Gas vs. Wood Fire Pits: Which Is Right for You in 2026?

Featured Images: Linear Gas Fire Pit in Carbon Steel by Fire Pit Art and DIY Round Wood Burning Fire Pit Kit by Travertine & More

Updated 12/15/25 with new Smokeless pits and additional guidance.

 

Whether you're gathering friends for a summer barbecue or cozying up with family on a chilly evening, a fire pit can transform your outdoor space into a year-round haven. But when it comes to choosing the right fire pit, the decision between gas vs. wood fire pit options can be a puzzle. Each type offers distinct advantages and brings its own unique ambiance to your backyard. 

This updated guide walks you through the differences, environmental impact, and smokeless technology, while also showcasing some of Fountainful’s latest fire pit additions.

Gas Vs. Wood Fire Pits: How to Decide

The Fire Surfer Gas Fire Pit and Fire Surfer Wood Burning Fire Pit by Fire Pit Art

The better option depends entirely on what you value most in an outdoor fire feature. If you want a clean-burning, ultra-convenient fire you can turn on instantly, you’ll likely prefer gas. 

Gas Fire Pits: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses

Gas fire pits remain popular for one primary reason: convenience. With the flip of a switch, you have a clean, steady flame that doesn’t require tending, wood storage, or cleanup. 

Gas Fire Pit Pros

• Convenience and Control: Gas fire pits usually offer easy ignition and control over the flame, making them convenient to use. You can start and stop the fire with a simple switch or knob.

• Cleanliness: Unlike wood fire pits, gas pits don’t produce ash or smoke. This means less cleanup and no smoke smell on clothing or hair.

• Safety: Gas fire pits produce a steady flame without the sparks and embers that come from wood fires, reducing the risk of accidental fires.

• Versatility and Design: Gas fire pits can be installed in a variety of designs and materials to match any outdoor decor. They can also be built into permanent structures like tables or benches.

Gas Fire Pit Cons

• Initial Cost and Installation: Gas fire pits typically have higher initial costs due to the need for professional installation, especially if a natural gas line is required. This can significantly increase the overall expense.
• Lack of Authenticity: Gas fire pits don't offer the same natural ambiance as wood fire pits. They lack the sound of crackling wood and the characteristic smell of a wood fire, which many find appealing.
  
• Dependence on Fuel Supply: Gas fire pits require a continuous supply of propane or natural gas. If you use propane, you'll need to regularly check and refill or replace propane tanks.
• Limited Heat Output: While gas fire pits provide consistent flame and warmth, they generally do not emit as much heat as wood fire pits, which might be a drawback in colder settings.
• Complexity in Repair: Compared to wood fire pits, gas fire pits have more components that can malfunction, such as burners, valves, and ignition systems. Repairs may require professional service, adding to maintenance costs.
• Utility Costs: If connected to a natural gas line, the cost of running a gas fire pit will add to your monthly utility bills, unlike wood, which may be free or less expensive depending on your source.
• Regulatory Restrictions: In some areas, the installation and use of gas fire pits are heavily regulated. You might need permits or have to comply with specific safety regulations, which can complicate installation.
  

Still, for homeowners focused on easy, smoke-free entertaining, gas is hard to beat.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses

Wood fire pits offer the most traditional fire experience. They burn hotter than gas, fill the space with natural ambiance, and allow for open-fire cooking.

Wood-Burning Fire Pit Pros?

• Ambiance: Wood fire pits offer a traditional campfire experience with the natural sounds of crackling wood and the familiar smell of smoke to enhance your outdoor ambiance.

• Heat Output: Wood fires generally provide more radiant heat than gas fires, making them ideal for colder climates.

• No Need for Fuel Lines: Wood fire pits do not require access to natural gas lines or propane tanks, making them more adaptable to different locations.

• Cooking Capability: Wood fire pits are excellent for grilling or cooking traditional campfire foods, adding a functional benefit to their use.

Wood-Burning Fire Pit Cons?

• Maintenance and Cleanup: Wood fire pits require more maintenance than gas fire pits. You need to regularly clean out ash and occasionally remove soot buildup.

• Smoke and Odor: Burning wood produces smoke, which can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory system, and leaves a lingering smell on clothes and hair.

• Fire Risks: Wood fire pits produce sparks and embers that can pose a fire hazard, especially in dry conditions or near flammable materials.

• Fuel Storage: You need space to store wood, which must be kept dry and protected from the elements.

• Environmental Concerns: Wood fire pits emit particulate matter and other pollutants, which can have a negative impact on air quality.

For rustic gatherings, cooler climates, or those who simply love a classic fire, wood remains a timeless choice.

Smokeless Wood Fire Pits

Smokeless wood fire pits have surged in popularity, giving homeowners a cleaner, more efficient way to enjoy real wood flames. These fire pits use a double-wall airflow system that reburns smoke before it escapes, producing a hotter fire with significantly less soot and fewer particulates.

