4 Types of Fire Pits & Their Uses

There’s something about a fire pit that just makes sense. It warms the toes, pulls in conversation, and stretches a moment into something more. But if you’ve started looking into types of fire pits, you’ve probably realized it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.

Do you want speed? Portability? Crackle and smoke? No smoke at all?
Do you have a huge outdoor space or just a little patio nook?
Do you want real wood… or are you fine with the flip of a switch?

Let’s break down all the types (wood, gas, propane, permanent, portable) without the fluff. And somewhere in there, we’ll help you figure out what kind of fire pit fits how you actually live.

Key Takeaways

• There are four main types of fire pits: wood-burning, gas, natural gas, and liquid propane.
  

• The right fire pit depends on where you’ll use it, how often, and what kind of experience you want.
  

• Wood-burning fire pits are perfect for grilling, heat, and a traditional campfire vibe.
  

• Gas setups (natural gas or propane) offer convenience but require installation or fuel tanks.
  

• Portable designs like PACKFIRE make it easy to take the fire wherever the moment leads—no cords, no digging, no waiting.
  

1. Wood-Burning Fire Pits

The classic. The crackling. The crowd favorite.

If you picture building a fire with logs, embers, smoke swirling into the night—that’s a wood-burning pit. It’s what most people think of when they imagine a campfire, and for good reason.

Uses:

• Backyard hangouts with real heat
• Grilling (seriously, nothing tastes better)
• Beach picnics, road trips, and camping
  

Pros:

• No need for fuel lines or tanks
• Real heat, rich scent, and satisfying sound
• Great for cooking/grilling over the coals
  

Cons:

• Some fire pits smoke (though some like it)
• Requires cleanup and storage for wood
• Not ideal where fire bans are strict
  

PACKFIRE is the prime wood-burning fire pit. It folds flat, travels in its backpack, and burns clean using Clearburn™ Smokeless Technology. A wood fire without the usual chaos? Yes, please.

2. Gas Fire Pits (Using Liquid Propane)

This one is for the convenience crowd.

If wood’s a ritual, liquid propane fire pits are more… plug and play. You connect a propane tank, hit the igniter, and there you go, flames on demand. Some even come with fire glass that reflects the light and adds a little sparkle to your setup.

Uses:

• Patio setups where ease beats ambiance
• Dinner parties or rentals where cleanup’s a pain
• Fire when you don’t want to mess with wood or ash
  

Pros:

• Fast start, easy shut-off
• Less mess
• Steady flame (and heat) at your control
  

Cons:

• You’re tied to a propane tank
• No grill cooking
• Lacks that authentic fire feel
  

If you're the kind of person who always checks the weather app twice, this might work for you. Otherwise, lugging fuel tanks for a backyard flame can feel... off.

3. Natural Gas Fire Pits

Permanent. Powerful. Predictable.

These setups connect directly to a natural gas line, often with built-in stone or concrete surrounds. Once they’re in, they’re in. You flip a switch, and the fire’s there.

Uses:

• Full backyard renovations or hardscape
• Built-in seating/fireplace zones
• Areas where propane tanks are a pain
  

Pros:

• Instant fire with no refueling
• Reliable for big groups
• No tank management
  

Cons:

• Requires installation and a gas hookup
• No portability
• Still doesn’t match the vibe of wood
  

They're sleek, sure. But if your idea of a good time includes fire pit portability or making spontaneous s’mores mid-road trip… this one’s a pass.

4. Fire Pit Tables AKA Table-Top Fire Pits

More table than fire.

If you've seen those outdoor tables with a flame flickering in the center, that’s what this is. Usually powered by liquid propane, these are all about ambiance, less about warmth or cooking. 

Uses:

• Small patios and rooftops
• Apartment decks (check your rules first)
• Mood lighting during wine hour
  

Pros:

• Low profile
• Looks polished
• Portable
  

Cons:

• Limited heat output
• Usually can’t be used for food
• More “show” than substance
  

If form is your thing and flame is a feature, cool. But if you’re building a fire to gather around, grill on, or take into the wild? There are better styles for that.

What About Built-In Fire Pits?

Built-in fire pits are custom, permanent features integrated into your landscaping or patio design. They can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane, or wood, and are often designed with stone, brick, or concrete. If you’re building out an entire backyard setup, this is the kind of pit that gets its own blueprint.

Uses:

• Anchoring a large outdoor space
• Creating a dedicated gathering zone
• Boosting home value and curb appeal
  

Pros:

• Looks polished and intentional
• Often connected to a natural gas line
• Can be tailored to fit your layout
  

Cons:

• Permanent (so… no beach trips or campsites)
• Installation can get pricey
• Wood-burning versions still need cleanup and airflow design
  

Built-in pits are great if you're all-in on staying put. But if your plans lean spontaneous, or you like your fire to follow the vibe, not the floorplan—you’ll want something portable in your mix, too.

So… What Type of Fire Pit is Best?

Depends on what you want. If you want a real connection, the kind that comes with stories and sparks, and the smell of wood on your hoodie, you should go with a wood-burning fire pit.

Want something clean and fast for your outdoor space that matches your modern furniture? A gas fire pit or natural gas fire pit might be your thing.

Want something that folds flat, travels with you, and burns smokeless with no tools needed for set up? That’s PACKFIRE. But hey, you knew we were going to say that.

FAQ on Fire Pit Types, Fuel, and More

What are the most common types of fire pits?

The four main types of fire pits are wood-burning, gas (liquid propane), natural gas, and fire pit tables. Each offers a different experience in terms of heat, portability, and setup.

What’s the difference between liquid propane and natural gas fire pits?

Liquid propane fire pits run on a refillable propane tank, making them portable but dependent on fuel. Natural gas fire pits are permanent and connect to a home’s natural gas line for unlimited fuel, but you can’t move them.

Can I grill on all fire pits?

No. Wood-burning fire pits are ideal for grilling because they create real coals and high heat. Gas fire pits and fire glass setups are decorative and aren’t safe for cooking.

Are gas fire pits safer than wood?

They’re cleaner-burning and easier to control, especially in urban areas. But wood-burning fire pits are safe too, as long as you use them properly and check local fire regulations.

What fuel types do fire pits use?

Fire pits use different fuel types: firewood, liquid propane, and natural gas. Each has trade-offs between heat, convenience, and portability. Choose based on how and where you’ll use the fire.

Final Thoughts on Types of Fire Pits

Here’s the thing about outdoor fire pits: it’s about what happens around them. The stories. The quiet. The grilled things you didn’t plan to cook until the stars came out.

So yeah, you could go with a gas fire pit for the ease. Or a fire pit table for the look. But if you're in it for the real warmth and real connection? The kind that sticks to your memory long after the embers fade? You know what to choose.

(And if it happens to fold flat, set up fast, and burns smokeless with full-size logs? You’re doing alright.)