The Best Gas Fire Pit Burner: A Complete Guide to Choose the Right Option

The burner is the heart of any gas fire pit. It determines flame size, heat output, fuel efficiency, and the evenness of fire spread across the pit. Choosing the right gas fire pit burner is one of the most important decisions you will make when building or upgrading a fire pit.

With so many burner shapes, materials, and fuel options available today, finding the right fit can be overwhelming. That is why we created this guide to help you compare the best gas fire pit burners and choose one that truly matches your project and expectations.

What is a Gas Fire Pit Burner?

A gas fire pit burner is the component that distributes gas and creates the flame inside a fire pit. It connects to either natural gas or propane and controls the appearance of the fire.

Think of the burner as an engine of your gas fire pit. The enclosure is the body, but the burner determines:

• Flame height and spread
• Heat output
• Fuel efficiency
• How well it works with fire glass or gas logs

A high-quality fire pit gas burner produces a fuller flame, distributes heat evenly, and lasts for years outdoors without corrosion or performance loss.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Burner for a Gas Fire Pit

Before choosing a burner, there are a few essential factors that will directly affect flame quality, safety, and long-term satisfaction. These considerations apply whether you are selecting a standalone burner or a complete gas fire pit burner kit.

1. BTU Rating and Gas Supply

BTUs (British Thermal Units) determine the maximum potential heat and flame output of a burner. Higher BTUs generally mean more heat and taller flames, but only when the gas supply can support the burner.

As a general rule, your gas line should be able to supply at least 60 to 70 percent of the burner’s rated BTU output. If the gas supply is too weak for the burner size, the flames will be shorter and less impressive, regardless of burner quality.

Want to know more? Read our complete guide on gas fire pit efficiency tips to get more heat with less fuel.

2. Fuel Type: Natural Gas or Propane

Both fuel types work well, but they behave differently.

• Natural gas fire pit burners connect directly to a home’s gas line. Natural gas is usually cheaper per BTU and provides unlimited runtime, making it ideal for permanent outdoor fire pits.
• Propane fire pit burners run on tanks, which makes them more flexible and portable. However, propane is heavier than air, so it does not rise through fire media as easily.

3. Ignition System Options

The ignition system affects convenience and safety.

• A match-lit ignition system is simple, reliable, and cost-effective. It is a good choice for basic setups where ease of repair matters.
• A push-button ignition system adds convenience by allowing quick startup.
• An electronic ignition system can automatically relight the flame if it goes out, which adds an extra layer of safety, especially in windy conditions.

Types of Gas Fire Pit Burners

Below are the most common types of gas fire pit burners.

1. Penta Burners

Penta burners use a star-shaped design that spreads flames outward rather than in a simple circle. This creates a fuller, more natural-looking fire. Many homeowners consider them one of the most visually balanced options for residential fire pits.

2. Round Burners

Round burners are the classic option. They produce an even circular flame pattern and are easy to size correctly. If you want something proven, simple, and compatible with most round or square fire pits, a round burner is a reliable choice.

3. Square Burners

Square burners are designed to reach the corners of square fire pit openings. They create a more complete flame footprint than round burners when used in square enclosures. This makes them a strong option when symmetry and full coverage matter.

4. Rectangle and H Burners

Rectangular and H burners are commonly used in long fire pits. H burners distribute gas across multiple lines, which helps create better flame coverage without requiring extremely high BTUs. These burners work well in wider fire pits where a single straight burner would feel sparse.

5. Linear Single Tube Burners

Linear single tube burners produce a clean, straight line of fire. They are often used in modern designs and narrow fire pits. If you prefer a sleek look and a controlled flame pattern, linear burners are a solid option.

6. Crossfire Brass Burners

Crossfire burners use brass construction and jet-style ports to create taller, more intense flames. They are known for durability and strong heat output. Because brass does not rust, these burners perform exceptionally well in outdoor environments over the long term.

7. Specialty and Bullet Burners

Specialty burners include unique shapes, curved designs, and high-performance jet-style burners such as bullet burners. These options are often chosen for custom projects where standard burner shapes do not fit or when maximum flame height is a priority.

Installation and Safety Tips

Proper installation directly affects the performance and safety of outdoor gas fire pit burners. Use the following guidelines to avoid common issues and ensure reliable operation.

1. Maintain proper clearance

Leave 5 to 6 inches of space between the burner and the fire pit edge. This helps prevent cracking or discoloration of surrounding surfaces and allows heat to dissipate safely.

2. Verify gas supply capacity

Confirm that your gas supply can deliver the BTUs required by the fire pit burner you select. An undersized gas line will result in shorter flames and reduced heat output.

3. Choose the right fire media

Propane gas fire pit burners should be paired with lava rock or fire glass that is at least three-quarters of an inch thick. This allows the heavier propane gas to rise through the media and ignite reliably.

4. Use burner pans

Burner pans support the gas fire pit burner and the fire media that covers it. They are available in a variety of shapes and styles, including flat and bowl designs. Ideally, the burner pan should sit 3 to 6 inches below the finished fire pit opening to promote proper airflow and flame distribution.

Bottom Line

Choosing the best gas fire pit burner is not about finding a single perfect option. It is about balancing the appearance of the flame, heat output, and installation requirements so everything works together as intended. Browse our full collection of fire pit burners to find the right option for your outdoor space.