The right fire pit burner size is a burner a few inches smaller than the pan, in a pan a few inches smaller than the inside of your pit, with a BTU rating the rest of the system can actually feed. In HPC Fire’s own kits, the burner usually runs about 6 inches shorter than the pan, and HPC wants the pan recessed at least 2 inches below the top of the enclosure. Shape matters as much as size: H burners suit rectangles, T burners suit long troughs, and penta or ring burners suit round and square pits.
For gas vs wood, materials and budgets, see our fire pit buying guide.
Fire pit burner size: match the burner to the pan
Size from the outside in: the enclosure sets the pan, and the pan sets the burner. HPC Fire’s match lit installation manual says the fire pit assembly should sit at least 2 inches below the top of the enclosure so wind does not blow out the flame, and it points you to HPC’s cut sheets for exact dimensions.
The pan and burner pairings in HPC’s kits on our site show the pattern. Our observation, not an HPC rule: the burner is usually about 6 inches shorter than the pan on rectangle and round kits (a few sizes pair a smaller burner), while linear T burners nearly fill their narrow 8 inch troughs.
| HPC kit (our listing) | Pan | Burner |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle Drop-In Torpedo H-Burner Kit, natural gas ($494) | 24 x 12 in | 18 x 6 in H |
| Rectangle Drop-In Torpedo H-Burner Kit, propane ($623.20) | 36 x 14 in | 30 x 8 in H |
| Rectangle Drop-In kit, largest size | 90 x 16 in | 84 x 10 in H |
| Round Flat Fire Pit Insert 30 in, push button ($1,202.70) | 30 in round | 24 in penta |
| Linear Interlink Torpedo Burner Kit, natural gas ($643.15) | 49 x 8 in | 48 in T |
Prices are from our listings at the time of writing. A kit sized for your opening is simpler than matching a bare burner to a pan.
Fire pit BTU by burner size
HPC Fire publishes a recommended BTU for each burner size. These are the Torpedo (nozzle port) figures from HPC’s spec sheets, rounded to thousands:
| Torpedo H burner | BTU | Torpedo penta burner | BTU | Torpedo linear (T) burner | BTU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 x 6 in | 125K | 12 in | 100K | 24 in | 100K |
| 24 x 6 in | 150K | 18 in | 175K | 36 in | 125K |
| 30 x 8 in | 175K | 24 in | 250K | 48 in | 150K |
| 36 x 8 in | 200K | 30 in | 300K | 72 in | 200K |
| 48 x 10 in | 250K | 36 in | 350K | 96 in | 250K |
| 60 to 84 x 10 in | 300K | 48 in | 350K | 120 in | 300K |
Sources: HPC’s H-Burners, Penta Burners and Linear Burners drawings (H, penta, linear).
The burner is not the whole fire pit BTU story
A burner’s rating is what it can handle, not what you will get. The valve, orifice, ignition and gas supply set the real input. Our HPC match lit kits, such as the 24 inch Match Lit Fire Pit Kit with Penta Burner ($809.40), are listed at up to 65,000 BTU. The 30 inch round push button insert above is listed at up to 150,000 BTU on natural gas. HPC’s FAQ (hpcfire.com/frequently-asked-questions) says the valve in its FPPK series is limited to 140,000 BTU. HPC’s manual makes the installer responsible for a gas line sized for the product’s maximum BTU.
Bigger is not automatically better. HPC’s FAQ says a larger ring does not mean taller flames and generally broadens the flame at the expense of height. A higher rating can also mean bigger clearances, covered below.
H burner vs ring burner (and penta and T burners)
- H burner: made for rectangle pits. Our listing copy says the H shape gives an even flame across long enclosures. Example: the bare Torpedo H-Burner, 36 x 8 inch, natural gas ($238.45).
- Ring burner: the classic round choice. HPC’s round burner drawing lists sizes from 6 inches (one ring, 60K) to 48 inches (four rings, 300K). We do not currently stock bare ring burners.
- Penta burner: HPC’s five-sided option for round and square pits, such as the 24 inch Penta Torpedo Burner, natural gas ($268.85). HPC’s manual notes the penta flame will be smaller with no media on the burner.
- Linear T burner: for long, narrow troughs and modern linear pits, sized 24 to 120 inches.
Pick the shape that follows your pit outline, then the size that fits the pan.
Natural gas vs propane fire pit burner
Burners and kits are fuel specific, so our HPC listings come in natural gas and propane versions. HPC’s FAQ says to request the gas type when ordering, and the factory builds and tests the unit for that gas. Do not convert one yourself. HPC’s drawings list these supply pressures: natural gas 3.5 to 7.0 inches water column, propane 8 to 11 inches.
Propane needs extra care because it is heavier than air. HPC’s manual warns that a propane pan with an air mixer must be set up so fuel does not settle below the pan. It also says to use only enough fire glass to hide the burner, since more than 1/2 inch can cause back pressure and propane pooling under the pit, and to test for back pressure with the media in place. For choosing media, see lava rock vs fire glass.
Running a fire pit burner kit on a 20 lb tank
A small tank caps your size. HPC’s Small Tank LP Kit instructions list a 100,000 BTU maximum for the fire pit, so a 48 inch T burner rated to 150K will not run at that rating on a small tank. HPC says the remote tank enclosure should be at least 54 inches from the fire pit, isolated from the burner compartment and vented. Never put the tank inside the pit enclosure. Our Interlink 49 x 8 inch kit for small LP tanks ($1,093.45) ships with the hose and small tank regulator assembled.
Vents, drainage and clearances
- Vents: HPC’s burner drawings call for at least two 18 square inch vents on opposite sides for pits up to 200K BTU, and at least four above 200K. HPC’s separate enclosure vent drawing says all enclosures need four, so if in doubt, use four. The manual recommends placing them in the mid to lower part of the enclosure, where they can also drain water.
- Drainage and fill: build above grade with good drainage, and never fill the void around the valve box with gravel or concrete.
- Shutoff: HPC requires a gas shutoff outside the enclosure.
- Clearances: per HPC’s manual, up to 200K BTU needs 36 inches at the sides from structures or combustibles (12 inches for noncombustible) and 84 inches overhead. From 201K to 400K, that grows to 48 inches and 120 inches.
HPC recommends installation by a professional licensed by your local authority in gas piping. Have a licensed gas fitter size the line, make the connection and leak test it, and follow your burner’s manual and local code.
Frequently asked questions
What size burner for a fire pit?
Measure the inside of the pit, choose a pan that fits with the pan recessed at least 2 inches, then a burner a few inches smaller than the pan. In HPC’s kits that is about 6 inches shorter on rectangle and round pans.
Is a bigger fire pit burner hotter?
Only if the valve and gas supply deliver more BTU. HPC says a larger ring mainly broadens the flame and can lower flame height.
H burner vs ring burner: which should I choose?
Follow the pit shape. H burners spread flame along a rectangle; ring and penta burners suit round and square pits.
Can I use a natural gas burner with propane?
Not as is. HPC builds and tests each unit for one gas, so order the correct fuel version.
Need help matching a burner to your pit? Browse our HPC Fire burners and kits, see our outdoor gas fireplace guide if you are weighing a fireplace instead, or call 866-777-2590, Mon to Fri 9AM to 6PM PST. Shipping is free on orders of $999 or more, with a $200 flat rate below that. See our return and refund policy before you order.
