Natural Gas vs. LP Propane for Outdoor Fire Features: The Complete Comparison
Every gas fire pit, fire bowl, and pizza oven requires a fuel choice at purchase: natural gas (NG) or liquid propane (LP). This decision determines the regulator, orifice size, and fuel train of the product — and it's not reversible without returning and replacing the unit in most cases. Getting it wrong is an expensive mistake.
Here's everything you need to make this decision correctly.
How the Two Fuels Work Differently
Natural gas and propane have different energy densities and different supply pressures, which is why appliances are configured specifically for one or the other. They are not interchangeable with the same hardware.
- Natural gas is delivered through a utility pipeline at relatively low pressure (typically 0.25 psi at the meter for residential service). It's primarily methane. BTU content per cubic foot: approximately 1,000 BTU.
- LP propane is a liquefied petroleum gas stored in pressurized tanks. It vaporizes when released. BTU content per gallon: approximately 91,500 BTU. Delivery pressure from the regulator: typically 11" water column (about 0.4 psi).
Propane produces roughly 2.5x more BTUs per cubic foot of gas than natural gas. This means propane appliances use a smaller orifice than the equivalent natural gas appliance — mixing them up results in either a dangerously over-fueled flame or a flame too weak to operate properly.
The Case for Natural Gas
Unlimited Fuel — Never Run Out
The strongest practical argument for natural gas: you will never run out. Propane tanks run out at inconvenient times — in the middle of a dinner party, on a cold evening when you want the fire going for hours. Natural gas fires burn indefinitely as long as the utility supply is active.
Lower Operating Cost at High Usage
For fire features that run frequently — daily or near-daily — natural gas is typically cheaper to operate than propane. The per-BTU cost of natural gas from a utility is generally lower than propane purchased in tank deliveries, though this varies significantly by region and current energy prices.
No Tank Management
No monitoring tank levels, no calling for delivery, no swapping cylinders. The gas is always there when you need it. For homeowners who want the fire feature to be completely effortless, natural gas is the cleaner option.
Considerations
- Requires an existing natural gas line or a new gas line installation by a licensed plumber — this adds cost and time to the project.
- Gas line sizing must be done correctly for the total BTU load. Undersizing causes pressure drop and weak flame performance.
- Once installed, the fire feature is permanent in location — the gas line determines where it goes.
The Case for LP Propane
No Installation Required
An LP fire pit or pizza oven connects to a standard propane tank using the included hose and regulator assembly. No plumber, no permits, no trenching. You can have a functioning fire feature the day it arrives. For homeowners who want immediate installation without contractor coordination, LP is the path of least resistance.
Location Flexibility
An LP fire feature can go anywhere you can position a tank within reach of the supply hose — typically 10 feet. You're not tied to the location of an existing gas line. You can also relocate the fire pit if you redesign your outdoor space later.
No Natural Gas Service Required
Many homes — particularly rural properties and homes without existing natural gas service — simply cannot use natural gas without significant infrastructure investment. For these properties, LP is the only practical option.
Considerations
- Ongoing propane cost. For very frequent use, this adds up.
- Tank management — monitoring levels, scheduling refills or tank swaps.
- A 20 lb tank (standard barbecue size) provides approximately 4–8 hours of run time on a medium-output fire pit. A 100 lb tank provides 20–40+ hours, making it a far more practical choice for a permanent fire feature.
- LP tanks must be stored and connected properly per code — proper ventilation around the tank, no enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.
The Decision Framework
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Natural gas already at your home, gas meter near installation location | Natural Gas |
| No natural gas service, or gas meter far from installation location | LP Propane |
| Want immediate installation with no contractor involvement | LP Propane |
| Will use the fire feature daily or near-daily long-term | Natural Gas (lower operating cost) |
| Want location flexibility or might relocate the fire pit | LP Propane |
| Building a permanent outdoor kitchen with multiple gas appliances | Natural Gas (run one line, supply all appliances) |
| Rural property without natural gas utility service | LP Propane |
Can I Convert Later?
Most HPC fire pit burner kits and pizza ovens are not convertible — the orifice and regulator are configured at the factory for one fuel type. The Outdoor Plus fire bowls and fire pits are similarly configured at manufacture. If you're uncertain which fuel type you'll ultimately have available, choose LP — it's simpler to convert an LP fire feature to a permanent gas connection later by having a plumber run a line than to swap a factory-configured NG unit to LP.
Contact us before purchasing if conversion is a possibility — we'll confirm what's available for the specific product you're considering.
Need help making the right fuel choice for your specific installation? Call us at 1-732-320-9269, Monday–Friday 9am–5pm EST.