Outdoor Fireplace Buying Guide: Fuel Types, Venting, Installation & Styles
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Fireplace for Your Patio, Deck or Backyard
Choosing the right outdoor fireplace starts with more than appearance. The best option depends on installation environment, outdoor suitability, fuel availability, venting, installation type, maintenance, and the kind of flame experience you want.
Outdoor fireplaces are available in electric, ethanol, propane, natural gas, and wood-burning configurations, with built-in, recessed, wall-mounted, freestanding, linear, traditional, see-through, and multi-sided designs.
If you are still comparing fireplaces and outdoor fire products at a broader level, start with our fireplace and outdoor product buying guide before narrowing your search to an outdoor fireplace.
Quick Answer: Which Outdoor Fireplace Should You Choose?
Start with location and fuel source, not style.
Electric fireplaces are useful when simple operation is the priority. Propane works well where a permanent natural gas connection is not preferred. Natural gas is suited to permanent installations with gas service. Wood-burning fireplaces provide the most traditional real-wood experience. Ethanol offers a real flame in selected modern applications.
After the fuel and location are resolved, choose the installation type and viewing style that best fit the space.
If you are deciding between two common fireplace fuel categories, our gas vs. electric fireplace comparison explains the major differences in operation and installation.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fireplace
Before comparing individual models, identify the requirements of your installation. A fireplace that fits your preferred style is not automatically the right choice for your location.
| Buying Factor | What to Determine |
|---|---|
| Installation environment | Determine whether the fireplace will be installed in an open outdoor area, covered patio, wall, built-in enclosure, or freestanding location. |
| Outdoor suitability | Confirm that the specific fireplace is designed for the intended outdoor application and installation conditions. |
| Fuel availability | Identify whether electricity, propane, natural gas, ethanol fuel, or firewood is practical for your space. |
| Venting | Review whether the fireplace is vent-free, direct vent, or vented and follow the requirements of the specific model. |
| Installation type | Choose among built-in, freestanding, recessed, or wall-mounted configurations. |
| Style | Decide whether you prefer linear, multi-sided, see-through, single-sided, or traditional fireplace styling. |
| Maintenance | Consider fuel handling, cleaning, ash removal, gas-system inspection, and other model-specific maintenance requirements. |
Benefits and Uses of Outdoor Fireplaces
An outdoor fireplace can make a patio, backyard, deck, or entertainment area more comfortable and visually inviting. The actual benefits depend on fireplace type, location, fuel, and intended use.
Extend the Use of Your Outdoor Space
An outdoor fireplace can add warmth during cooler weather and make an outdoor area more comfortable during evenings when temperatures drop.
Create a Defined Gathering Area
Built-in fireplaces can become part of the architecture, while freestanding designs can provide more flexible placement.
Add Real-Flame Ambiance
Gas, ethanol, and wood-burning fireplaces provide real flames, while electric fireplaces provide a flame-effect presentation without combustion.
Cooking Is Model-Specific
Only use a fireplace for grilling, roasting, or food preparation when the manufacturer specifically identifies that use as permitted.
Outdoor Fireplace as a Focal Point
A well-placed fireplace can visually anchor a seating area, dining space, or entertainment zone and help define how the outdoor room is used.
Flame Ambiance After Dark
Outdoor fireplaces can add visual warmth and atmosphere during evening use, whether the flame comes from wood, gas, ethanol, or an electric flame effect.
Outdoor Fireplace Fuel Types
Fuel type affects operation, installation requirements, maintenance, flame characteristics, and convenience. There is no single fuel that is best for every outdoor space.
| Fuel Type | Best Starting Point For | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Simple operation and flame-effect ambiance | Requires a suitable electrical connection and model approved for the intended location |
| Ethanol | Real flame without a traditional wood-burning setup | Requires approved fuel handling and model-specific placement requirements |
| Propane | Gas flame where a permanent natural gas connection is not preferred or available | Requires propane supply and appropriate installation |
| Natural Gas | Permanent installations with access to natural gas | Requires a suitable gas supply and installation |
| Wood-Burning | Traditional real-wood flame experience | Requires wood storage, ash removal, smoke management, and proper installation |
Electric Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: Remii Extra Tall 55" Electric Fireplace 102755-XT
Electric outdoor fireplaces are a practical starting point for buyers who want simple operation and flame-effect ambiance without storing combustible fuel.
