Rectangle Fire Pit Burners

Rectangular gas fire pit burners from The Outdoor Plus, sold as the burner only. Choose from 'H', switchback, racetrack and rectangle layouts to fill fire tables and rectangular fire pits of almost any length.

Why a Rectangle Burner?

Rectangular fire tables are a favorite for outdoor dining and lounge areas, where people sit along the length of the fire. The burners in this collection spread flame across both the length and the width of the table for a fuller fire than a single straight line. For a slim line of flame, see our Linear Burners.

Burner Styles in This Collection

• Rectangle and double rectangle burners – one or two rectangular loops for an even flame around the table.
• Racetrack and double racetrack burners – loops with rounded ends for a softer flame outline.
• 'H' burners – two parallel runs connected in the center.
• Switchback burners – zig-zag across the pan for a dense, full flame, in lengths up to 120".
• Bullet versions – several of these layouts are also available with bullet-style jets for a distinct, defined flame.

Sizing a Burner to Your Fire Pit

Measure the interior of your pan or fire pit, not the outside of the enclosure. Sizes are listed as width x length, so measure both directions and choose a burner that leaves space on every side. Leave open space between the burner and the pan walls: it gives the flame room to draw in air and keeps it from hitting the sides. As a reference, The Outdoor Plus kits typically pair a burner about 6" smaller than the pan, such as a 24" burner in a 30" pan.

Double-loop and switchback burners cover more of the pan and give a fuller flame across wider tables, while a single rectangle, racetrack or 'H' burner suits narrower ones. Longer and double-loop burners also need more gas, and on a long run the far end is the first to show a weaker flame if the supply is too small.

Plan the Gas Supply First

The BTU rating tells you how much gas a burner needs to reach its full flame. The Outdoor Plus 7"-wide switchback burner, for example, is rated at 60,000 BTU at 18" long and 400,000 BTU at 120" long. Every product page lists the BTU rating and gas inlet size wherever The Outdoor Plus publishes them.

A burner can only perform as well as the gas line feeding it. Pipe diameter sets how much gas can reach the burner, a long run from the meter or tank reduces pressure, and every fitting and elbow adds restriction. An undersized line is the most common reason a burner never reaches its full flame height. Share the BTU rating with your gas professional so they can confirm the pipe size, regulator and supply before installation.

What Else You'll Need

Our individual burners are sold as the burner only. To complete the installation you'll also need a pan or burner support, an ignition system and gas connections. Our Fire Pit Ignition Systems collection includes The Outdoor Plus 30DC Low Voltage Electronic Ignition System, the 30DC Plug & Play Electronic Ignition System and the Flame Sense Valve with Push-Button Spark Ignition. If you'd rather have everything matched for you, our Gas Fire Pit Burner Kits combine pan, burner and ignition in one package.

Choosing an Ignition System

Match lit systems are the simplest, with no electrical requirement. Flame sense systems add a safety valve that shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, and push-button spark ignition removes the need for matches. Electronic ignition lets you control the fire from a switch, timer or home automation system. Think about how often you'll use the fire and where it sits: long or built-in features are easier to light with spark or electronic ignition.

Natural Gas or Propane

Natural gas and liquid propane are not interchangeable. Propane is supplied at a different pressure and burns differently, so the gas components are set up for the fuel you choose when you order. Propane installations typically use an air mixer at the burner inlet to burn cleanly; without the right setup, propane can produce a lazy yellow flame and soot on the media. If you are not sure which setup your project needs, contact us before ordering.

Ventilation and Drainage

A fire pit enclosure needs ventilation so that gas cannot collect inside the cavity. Place vents on opposite sides of the enclosure so air can flow through. Propane is heavier than air and settles at the bottom, so propane installations need vents low on the enclosure; natural gas is lighter than air and rises, so vents belong near the top. Follow the vent requirements in The Outdoor Plus installation instructions and your local code.

Water is the other thing to plan for. Rain filters down through the fire glass or lava rock, so the pan's drain holes and the base of your enclosure need a path for water to escape. Standing water around the burner and gas components can cause corrosion and uneven lighting. Clearing media dust from the drain holes is a quick seasonal check.

On a long enclosure, spread the vents along the length rather than grouping them at one end.

Finishing With Fire Glass or Lava Rock

Fire media hides the burner, spreads the gas for a natural-looking flame and gives the fire pit its finished appearance. Cover the burner evenly, following the depth in the installation instructions: too little media leaves the burner visible, while too much restricts the flame and can turn it yellow. On a long burner, check the media depth at several points so the flame height stays even from end to end. Shop our fire glass and lava rock to finish your build. Fire media is sold separately.

Professional Installation

All gas fire features must be installed by a qualified, locally licensed gas professional, following The Outdoor Plus installation instructions and your local building codes. Keep the clearances to combustible materials listed in the instructions, and do not build a gas fire pit directly under an awning, pergola or other overhead structure.

Need Help Choosing?

Planning a long fire table or replacing a rectangular burner? Send us your interior opening dimensions, fuel type and gas line size, and we'll help you confirm the right size, burner and ignition before you order. Simply contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions