Gas vs Wood Fire Pits: Which Outdoor Fire Pit Should You Choose?

Gas vs Wood Fire Pits: Which Outdoor Fire Pit Should You Choose?

Introduction

A fire pit can completely transform the way you use your garden, creating warmth, atmosphere and a natural gathering space for family and friends.

But one of the biggest decisions when choosing outdoor heating is whether to buy a gas fire pit or a wood-burning fire pit.

Both create beautiful flames and extend your outdoor living season, but they offer very different experiences.

A traditional wood fire pit provides the crackle, smell and atmosphere of a real fire, while a gas fire table offers instant warmth, convenience and contemporary styling.

In this guide, we'll compare both options to help you choose the perfect fire pit for your garden.

If you're still exploring options, start with our Best Fire Pits & Fire Tables UK Buying Guide

Gas vs Wood Fire Pit: Quick Comparison

Feature Gas Fire Pit Wood Fire Pit
Convenience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Traditional Experience ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maintenance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
Modern Design ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cooking Ability ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Instant Heat ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

Gas Fire Pits

Gas fire pits and fire tables have become extremely popular for modern outdoor living spaces.

They provide warmth, atmosphere and luxury styling without the work involved in maintaining a real fire.

Gas fire pits are ideal for:

✔ Modern patios
✔ Outdoor lounges
✔ Evening entertaining
✔ Low maintenance gardens

Premium brands such as Elementi create fire tables designed to become statement furniture pieces.

Explore our Elementi Fire Tables Guide

Benefits of Gas Fire Pits

The biggest advantage is convenience.

Gas fire pits provide:

  • Instant ignition
  • Adjustable flames
  • No smoke
  • No ash
  • Easy operation

For customers wanting a relaxing outdoor space without preparation or cleaning, gas is an excellent choice.

Wood Burning Fire Pits

Nothing compares to the atmosphere of a real wood fire.

The flames, warmth and natural experience make wood-burning fire pits a favourite for traditional outdoor spaces.

Wood fire pits are perfect for:

✔ Family gatherings
✔ Outdoor cooking
✔ Traditional gardens
✔ Fire enthusiasts

Brands such as BonFeu combine beautiful design with practical cooking accessories.

Read our BonFeu Fire Pit Buying Guide

Benefits of Wood Fire Pits

Wood fires create a unique outdoor experience.

Benefits include:

  • Authentic flames
  • Natural atmosphere
  • Traditional cooking
  • 360° warmth
  • No gas bottles required

They create a focal point where people naturally gather.

Can You Cook on a Fire Pit?

This is where wood fire pits have a major advantage.

With accessories such as:

  • Plancha plates
  • Cooking grids
  • Rotisseries

you can transform certain fire pits into complete outdoor cooking stations.

Popular cooking fire pits include:

  • BonFeu BonBowl
  • GrillSymbol fire bowls

Which Gives More Heat?

Both provide excellent outdoor warmth but in different ways.

Wood

Creates:

  • Large natural flames
  • Radiant heat
  • Campfire atmosphere

Gas

Creates:

  • Controlled warmth
  • Adjustable flames
  • Consistent heat

Which Requires More Maintenance?

Gas Fire Pit Maintenance

Very simple:

✔ Cover when not used
✔ Keep surfaces clean
✔ Check connections

Wood Fire Pit Maintenance

Requires:

✔ Removing ash
✔ Cleaning cooking surfaces
✔ Storing dry wood
✔ General upkeep

Which Looks Better?

This depends entirely on your garden style.

Choose gas for:

  • Modern patios
  • Outdoor sofas
  • Luxury entertaining spaces

Choose wood for:

  • Natural gardens
  • Rustic spaces
  • Cooking areas

Which Fire Pit Should You Buy?

Choose Gas if:

✔ You want instant flames

✔ You prefer modern design

✔ You want minimal cleaning

✔ You entertain casually

✔ You want outdoor furniture styling

Choose Wood if:

✔ You love a real fire

✔ You enjoy outdoor cooking

✔ You want traditional atmosphere

✔ You don't mind fire preparation

Our Recommendation

There isn't a single best choice.

For a luxury outdoor lounge area, a premium gas fire table such as Elementi is hard to beat.

For customers who love cooking, flames and the traditional fire experience, wood-burning fire pits such as BonFeu offer incredible versatility.

The right choice depends on how you want to enjoy your outdoor space.

Explore Outdoor Heating

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