If you are still evaluating electric fireplace features, installation configurations, and selection criteria, see our guide on how to choose an electric fireplace.
Best for: Buyers prioritizing convenience, design flexibility, and simple operation.
Ethanol Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: The Bio Flame Sek XL 53-inch See-Through Freestanding Ethanol Fireplace
Ethanol outdoor fireplaces use ethanol fuel to produce a real flame and are often selected for contemporary installations.
Best for: Buyers who want a real flame and modern presentation in a model designed for the intended application.
Propane Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: Empire White Mountain Hearth Carol Rose 60" Outdoor Linear See-Thru Fireplace OLL60SP12S
Propane outdoor fireplaces provide a gas flame without relying on a permanent natural gas utility connection.
For a deeper comparison of propane fireplace considerations, see our propane fireplace buying guide.
Best for: Buyers who want gas-fire operation with a propane fuel supply.
Natural Gas Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: Firegear Kalea Bay 60" Outdoor Linear Gas Fireplace OFP-60LECO
Natural gas outdoor fireplaces are generally best suited to permanent installations where an appropriate gas connection is available.
Buyers who want a broader explanation of gas fireplace configurations can continue with our gas fireplace buying guide.
Best for: Permanent outdoor fireplace installations with access to natural gas.
Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: Superior WRE3000 Series 42" Traditional Wood Burning Outdoor Fireplace WRE3042W
A wood-burning outdoor fireplace offers a traditional flame experience with real logs, visible embers, and the characteristic sound of burning wood.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize the traditional experience of a real wood fire.
Outdoor Fireplace Venting Options
Venting affects where a fireplace can be installed and how combustion air and exhaust are managed. For gas fireplaces, understanding the venting system is particularly important because vent-free, direct-vent, and other vented configurations have different installation requirements.
Vent-Free
Designed without a conventional chimney or external exhaust vent, but placement and ventilation requirements remain model-specific.
Direct Vent
Uses a sealed combustion system with dedicated combustion-air and exhaust pathways.
For more detail on this fireplace configuration, read our direct vent gas fireplace buying guide.
Vented
Uses a chimney, flue, or specified exhaust path according to the fireplace design.
Sierra Flame Tahoe 45" Outdoor Vent Free Linear Gas Fireplace TAHOE-45
The Outdoor GreatRoom Company 40 Inch Linear Ready-to-Finish Fireplace RSTL-40DLP
Outdoor Fireplace Installation Types
Installation type determines how the fireplace is positioned within the outdoor space. Built-in and recessed fireplaces create a more integrated appearance, while freestanding models provide greater placement flexibility. Wall-mounted units can preserve floor space where the installation allows them.
Built-In Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: Majestic Lanai See-Through 48" Outdoor Linear Vent Free Gas Fireplace ODLANAIGST-48
Built-in outdoor fireplaces become part of the surrounding architecture and can be integrated into walls, masonry, entertainment structures, or other compatible construction.
Freestanding Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: Amantii Cube Smart 20" Freestanding Electric Fireplace CUBE-2025WM
Freestanding outdoor fireplaces are self-contained units rather than permanent built-in installations and can provide greater placement flexibility.
For additional selection considerations, see our freestanding fireplace buying guide.
Recessed Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: Amantii Symmetry Smart 100" Electric Fireplace SYM-100
Recessed fireplaces are installed into a compatible wall or framed structure to create a flush, integrated appearance.
Wall-Mounted Outdoor Fireplaces
Featured: Napoleon Galaxy™ See Through Outdoor Fireplace GSS48
Wall-mounted fireplaces can provide a strong fireplace focal point while preserving floor space.
Review our wall-mounted fireplace buying guide if you need more help evaluating this installation format.
Outdoor Fireplace Styles
Once fuel type, installation environment, and technical requirements are established, style becomes easier to evaluate.
Linear Outdoor Fireplaces
Wide horizontal fireboxes work especially well in contemporary outdoor designs.
For more help evaluating this format, read our linear fireplace buying guide.
Multi-Sided Outdoor Fireplaces
Useful where the fire needs to be visible from more than one viewing angle.
If a three-sided configuration is under consideration, our 3-sided fireplace guide explains this viewing style in greater detail.
See-Through Outdoor Fireplaces
Provide a view through the firebox from two opposing sides and can divide adjacent outdoor areas.
Single-Sided Outdoor Fireplaces
A straightforward choice where the fireplace faces one primary seating area.
