Choosing between match lit vs electronic ignition fire pit systems comes down to three questions: how you want to start the fire, whether you can run power to the fire pit, and what fuel supply you have. The burner and pan can look nearly identical; what changes is the valve, the safety system, and what must be run to the enclosure.
This guide uses HPC Fire kits we carry as examples, with details taken from HPC’s own installation manuals. If you are still choosing a size or a fuel, start with our fire pit buying guide.
The three ignition types at a glance
- Match lit: a manual key valve and a long lighter. No electricity, no batteries.
- Push button (spark) with flame sensing: a battery spark igniter lights a pilot, and a thermocouple watches the flame.
- Electronic ignition: a hot surface igniter powered by 120V or 24V lights the pilot automatically, and you control it with a wall switch, remote or app.
Match lit vs electronic ignition fire pit: how each one works
Match lit: simple and power free
Per HPC’s start up steps on our HPC Fire 14″ Match Lit Fire Pit Kit with Penta Burner (Liquid Propane) listing, you hold a long-stem lighter next to the edge of the burner, then slowly open the key valve. To shut down, turn the key to off and remove it. That kit is listed at up to 65k BTU, is CSA certified, and was $630.80 at the time of writing.
The appeal is fewer parts. HPC’s description on the 8″ Round Flat Match Lit Burner Kit ($406.60 at the time of writing) notes that the system needs less frequent, less expensive maintenance. The trade off: you are lighting an open burner by hand, and a basic match lit kit has no flame sensing, so the listings do not describe any automatic gas shutoff if the flame blows out.
Push button ignition fire pit with flame sensing
HPC’s push button / flame sensing (FPPK) manual lays out the sequence: turn the knob to pilot, press and hold it, tap the spark igniter until the pilot lights, keep holding the knob for about 20 seconds so the thermocouple heats up, then turn the knob to light the main burner. The spark igniter runs on a battery that you replace in the valve box.
The thermocouple is the safety piece. Per HPC, it monitors the flame and stops the gas if the flames blow out. The 14″ Round Flat Push Button Ignition Burner Kit uses this system and was $1,385.10 at the time of writing. No household power is needed.
We also list simpler HPC battery push button kits, such as the 18″ Round Flat Pan Battery Operated Push Button Kit (90,000 BTU, natural gas only, chrome key valve, $641.00 at the time of writing). That listing does not mention flame sensing, so if automatic shutoff matters to you, confirm the exact model with us before ordering.
Electronic ignition fire pit: hot surface, 120V or 24V
The question of spark ignition vs hot surface ignition is really push button vs electronic. HPC’s electronic ignition (EI) inserts use a hot surface igniter instead of a spark. Per the HPC EI On/Off manual, when power is switched on the igniter glows, the pilot lights and warms a thermocouple, and only then does the main valve open. If the pilot goes out, the system shuts down and restarts, and it locks out after repeated failed attempts until you cycle power.
That requires electricity at the fire pit. HPC’s manuals call for 120 VAC, 24 VAC or 12 VAC power depending on the model, an exterior electrical shutoff such as a wall switch or breaker, a GFCI protected circuit, and for 24 VAC units a power supply rated at 100W or more. Our 30″ Round Flat On/Off Electronic Ignition Kit (propane, 24 VAC) is listed with the power supply sold separately, at $3,667.95 at the time of writing. Its listing describes overheat auto shutoff and starting from a wall switch, remote, or a whole-home system.
Step up to Hi/Lo and you also get flame height control. The 14″ Round Flat Hi/Lo Electronic Ignition Kit (natural gas, 120 VAC) lists up to 45% flame height adjustment from the included remote or the Bluetooth HPC app, and was $3,705.95 at the time of writing.
Comparison table
| Ignition type | How you light it | Power needed | Flame safety | Remote or automation | Sample price (our listings) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match lit | Long lighter at burner, then open key valve | None | No flame sensing described | No | $630.80 (14″ Penta, LP) |
| Push button, flame sensing | Hold knob, press spark button, wait for thermocouple | Battery for spark igniter | Thermocouple stops gas if flame goes out | No | $1,385.10 (14″ round flat, NG) |
| Electronic On/Off | Wall switch or optional remote | 120 VAC, or 24 VAC with separate supply | Thermocouple, auto relight, overheat shutoff | Remote, wall switch, home system | $3,667.95 (30″ Penta, LP, 24 VAC) |
| Electronic Hi/Lo | Remote or Bluetooth app | 120 VAC or 24 VAC | Thermocouple, auto relight, overheat shutoff | Remote, app, flame height control | $3,705.95 (14″ round flat, NG, 120 VAC) |
Electronic ignition fire pit propane: the small tank question
This is where many buyers get caught. HPC’s EI manual states plainly that the EI Series is not for use with small LP tanks and must use permanent fixed piping for its fuel supply. So an electronic ignition fire pit on propane means a plumbed propane system, not a 20 lb grill tank under the table.
If a portable tank is a must, ask us about kits listed for small tank use before you buy, since HPC guidance on small tanks differs by product line. One example is our HPC Round Flat Torpedo Push Button Kit for Small LP Tank, which per its listing comes with the hose and small tank regulator already assembled and uses flame sensing; it was $1,955.10 at the time of writing. Confirm the exact model and tank setup with us first. For sizing the burner to your gas supply, see our fire pit burner size guide, and for fuel choice see propane vs natural gas fire pits.
Which one should you choose?
- Pick match lit if there is no power at the fire pit, you want the lowest kit price, and you are comfortable lighting it by hand.
- Pick push button with flame sensing if you want hands away from the burner and automatic gas shutoff, without running electrical.
- Pick electronic ignition if you want a wall switch, remote or app, auto relight, and you have fixed gas piping plus a dedicated circuit planned.
Safety and installation
HPC suggests its products be installed by professionals locally licensed for gas piping, and electronic models also involve electrical work that must follow the National Electrical Code and local code. HPC’s manuals call for an exterior gas shutoff and a properly vented enclosure. Do not mix fuels: use only the gas type on the product label. Follow the manual for your exact model, pull any required permits, and have a licensed pro leak test the system before first use.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert a match lit fire pit to electronic ignition later?
Usually not by swapping one part. Electronic kits use a different valve box, igniter and pilot, plus power at the enclosure, so choose the ignition type before the enclosure is built.
Does a push button ignition fire pit need electricity?
No household power is needed. HPC’s push button spark igniter runs on a replaceable battery in the valve box.
What does a flame sensing fire pit do?
A thermocouple sits in the pilot flame. Per HPC, if the flame goes out, gas flow is stopped so unburned gas does not keep flowing.
Can an electronic ignition fire pit run on a 20 lb propane tank?
Not HPC’s EI Series. HPC’s manual says it is not for use with small LP tanks and requires permanent fixed piping. If you need a portable tank, call us to confirm which kits are listed for small tank use.
Freight shipping is free on orders of $999 or more and a flat $200 below that, and returns follow our return and refund policy. Not sure which ignition fits your setup? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST.
