What are the best gas fire pit brands?
Napoleon makes the best gas fire pit we carry — the Uptown square puts out 60,000 BTU, enough to keep a whole patio conversation warm through a cool mountain evening. But honestly, the burner is only half the job: the buried, outdoor-rated gas line feeding it matters just as much, and in North Carolina that's licensed work.
Our pick, and what it tells you
The Napoleon Uptown is the gas fire pit we carry and recommend — a square, 60,000 BTU propane unit with enough output to actually warm the circle of chairs around it, not just decorate the middle. That output number is the first thing to check on any fire pit, because a pretty flame that can't fight a 55-degree mountain evening gets used twice and abandoned. Around here — where elevation keeps evenings cool most of the year — a fire pit that throws real heat earns its keep from April to November. If you're comparing options, come feel the Uptown running at the showroom; output is something you stand next to, not read on a spec card.
What separates a good fire pit from a regretted one
Brand matters less than three things: honest BTU output, weather-worthy construction, and the quality of the burner assembly that has to survive rain, pollen, and freeze-thaw outdoors. A well-built unit from an established hearth brand — the same companies that engineer indoor fireplaces — holds up in ways bargain patio-store units don't. A burner set up for its actual fuel matters too; propane and natural gas need different orifices, and a wrong-fuel setup soots and sputters. We install both built-in and freestanding pits, gas and wood, and we'll tell you straight which format fits your patio and your habits.
The gas line is the real project
Here's what most fire pit shoppers don't know: the buried, outdoor-rated gas line feeding the pit is licensed work in North Carolina. A hardscaper or landscaper can build you a gorgeous surround, but they legally can't run the fuel — that's our lane. We trench, run outdoor-rated line, set the connection, pull the permit, and pressure-test before the first flame, whether you're on natural gas in south Asheville or propane out in Fairview. One call covers appliance and fuel: (828) 545-0525, and the estimate is free.
Still deciding? Talk to a real installer.
Free assessments across Western North Carolina — no pressure, straight answers.