Editor’s update (2026): This review has been updated to reflect current Bullet Burner designs, including the addition of AquaGuard water protection and recent manufacturing refinements now standard across the lineup.
We first wrote about Bullet Burners several years ago, largely in response to what we were seeing in the field and hearing from customers. Time after time, the flame performance stood out in real installations, not just on paper. As the Bullet Burner lineup expanded, we updated that original review to reflect new shapes, materials, and configurations.
With the introduction of AquaGuard water protection and continued refinements to manufacturing, this article serves as a current look at performance and durability for the Bullet Burners being installed today.
This is not a sizing guide or a product selector. For dimensions, shapes, and configuration options, the Bullet Burner Collection page remains the best place to start. Detailed specifications and technical planning information are best handled separately, depending on the requirements of your project.
A Brief Refresher on the Bullet Burner Design
Bullet Burners are manufactured in California by The Outdoor Plus (TOP) and are built around patented Flat Flame technology. Instead of relying on drilled holes in a gas pipe, each burner uses precision-engineered nozzle-style tips that compress, accelerate, and direct gas vertically.
In real-world use, this design produces a taller, more defined flame than traditional pipe-style burners, without increasing gas consumption. While materials and weather-resistance features have evolved over time, this core design principle has remained unchanged.
The AquaGuard Update, Built for Outdoor Reality
The most recent update to the current Bullet Burner lineup is the addition of the AquaGuard system, now standard across all models since 2025.
What changed?
The introduction of the AquaGuard: The redesigned central hub now routes the gas from the inlet below to enter the burner hub from above, creating a physical moisture barrier for the gas line and connected components.
Why it matters
Outdoor fire features live in the elements. Rain, irrigation, and pool splash are common, especially in permanent installations. Bullet Burners have always incorporated weep holes in the burner spurs to allow any water that enters through the ports to drain out, along with a raised hub design that encourages moisture to flow away from the central hub and gas inlet.
The AquaGuard system builds on this foundation by rerouting the gas and raising the protection ceiling, which reduces the likelihood of water reaching the gas supply or any connected ignition components.
Over time, this translates to better reliability and fewer issues related to moisture ingress.
Watch: AquaGuard Water Protection in Action
This short video shows how the redesigned hub and drainage paths manage water exposure under real conditions.
Materials and Construction Options
The earliest Bullet Burners were made entirely from brass, chosen for its durability and ability to handle repeated heating and cooling cycles. Brass remains a premium option and is still favored in installations where long-term durability is the top priority.
As demand grew for more shapes and size flexibility, The Outdoor Plus introduced hybrid models. These pair 304 stainless steel burner bodies with patented brass bullet tips at the point of combustion. This approach preserves the flame characteristics Bullet Burners are known for, while opening up more design possibilities.
Both the brass and hybrid models are covered by the TOP Lifetime Burner Warranty.
How They Perform with Natural Gas and Propane
The Bullet Burner nozzle design is intended to perform consistently with both natural gas and propane. In The Outdoor Plus’s design, propane installations do not require the addition of a separate external air mixer, simplifying the system compared to many other propane burner designs.
For those interested in comparisons, we have a separate overview that looks at how this approach compares with other nozzle-based systems, including the HPC Torpedo burner.
Real-World Installations and Feedback
Bullet Burners are often specified for custom fire pit projects where flame presence and visual impact really matter.
The customer comments below reflect common feedback we hear regularly, strong flame presence across a variety of installation types.
“We are extremely pleased with the bullet burner we ordered from The Magic Of Fire, we now have an amazing fire pit that is an awesome destination in our new back yard” – Gerald 01/01/2021
“I’m scared to turn the gas full on!” – Brian
“I was skeptical when Mark recommended the Bullet Burners, but I wanted a big flame. So glad I took his advice!” – Bruce
Final Assessment
The current generation of Bullet Burners remains a strong choice for statement fire pits that prioritize flame appearance and long-term reliability. With AquaGuard now standard, the design is better suited for year-round outdoor exposure, without changing the core flame behavior that made Bullet Burners popular in the first place.
This review reflects the current Bullet Burner lineup and will be updated as future refinements are introduced.
With a wide range of burners featuring Bullet Technology, it’s easier than ever to find the ideal match for your fire pit, whether upgrading an existing setup or searching for the perfect powerhouse for a new project.
To explore available sizes, shapes, and configurations, view the full Bullet Burner collection.
