How to Choose a Gas Fire Pit Burner Kit for a DIY Fire Pit
A burner kit gives you the heart of a gas fire pit (a matched pan, burner and ignition) so you or your mason can build the enclosure in any material you like. Choose the burner shape to match your enclosure, the pan style to match how it's built, the size to fit the opening, and the ignition to suit how you'll use it.
Custom fire pits built from stone, brick, concrete or stucco can be designed to match your home exactly. A matched kit from The Outdoor Plus takes care of the fire itself, with a pan and burner designed to work together.
| Decision | Options | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Burner shape | Round, square, rectangle, linear | Should follow the shape of your enclosure |
| Pan style | Flat, drop-in, lipless drop-in, raised lip | Depends on how the enclosure is built |
| Size | Pan sizes from 12" up to 96" long, depending on style | Must fit your interior opening |
| Gas supply | BTU rating and inlet size | Your gas line must be able to feed the burner |
| Ignition | Match lit to electronic | How you light and control the fire |
| Fuel | Natural gas or liquid propane | Components are set up for the fuel you choose |
In This Guide
- Choose the burner shape
- Choose the pan style
- Size the kit to your opening
- Plan the gas supply
- Choose the ignition
- Ventilation, drainage and finishing
- Frequently asked questions
Choose the Burner Shape
Round Flat Pan & Round Stainless Steel Burner Kit
- Round kits – ring, lotus and bullet burners that send flame out evenly in every direction. Ideal for circular fire pits.
- Square kits – burners that follow the square shape so the flame reaches toward the corners.
- Rectangle kits – 'H' and switchback burners that spread flame across the width of a rectangular fire table.
- Linear kits – a single, continuous line of flame for narrow tables, seat walls and modern features.
Rectangle Flat Pan & Linear Stainless Steel Burner Kit
Choose the Pan Style
Square Raised Lip Drop-in Pan & Square Stainless Steel Burner Kit
| Pan | How It Fits | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Flat pan | Rests on a support or ledge inside the enclosure; drain holes | The most flexible for masonry builds |
| Drop-in pan | Sets into the opening of the fire feature | Clean, finished edge |
| Lipless drop-in pan | Sits flush inside the fire feature | Frameless and minimal |
| Raised lip drop-in pan | Drop-in with a raised edge | Helps keep fire media in place |
Size the Kit to Your Opening
Kits are listed by pan and burner size, for example a 30" pan with a 24" burner. The burner is sized smaller than the pan to leave space for the flame to draw in air and stay clear of the walls. Measure the interior opening of your enclosure, not the outside, and choose the pan that fits. Remember that gas fittings and ignition components sit below the pan and need room inside the cavity.
Plan the Gas Supply
The BTU rating tells you how much gas the burner needs. On the Round Flat Pan & Round Stainless Steel Burner Kit, for example, The Outdoor Plus rates the 12" pan with a 6" burner at 35,000 BTU and the 42" pan with a 36" burner at 380,000 BTU. Larger and longer burners need a larger gas supply, and an undersized line is a common reason a burner never reaches its full flame. Share the BTU rating and inlet size with your gas professional before you order.
Choose the Ignition
The Outdoor Plus kits are offered with up to five ignition systems: Match Lit, Match Lit w/ Flame Sense, Flame Sense w/ Spark Ignition, 30DC Electronic Ignition (30DC transformer included with the kit) and Plug & Play (110V transformer included). The flame sense options are generally offered on smaller sizes. See Fire Pit Ignition Systems Explained for details.
Ventilation, Drainage and Finishing
- Ventilation – an enclosed fire pit needs vents so gas can't collect inside. Propane is heavier than air (vents low); natural gas is lighter than air (vents high). Follow the installation instructions and local code.
- Drainage – rain filters through the fire media, so the pan's drain holes and the base of your enclosure need a path for water to escape.
- Fire media – cover the burner evenly with fire glass or lava rock, following the depth in the instructions. Media is not included in the kits.
- Installation – gas connections must be made by a qualified, locally licensed gas professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in a burner kit?
The pan and burner together with the components for the ignition system you choose. The exact components vary by ignition type and are listed on each product page. Fire glass and lava rock are sold separately.
Do I need to buy a transformer separately?
No. Kits with 30DC Electronic Ignition include the 30DC transformer, and Plug & Play kits plug into a standard 110V outlet.
Can I buy just the burner?
Yes. We also sell The Outdoor Plus burners on their own in our Fire Pit Burners collection, for replacing a burner or building a fully custom setup.
How long do burner kits take to ship?
Shipping is free, and The Outdoor Plus burner kits typically ship in 10–14 business days.
Final Thoughts
Match the burner to the shape of your enclosure, the pan to how it's built, and the size to your opening, then confirm your gas supply and choose your ignition. Send us your dimensions and fuel type and we'll help you pick the right kit.
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