How to Light a Gas Fire Pit (4 Easy Different Methods)

Not sure how to start a gas fire pit? Learn how to light a gas fire pit using these 4 easy different methods.

A fire pit doesn’t have to be a difficult project to construct. You can build a fantastic outdoor area for you, your friends, and your family with a little forethought and preparation

Even on warm evenings when you don’t need its heat, an open flame still provides a focal point for conversation. The cozy atmosphere of an open flame can transform a cold evening into an opportunity for stories and good times. There is a routine to follow to prevent getting burned by a mini-explosion, even if lighting the fire is necessary to reap the benefits of your fire pit.

The kind of ignition system your fire pit will have is one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make while creating it. There are some types of gas fire pit and each fire pit has its own method.  This article will provide you with some vital information today to aid you on how to light a gas fire pit. Just keep on reading.

How to Light a Gas Fire Pit (4 Different Methods)

Method 1: LIGHTING USING MATCH

Step 1. Prepare your chopped woods

Before starting the process, you have to find or prepare your choice of wood that can easily light up. It will depend on you or whatever you desire to use for your gas fire pit. Arrange it however you want and make sure it won’t scatter as you start the fire. Some fire pits also uses charcoal because it is easy to absorb or attract a fire.

Step 2: Light the gas fire pit using a match.

Hold a lit wand lighter close to the logs in the pit’s middle. Since it has a gas on it, a lit object won’t be needed anymore. To keep it out of the wind, it’s typically better to tuck it into a crevice. After lighting, you can now enjoy the comfort that a gas fire pit brings when you are outside your home feeling cold and alone.

Method 2: PUSH-BUTTON SPARK IGNITION

There is no need to further provide steps on how to utilize and adjust with this system. With one exception—a battery-operated sparker—spark ignition systems and match light systems are extremely similar. Similar to some BBQ grills, these fire pits have ignition mechanisms.

The “best of all worlds” solution between straightforward match light ignition kits and more sophisticated ignition systems is provided by a spark ignition system. While keeping the dependability of a manual system, assisted ignition will provide you with increased convenience. These spark ignition systems won’t last forever, though, so you should plan on doing this as routine maintenance every few years.

Step 1: Prepare your fire pit and your logs if needed (same step with method 1)

Before starting the process, you have to find or prepare your choice of wood that can easily light up. It will depend on you or whatever you desire to use for your gas fire pit. Arrange it however you want and make sure it won’t scatter as you start the fire. Some fire pits also uses charcoal because it is easy to absorb or attract a fire.

Step 2: Switch it on to start the fire

When you switch it on, it would clearly depend on your choice if you are going to make it an intense fire. The switch that is often red and located adjacent to the control knob should be pressed in. A sequence of clicking noises should be audible, which indicates that sparks are being produced.

Step 3: Push the necessary buttons

While keeping the spark generator button pushed, push in the control knob and turn it to the “On” position. As soon as the flame ignites, release the spark button, but maintain the control knob firmly in place. For 30 to 45 seconds, keep turning the knob down to give the thermocouple time to warm up. Turn the knob back. Repeat the ignition process if the fire goes out, but this time, hold in the knob a little longer.

Method 3: SYSTEMS FOR FLAME-SENSING SPARK IGNITION

A unique type of fire pit that deserves special notice on its own are flame-sensing kits. These fire pits have flame sensors or thermocouples for an extra measure of safety, even though technically they are still spark ignition systems.

To keep these kits functioning properly, they normally require some basic annual maintenance, which doesn’t take much time or money. Additionally, the flame production will often be somewhat lower but still outstanding. There is no need to further discuss how this system functions. As soon as it senses even a little spark or flame, it automatically turns the fire on.

Method 4: USING ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM

This is almost similar to the flame-sensing and safety-certified, electronic ignition kits. They have automated ignition, which can be managed by a timer, switch, remote, smartphone app, automation system, etc. There are battery-powered choices in some smaller kits, but most of these systems need electricity near the fire pit. 

Although some systems use electronic sparkers, many come with high-quality hot-surface igniters that resemble glow plugs and offer the best performance and reliability. These igniters ignite a pilot, and the main burner is then lit as a result. If the flame goes out, many of these devices even have a re-light feature.

Step 1: Don’t forget to arrange the necessaries

Basic step is to always know that there is remaining wood or the fire pit is not empty.

Step 2: Carefully select and turn the gas fire pit

Using your phone, remote, smartphone app or any automation system, select and easily click the button in any level you want.

Although modern systems from reputable manufacturers have more moving components, they are more dependable than ever and can be found in hotels and restaurants all across the country. These systems provide the highest levels of luxury and convenience accessible, despite their potential higher price.

What is the commonly used method to start a gas fire pit?

Among the types of gas fire pit ignition system, the most commonly used on is still the old one. The match Light and spark ignition system or the one that does not sense fire (non-flame-sensing ignition system). Because they are the most economical ignition systems available, they still continue to be widely used. When deciding which kind of system is appropriate for your project, keep the factors mentioned above in mind. Although they have a greater initial cost, electrical and flame-sensing kits might be necessary for your installation.

A lot of people love to use the manual one because other than the ease of the manual start, this ignition essentially has no necessary maintenance. It is made even more useful by the ease with which it operates in “all-types-of-weather.” This sort of burner starter is popular among because the majority of faults and technical problems are simple to resolve.

Simple reminders:

Whatever type of ignition system or gas fire pit you are using, Don forget to turn it off after using. This is the most basic precaution in order to avoid any forms of accident at home or everywhere.

Do not use water to turn the gas fire pit off. When you’re through using a fire in a wood-burning fire pit during the winter, it’s crucial to let it go out on its own. This is due to the fact that adding water to a fire creates a sharp drop in temperature, which could endanger the fire pit’s structure. Any time of year, but especially in the winter when the temperature difference between the fire and water is the highest, it is not a good idea to pour water into your fire pit. It is therefore best to exercise patience and let your fires burn out naturally.

Simple match-lit fire pit lighting systems can be as sophisticated as electronic ignitions with remote controls and built-in flame sensors. Although there is considerable variation, the three categories of match light, spark ignition, and electronic ignition are the most frequently used to classify different methods of ignition.

Although it’s simple to think of these options as a “good, better, best” scenario, it’s important to keep in mind that no two fire pit builds will be exactly the same. This is especially true when considering cost. In light of this, many people could actually be happier with a straightforward match-light ignition system than they would be with a more intricate electronic ignition system.