FAQ

Natural gas and propane fire pits can produce flame temperatures that go over 1000°C. However, the amount of heat you feel is determined by the size of the flame and your proximity to it. This is described in North America in units of BTU (British Thermal Units) and in Europe and other countries where the metric system is used in kW (kilowatts).

Wood-burning fire pits can potentially create far more heat than a gas appliance. In this case, the heat produced by the fire depends on the type and amount of fuel used.

Our gas and propane fire pits are designed so that the vessel does not get hot to the touch under normal circumstances. In the case of wood-burning fire pits, the vessel can reach very high temperatures, so your discretion is essential while using the product.

BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of heat. It is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. However, this is a pretty abstract concept—it doesn’t tell you how much heat you can expect a fire pit to produce. The most useful way to use BTUs is as a relative measure of heat output for comparing different appliances. For example, an average indoor gas fireplace might produce 40,000 BTU/h, while a large element on a gas range might have 10,000 – 15,000 BTU/h. By comparison, Paloform’s fire pits range from 60,000 – 140,000 BTU/h.

We don’t recommend placing fire pits directly onto the grass as they require a stable footing that won’t shift or change over time. If you wish to place a fire pit in a grassy area, you must ensure that you have a base that is suitable for the weight of your fire pit. In addition, you must ensure the area is level and facilitates proper drainage.

Paloform’s gas and propane-fuelled fire pits are safe for use on wooden decks, as they have been tested and certified to have no clearance to combustibles.

Wood-burning fire pits cannot be placed on wooden decks.

Gas fire pits – fire pits in general– don’t do well in high-wind areas. Too much wind interferes with the aesthetics usually desired from a fire pit. Having said that, if you plan to install a gas or propane fire pit in an area with consistent wind, we recommend using a glass wind guard.

Both natural gas and propane fire pits are relatively clean-burning gaseous fuels —free from ash and smoke. Both are connected to external fuel sources via pipes or flexible gas lines. Both types are best served by planning and installing an underground line in the fire pit area.

However, where natural gas always comes from a building’s piped gas source, propane is stored and dispensed from tanks. It is best when the propane source is a large, central tank, but it is possible to run some of our fire pits with small portable-style tanks. Please contact us for more information.

Fire pits with electronic ignition are designed to be plugged into an outdoor receptacle (120 VAC in North America; 230 VAC in Europe and Australia) installed inside the fire pit vessel. Turning on power to the receptacle ignites the fire pit, and turning off the power extinguishes it.

This system affords you a variety of choices for controlling the fire pit: wall switch, wireless remote, home automation system, or any on/off system that will control power to the receptacle.

For more information, please refer to our installation manuals.

You can choose from basalt “river”-style rocks, lava pebbles, or various glass styles for use with fire pits. At Paloform, we can only recommend and guarantee using one of our fire pit topping options, as these have been tested extensively.

Paloform’s products vary in weight depending on materials, configuration, and options. We design our products to have a solid, substantial aesthetic, and as such, they are not lightweight.

Please visit each product page for more information on fire pit weights.

Whether you are installing an outdoor fire pit or outdoor fireplace, you must hire a qualified, professional installer.

Most jurisdictions require licensed gas fitters to install gas lines and to make gas connections. This ensures that installations meet safety standards and comply with local codes. For more information, please contact your local authorities.

There are two types of burner systems available in our modern fire pits: electronic ignition and match-lit.

Electronic burners are connected to a power source and can be controlled by a switch or wireless remote. The match-lit models are lit using a butane lighter or long match. These employ a safety pilot with a thermocouple, which shuts the gas off if the fire pit is blown out.

Please refer to our installation manuals for complete lighting instructions.

All of our modern fire pits are certified to the following standards:

• North America: to CSA/ANSI standards, listed by Labtest Certifcations Inc.
• Europe: CE certified to the standards of the European Gas Appliance Regulation (EU) 2016/426.
• Australia: GasMark tested and certified to AS/NZS 5263.0
• Switzerland: SVGW
• Massachusetts: MA Accepted Plumbing Products

Yes, we have created a wide range of custom fire pits for projects of all sizes. We can customize in Corten, powder-coat, stainless steel, and hand-cast concrete. We can utilize match-lit, electronic, or ethanol burners.

Please click here for more information on custom fire pits.

We do not supply decorative fire pit toppings separately, as we source them specifically to work in conjunction with our products. Some of them are exclusive or in limited supply. Further, we cannot guarantee that toppings will function safely and adequately with fire pits that we do not design.

Yes, we supply tempered glass screens for most of our models. Note that the glass is for screening wind only–it will get hot!

