An outdoor gas fireplace extends your patio season and becomes the focal point of an outdoor living space. But the category is broader than most buyers realize. "Outdoor gas fireplace" covers everything from a vent-free built-in unit set into a masonry wall to a gas fire pit table sitting on a deck. The choice between these options depends on how your space is configured, what local codes allow, and what experience you want. This guide breaks down every major type, the specs that matter, and which products to consider at each price point.
Built-in outdoor gas fireplaces are fireboxes designed to be set into a permanent outdoor structure, either a prefabricated surround or custom masonry. They deliver the look and feel of a traditional fireplace with a full firebox, realistic log set, and flame behind glass. Most are vent-free, meaning no chimney or flue is required, and are designed specifically for covered outdoor use.
The Superior VRE3200 (41,000 to 45,000 BTU, $3,709) and Superior VRE4300 (50,000 BTU, $4,759) are vent-free outdoor built-ins designed for covered patio installation. The Majestic Courtyard is a vented outdoor fireplace available in 36" and 42" opening sizes, rated for open-air and covered patio environments at 55,000 BTU, starting at $2,639. For a see-through application, the Majestic Lanai 48" offers a peninsula or divider installation at $5,199.
Gas fire pit tables are freestanding furniture pieces with an integrated burner, typically sitting at patio table height (24 to 30 inches). The burner sits in a bed of fire glass or lava rock inside a frame built from concrete, wicker, or powder-coated aluminum. These are primarily decorative pieces that add ambiance to a seating area without requiring permanent construction.
The Outdoor GreatRoom Company is one of the leading manufacturers in this category. The OGC Havenwood 44" ($2,349, 55,000 BTU) and OGC Cedar Ridge 61" ($2,999, 80,000 BTU) are solid options in rectangular and linear designs respectively.
Fire bowls are pedestal-mounted or ground-level burners housed in a decorative vessel, typically copper, concrete, or steel. They provide a 360-degree flame view and suit open outdoor spaces where no enclosure exists. HPC offers fire bowls including the Mesa Copper Fire Bowl and the Tempe Fire and Water Bowl, which combines a gas burner with a water feature for a dramatic landscape effect.
For built-in outdoor gas fireplaces, this is the first call to make. Vent-free units do not require a chimney or flue, making installation simpler and well-suited to covered outdoor structures. Vented units like the Majestic Courtyard require proper venting but perform well in a wider range of outdoor environments, including semi-open settings.
Check your local building codes before purchasing. Some jurisdictions restrict vent-free appliances in certain types of spaces, and requirements vary significantly by region.
BTU output determines how much heat a unit produces. Because heat dissipates quickly outdoors, BTU matters more than in an indoor installation.
Most outdoor gas appliances are available in both natural gas (NG) and liquid propane (LP) configurations, and many can be field-converted. If you have a gas line at your outdoor space, natural gas is more convenient. Propane requires tank management but allows placement anywhere on your property without running new gas line.
Vent-free built-in fireplaces require covered outdoor installation and cannot be placed in fully open, unprotected locations. Vented models have more flexibility. Gas fire tables and fire bowls have the most installation flexibility, though manufacturers specify minimum clearances and recommend covering them when not in use.
For built-in fireplaces, opening width determines the visual scale of the installation. Common widths are 36", 42", and 48". A 36" opening works well in compact outdoor rooms. Larger patios typically warrant 42" or wider to maintain visual proportion. The Majestic Lanai is available in a 48" see-through configuration for spaces where the fireplace serves as a divider between two outdoor areas.
Covered patio with masonry or stucco surround: A vent-free built-in like the Superior VRE3200 or VRE4400 is the right fit. Both are designed for exactly this application, deliver real heat output, and can be set into a custom surround without the complexity of a vented installation.
Open patio with an existing outdoor fireplace structure: The Majestic Courtyard fits here. It is available in 36" and 42" sizes to match common masonry opening dimensions and is designed for vented outdoor installation.
Deck or patio seating area, ambiance-focused: A gas fire table from OGC delivers the look without any construction. Connect to a propane tank or natural gas line and the unit is operational. The Havenwood 44" and Cedar Ridge 61" are solid choices depending on how much visual scale you need.
Landscape focal point or pool area: An HPC fire bowl works well in open outdoor settings where a traditional fireplace enclosure would not fit. Fire and water bowl models add a water element that is particularly effective near pools or water features.
Do not use an indoor gas fireplace outdoors. Indoor units are not rated for outdoor moisture and temperature cycling. Purchase only units explicitly rated for outdoor use, and verify that rating in the product documentation.
Verify ignition type. Many outdoor appliances use electronic ignition, which can be unreliable in wet or cold conditions. Some buyers prefer a standing pilot or manual ignition for outdoor reliability. Check the spec sheet before purchasing.
Account for wind exposure. Open outdoor fireplaces and fire bowls are susceptible to flame extinguishment in windy conditions. If your patio is exposed, look for units with wind guards or an enclosed glass front.
Read clearance requirements before choosing a location. Every outdoor gas appliance specifies minimum clearances from combustibles, overhead structures, and walls. These requirements should inform your installation location before you finalize the design.
Budget for permits. Most jurisdictions require a permit for permanently installed gas appliances. Plan for permit lead time in your project schedule.
Can I install an outdoor gas fireplace under a covered patio?
Yes. Many built-in units are designed specifically for covered outdoor installation. Vent-free models like the Superior VRE3200 and Superior VRE4300 are rated for covered patios. Always confirm minimum clearance requirements with your local building department before installation.
Do gas fire pit tables produce heat?
They produce some heat, but their primary function is ambiance. A 55,000 BTU fire table in an open outdoor setting will not heat a patio the way a built-in fireplace with an enclosed glass front will. If warmth is a priority, a built-in gas fireplace is the better choice.
What is the difference between natural gas and propane outdoor fireplaces?
Natural gas and propane require different orifice sizes and pressure settings. Units are factory-configured for one fuel type. Many models are available in both configurations, and some can be field-converted with a manufacturer-supplied kit. Natural gas is more convenient if you have a gas line at your outdoor space. Propane offers placement flexibility without new gas line infrastructure.
How do I know if a gas fireplace is rated for outdoor use?
It should say so explicitly in the product name or installation manual. Look for language like "outdoor rated," "suitable for covered outdoor use," or "outdoor installation." When in doubt, contact the manufacturer before purchasing.
Can outdoor gas fireplaces stay outside year-round?
Most can. Manufacturers typically recommend covering gas fire tables and fire bowls when not in use. Built-in fireplaces set into permanent structures are generally fine year-round. Refer to the care instructions for your specific model.
Browse our full selection of outdoor gas fire pits and tables and outdoor gas fireplaces to compare models by size, BTU output, and fuel type.
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