The result is a fire that feels traditional—but without the cloud of smoke that typically follows the breeze.

Smokeless models also tend to be easier to maintain, more fuel-efficient, and kinder to your surrounding landscape. For many people, they strike an ideal balance between sustainability and authenticity.

New Smokeless Fire Pits Available at Fountainful

We’ve expanded our smokeless collection in recent years. Two standout additions include:

The Solar Smokeless Fire Pit (The Outdoor Plus)

This sculptural concrete + COR-TEN® steel fire pit offers a bold, modern silhouette paired with incredibly efficient smokeless combustion. Its performance makes it suitable for cool winter nights, while its artistic form adds architectural presence to patios and luxury outdoor spaces.

Luna Smokeless Concrete Fire Pit (Phoenix Design Cast)

Crafted in premium cast concrete, the Luna offers a minimalist circular shape with a wide flame opening and clean, contemporary style. Its smokeless airflow system produces a remarkably clean burn, making it ideal for urban patios or backyards where comfort and air quality matter.

Both models allow homeowners to enjoy the richness of a wood fire with much less smoke, an important selling point as eco-friendly outdoor heating options continue to trend.

What kind of fire pit is best for the environment?

The answer depends on fuel type and combustion efficiency.

• Natural gas fire pits burn the cleanest overall, producing fewer pollutants and almost no particulate matter.

• Smokeless wood-burning fire pits have become a strong second choice, thanks to cleaner secondary combustion and reduced emissions.

• Traditional wood fire pits, while beloved for their ambiance, generate the most smoke and particulates.

If sustainability is a priority, gas and smokeless wood models are the best options for 2026

Top Gas and Wood Fire Pits at Fountainful (Updated 2026 list)

1. "Bella Luna" Gas or Wood

Ideal for: Traditionalists who love classic designs

Features: This fire pit has an elegant, moon-inspired half-dome design with a steel ring and robust construction. Its soothing aesthetics can complement any garden or patio decor. It is available as both a gas and wood fire pit.

2. ”Linear Gas” Fire Pit

Ideal for: Homeowners who entertain frequently and prefer a functional piece that doubles as a stylish furniture element.

Features: The Linear Pit exhibits clean lines and a long rectangular fire bowl that provides an unobstructed view of the flames no matter the seating arrangement. It comes with a steel cover to easily convert the pit into a table for added functionality, along with steel leveling casters.

3. "Magnum" Fire Pit (Gas or Wood)

Ideal for: Large groups and entertainment.

Features: With its larger size, the 270-pound Magnum Fire Pit is ideal for entertaining larger crowds, offering ample space for firewood, and greater heat distribution. It's perfect for hosting big gatherings and ensuring everyone stays warm. Order it as either a gas or wood fire pit. A smaller, 135-pound version, known as the Saturn Fire Pit, is also available.

4. Vesuvius Wood-Burning Fire Pit

Ideal for: Enthusiasts looking for a non-traditional fire pit shape and style. Perfect for those seeking a unique outdoor addition with a transitional aesthetic.

Features: The Vesuvius pit is individually made by hand and is signed/numbered by the artisan. It is made of high-strength carbon steel and stands nearly 4 feet tall.

5. Square Smokeless Wood-Burning Fire Pit DIY Kit 

Ideal for: Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking for a stylish fire pit that complements modern outdoor spaces and minimizes smoke output.

Features: This square pit DIY kit comes complete with a durable 11-gauge steel smokeless insert and precision-cut tumbled stones, ensuring a seamless setup for a stunning, smoke-free fire experience.

Gas vs. Wood Fire Pits FAQ

How much does a gas vs a wood fire pit cost?

Installation costs for gas fire pits can be higher due to the need for a gas line, which may require professional installation. Wood fire pits can often be set up at a lower cost and with less infrastructure needed. The prices can vary widely by model, from $150 to $8,000.

What maintenance is required for wood vs gas fire pits?

Wood fire pits require regular cleaning to remove ash and debris, and occasional checks to ensure safety from fire hazards. Gas fire pits need less frequent maintenance, but should have periodic inspections of gas lines and connections to ensure there are no leaks.

Can I cook over a gas fire pit like I can with a wood fire pit?

Yes, but it depends on the design of the gas fire pit. Some gas fire pits are designed for aesthetic appeal rather than functional cooking, unlike wood fire pits, which are naturally suited for grilling.

Are gas fire pits safer than wood fire pits?

Generally, yes, because they don’t produce sparks or embers that can cause accidental fires. However, long-term safety also depends on proper installation and maintenance.

Gas, Wood, & Smokeless Fire Pits at Fountainful

Whether you're planning year-round entertaining or creating a quiet retreat, Fountainful offers fire pits for every style and lifestyle. 

Browse our full collection, or contact us to get personal help selecting the right model. We’d love to help you find the perfect fit.