The preferred installation method for our fire pits is to have a gas or propane line concealed under a decking surface or underground. The line is then brought up through the base of the fire pit vessel and connects to the burner inside. The fire pit can be connected and serviced from the top by lifting the burner out of the vessel.

All of our products are manufactured in Ontario, Canada. We source our materials from Canada and the United States.

Most fire pits come complete with an all-weather fabric cover. Some units have a solid burner cover that converts the fire pit into a table when not in use. Other available accessories are glass screens and table tops. Not all accessories are available for all models.

We offer natural gas and propane-fuelled burners with a choice of electronic or ‘match-lit’ ignition. All units are certified and have the necessary safety controls.

Most of our fire pits are heavy, especially the concrete ones. While weight is a factor when moving a fire pit into place, it is generally considered a positive trait. This is because it prevents unwanted movement and susceptibility to wind and gives the fire pit its substantial feel. In fact, it is sometimes necessary to mechanically secure our lighter models to the ground.

Paloform fire pits can be placed on a covered patio as long as the “Clearances to Combustibles” requirements are met. Please check each fire pit model’s installation guide for information.

For smaller outdoor spaces, compact designs work best. Paloform’s Miso and Soba fire pits, with their circular, minimal vessels, are ideal for intimate backyards. If you prefer a square profile, the Bento offers clean, angular geometry that brings a sculptural focal point without overwhelming the space.

For larger outdoor areas, Paloform’s Robata and Komodo fire pits are ideal, available in six and seven-foot lengths, respectively. They work well as focal points or space dividers.

The Fold Fire Table, in its rectangular version, is another great option for expansive settings. The 48-inch Miso fire bowl and the Kodo outdoor fireplace also provide a substantial presence for big outdoor spaces.

Paloform materials are chosen specifically for their ability to weather beautifully in outdoor settings. Corten steel develops a stable, rust-like patina over time, which protects it from further corrosion.

Hand-cast concrete is durable and will age naturally, developing a unique character over its lifetime. Powder-coated aluminum provides a resilient finish, designed to withstand year-round outdoor exposure, maintaining its color and integrity against the elements.

Corten steel bleeds during the weathering phase and may stain your deck. This is because it is initially designed to be left ‘raw’ so that it is exposed to the elements, and the surface reaches a hardened state through repeated wet-dry cycles.

Until the surface stabilizes, the rain will carry rust-colored water from the Corten onto the ground around the fire pit and likely stain it.

To minimize the risk of staining, you must design the location of the fire pit accordingly to make room for initial run-off during the weathering period. Further, we do not recommend attempting to seal Corten, as this will almost certainly lead to undesirable surface issues later.

Our concrete, Corten steel, and powder-coated fire pits can be left outside year-round. However, we recommend that they be covered with the all-weather fabric cover that we supply during the winter and when it is not in use for extended periods. This helps keep debris out of the burner pan and prolongs the life of the burner components. All our fire pits have drainage holes on the underside – it is important that this drainage hole does not become clogged or covered, as water can damage the vessel and burner.

For most products, ordering is easy. Just reach out to us through our contact page or call us directly.

The price we quote for the fire pit includes the essential components and shipping. Most products require some design and technical consultation, so please contact us so we can give all the information you need.

Fire pit prices include everything needed to connect the unit to a fuel source: all burner components, toppings, and, in most cases, a fabric cover. Some models come standard with metal burner covers. Shipping to most countries is included in the prices.

In addition, we also offer optional accessories such as glass screens, metal table tops, and remote controls.

We accept major credit cards and direct money transfers. We can accept cheques in the United States and Canada.

As we ship our fire pits worldwide, we want to ensure that you have the correct pricing and shipping information per your region’s currency. To know more about the prices of specific products, please reach out to us.

All of our products are made and configured to order. Once an order is in production, it cannot be canceled. Some modifications, such as fuel source, ignition system, and topping choice, may be possible.

Depending on the season, our lead times on standard products may vary from 6 to 12 weeks. Bespoke orders require longer lead times.

We always include shipping in our pricing.

Once you place an order, your sales representative will be your point of contact and can answer any questions you have along the way, including your order status.

A signature is required upon delivery. We use third-party carriers, so it is critical that you inspect goods thoroughly before accepting and signing off on a delivery.

We do our best to work with you at every stage of the order. We want to ensure that you get what you want with a complete understanding of the product specifications and installation requirements. Products are then made and configured to order. For these reasons, all sales are final, and we cannot accept returns.

