Fire Pits

If you're trying to choose between a wood burning fire pit and a gas one, you're not alone. This is easily the most common decision people get stuck on.

At first glance, it seems simple: wood feels more "real," gas feels more convenient. But once you factor in how you'll actually use it—your space, your neighbours, how often you'll light it—the decision becomes much clearer.

This isn't about which is "better" overall. It's about which one actually fits your setup.

The Core Difference (Without Overcomplicating It)

A wood burning fire pit gives you a traditional fire. You light it manually, it produces real flames, smoke, crackling sounds—the full experience.

A gas fire pit is controlled. You turn it on, adjust the flame, and turn it off when you're done. No smoke, no ash, no cleanup.

That difference alone shapes everything else.

The Experience: What Do You Actually Want?

Wood burning fire pits are about atmosphere. The smell of the wood, the sound of it burning, the process of building and maintaining the fire—it's an experience in itself. If that's what you're after, gas won't fully replicate it.

Gas fire pits, on the other hand, are about ease. You don't plan around using them—you just use them. They're ready instantly, and they don't create any mess afterwards.

The honest reality is this: people love the idea of wood, but often end up using gas more frequently.

Convenience and Day-to-Day Use

With a gas fire pit:

• You press a button or turn a dial
• It lights instantly
• You can control the flame
• You turn it off when you're done

With wood:

• You need to set it up properly
• Light it manually
• Maintain the fire while using it
• Clean ash afterwards

None of that is a problem if you enjoy the process. But if you just want something you can use on a random evening without effort, gas wins every time.

Smoke and Your Environment

Wood burning fire pits produce smoke. In a large, open garden, that's manageable. In a smaller garden—or in a typical UK housing setup—it becomes noticeable very quickly.

Smoke doesn't just rise and disappear. It drifts, lingers, and can easily affect neighbouring properties.

Gas fire pits produce none.

If you're in a built-up area, this alone is often the deciding factor.

Heat Output and Control

Both options can produce plenty of heat, but the way they deliver it is different.

Wood fires can feel more intense, but they're less predictable. Once it's burning, controlling the heat takes effort.

Gas fire pits are consistent. You can increase or decrease the flame instantly, which makes them easier to manage in smaller or more controlled spaces.

For most people, especially in patios or terraces, that level of control is a big advantage.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Wood burning fire pits require:

• Regular ash cleanup
• Storage for logs
• More frequent maintenance

Gas fire pits are far simpler:

• Minimal cleaning
• No ash or residue
• Occasional checks for gas connections

Over time, this becomes one of the main reasons people prefer gas—even if they originally leaned towards wood.

Cost Considerations

Upfront, wood burning fire pits are usually cheaper. Gas fire pits tend to cost more initially, especially for higher-quality models.

But running costs balance things out differently depending on usage:

• Wood requires a steady supply of logs
• Gas requires refilling or replacing bottles

There's no universal winner here—it depends on how often you plan to use it. Occasional use favours wood. Regular use often favours gas.

Safety in Smaller Spaces

Wood burning fire pits:

• Produce sparks and embers
• Require more clearance
• Need closer supervision

Gas fire pits:

• Offer controlled flames
• No sparks or flying embers
• Easier to manage in tighter areas

If you're working with a smaller garden or have children or pets around, gas tends to be the safer option.

So Which One Should You Choose?

Choose wood burning if:

• You care about the experience and atmosphere
• You don't mind the setup and cleanup
• You have enough space to manage smoke properly

Choose gas if:

• You want something easy and reliable
• You'll use it regularly
• You're in a smaller or more enclosed garden
• You want control over heat and flame

For most people—especially in UK gardens—gas ends up being the more practical choice.

A Quick Reality Check

A lot of buyers start out leaning towards wood because it feels more authentic. Then they think about:

• Lighting it every time
• Cleaning it afterwards
• Dealing with smoke

And they switch to gas. That doesn't make wood a bad option. It just means it's a better fit for certain situations, not all of them.

Final Thoughts

There's no "best" option—only what works for your space and how you plan to use it.

If you're after something you'll use often, without hassle, gas is hard to beat.

If you're after a more traditional experience and don't mind the effort, wood delivers something gas can't fully replicate.

The mistake is choosing based on what sounds good, instead of what actually fits your lifestyle.

Not Sure Yet?

If you're still deciding, it's worth looking at how different fire pits work in smaller spaces.

You can read our guide on choosing the best fire pits for small gardens to get a clearer idea of what fits your setup before making a decision.