We reviewed this article in December 2022, and we still stand behind these expert recommendations. We will continue to evaluate this list monthly to ensure that the models below represent the best gas fireplaces available today.
Sitting around a fire has been an important part of our society since fire was first harnessed. But unlike our ancestors, today’s flames don’t rely on wood. Gas fireplaces, which run on propane or natural gas, have become a hot commodity in recent years.
Why you should choose a gas fireplace
Patrick Schatz of Hearth Products Controls believes people prefer gas fireplaces to wood because of their ease of use. “You don’t have to collect wood,” he says. “You don’t have to clean up the ashes. And gas fires burn cleanly, so there’s no smoke, which can be the most annoying part of a fire.”
We also considered gas fireplaces an appliance, so we can place them closer to existing structures, whereas wood-burning fireplaces often have to be 25 feet from homes or decks. But this ease of use comes at a price, literally. Gas fireplaces are often much more expensive than their wood counterparts. And even the sturdiest gas flames aren’t as hot as a wood fire. But if you’re looking for an easy-to-use fire to create ambiance and a little warmth in your backyard or on your patio, gas might be your best option.
Key factors to consider
Size
The first factor to consider when choosing a gas fireplace is the space you’re looking to fill. Fireplaces come in all shapes and sizes, including tiny tabletop flames and massive concrete installations meant to anchor a garden. If you’re looking to bring in heat, choose an enormous fireplace with a 50,000 BTU rating or more. While some smaller options may not be as warm, they can create a comfortable atmosphere for one or two people.
Fuel Type
Many fireplaces today run on 20-pound propane cylinders, but some require natural gas, delivered via a connection to your house line. We can configure a few for either gas source. “Natural gas is a better choice if you have access to it, but you’ll need a plumbing professional to install it,” Schatz says, adding that natural gas is the best choice because there are no tanks to hide or fill. It’s also much less expensive than propane once the line is installed. However, you need to factor installation into your budget; installing a gas line to a fireplace costs about $25 per linear foot. Connecting a fireplace to a 20-pound propane tank does not differ from connecting a tank to your gas grill, and propane burns more efficiently than natural gas. Propane fireplaces may also require some light assembly. In our experience, the process is less complicated than assembling a grill.
Type of ignition
The ignition system of your fireplace is also a consideration. There are basically two types of ignition systems: the match system and the push-button system. To light a match system, you must turn on the gas and then place a lit match over the gas outlet. It is cheaper and more reliable than a push-button system, although holding a lit match over flammable gas makes some people nervous. A push-button system creates a spark next to the gas outlet to light the flame. A battery, usually powers these buttons which you will need to replace from time to time. Permanent gas fireplace installations often use a push-button ignition system powered by a permanent electrical supply.
Safety Features
Schatz says safety should also be a major concern, and they should equip the permanent natural gas fireplace you choose with features such as flame detectors and automatic gas shut-off valves. You can also look for propane fireplaces that meet CSA (Canadian Standards Association), ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or UL (Underwriters Laboratory) safety standards. Finally, pay attention to the materials the fireplace is constructed with, especially the burner mechanism that houses and produces the flame. “We should make it of stainless steel, which will be more durable than other materials,” Schatz says.
How we evaluated
When evaluating gas fireplaces, we considered a range of styles and functions to meet as many needs and preferences as possible. So whether you want a certain look (like a wood, stone or bronze finish), prefer a certain type of fireplace (a table, column or bowl, for example) or want to heat a large or small space, you’ll find the perfect solution for your outdoor living space among our recommendations. We relied on Schatz’s advice on materials and safety, and researched other articles about gas fireplaces on credible websites such as The Family handyperson and Bob Villa. Finally, we considered customer reviews on online retailers like Amazon and Home Depot.
1. Rectangular Tabletop Fireplace
Long and narrow, this Bali Outdoors fireplace is the perfect size to use as a coffee table in front of a sofa. The burner is stainless steel, and they made the table of a cabinet-like steel alloy that hides a 20-pound propane tank (sold separately). The tabletop is slate and includes an insert that covers the burner if you want to use the table without the flames. Customers report that the flame is hot, thanks to its 60,000 BTU rating. You can add a glass windscreen around the flame if your patio is windy or if you have young children with wandering hands.
Buy: Rectangular Tabletop Fireplace
2. Mondavi Gas Fire Bowl
Fire bowls offer the highest freedom in choosing your fire pit location. Besides being able to place them on the floor like fireplace tables and columns, you can also place them on a table, ledge or other raised surface. At 28 inches in diameter and 43 pounds in weight, this fire bowl capitalizes on versatility by allowing you to easily move it virtually anywhere you want in your yard. Its attractive faux-concrete finish is made from a tough sand-based material called Envirostone, and the ProCoat coating offers an extra layer of protection from the elements. The stainless steel burner creates a flame that emits 50,000 BTUs and is filled with lava rocks that brilliantly accompany the concrete-style finish.
