Fire pits have become a popular addition to many outdoor living spaces. Not only are they a great additional heat source for long summer nights but they also offer a fun way to entertain with sleek tabletop designs and add some magic to your garden.

With so many different choices deciding between a gas fire pit or wood fire pit can be difficult as both have slightly different benefits and uses. In this article we will explore the main differences between gas fire pits and wood fire pits and help you decide which is the right choice for your home.

How do gas and wood fire pits differ?

Fuel: The main difference is the fuel source. As the name suggests gas fire pits are fuelled by liquid propane or natural gas, with wood fire pits using traditional wood sticks and logs.

Operation: Gas fire pits are ignited with a switch that controls the gas flow. This makes them less time consuming to start with the gas bottle just needing changing as the fuel runs down. In comparison wood fire pits take more time to get started with the fire having to be made from scratch and continually maintained.

Design: Due to the nature of the fuels being used wood fire pits and gas fire pits tend to differ in styles. With their smoky live fires wood fire pits tend to have a more traditional, rustic feel, whereas gas fire pits lean towards a more sleek, modern appearance.

Things to think about when choosing a fire pit

Space and location: When choosing which fire pit to buy think about how it will work in your space. Do you have lots of trees and shrubbery nearby which would make an open wood fire more dangerous? Wood fire pits should have plenty of space around them and not be in an area where smoke will bother neighbours. Gas fire pits are more compact but keep in mind that they will need to have access to a gas line or propane tank.

Intended use: Both gas and wood fire pits offer an ambient glow and added warmth as the temperature drops on summer evenings. However, they do slightly differ in how they are used. Gas fire pits tend to be more flexible in design and can be incorporated into tabletops or added to patio settings. They do not lend themselves to open cooking as wood fire pits do though. If you are looking for a fire pit to toast marshmallows and specifically cook, then wood fire pits could be the better option.

Durability: Manufactured from a rust resistant aluminium all our gas fire pits come with a lifetime warranty on all metal parts. This makes gas fire pits a durable and long-lasting option compared to more traditional wood fire pits which can get damaged and burnt over time due to the very nature of the fuel.

Maintenance: Gas fire pits tend to be lower maintenance as they can be switched on in seconds and there are no ashes to clean up and the fire pit doesn’t need to be emptied or regular cleaned as a wood fire pit will need to be. If you are looking for a low- maintenance option it means that a gas fire bit may be the better option.

Environmental impact: Burning wood on a wood fire pit produces smoke that can contribute to air pollution. In comparison, gas fire pits do not produce smoke or that distinct campfire smell making them more eco-friendly with fewer emissions. Gas fire pits are more energy efficient than wood burning fires, as they use less fuel to produce the same heat.

Ready to transform your outdoor living space with a new fire pit? Why not find out more about our collection of luxury gas fire pits made from durable, powder-coated aluminium, at: www.hexliving.co.uk 

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