Our gas and propane fire pits are specifically designed so that the outer vessel does not get hot to the touch under normal operating circumstances; however, it is always important to supervise children around the appliance. Protective glass screens shield the fire from wind, but because of their proximity to the fire, they will become hot and cannot be touched during operation.

Note that the vessels for wood-burning models, because of the raw and unregulated nature of natural fire, may reach very high temperatures.

Both of our ignition systems are equipped with important safety features to ensure reliable and secure operation. The specific features vary depending on the ignition type you choose.

Electronic Ignition: Our electronic systems feature an automatic gas shutoff directly linked to the power switch, ensuring the gas flow stops immediately when the power is turned off. A built-in flame sensor confirms the pilot is lit before allowing gas to flow to the main burner and shuts the burner down instantly, should the fire be extinguished by some external means. This means that there will never be unburnt gas flowing freely from the unit.

Match-lit Ignition: Our match-lit systems are equipped with a manual key valve that provides a direct, mechanical way to completely cut the gas supply when turned to the “OFF” position. For added safety, they also feature a thermocouple that automatically shuts off gas to the main burner if the pilot flame is ever extinguished.

No, you cannot cook food over a Paloform fire pit. Our fire pits are designed and certified specifically as “Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances,” intended to provide warmth and enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space.

The process for lighting your fire pit is different depending on which ignition system you have.

Electronic Ignition: Simply turn on the designated power switch. The system will then automatically light the pilot and the main burner.

Match-lit Ignition: Turn the control key to “PILOT,” push and hold it in, and use a long lighter to ignite the pilot flame. Continue holding the key for 30 seconds until the pilot stays lit on its own, then turn the key to “ON” to light the main burner.

The shutdown procedure is specific to your ignition type.

Electronic Ignition: To extinguish the fire pit, simply turn off the power using the same switch you used to turn it on. This immediately closes the main gas valve and extinguishes the flame safely.

Match-lit Ignition: To turn off the main burner, rotate the control key clockwise from “ON” back to the “PILOT” position. To shut down the fire pit completely, push the key in slightly and continue turning it clockwise to the “OFF” position, which will extinguish the pilot flame. We do not recommend leaving the fire pit unattended with only the pilot lit.

No, you must never burn wood or any other solid materials in a Paloform gas fire pit. Our fire pits are finely tuned gas appliances where every component is specifically engineered for the clean combustion of either natural gas or propane.

Not only will burning wood create soot and ash that can permanently clog the precision burner ports and damage the sensitive pilot ignition system, but gas burners are also not designed to withstand the extreme heat generated by wood-burning fires. This can lead to damage and the risk of uncontrolled fire or explosion.

No, for your safety, you should never leave a Paloform fire pit unattended while it is in operation. For our match-lit models, this includes not leaving the fire pit active with only the pilot flame lit.

To ensure safety with our electronic ignition models, we recommend turning off the gas at the source or locking out the power at the breaker panel when the fire pit is not in use to prevent any possibility of accidental ignition. Always ensure your fire pit is properly shut when you are finished enjoying it.

If your fire pit won’t light or has a weak flame, first check that your main gas supply is fully turned on. The next step depends on your ignition type: for electronic ignition models, verify that the power is on at the wall switch and circuit breaker.

For match-lit models, ensure you are holding the control key in for up to 30 seconds after the pilot ignites to allow the safety thermocouple to heat up.

If these simple checks don’t work, the pilot may be clogged with debris. We recommend contacting a qualified service technician for further assistance.

No, for critical safety reasons, you must only use the burner media and decorative toppings supplied by Paloform. Common landscape stones, river rocks, or other materials not supplied by us can contain trapped moisture or air pockets.

When heated rapidly by the fire pit, this moisture can turn to steam and expand, causing the materials to crack, fracture, or even explode, posing a significant risk of personal injury.

All toppings provided by Paloform have been specifically tested to withstand high temperatures safely and ensure the proper flame performance of your fire feature.

While our fire pits are designed for robust outdoor use, strong winds can disrupt the aesthetic of the flame. In moderately windy conditions, you will notice more movement in the flame, and strong gusts over 10 mph (16 km/h) may cause our electronic ignition systems to shut off intermittently.

For this reason, if your fire pit is in a location that experiences consistent wind, we strongly recommend adding one of our tempered glass wind guards. A wind guard is the best way to protect the flame, ensuring a more stable and enjoyable experience.

Several of our fire pit models can be used as a multi-functional surface for entertaining when not in use. This is made possible with optional accessories like a solid burner cover or a metal table top that are designed to fit securely over the burner area.

It is important to note that these accessories are not available for all models, and for safety, any cover or table top must be removed before operating the fire pit.