The outdoor fireplace vs fire pit decision comes down to three things: which way the heat goes, how much room you have, and how much construction you are ready for. A fireplace throws heat and light forward to a group sitting in front of it, adds a wall to your patio and usually needs a slab and a gas line. A fire pit warms a full circle of seats, can be portable, and costs far less to get going. Below, we compare them using our listings and the makers’ manuals.
Outdoor fireplace vs fire pit at a glance
| Factor | Outdoor fireplace | Fire pit or fire table |
|---|---|---|
| Heat direction | Forward, out of one opening | All the way around |
| Seating | One group facing the firebox | A ring of chairs or a sectional |
| Privacy and wind | Acts as a wall and backdrop | Keeps views open, needs a wind guard in breezy spots |
| Install | Level cement base, gas line, licensed installer | Set it down (portable) or plumb it (larger gas tables) |
| Fuel | Gas on the Cal Flame units we sell; some steel units burn wood | Wood, propane or natural gas, model by model |
| Price on our listings | $229.95 (steel, wood) to about $7,960 (Cal Flame) | $159.95 (portable propane) to $4,000 (Cal Flame Mojave) and up |
Fire pit vs fireplace heat: where the warmth goes
A fireplace is a box with one open side. The flame sits behind a firebox opening, so the heat and light you feel come out the front, and the walls behind and beside it block the rest. Cal Flame’s own owner’s manual reflects this: it says to keep flammable materials at least 6 feet from the front of a lit fireplace and at least 4 to 6 feet clear above the chimney, where hot exhaust leaves. Plan your chairs in front, past that 6 foot line.
A fire pit has no back. It radiates in every direction, so everyone around it gets a share, but nobody gets the focused heat a fireplace sends forward.
Burner ratings tell you the gas input, not how warm your chairs will feel. For example, the newer Cal Flame gas fireplaces we list are rated at 90,000 BTU, and the 60 inch rectangular concrete propane fire pit table ($1,563.99) lists 60,000 BTU and an “area heated” of 30 sq ft.
Space, seating layout and privacy
Layout with a fireplace
A fireplace works best against an edge of the patio: a property line, a pool deck or a view you want to block. The Cal Flame Indio ($5,500) lists 46 x 28 x 81 inches and 600 lb. The Cal Flame Sahara ($6,000) is lower and wider at 72 x 41 x 59 inches with a wrap around mantel. Cal Flame’s manual also calls for a windbreak or landscaping where the fireplace sees steady wind.
Layout with a fire pit
A fire pit sits in the middle, so you need room on every side for chairs and a walkway. Tables double as a drinks surface: the Direct Wicker 4 seat square fire pit table ($999.99) lists a 47 x 47 x 27 inch table with a 23 x 23 inch gas system. Its listing does not state the fuel type, so call 866-777-2590 to confirm before you plan a tank or a gas line. If you are matching a table to lounge or dining chairs, see our guide to fire pit table height.
Installation: slab and gas line, or set it down
Outdoor fireplace
Per the current Cal Flame fireplace owner’s manual (LTR50001006), the fireplace needs a level foundation of quality cement 2 to 4 inches thick, and gravel, tile and other loose or uneven surfaces are not adequate. The manual recommends a licensed contractor and says installation must follow local codes, or the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54) where there are none. For the line sizes, the propane enclosure and the full clearance list, read our outdoor gas fireplace guide.
Fire pit
A portable pit can be set down and used the same day. The Endless Summer 18.5 inch LP gas portable outdoor fire pit ($159.95) runs on propane, but our listing does not include its BTU rating or clearances, so call us to confirm before you buy. Larger built style pits behave more like a fireplace: the Cal Flame Mojave fire pit ($4,000) lists 38 x 60 x 25 inches, 90,000 BTU, propane as standard and natural gas conversion by a certified technician.
Fuel types
Cal Flame’s current manual says its fireplaces made in or after 2026 ship set up for natural gas, with a separate LP kit for propane conversion done by a plumber or technician. Some of our older Cal Flame listings, and a 2022 edition of the manual, describe units shipped for propane, so call us with the model number before ordering. For the running cost and tank questions, see propane vs natural gas fire pit. The manual also prohibits wood, charcoal and other solid fuel in its gas fireplaces.
If you want real wood, both shapes exist. The Endless Summer 45 inch wood burning steel outdoor fireplace ($229.95) is a freestanding wood option, though our listing lacks dimensions and clearances, so call to confirm. The Ohioflame Liberty fire pit ($324.94 to $1,584.94 by size and options) lists 24 to 48 inch diameters in thick American steel. The EPA’s Burn Wise best wood burning practices page says to burn only dry, split wood seasoned at least six months, which cuts smoke. EPA also notes fine particles in wood smoke can worsen asthma and heart conditions, so if anyone in your group has lung or heart issues, check with your doctor and consider gas.
Clearances from the manuals
For Cal Flame fireplaces, the current manual lists 6 feet in front and 4 to 6 feet above the chimney, and our gas fireplace guide covers the rest. The 2022 edition linked on some of our listings gives 48 inches at the sides and back and 120 inches above the hearth, so use the larger figure and ask your local inspector. For wood fire pits, Ohio Flame’s FAQ and safety notes say not to place a pit less than 10 feet from walls, structures or buildings, and never on a wooden deck; use a hard, level, non flammable surface.
Fire pit vs fireplace cost
From our own listings: Cal Flame gas fireplaces run $5,300 to about $7,960, with the Endless Summer steel wood unit at $229.95. Fire pits run from $159.95 (portable propane) through about $1,000 for patio tables to $4,000 for the Cal Flame Mojave, and some concrete gas tables we list cost more. Our estimate: a masonry style fireplace also needs a slab, possibly a gas line and a licensed installer, so the true gap is wider than the sticker prices. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight; below that, freight is a flat $200. See all models on our Cal Flame brand page and compare styles in our fire pit buying guide.
Fire pit or outdoor fireplace: which fits you?
- Choose a fireplace for a focal wall, privacy, forward heat and a permanent build.
- Choose a fire pit for 360 degree seating, open views, a smaller budget or portability.
Frequently asked questions
Is an outdoor fireplace or fire pit warmer?
A fireplace concentrates heat forward toward people in front of it; a fire pit spreads it all around. For a group facing one way, a fireplace feels warmer; for a circle of seats, a fire pit shares the heat.
What are the outdoor fireplace pros and cons?
Pros: a focal wall, privacy, directional heat and no wood smoke on gas units. Cons: higher cost, a cement base, a gas line, a licensed installer and a permanent location.
Is a fire pit vs fireplace cost difference large?
On our listings, yes: fire pits start at $159.95 and Cal Flame fireplaces at $5,300, before slab and gas work.
Can I put a fire pit or fireplace on a wood deck?
Ohio Flame says not to place its fire pits on wooden decks, and Cal Flame requires a level cement base. Check your exact model’s manual.
Questions about a model or a return? Call 866-777-2590, Mon to Fri 9AM to 6PM PST, or see our return and refund policy.
