Are The Outdoor Plus Fire Pits Worth It? 9 Honest Answers Before You Buy (2026)

Most people who land on a The Outdoor Plus fire pit already love the look. What holds them back is a short list of very practical doubts: the price, whether a long, narrow flame really gives off heat, the wind, the propane tank, and the fact that these pieces are made to order. Below we answer each one with the real specs and prices from the products we sell, so you can decide with confidence.

Cabo Linear Fire Pit in Gloss Black powder coat: a long, low flame that everyone on the sofas can see.

1. Why do The Outdoor Plus fire pits cost more than big-box fire pits?

A big-box fire pit is usually a thin steel shell with a mass-produced burner, built to a retail price. The Outdoor Plus works the other way around. Every unit is handmade to order in Ontario, California in the exact size, finish, ignition and gas type you choose. The burner and fire pan are 304 stainless steel, and the bodies are cast in GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) or built from powder-coated, corten, copper or stainless steel.

You are paying for three things you will notice over the years: a body that does not rust through or crumble, a burner that is covered for life, and a design that looks like architecture rather than patio furniture. Here is what that costs at our current prices (match lit is always the lowest price; electronic ignition adds to it):

2. Will a linear fire pit actually keep us warm?

This is the most common worry with long, narrow fire pits, and it is a fair one. A gas fire pit is not a patio heater: it warms the people sitting around it, not the whole yard. What matters is the BTU rating and how close your seating is.

• Up to 45,000 BTU (for example the Regal 48") is comfortable for a small conversation group on mild evenings.
• Up to 65,000 BTU is the rating of most mid-size models, such as the Del Mar 48" to 96", Cabo Linear 56" and Cabo Square 48". It suits a full lounge set.
• 90,000 BTU and above, like the Billow 72" in corten steel (up to 90,000 BTU) or the Coronado Wood Grain 120" (up to 140,000 BTU), is for large terraces and cooler climates.

A linear burner spreads the same heat along a longer flame, so more seats get a "front-row" spot. For the best warmth, keep chairs and sofas about 3 to 4 feet from the edge of the fire pit and pick the larger burner within your budget.

A gas fire pit warms the circle of seats around it, even on a cold evening.

3. What happens on a windy night?

Gas flames move with the wind, and a linear flame has a long edge for the wind to catch. On a breezy patio the flame can lean and lose some of its height. It will not blow out the fire pit in normal conditions, and if it does, the safety systems below help:

• Flame Sense ignitions (Match Lit w/ Flame Sense and Flame Sense w/ Spark Ignition) use a thermocouple that shuts off the gas if the flame goes out.
• A tempered glass wind guard sits around the fire pan and keeps the flame steady. It is the single best upgrade for coastal homes and rooftops.
• Placing the fire pit with its long side parallel to the prevailing wind also reduces how much the flame leans.

4. GFRC concrete, powder coat or metal: which lasts longest?

All three are made for year-round outdoor use. The choice is mostly about look, weight and how much patina you want.

Regal in GFRC concrete, Vanilla finish.

Regal in black powder coat.

Regal in stainless steel from the Metal Collection.

For cold climates, read our guide to how GFRC handles freezing winters. The short version: use a breathable cover, let water drain, and never use a plastic, non-breathable cover, which can stick to the finish.

5. Where does the propane tank go?

Most The Outdoor Plus linear and rectangular fire pits are designed for a clean silhouette, so the tank does not hide inside the body. You have three good options:

1. Natural gas: if you have a gas line nearby, a plumber can connect the fire pit and you never refill a tank. Every model can be ordered for natural gas.
2. A propane tank kept to the side, connected with a hose and hidden in a planter, a side table or an enclosure. Our propane tank canvas cover is the simplest fix.
3. A model with tank access, such as the Whitney fire pit with its propane access door, if you want the tank built into the piece.

Choose your gas type when you order. LP and NG units are built with different orifices, so it is not a setting you switch later on your own. Our propane fire pit guide goes deeper.

6. Which ignition should I choose?

Electronic ignitions are CSA certified. If you plan to light the fire pit every night, the extra cost of Flame Sense or electronic ignition is usually worth it.

7. Which size and shape fits my patio?

Square fire pits suit four-sided seating.

• Linear and rectangular (Regal, Del Mar, Coronado, Cabo Linear): best in front of a sofa or between two sofas. Choose a length about two-thirds of your sofa.
• Square (Cabo Square, Quad, Forma): best for four chairs or a sectional wrapping around the fire.
• Round (Unity, Cazo): the most social shape for loose chairs.
• Height: 13 to 16 inches works with lounge seating. 24-inch models work as a fire table you can rest a drink on.

8. How long does it take, and can I cancel?

Every fire pit is built to your exact specifications after you order. Most ship in about 3 weeks, and large pieces travel by freight. Because they are custom made, orders cannot be canceled or changed once production starts, and they are not returnable. That is why we encourage you to ask us anything before you order: size, gas type, ignition and color.

9. What does the warranty really cover?

Based on The Outdoor Plus 2025 warranty:

• Burner ring and burner bars: lifetime.
• Stainless steel pans: 5 years residential, 1 year commercial.
• Electronics, gas valves and pilot assembly: 1 year residential, 6 months commercial.
• Fire pit body (GFRC, powder coat, stainless): 1 year.
• Not covered: the natural weathering of copper and corten, and electrodes or spark igniters, which wear with use.

Which model for which buyer

Big Sur in GFRC wood grain, Ivory.

Billow in corten steel.

A linear fire pit anchors a symmetrical seating layout.

Frequently asked questions

Are The Outdoor Plus fire pits made in the USA?

Yes. The Outdoor Plus handmakes its fire pits to order in Ontario, California, with 304 stainless steel burners and fire pans.

How much does a The Outdoor Plus fire pit cost?

Most linear and rectangular models cost about $2,700 to $8,500 depending on size, material and ignition. For example, the Regal 48 in GFRC concrete starts at $2,784 and the Del Mar 96 starts at $6,050. Very large fire tables like the Newport 144 cost more.

How many BTU do I need for a gas fire pit?

For a small group, 40,000 to 45,000 BTU is comfortable. Most mid-size The Outdoor Plus fire pits are rated up to 65,000 BTU, which suits a full lounge set. For large terraces or cooler climates, look at 90,000 BTU and above.

Can I leave a GFRC concrete fire pit outside all year?

Yes. GFRC is designed for outdoor use in most climates. Use a breathable cover, let water drain, and avoid plastic covers that can stick to the finish.

Can I convert a propane fire pit to natural gas later?

LP and NG units are built with different orifices, so choose the correct gas type when you order. Any conversion should be done by a licensed gas professional.

How long does shipping take?

Each fire pit is made to order and usually ships in about 3 weeks. Large units ship by freight. Orders cannot be canceled once production starts.

Still deciding? Send us your patio size and seating layout and we will recommend the right model, size and ignition for you.