Gas fire pits are a unique alternative to wood burning fire pits and as manufacturers of more than 40 different gas fire pits, we're often asked questions about the capabilities and safety of gas fire pits compared to wood burning ones. We've put together this list of the 5 most common questions we get about gas fire pits.
1. Can I roast marshmallows over a gas fire pit?
You absolutely can! Our one piece of advice here is to make sure to pay close attention to your marshmallow while you roast it and ensure it doesn't fall into the fire and burner area as it can damage the burner and components. If you do accidentally drop a marshmallow into the burner area, make sure to turn off the fire pit, let it cool off completely and then thoroughly clean the fire media and burner holes to prevent any future issues with the burner.
2. Can I cook food over a gas fire pit?
We don't recommend cooking over gas fire pit tables. Our fire pit tables are UL Listed as a decorative appliance, but not a cooking appliance. Therefore, they are not safety tested or designed for cooking food like hot dogs, soups, scrambled eggs and other meals that may be commonly cooked over a wood burning fire pit.
3. Can I put a gas fire pit table on a deck or porch?
Yes! All our fire pits and fire pit tables are safe to put on deck as long as they meet their safety clearances. For most of our products, the clearances are as follows:
- 72” from top of burner to any overhead combustible materials
- 24” from edge of burner trim to any combustible side walls
- 8" below the burner
If your fire is going to be placed in a gazebo, veranda or other outdoor space, make sure the following criteria are met:
- The fire pit is placed in area where there are walls on all four sides with no overhead cover OR
- It's placed in a partial enclosure with an overhead cover and two side walls. Walls can be parallel to each other or at right angles to each other.
We'd always recommend consulting a certified gas technician and their expertise to ensure the location you choose is safe for a gas fire pit. Your local dealer can likely put you in touch with a gas technician! Additionally, you can find all this safety information in the Crystal Fire Plus ® Burner Manual.
4. Are gas fire pits safe for pets and kids?
The short answer is yes! But just like with wood burning fire pits, close monitoring of pets and kids is a must. All Outdoor GreatRoom Company burners are UL listed, which means they've passed a series of safety tests giving you extra security and piece of mind.
Our fire pits are made with commercial grade outdoor materials, which means they're designed to withstand outdoor elements like wind and rain, but can also provide a layer of defense against scratches and dings that may come from your furry friends' paws.
We'd also suggest purchasing a glass guard for your fire pit. Glass guards not only reflect the flame of the fire creating additional ambience, but also provide extra safety measures like blocking tiny hands and wagging tails from touching the flames.
5. Can I use my gas fire pit during the winter?
This question is more commonly asked by our friends and customers in the northern parts of the US and Canada, but it's still one we're asked quite often! Like we mentioned earlier, our fire pits and fire pit tables are designed with with commercial grade materials, allowing them to withstand cold and snow.
It's important to take a couple extra precautionary steps when using your fire pit in the winter to ensure safe operation:
- Clear debris like sticks, dead leaves, and branches from the areas around the fire pit
- Clear away snow around the fire pit
Have more questions about gas fire pits? Visit with your local dealer or check out more of our blogs where we answer more common questions:
Liquid propane, natural gas, or wood - Which fire pit type is best for me?
Automatic or Manual? Which ignition type is best for me?
