A gas tiki torch gives you the look of a classic bamboo torch without the oil, wicks or refilling. It burns natural gas or propane through a metal burner head mounted on a post, and you light it with a long lighter or an ignition system. The main choice is fuel: natural gas suits a permanent install with a buried gas line, while a propane patio torch works where no gas line exists.
How a gas tiki torch works
Every gas torch has the same basic parts: a gas supply, a valve to control flow, a burner, and a head that shapes the flame. Gas travels up through the post to the burner, you open the valve, light the burner, and adjust the flame height.
Quality comes down to the burner and the safety controls. The HPC Fire TK torches we stock use a stainless steel burner assembly (the head-only listings specify #304 stainless), an adjustable flame, and a manual match lit system rated at a maximum of 25,000 BTU on either natural gas or propane. The complete kit listings also state that the torch safely turns off the gas if no flame is present, which is the feature to look for on any gas torch that will sit outside in the wind.
Natural gas torch vs propane patio torch
Both fuels produce a similar flame. The difference is how the gas reaches the torch and what that means for installation and running cost. If you are weighing the same choice for a fire feature, our propane vs natural gas fire pit guide covers the fuel side in more detail.
Natural gas torch: permanent and hands off
A natural gas torch connects to your home supply through a line run to the base of the post, usually underground. Once installed, you never refill anything. It suits torches that will run often, such as along a pool deck. The tradeoff is upfront work: trenching, pipe, and a connection a licensed gas fitter should install, possibly with a permit.
Propane patio torch: flexible placement
A propane torch runs on liquid propane (LP), typically from a tank hidden nearby or plumbed to the post. It works in places with no gas service and avoids extending a gas line. You will need to monitor and swap tanks, and your running cost depends on local propane prices compared with your gas utility rate.
Can you convert between fuels?
Natural gas and propane need different orifices and gas pressure, so a torch built for one should not be hooked up to the other without the correct conversion parts from the manufacturer. HPC Fire sells the TK torch as separate natural gas and propane versions, which is the simpler route: order the fuel you will actually use. If you think you might switch later, ask us before ordering.
Gas tiki torch options at a glance
All the torches below are HPC Fire TK models. Specs come from our product listings and prices are listed at the time of writing.
| Product | Fuel | What is included | Max BTU | Ignition | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Torch Kit, Black | Natural gas | Head plus 96 in. powder coated post | 25,000 | Manual match lit | About $976 |
| TK Torch Kit, Black | Propane | Head plus 96 in. powder coated post | 25,000 | Manual match lit | About $976 |
| TK Torch Kit, Copper | Natural gas | Head plus 96 in. powder coated post | 25,000 | Manual match lit | About $976 |
| TK Torch Kit, Copper | Propane | Head plus 96 in. powder coated post | 25,000 | Manual match lit | About $976 |
| TK Hammered Copper Head Only | Natural gas | Head and burner, no post | 25,000 | Manual match lit | About $670 |
| TK Hammered Copper Head Only | Propane | Head and burner, no post | 25,000 | Manual match lit | About $670 |
Choose a complete kit if you want a freestanding torch on a post. Choose a head only version if you plan to mount the torch on a column, pillar or custom post you are building. The kit listings describe a 96 inch post and also give an 84 inch height, so call us to confirm the finished height for your installation before you plan sight lines.
Placement and clearance
Gas torches put out real heat at the head, so placement matters more than with decorative lighting. A few practical points:
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation manual for clearances to overhangs, umbrellas, trees, fences and structures. Those numbers are specific to each torch and are the ones your inspector will check.
- Keep torches out of walkways and away from where kids and pets play.
- Think about wind. A breezy pool deck or rooftop will push the flame around. A flame safety valve that shuts off gas when the flame goes out is important in these spots. Our fire pit wind guard guide covers how wind affects outdoor gas flames in general.
- Plan the gas route before the hardscape goes in. Running a natural gas line under a finished patio costs much more than doing it during construction.
Gas work is not a DIY project for most homeowners. A licensed gas fitter and your local code have the final word on line sizing, connections, shutoffs and setbacks.
Flame styles: open flame vs glass enclosed
An open flame torch, like the TK, gives the traditional tiki look: a visible flame dancing above the head. It is more exposed to wind and needs the most clearance above.
Glass enclosed torches and gas lanterns surround the flame with a glass chimney or panes. The glass shields the flame from wind and contains it, which some owners prefer near seating. The flame looks softer and the glass needs regular cleaning. We do not currently list glass enclosed torches, so this guide focuses on open flame models.
Manual match lit vs electronic ignition
The TK torches we carry are manual match lit: you open the valve and light the burner with a long lighter. It is the simplest setup and needs no electrical connection. Electronic ignition systems, sold by some brands, light with a button or remote and often pair with a flame sensor, but they add cost and components. Our match lit vs electronic ignition guide explains the tradeoffs, which apply to torches as well as fire pits.
Maintenance
- Cover the head when the torch is off and fully cooled. HPC sells a TK Torch Head Vinyl Cover, listed at about $76, made of black vinyl with an elastic hem.
- Check the burner ports for debris, spider webs and insect nests, especially after the torch sits unused for a while.
- Inspect fittings and hoses each season. A licensed technician can leak test connections for you.
- For propane, check tank levels before guests arrive and store spare tanks according to local rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is a natural gas torch cheaper to run than a propane patio torch?
It depends on local prices. Compare your gas utility rate with what propane costs near you, then add installation: a natural gas torch needs a gas line run to each post, which raises the upfront cost. Get an installation quote before deciding.
How many BTU does a gas tiki torch use?
The HPC Fire TK torches we carry are rated at a maximum of 25,000 BTU on both natural gas and propane. The flame is adjustable, so actual use depends on how high you run it.
Can I install a gas tiki torch myself?
The gas connection should be done by a licensed gas fitter, and many areas require a permit. Local code and the manufacturer’s manual set the clearances.
Will a gas torch stay lit in the wind?
Strong wind can blow out any open flame. Look for a torch with a flame safety feature that shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, as the TK kit listings describe, and avoid the windiest corners of your yard.
For more on outdoor gas features, see our fire pit buying guide. Questions about a gas tiki torch or which fuel version to order? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight, and orders below that ship for a flat $200. See our return and refund policy for details on returns.
