Connecting a Fire Pit to Mains Gas: Do You Need a Natural Gas Model?
Many so-called natural gas fire pits are actually LPG models that can be professionally converted and safely connected to your mains gas supply, giving you more choice without needing a dedicated natural gas model.
When searching for natural gas fire pits, many UK homeowners assume they must buy a model specifically labelled as “natural gas” in order to connect it to their mains gas supply. As a result, shoppers often overlook a wide range of suitable fire pits simply because they are listed as LPG.
In reality, many fire pits can be professionally configured to run on mains gas. Meaning you may not need a dedicated natural gas fire pit at all. Understanding how this works can give you more choice, flexibility, and clarity before you buy.
What Is a Natural Gas Fire Pit?
A natural gas fire pit is a fire pit designed to run from your home’s mains gas supply, rather than a portable LPG (bottled gas) cylinder. Once connected, it provides a permanent, consistent fuel source with no need for refilling bottles.
In practice, the term natural gas fire pit often refers to how a fire pit is configured and installed, rather than how it is manufactured.
Many fire pits are produced in an LPG configuration by default and can later be adapted for connection to mains gas, provided the manufacturer allows it and the work is carried out professionally.
Do You Need a Fire Pit Sold as “Natural Gas” to Connect to the Mains?
This is where most of the confusion arises.
Many buyers filter products by natural gas fire pit assuming LPG models cannot be connected to the mains. However, many LPG fire pits are designed to be converted for use with natural gas, allowing them to be permanently connected to your household gas supply.
The key factors are:
- Manufacturer approval for mains gas use
- Correct conversion components
- Installation by a Gas Safe registered engineer - Find your local engineer HERE
Not all fire pits are suitable for conversion, which is why checking compatibility is essential. But when conversion is supported, the end result functions exactly as a mains-connected natural gas fire pit.
Is a Mains Gas Fire Pit Right for Your Garden?
A fire pit connected to mains gas is best suited to:
- Permanent garden layouts
- Homes with an accessible gas supply
- Regular or commercial use (such as hospitality settings)
- Homeowners who want a clean, low-maintenance solution
If portability or flexibility is more important, bottled gas may still be the better option. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right setup, rather than focusing solely on labels like natural gas fire pit.
Final Thoughts: Rethinking “Natural Gas Fire Pits”
If you’re searching for a natural gas fire pit, what you’re really looking for is a fire pit that can be connected safely and permanently to your mains gas supply.
Most LPG fire pits are designed with this in mind, offering more design choice and flexibility — as long as conversion and installation are handled correctly. Understanding this can help you shop more confidently and avoid ruling out suitable options too early.
How Is a Fire Pit Connected to Mains Gas?
Connecting a fire pit to mains gas is a professional installation, NOT a DIY task. The process typically involves:
- Confirming the fire pit is approved for natural gas use
- Buying a Gas Conversion Kit, which can be done HERE
- Running pipework from the property’s gas supply
- Pressure testing and commissioning
Once installed, the fire pit operates as a mains gas fire pit, offering instant ignition and consistent performance without the need for gas bottles.
Why Many Mains Gas Fire Pits Start as LPG Models
You may notice that many high-end fire pits are sold primarily as LPG, even though buyers intend to connect them to mains gas. This is common for several reasons:
- LPG models are easier to transport and store
- The same design can be used internationally
- Conversion allows flexibility depending on the installation location
Once converted and connected, there is no practical difference in day-to-day use compared to a fire pit marketed as “natural gas” from the outset.
Safety, Regulations & UK Requirements
Any fire pit connected to mains gas must be installed in line with UK regulations. This includes:
- Installation by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Use of manufacturer-approved components
- Compliance with safety clearances and ventilation requirements
Attempting to modify or connect a fire pit without professional installation can be dangerous and may invalidate warranties.