Traditional Outdoor Fireplaces
Use a conventional hearth-inspired shape for buyers who prefer classic fireplace styling.
Featured Outdoor Fireplace Styles
Featured See-Through Fireplace
Empire White Mountain Hearth Carol Rose Outdoor Linear See-Thru Fireplace OLL48SP12S
What to Check Before Buying an Outdoor Fireplace
- Confirm the installation location. Decide whether the fireplace will be in an open backyard, patio, deck, wall, covered structure, or integrated entertainment area.
- Verify outdoor suitability. Confirm that the specific fireplace is intended for the installation environment you are planning.
- Determine the available fuel or power source. Identify whether electricity, propane, natural gas, ethanol, or firewood is practical.
- Review venting requirements. Follow the requirements of the exact fireplace rather than assumptions about the vent category.
- Review clearances and construction requirements. Do not apply a universal clearance measurement to every fireplace.
- Choose the installation type. Compare built-in, recessed, freestanding, and wall-mounted options.
- Decide whether heat or flame appearance is the main priority.
- Choose the viewing configuration. Compare single-sided, see-through, multi-sided, and linear designs.
- Consider maintenance. Fuel type and fireplace design affect ongoing care.
- Review manufacturer requirements before purchase. Confirm fuel, ventilation, electrical, clearance, maintenance, and permitted-use requirements.
Which Outdoor Fireplace Is Right for You?
| If You Prioritize... | Start By Considering... |
|---|---|
| Simple operation | Electric outdoor fireplaces |
| Gas flame without relying on natural gas service | Propane outdoor fireplaces |
| Permanent gas installation with available service | Natural gas outdoor fireplaces |
| Traditional wood-fire experience | Wood-burning outdoor fireplaces |
| Flexible placement | Freestanding outdoor fireplaces |
| Integrated architecture | Built-in outdoor fireplaces or recessed outdoor fireplaces |
| Modern wide-flame styling | Linear outdoor fireplaces |
| Viewing from two separate areas | See-through outdoor fireplaces |
| Viewing from several angles | Multi-sided outdoor fireplaces |
Outdoor Fireplace FAQs
Can I use an outdoor fireplace on a covered patio?
Only use a fireplace in a covered outdoor area when the specific model is approved for that application and all required installation, ventilation, and clearance conditions can be met. Do not assume that every outdoor fireplace is suitable for a covered patio or screened area.
Do outdoor gas fireplaces need venting?
It depends on the fireplace design. Vent-free, direct vent, and vented gas fireplaces use different systems, so follow the venting requirements specified for the exact model.
For sealed direct-vent systems, see our direct vent gas fireplace buying guide.
Can an electric fireplace be used outdoors?
Only use an electric fireplace outdoors when the specific model is intended for the planned outdoor application. Confirm the installation environment and electrical requirements before purchase.
You can also review our guide on how to choose an electric fireplace for broader electric-fireplace selection criteria.
Is propane or natural gas better for an outdoor fireplace?
Propane is useful when a dedicated natural gas connection is not preferred or available, while natural gas is generally better suited to permanent installations with an appropriate gas supply. Choose based on fuel availability and the requirements of the specific fireplace.
For additional propane-specific considerations, see our propane fireplace buying guide.
What is the easiest type of outdoor fireplace to install?
Installation difficulty depends on the specific fireplace, fuel source, utilities, mounting or construction requirements, and installation location. Do not assume that a particular fireplace category automatically requires simple installation.
Can I cook food on an outdoor fireplace?
Only cook on an outdoor fireplace when the manufacturer specifically identifies the fireplace as suitable for cooking. Do not use a standard decorative or heating fireplace for food preparation unless that use is permitted.
How do I maintain and clean an outdoor fireplace?
Maintenance depends on the fireplace and fuel type. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions, including any requirements related to ash removal, fuel systems, electrical components, burner areas, or surrounding debris.
Explore Outdoor Fireplaces at Flame Authority
Outdoor fireplaces are available in a wide range of fuel types, installation configurations, venting systems, and styles.
Compare the options based on your outdoor space, available utilities, installation requirements, and preferred flame experience.
Once those requirements are established, browse the outdoor fireplace collection to compare available products.
Explore Outdoor FireplacesRecommended buying sequence: Installation Location → Outdoor Approval → Fuel Source → Venting → Installation Type → Heating Goal → Viewing Style → Maintenance Requirements → Exact Manufacturer Specifications.