit uses a standard LP tank — typically stored inside the fire pit base or in a nearby cabinet. Propane offers more flexibility for placement because there is no fixed line required.

This makes propane a practical choice for renters, homeowners without existing outdoor gas lines, and anyone who wants the option to rearrange their outdoor space in the future.

Most outdoor gas fire pits from The Outdoor Plus are available for both natural gas and liquid propane configurations — so you choose based on your installation without sacrificing any design options.

Wood-Burning Smokeless Fire Pits

For a completely different kind of outdoor fire experience, a smokeless fire pit offers the authentic crackle and warmth of real wood — with dramatically reduced smoke output.

The engineering behind smokeless fire pits uses secondary combustion: a precision airflow system draws air through the base, heats it, and forces it back into the top of the fire chamber. This secondary burn consumes much of the smoke before it reaches your guests.

The Artemis Smokeless Fire Pit is one of the most architecturally interesting options available. The GFRC concrete base grounds the piece visually while the COR-TEN steel insert develops a rich natural patina over time. At 42 inches, it creates a commanding focal point — no gas line required.

Every gas fire pit from The Outdoor Plus is available with multiple ignition system options. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right level of convenience and safety for your installation.

• Match Lit Ignition — the simplest option. You light the burner manually using a long match or lighter. Reliable, low-tech, and low-cost.
• Match Lit with Flame Sense (LC Certified) — adds a flame sensor that monitors whether the pilot is lit, improving safety without adding complexity.
• Flame Sense with Spark Ignition — ignites automatically with a spark when you open the valve. No match required.
• Low Voltage Electronic Ignition (CSA Certified) — battery or transformer-powered ignition that lights at the turn of a knob or press of a remote.
• Plug and Play (CSA Certified) — the most convenient option. Connects to a standard outdoor electrical outlet for fully automatic, push-button ignition.

For homeowners using the fire pit regularly, the Low Voltage Electronic Ignition or Plug and Play system offers the best balance of convenience, safety, and reliability. If you are adding the fire pit to a professionally designed outdoor kitchen, your contractor may recommend a specific configuration based on the existing infrastructure.

Not every outdoor space calls for concrete.

For homeowners who prefer an industrial, rustic, or contemporary-organic aesthetic, a metal fire pit offers a completely different visual character — and in the case of COR-TEN steel, it literally changes over time.

COR-TEN is a weathering steel alloy that forms a stable, rust-like patina as it is exposed to the elements. Rather than degrading, the patina acts as a protective barrier that slows further oxidation and gradually deepens in color and richness. The result is a backyard fire pit that looks more characterful with every passing season.

The Unity Metal Collection Fire Pit is available in COR-TEN steel, hammered copper, powder-coated steel, and stainless steel. The round silhouette works naturally in both formal and informal outdoor settings, and the 24-inch standing height makes it ideal for lounge seating and conversation areas.

For those who prefer a more controlled finish, powder-coated steel options are available in a curated palette of contemporary colors including Smooth Gray, Java, Copper Vein, and Black — making it easy to coordinate with existing outdoor furniture and hardscaping.

The right outdoor fire pit does not just heat your patio. It defines it.

From handcrafted GFRC concrete with woodgrain texture to sculptural COR-TEN steel that evolves with the seasons, every fire pit in the collection is designed to meet the expectations of homeowners who refuse to settle for ordinary outdoor living.

Every fire feature in the collection is:

• Handcrafted in the USA by The Outdoor Plus
• Available in natural gas or liquid propane configurations
• Compatible with multiple certified ignition systems
• Designed for long-term outdoor durability in diverse climates
• Built to become the centerpiece of a premium outdoor space

Whether you are drawn to the coastal elegance of the Del Mar, the organic warmth of the Big Sur Wood Grain, or the sculptural simplicity of the Unity Metal Collection, every piece is crafted to anchor your outdoor space with warmth, presence, and intention.