3. Robson Fire Table
Outland Living builds the aluminum frame of this square side table with polyethylene “wicker” sides that can withstand the elements while hiding a 20-pound tank inside. A stainless steel burner produces a maximum of 42,500 BTUs. Black tempered glass surrounds the flame, giving you plenty of room to put a drink or small plate, and 15 pounds of decorative glass pebbles adorn the burner area. This is one of the most popular tabletop fireplaces on the market, thanks to its reliable construction and high heat output, but don’t forget that an insert to cover the burner and form a sturdy table is extra.
Buy: Robson Fire Table
4. Mega Fire Pit
Sometimes you just want to sit next to a classic campfire, and Outland Living’s Mega lets you get up close and personal in a portable gas setup. One of the largest portable gas fireplaces on the market is what it is. It’s big enough to serve as an everyday fire pit in your backyard, but at 34 pounds, it’s easy enough to load up and take to the campsite or beach. It features a stainless steel burner with a durable powder-coated steel pan, lava rocks, an adjustable flame height, and a 10-foot hose that makes it easy to hide the propane tank.
Buy: Mega Fire Pit
5. Newcastle Propane Fire Column
Stone decorations can fit a wide range of design styles or make a nice accent piece. This fireplace’s 16-inch square Envirostone column houses and conceals a 20-pound propane tank, and a ProCoat coating helps preserve its beauty and integrity for years to come. The stainless steel burner sits atop the column and produces a 40,000 BTU flame you can adjust with a built-in control knob.
Buy: Newcastle Propane Fire Column
6. Geo Fire Bowl Tabletop
There are cheaper tabletop fireplaces out there, but the Geo Fire Bowl is a more substantial option, thanks to its solid concrete bowl filled with pebbles. This bowl is quite heavy (15 pounds, to be exact), but the flame is more aesthetic than functional. The Geo Fire Bowl uses replaceable gel packs (it comes with three boxes) as fuel. Simply slide the gel pack into the center of the bowl and light it with a match or lighter. It produces a 7-inch-high flame you can use to roast marshmallows, but it doesn’t provide significant heat. Instead, it is an instant ambiance.
7. GSF-PR-PC Outdoor Fire Pit
The Hiland fire pit in bronze finish offers an element of old-world charm and sophistication, and its solid steel construction ensures that its striking appearance will stand the test of time. It includes a removable stainless steel cover to protect the burner when not in use and also allows you to use the entire tabletop area. For added safety, it has an anti-tilt feature that shuts off the 40,000 BTU flame if we tip the unit over.
Buy: GSF-PR-PC Outdoor Fire Pit
8. Outdoor Propane Fireplace
With a realistic wood grain pattern and a fire bowl filled with lava rock, this fireplace is a great way to add a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor living space. Standing about 2 feet tall, weighing 58 pounds and equipped with convenient side handles, it’s easy to carry anywhere you want to enjoy the ambiance of its 30,000 BTU flame. While it’s not hot enough to heat a large space, the fireplace’s compact size makes it an ideal solution for adding moderate heat to small spaces. No assembly is required, so it’s ready to use as soon as you connect it to a 20-pound propane tank.
Buy: Outdoor Propane Fireplace
FAQ
Q: How far away from the house should a gas fireplace be installed?
A: As a general rule, install your gas fireplace at least 10 feet away from anything flammable, such as your house, a wooden fence and overhead branches. However, the recommended distance may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and local fire codes may vary from region to region.
Q: How long will a 20-pound propane tank last in a gas fireplace?
A: A 20 pound propane tank can last between 3.5 and 9 hours, depending on the BTU rating of the fireplace and the height of the flame. The average 20-pound propane tank holds 430,000 BTUs, so you can approximate how long your fireplace will last by dividing 430,000 by the BTU rating of your fireplace. For example, a 50,000 BTU fireplace can operate for approximately 8.6 hours.
Q: Is it safe to roast marshmallows on a gas fireplace?
A: It is perfectly safe to roast marshmallows on a gas fireplace. In fact, it is one of the few foods you can cook in your fireplace. Avoid cooking other foods, such as meat and vegetables, as the grease and juices from them can clog the burner ports. Marshmallows do not release moisture during cooking, but can still cause problems if you accidentally drop one or if it falls into the pit.
